Acute post-procedural inducibility is a poor predictor of clinical outcomes in high-risk patients (PAINESD > 17) undergoing scar-related ventricular tachycardia ablation.

AIMS: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) non-inducibility in response to programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) is a widely used procedural endpoint for VT ablation despite inconclusive evidence with respect to clinical outcomes in high-risk patients. The aim is to determine the utility of acute post-ablation VT inducibility as a predictor of VT recurrence, mortality, or mortality equivalent in high-risk patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of high-risk patients (defined as PAINESD > 17) who underwent scar-related VT ablation at our institution between July 2010 and July 2022. Patients' response to PVS (post-procedure) was categorized into three groups: Group A, no clinical VT or VT with cycle length > 240 ms inducible; Group B, only non-clinical VT with cycle length > 240 ms induced; and Group C, all other outcomes (including cases where no PVS was performed). The combined primary endpoint included death, durable left ventricular assist device placement, and cardiac transplant (Cox analysis). Ventricular tachycardia recurrence was considered a secondary endpoint (competing risk analysis). Of the 1677 VT ablation cases, 123 cases met the inclusion criteria for analysis. During a 19-month median follow-up time (interquartile range 4-43 months), 82 (66.7%) patients experienced the composite primary endpoint. There was no difference between Groups A and C with respect to the primary [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.21 (0.94-1.57), P = 0.145] or secondary [HR = 1.18 (0.91-1.54), P = 0.210] outcomes. These findings persisted after multivariate adjustments. The size of Group B (n = 13) did not permit meaningful statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: The results of post-ablation PVS do not significantly correlate with long-term outcomes in high-risk (PAINESD > 17) VT ablation patients.

Left Ventricular Mass as a Modulator of Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk and Sex Differences Following CRT for Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and LBBB.

BACKGROUND: Risk for ventricular arrhythmias (VA) following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been associated with ischemic disease/scar, sex, and possibly left ventricular mass (LVM). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sex differences and baseline/post-implant change [Δ] of LVM on VA risk after CRT implant among patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and left bundle branch block. METHODS: Among patients meeting the criteria, baseline and follow-up echocardiographic images were obtained for LVM assessment. VA events were reported from device diagnostics and therapies. VA risk was stratified by ROC (Youden-index cut-point) for baseline LVM and ΔLVM, and baseline patient characteristics using a multivariable Cox regression model. RESULTS: 118 patients (71[60.2%] female, age 60.5 ±11.3 years, LVEF 19.2 ±7.0%, QRS 165.6 ±20 ms, LVM 313.9 ±108.8 g) were enrolled and followed for median 90 (IQR 44-158) months. Thirty-five (29.6%) patients received appropriate shocks or anti-tachycardia pacing at a median of 73.5 (IQR 25-130) months post-implant. Males had a higher VA incidence (male 18/47 [38.3%] vs. female 17/71 [23.9%], P=0.02). Baseline LVM >308.9g separated patients with higher VA risk (P=0.001). Less than a 20% decrease in LVM increased VA risk (P<0.001). Baseline LVM was the only baseline characteristic predicting VA events in the Cox regression model (Hazard ratio 1.01 [95%CI, 1.001-1.009], Log-rank P=0.003). Sex differences in VA risk were eliminated by the baseline LVM parameters. CONCLUSION: VA risk after CRT in NICM was associated with baseline LV >308.9g and a decrease in LVM ≤ 20%, without sex differences.

Comparison of outcomes and required tools between transvenous extraction of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads: Insight from single high-volume center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Reports of comparison with procedural outcomes for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and pacemaker (PM) transvenous lead extraction (TLE) are old and limited. We sought to compare the safety, efficacy, and procedural properties of ICD and PM TLE and assess the impact of lead age. METHODS: The study cohort included all consecutive patients with ICD and PM TLE in the Cleveland Clinic Prospective TLE Registry between 2013 and 2022. Extraction success, complications, and failure employed the definitions described in the HRS 2017 TLE guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 885 ICD leads, a median implant duration of 8 (5-11) years in 810 patients, and 1352 PM leads of 7 (3-13) years in 807 patients were included. Procedural success rates in ICD patients were superior to those of PM in >20 years leads but similar in ≤20 years leads. In the PM group, the complete success rate of TLE decreased significantly according to the increase of lead age, but not in the ICD group. ICD TLE required more extraction tools compared with PM TLE but cases with older leads required non-laser sheath extraction tools in both groups. The most common injury site in major complication cases differed between ICD and PM TLE, although major complication rates showed no difference in both groups (2.7% vs. 1.6%, p = .12). CONCLUSION: The procedural success rate by TLE is greater for ICD patients than PM patients with leads >20 years old but requires more extraction tools. Common vascular complication sites and the impact of lead age on procedural outcomes and required tools differed between ICD and PM TLE.

Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation versus radiofrequency ablation of the pulmonary veins and left atrial posterior wall: Patient-reported outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Data are lacking on patient-reported outcomes (PRO) following cryoballoon ablation (CBA) versus radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We sought to evaluate QoL and clinical outcomes of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation only (CRYO-PVI-ONLY) versus RFA with PVI and posterior wall isolation (RF-PVI+PWI) in a large prospective PRO registry. METHODS: Patients who underwent AF ablation (2013-2016) at our institution were enrolled in an automated, prospectively maintained PRO registry. CRYO-PVI-ONLY patients were matched (1:1) with RF-PVI+PWI patients based on age, gender, and type of AF (paroxysmal vs. persistent). QoL and clinical outcomes were assessed using PRO surveys at baseline and at 1-year. The atrial fibrillation symptom severity scale (AFSSS) was the measure for QoL. Additionally, we assessed patient-reported clinical improvement, arrhythmia recurrence, and AF burden (as indicated by AF frequency and duration scores). RESULTS: A total of 296 patients were included (148 in each group, 72% paroxysmal). By PRO, a significant improvement in QoL was observed in the overall study population and was comparable between CRYO-PVI-ONLY and RF-PVI+PWI (baseline median AFSSS of 11.5 and 11; reduced to 2 and 4 at 1 year, respectively; p = 0.44). Similarly, the proportion of patients who reported improvement in their overall QoL and AF related symptoms was high and similar between the study groups [92% (CRYO-PVI-ONLY) vs. 92.8% (RF-PVI+PWI); p = 0.88]. Arrhythmia recurrence was significantly more common in the CRYO-PVI-ONLY group (39.7%) compared to RF-PVI+PWI (27.7 %); p = 0.03. Comparable results were observed in paroxysmal and persistent AF. CONCLUSION: CRYO-PVI-ONLY and RF-PVI+PWI resulted in comparable improvements in patient reported outcomes including QoL and AF burden; with RF-PVI+PWI being more effective at reducing recurrences.

Extraction outcomes of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads vary by manufacturer and model family.

AIMS: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads is considered challenging. The structure of each ICD leads is variable between manufacturer and model families. The net impact of lead family on the safety and effectiveness of TLE is poorly characterized. We assessed the safety and efficacy of ICD TLE and the impact of manufacturer ICD model family on the outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study cohort included all consecutive patients with ICD who underwent TLE between 2013 and 2022 and are enrolled in the Cleveland Clinic Prospective TLE Registry. A total of 885 ICD leads (median implant duration 8 years) in 810 patients were included. Complete ICD TLE success was achieved in 97.2% of the leads (n = 860) and in 98.0% of the patients (n = 794). Major complications occurred in 22 patients (2.7%). Complete procedural success rate varied by manufacturer and lead family; Medtronic 98.9%, Abbott 95.9%, Boston Scientific 95.0%, Biotronik 91.2%, P = 0.03, and Linox family leads had the lowest, 89.7% P = 0.02. Multivariable predictors of incomplete ICD lead removal included ICD lead age > 10 years and Linox family lead. Multivariable predictors of major complications included ICD lead age > 15 years and longer lead extraction time, and predictors of all-cause mortality within 30 days included lead extraction for infection, end-stage renal disease, and higher New York Heart Association functional class. CONCLUSION: Complete and safe ICD lead removal rate by TLE is extremely high but varied by manufacturer and lead family. Linox family lead and >10 years lead age were independent predictors of incomplete lead removal.

Ischemic or Coronary Evaluations in Patients With Monomorphic VT Electrical Storm Undergoing VT Ablation.

