Biatrial volume, estimated using magnetic resonance imaging, predicts atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation.

INTRODUCTION: The predictive value of left atrial volume (LAV) in atrial fibrillation (AF) is known, but the relationship of right atrial volume (RAV) and biatrial volume (BAV) with AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is not clear. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging allows us to more precisely quantify atrial volume. We investigated LAV, RAV, and BAV as predictors of AF recurrence following PVI in AF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed 100 AF patients (age = 59.8 ± 9.5 years, 74 males, 26 females) who underwent nonenhanced CMR before their first PVI. LAV and RAV were measured using CMR. All patients were in sinus rhythm during CMR. BAV was calculated as the sum of LAV and RAV. During the 8-month follow-up, AF recurrence occurred in 23 patients. LAV, RAV, and BAV were significantly greater in patients with AF recurrence than in those without (LAV, 103.7 ± 25.8 vs 81.8 ± 24.2 mL, P < 0.001; RAV, 109.4 ± 27.0 vs 82.2 ± 19.6 mL, P < 0.001; BAV, 213.1 ± 46.7 vs 164.1 ± 38.7 mL, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that increased LAV, RAV, and BAV were significantly correlated with AF recurrence. The area under the receiver operation characteristic curve for BAV showed the largest value compared to that of LAV or RAV alone. CONCLUSIONS: LAV, RAV, and BAV were independent predictors of AF recurrence after PVI. Quantifying BAV may additionally improve prognostic stratification compared with LAV or RAV.

The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and outcome in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with cardiomyopathy who had received an ICD (n = 120, mean age 64 ± 11 years) were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were obtained on the morning of the day of implantation. Patients were followed for a median period of 61.2 months, to an endpoint of all-cause mortality or appropriate ICD shock, which occurred in 35 (29%) and 28 (23%) patients, respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that secondary prevention was only associated with appropriate ICD shocks. The NLR, brain natriuretic peptide level, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were independent predictors of all-cause mortality but not of appropriate ICD shocks. Subgroup analysis revealed that a high NLR (≥2.1) was valuable for anticipating all-cause mortality among patients who had received ICDs for primary or secondary prevention. A high NLR was also associated with death prior to appropriate ICD shock. CONCLUSION: Evaluating the NLR may be useful for predicting outcomes in patients with cardiomyopathy who have received ICDs.

The Clinical Value of Nongated Dual-Source Computed Tomography in Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Using a high-pitch dual-source CT (DSCT), we aimed to quantify the amounts of contrast media, radiation doses, and image qualities in patients undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study enrolled 60 patients who were randomly assigned in a 1: 1: 1 ratio to undergo ECG-gated 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT; group I, n = 20), ECG-gated 128-DSCT (group II, n = 20), and nongated 128-DSCT (group III, n = 20). The total amount of contrast media was lower in groups II and III compared with group I (I: 54.7 ± 5.6, II: 26.6 ± 2.7, and III: 28.7 ± 6.9 mL, P < 0.001). The CT dose index was lower in groups II and III compared with group I (I: 73.1 ± 5.2, II: 3.5 ± 0.1, and III: 3.7 ± 0.1 mGy, P < 0.001). The dose length product was lower in groups II and III compared with group I (I: 1154.8 ± 82.8, II: 75.4 ± 2.3, and III: 77.2 ± 1.9 mGy × cm, P < 0.001). The total CT effective radiation dose was lower in groups II and III compared with group I (I: 16.2 ± 1.2, II: 1.1 ± 0.1, and III: 1.1 ± 0.1 mSv, P < 0.001). The total CT scan duration was shorter in group III compared with groups I and II (I: 30.8 ± 2.2, II: 23.4 ± 3.6, and III: 16.0 ± 2.4 minutes, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in quality for integrated electroanatomical mapping (EAM) and parameters associated with PV isolation among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Nongated 128-DSCT provides sufficient image quality to allow integrated EAM while exposing the patient to less contrast media, lower radiation doses, and shorter CT scan durations.

Contact Force-Guided Deep Engagement with a Steerable Sheath in the Distal Great Cardiac Vein: A Case Report.

Ablation of ventricular tachycardia originating from the great cardiac vein involves the difficult step of deep engagement with an ablation catheter. The catheter and a steerable sheath (MobiCath, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) were advanced alternately only when the contact force vector was parallel to the coronary venous system. Deep engagement with a steerable sheath ensured a powerful backup force during ablation.

