Radiofrequency Energy Applications Targeting Significant Residual Leaks After Watchman Implantation: A Prospective, Multicenter Experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) energy applications targeting the atrial side of a significant residual leak in patients with acute and chronic evidence of incomplete percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion. BACKGROUND: RF applications have been proved to prevent recanalization of intracranial aneurysms after coil embolization, thereby favoring complete sealing. From a mechanistic standpoint, in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that RF promotes collagen deposition and tissue retraction. METHODS: Forty-three patients (mean age 75 ± 7 years mean CHA2DS2-VASc score 4.6 ± 1.4, mean HAS-BLED score 4.0 ± 1.1) with residual leaks ≥4 mm after Watchman implantation were enrolled. Procedural success was defined as complete LAA occlusion or presence of a mild or minimal (1- to 2-mm) peridevice leak on follow-up transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which was performed approximately 45 days after the procedure. RESULTS: RF-based leak closure was performed acutely after Watchman implantation in 19 patients (44.2%) or scheduled after evidence of significant leaks on follow-up TEE in 24 others (55.8%). The median leak size was 5 mm (range: 4-7 mm). On average, 18 ± 7 RF applications per patient (mean maximum contact force 16 ± 3 g, mean power 44 ± 2 W, mean RF time 5.1 ± 2.5 minutes) were performed targeting the atrial edge of the leak. Post-RF median leak size was 0 mm (range: 0-1 mm). A very low rate (2.3% [n = 1]) of major periprocedural complications was observed. Follow-up TEE revealed complete LAA sealing in 23 patients (53.5%) and negligible residual leaks in 15 (34.9%). CONCLUSIONS: RF applications targeting the atrial edge of a significant peri-Watchman leak may promote LAA sealing via tissue remodeling, without increasing complications. (RF Applications for Residual LAA Leaks [REACT]; NCT04726943).

Effect of atrial fibrillation pattern on survival in a community-based cohort.

The clinical presentation of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) has been categorized into 3 general patterns: paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent AF. This community-based cohort study characterized the effect of the AF pattern on survival. Community residents in Olmsted County, Minnesota, with electrocardiographically proven new-onset AF during 1996 and 1997 were retrospectively identified and prospectively followed. Observed survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the expected survival. Log-rank tests were used for group comparisons. The association between the baseline variables and mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Of 270 patients (mean +/- SD age 73 +/- 14 years; 148 men [55%]), 143 had paroxysmal AF, 40 had persistent AF, and 87 had permanent AF. The cohort's observed survival was significantly worse than expected (p <0.001). The factors associated with increased mortality included older age, concomitant heart failure, and concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (all p <0.001). Permanent AF was associated with higher mortality than paroxysmal AF (hazard ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.3). Persistent AF was associated with better survival (hazard ratio 0.3, 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 0.8). In conclusion, survival among patients with persistent AF was significantly better than that among patients with paroxysmal AF or permanent AF. The ability to maintain sinus rhythm may be associated with better survival.

Outcome of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation at the Mayo Clinic and residing in that area.

This study examined the prognostic significance of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a community-based cohort. AF, the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, frequently occurs in the presence of concomitant medical illness. Population-based studies have associated AF with excess mortality, and this risk of death is independent of concomitant cardiovascular disease. The effect of noncardiovascular medical illnesses on mortality in patients who have AF has not been determined. We examined a community-based cohort of 390 residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who had newly diagnosed AF; patients were identified retrospectively but followed prospectively. The cohort included all patients who had electrocardiographically proved first-onset AF; patients were not excluded on the basis of medical illness. Mean age of the cohort was 73 +/- 14 years (56% were men). Mean follow-up was 2.7 +/- 1.7 years. Onset of AF frequently occurred during hospitalization (78%). One hundred sixty-six deaths occurred, a death rate significantly higher than expected for the cohort. Most deaths had a noncardiovascular cause. This trend was maintained for patients who had no previous cardiovascular disease and for those who had a cardiovascular diagnosis at the time AF was diagnosed. AF is observed frequently among hospitalized patients who are medically ill. The survival rate of these patients is low, but AF may be only a minor component of the excess mortality.

Congenital right coronary artery aneurysm causing myocardial infarction, pseudoaneurysm formation, and right atrial compression.

We present a case of a young woman with symptoms of acute myocardial infarction and found to have a nonatherosclerotic coronary aneurysm of the right coronary artery, which ruptured and formed a pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was sufficiently large that it mimicked an atrial mass on diagnostic imaging modalities. With the attendant risk of further rupture and compression of the heart chambers, the patient underwent successful resection of the aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm with single vessel bypass surgery.