BACKGROUND: Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) electrical storm (ES) in patients with coronary artery disease is dependent on scarred myocardium. The role of routine ischemic or coronary evaluations before ablation in patients presenting with monomorphic VT storm, without acute coronary syndrome (ACS), remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the impact of ischemic or coronary evaluations on procedural outcomes and post-ablation mortality in monomorphic VT storm patients. METHODS: All patients undergoing VT ablation at the Cleveland Clinic from 2014 to 2020 after presenting with monomorphic VT storm were enrolled in a prospectively maintained registry. The associations among ischemic or coronary evaluations and short-term procedural efficacy, acute outcomes, and mortality during follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 97 consecutive patients with monomorphic VT storm in the absence of ACS underwent VT ablations. This cohort was characterized by severe LV systolic dysfunction (mean left ventricular ejection fraction 30.3%, 67% with known ischemic cardiomyopathy) with moderately severe heart failure (median NYHA functional class II); 45% of patients underwent ischemic or coronary evaluations via coronary angiography (10%), noninvasive myocardial perfusion (26%), or both (9%). The yield of these evaluations was low: No acute coronary occlusions were identified. There was no association between ischemic evaluation and acute ablation outcomes or mortality during follow-up. Similarly, in a secondary analysis, the yield of ischemic or coronary evaluations in patients with monomorphic VT storm and known coronary disease (regardless of ablation status) was found to be low. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic evaluations in patients with monomorphic VT storm without ACS may not improve procedural outcomes or mortality after ablation.

Impact of obesity on catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: Patient characteristics, procedural complications, outcomes, and quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). We aim to evaluate the effect of baseline obesity on procedural complications, AF recurrence, and symptoms following catheter ablation (CA). METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation (2013-2021) at our center were enrolled in a prospective registry. The study included all consecutive patients with available data on body mass index (BMI). Primary endpoint was AF recurrence based on electrocardiographic documentation. Patients were categorized into five groups according to their baseline BMI. Patients survey at baseline and at follow-up were used to calculate AF symptom severity score (AFSS) as well as AF burden (mean of AF duration score and AF frequency score; scale 0: no AF to 10: continuous and 9 frequencies/durations in between). Patients were scheduled for follow-up visits with 12-lead electrocardiogram at 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation, and every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS: A total of 5841 patients were included (17% normal weight, 34% overweight, 27% Class I, 13% Class II, and 9% Class III obesity). Major procedural complications were low (1.5%) among all BMI subgroups. At 3 years AF recurrence was the highest in Class III obesity patients (48%) followed by Class II (43%), whereas Class I, normal, and overweight had similar results with lower recurrence (35%). In multivariable analyses, Class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40) was independently associated with increased risk for AF recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.30; confidence interval, 1.06-1.60; p = .01), whereas other groups had similar risk in comparison to normal weight. Baseline AFSS was lowest in normal weight, and highest in Obesity-III, median (interquartile range) 10 (5-16) versus 15 (10-21). In all groups, CA resulted in a significant improvement in their AFSS with a similar magnitude among the groups. At follow-up, AF burden was minimal and did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: AF ablation is safe with a low complication rate across all BMI groups. Morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40) was significantly associated with reduced AF ablation success. However, ablation resulted in improvement in QoL including reduction of the AFSS, and AF burden regardless of BMI.

Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Young Adults: Measuring Quality of Life Using Patient-Reported Outcomes Over 5 Years.

BACKGROUND: Ablation is used for both rhythm control and improved quality of life (QoL) in atrial fibrillation (AF). It has been suggested that young adults may experience high recurrence rates after ablation and data remain lacking regarding QoL benefits. We aimed to investigate AF ablation outcomes and QoL benefits in young adults undergoing AF ablation using a large prospectively maintained registry and automated patient-reported outcomes (PRO). METHODS: All patients undergoing AF ablation (2013-2016) at our center were prospectively enrolled. Patients aged 50 years or younger were included. For PROs, QoL measures and symptoms were assessed at baseline, 3 months after ablation, and every 6 months thereafter. The AF severity score served as the main assessment of QoL. RESULTS: A total of 241 young adults (age, 16-50 years) were included (17% female, 40.3% persistent AF). In all, 77.2% of patients remained arrhythmia-free during the first year of follow-up (80% in nonstructural AF and 66% in structural AF). Using PROs, 90% of patients reported improvement in QoL throughout all survey time points up to 5 years postablation (P<0.0001). The baseline median AF severity score was 14 and improved to between 2 and 4 on all follow-up after ablation (P<0.0001). Patients also reported fewer and shorter AF episodes, fewer emergency room visits secondary to AF, and fewer hospitalizations (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Ablation remains an effective rhythm-control strategy in young adults with AF. Young adults also experience significant improvement in QoL with reduction of the frequency and duration of AF episodes and AF-related healthcare utilization.