Predictors of left atrial coagulation activity among paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients.

BACKGROUND: The difference between left atrial (LA) and systemic coagulation activity in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 100 patients with PAF who underwent AF ablation. Warfarin was stopped 1 day before the procedure. LA volume index and LA emptying fraction were measured by 64-slice multidetector computed tomography. Immediately after transseptal puncture, blood samples were simultaneously collected from the LA and systemic circulation (SC). In addition, to evaluate the effect of warfarin on D-dimer levels we recruited an additional 27 PAF patients on continuous warfarin. Even in patients with low CHADS2 scores (mean 0.59 ± 0.68) and during sinus rhythm, the prevalence of positive LA-D-dimer (≥ 0.5 µg/ml) was greater than that of SC-D-dimer (23% vs. 10%, P<0.01). The LA-D-dimer-positive patients had a larger mean LA volume index and reduced LA emptying fraction than the LA-D-dimer-negative patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that LA volume index was independently correlated with positive LA-D-dimer (odds ratio 2.245, 95% confidence interval 1.194-4.626, P=0.0112). The prevalence of positive LA-D-dimer was significantly lower in patients taking continuous warfarin, than in those on discontinuous warfarin (3.7% vs. 23%, P=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: An enlarged LA volume index was associated with high LA coagulation status in patients with paroxysmal AF. Adequate warfarin control during AF catheter ablation may reduce the prevalence of positive LA-D-dimer.

Virtual Reality-Guided Simulation for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Patient with Anatomical Anomalies: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR)-guided GC simulation for patients with anatomical anomalies using cardiac computed tomography (CT) has been recently reported. Rotational atherectomy (RA) for the left circumflex (LCX) ostium is challenging due to the tortuous anatomy, acute angulation, and variable vessel size compared to other lesions. The appropriate positioning and coaxiality of the guide catheter (GC) are key factors for safely performing RA. It would be beneficial if it could be simulated prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). CASE REPORT We treated a 55-year-old man with angina. We performed coronary angiography and detected an ostial calcified lesion of the LCX. We needed RA for this lesion, but PCI was very difficult and challenging. CT revealed right-sided aortic arch with stenosis of left subclavian artery from the Kommerell diverticulum at the distal part of the aortic arch. Therefore, the approach site for PCI was limited. We simulated the appropriate guide catheter and approach site for PCI by VR. PCI was successfully performed with RA, as in the VR simulation. CONCLUSIONS We successfully performed PCI for an ostial calcified lesion of the LCX in a patient with a right-sided aortic arch. Use of VR-guided GC simulation is a useful new option that can help visualize the anatomy and ensure safe procedures for complex lesions.

One-Year Outcome of Drug-Coated Balloon vs. Drug-Eluting Stent in Patients Undergoing Initial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) for De Novo Lesion.

BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting stents (DES) are the major treatment option in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recently, drug-coated balloon (DCB) utilization has been increasing globally, leading to the expected new strategy of "stent-less PCI." This study aimed to evaluate the one-year outcome of DCB compared to DES. METHODS: Patients who underwent initial PCI for de novo lesions in our institution from January 2018 to December 2021 (n=337) were subjected to retrospective analysis. Among them, 75 patients were treated with DCB, while 262 patients were treated with DES. Target lesion failure (TLF) was evaluated during the follow-up period. RESULTS: The proportion of PCIs for ACS was significantly lower in the DCB group (DCB, n=23, 30.7% vs. DES, n=143, 54.6%; p=0.001). The median device diameter and length in the DES group were larger than those in the DCB group (DCB, 2.60 mm vs. DES, 2.98 mm; p<0.001; DCB, 19.1 mm vs. DES, 25.2 mm; p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the DCB and DES groups in lesion calcification. The proportion of ostial lesions was significantly higher in the DCB group (DCB, n=13, 17.3% vs. DES, n=21, 8.0%; p=0.018). The cumulative rate of TLF (DCB, n=5, 6.7% vs. DES, n=18, 6.9%; p=0.951) did not significantly differ between the DCB and DES groups. CONCLUSION: DCB may be as effective a strategy as DES in the patient who underwent initial PCI for a de novo lesion.