Clinical predictors of incomplete coronary sinus lead removal during transvenous lead extraction in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Reports of coronary sinus (CS) lead removal include small studies with short implant durations. Procedural outcomes for mature CS leads removed with long duration implantation are unavailable. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the safety, efficacy, and clinical predictors of incomplete CS lead removal by transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in a large long implant duration cardiac resynchronization therapy patient cohort. METHODS: Consecutive patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy devices in the Cleveland Clinic Prospective TLE Registry who had TLE between 2013 and 2022 were included in the analysis. RESULTS: CS leads (N = 231; implant duration 6.1 ± 4.0 years) removed from 226 patients were included, using powered sheaths for 137 leads (59.3%). Complete CS lead extraction success was achieved in 95.2% of leads (n = 220) and in 95.6% of patients (n = 216). Major complications occurred in 5 patients (2.2%). Patients who had the CS lead extracted first had significantly higher incomplete removal rates than when the other leads were first removed. Multivariable analysis showed that older CS lead age (odds ratio 1.35; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.82; P = .03) and removal of the first CS lead (odds ratio 7.48; 95% confidence interval 1.02-54.95; P = .045) were independent predictors of incomplete CS lead removal. CONCLUSION: The complete and safe lead removal rate of long implant duration CS leads by TLE was 95%. However, CS lead age and the order in which leads were extracted were the independent predictors of incomplete CS lead removal. Therefore, before the CS lead is extracted, physicians should first extract the leads from the other chambers and use powered sheaths.

Anticoagulation after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation: Associations with CHA2DS2-VASc score, sex, and rhythm.

Guidelines recommend using the CHA2DS2-VASc score to determine anticoagulation decisions in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, including those who undergo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), however this may not consistently occur in the real-world setting because of other clinical factors. We sought to evaluate the anticoagulation prescription rates patterns in AF patients 1 year PVI at our institution. Consecutive AF patients undergoing PVI in our prospective registry during 2014-2018 who were alive at 1-year post-PVI were studied. Anticoagulation prescription rates at this time-point were adjudicated, and correlated to CHA2DS2-VASc score, sex, and heart rhythm status at 1 year. Amongst 4596 patients undergoing PVI, mean age was 64.2 ± 10.0 years, 1328 (28.9%) were female, and based on CHA2DS2-VASc score anticoagulation was not indicated, can be considered and indicated in 872 (19.0%), 1183 (25.7%), and 2541 (55.3%) patients, respectively. At 1-year after PVI, 3504 (76.2%) patients were on anticoagulation, and 792 (17.2%) had recurrence of AF. Anticoagulation was continued in over half of AF patients without classic CHA2DS2-VASc indication particularly in those with AF recurrence and women, while they were mildly under-prescribed in those with indication, especially for those without AF recurrence and men. In a large real world cohort of patients after PVI, anticoagulation prescription is not solely depending on the CHA2DS2-VASc score and sex, but also heart rhythm status and other clinical or imaging factors.

Impact of redo ablation for atrial fibrillation on patient-reported outcomes and quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently used for the purpose of rhythm control and improved quality of life (QoL). Although success rates are high, a significant proportion of patients require redo ablation. Data are scarce on patient-centered outcomes and QoL in patients undergoing redo AF ablation. We aimed to assess QoL and clinical outcomes using a large prospectively maintained patient-reported outcomes (PRO) registry. METHODS: All patients undergoing redo AF ablation (2013-2016) at our center were enrolled in a prospective registry for outcomes and assessed for QoL using automated PRO surveys (baseline, 3 and 6 months after ablation, every 6 months thereafter). Data were collected over 3 years of follow-up. The atrial fibrillation symptom severity scale (AFSSS) was used as the main measure for QoL. Additional variables included patient-reported improvement, AF burden, and AF-related healthcare utilization including emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations. RESULTS: A total of 848 patients were included (28% females, mean age 63.8, 51% persistent AF). By automated PRO, significant improvement in QoL was noted (baseline median AFSSS of 12 [5-18] and ranged between 2 and 4 on subsequent assessments; p < .0001), with ≥70%of patients reported remarkable improvement in their AF-related symptoms. The proportion of patients in AF at the time of baseline survey was 36%, and this decreased to <8% across all time points during follow-up (p < .0001). AF burden was significantly reduced (including frequency and duration of episodes; p < .0001), with an associated decrease in healthcare utilization after 6 months from the time of ablation (including ER visits and hospitalizations; p < .0001). The proportion of patients on anticoagulants or antiarrhythmics decreased on follow-up across all time points (p < .0001 for all variables). CONCLUSION: Most patients derive significant QoL benefit from redo AF ablation; with reduction of both AF burden and healthcare utilization.

Outcomes of atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with or without silent pulmonary veins from prior ablation procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary venous (PV) electrical recovery underlies most arrhythmia recurrences after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Little is known about procedural profiles and outcomes of patients with electrically silent PVs upon redo ablation for AF. METHODS: In a prospectively maintained registry, we enrolled 838 consecutive patients (2013-2016) undergoing redo ablation procedures. Ablation procedures targeted the PVs, the PV antra, and non-PV sites at operators' discretion. Procedural profiles and clinical outcomes were assessed. The primary outcome was freedom from AF after a 3-month blanking period. The secondary outcome was improvement in quality of life. RESULTS: Most patients undergoing redo AF ablation (n = 684, 82%) had PV reconnection while the remaining 154 (18%) had electrically silent PVs. Patients with recurrent AF and electrically silent PVs were older (66 vs. 64 years, p = .02), had more prior ablation procedures (median 2 IQR 1-3 vs 1 IQR 1-2 p = .001), were more likely to have non-paroxysmal AF (62% vs. 49%, p = .004) and atrial flutter (48% vs. 29%, p = .001) and had significantly larger left atrial volumes (89 vs. 81 ml, p = .003). Patients with silent PVs underwent a more extensive non-PV ablation strategies with antral extension of prior ablation sets in addition to ablation of the roof, appendage, inferior to the right PVs, peri-mitral flutter lines, cavotricuspid isthmus lines and ablation in the coronary sinus. Upon one year of follow-up, patients with electrically silent PVs were less likely to remain free from recurrent atrial arrhythmias (64% vs. 76%, p = .008). Regardless of PV reconnection status, redo ablation resulted in improvement in quality of life. CONCLUSION: Rhythm control with extensive ablation allowed maintenance of sinus rhythm in about two thirds of patients with silent PVs during redo AF ablation procedures. Regardless of PV reconnection status, redo ablation resulted in improvement in quality of life. This remains a challenging group of patients, highlighting the need to better understand non-PV mediated AF.

Acute pericarditis after atrial fibrillation ablation: Incidence, characteristics, and risk factors.

Background: Little is known about the incidence and risk factors for the development of acute pericarditis after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to describe the occurrence of and associations with suspected acute pericarditis after AF ablation. Methods: All patients undergoing AF ablation in our center were enrolled in a prospectively maintained registry. Suspected acute pericarditis was defined as pericardial chest pain treated with disease specific anti-inflammatories within 3 months of AF ablation. Results: Among 2215 patients with AF ablations between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, 226 (10.2%) had suspected acute pericarditis. Treatments included colchicine in 149 patients (65.9%), prednisone in 66 (29.2%), and high-dose ibuprofen in 43 (19.0%). Multiple anti-inflammatory therapies were used in 57 patients (25%). At baseline, a lower CHADS2VASc score and a higher body mass index were associated with pericarditis, whereas older patients were less likely to have pericarditis. With multivariable adjustment, age was associated with suspected acute pericarditis (odds ratio 0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.94-0.97; P <.0001). Among patients with suspected pericarditis, postprocedure pericardial effusion was present in 9.3% and pericarditis electrocardiographic changes in 19.5%. Conclusion: Suspected acute pericarditis is common after AF ablation and is associated with a younger age. Systematic assessments for acute pericarditis after AF ablation should be considered.