Symptomatic periesophageal vagal nerve injury by different energy sources during atrial fibrillation ablation.

Background: Symptomatic gastric hypomotility (SGH) is a rare but major complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, but data on this are scarce. Objective: We compared the clinical course of SGH occurring with different energy sources. Methods: This multicenter study retrospectively collected the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with SGH after AF ablation. Results: The data of 93 patients (67.0 ± 11.2 years, 68 men, 52 paroxysmal AF) with SGH after AF ablation were collected from 23 cardiovascular centers. Left atrial (LA) ablation sets included pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone, a PVI plus a roof-line, and an LA posterior wall isolation in 42 (45.2%), 11 (11.8%), and 40 (43.0%) patients, respectively. LA ablation was performed by radiofrequency ablation, cryoballoon ablation, or both in 38 (40.8%), 38 (40.8%), and 17 (18.3%) patients, respectively. SGH diagnoses were confirmed at 2 (1-4) days post-procedure, and 28 (30.1%) patients required re-hospitalizations. Fasting was required in 81 (92.0%) patients for 4 (2.5-5) days; the total hospitalization duration was 11 [7-19.8] days. After conservative treatment, symptoms disappeared in 22.3% of patients at 1 month, 48.9% at 2 months, 57.6% at 3 months, 84.6% at 6 months, and 89.7% at 12 months, however, one patient required surgery after radiofrequency ablation. Symptoms persisted for >1-year post-procedure in 7 patients. The outcomes were similar regardless of the energy source and LA lesion set. Conclusions: The clinical course of SGH was similar regardless of the energy source. The diagnosis was often delayed, and most recovered within 6 months, yet could persist for over 1 year in 10%.

Device troubleshooting: cross connection of ventricular leads in a patient with decreased right ventricular electrical activity.

A patient with cardiac sarcoidosis showed low R-wave amplitude in the entire right ventricle (RV). To troubleshoot this, a left ventricular (LV) lead was implanted in the coronary vein. The pace/sense terminal of the defibrillation lead was connected to LV:IS-1 of the defibrillator. Conversely, the LV lead was connected to RV:IS-1. Induced ventricular fibrillation was successfully terminated without any undersensing.

A Case Report: Directional coronary atherectomy supported with optical coherence tomography is useful for the slit lesion.

BACKGROUND: Directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) was revived in Japan in 2014. DCA is a special procedure to remove the atherosclerotic plaque of coronary artery during percutaneous coronary intervention. We present the case of a 91-year-old woman with symptoms of angina. Coronary angiography revealed significant stenosis with a slit lesion of the proximal left anterior descending artery. Because she had a high risk of bleeding, we did not want to implant a stent to prevent bleeding events. Then, we performed optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound to evaluate the morphology of the slit lesion in more detail. OCT showed clearly that the direction of the flap was counterclockwise and the edge of the flap was located in the epicardium. Since we could understand the localization of plaque distribution fully by OCT examination, we successfully removed the flap by DCA based on information from OCT. After that, we performed balloon dilatation with a 3.0-mm drug-coated balloon and finished without implanting the stent successfully. Her symptoms completely disappeared and postoperative course was good. DCA supported with OCT might be one of the options in high bleeding risk patients, suggesting a potential stent-less therapeutic option. .

Usefulness of the Transradial 8Fr Sheathless Guiding Catheter Approach in Directional Coronary Atherectomy.

Background: Directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) revived in Japan since 2014. DCA is a special device to remove the atherosclerotic plaque of coronary artery in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, DCA procedure is recommended to perform by 8Fr system, which is one of the limitations of DCA. Case Series: Since transradial approach is the main access route for PCI, we considered how to perform DCA by TRA. The external diameter of 8Fr guiding catheter (GC) and 6Fr sheath are 2.70 and 2.67 mm. Then, if 6Fr sheath can be inserted without any resistance, 8Fr GC is considered to be insertable. We performed 5 cases of DCA by the transradial 8Fr sheathless GC approach, all cases were successful without discomfort associated with insertion and removal of the 8Fr GC. Conclusion: DCA by the transradial 8Fr sheathless GC approach might be one of options to avoid bleeding complication and serve more comfortable treatment for the patients.

A case of right coronary artery chronic total occlusion with difficulty in retrograde system establishment.

Advances in microcatheters (MCs) enables the establishment of retrograde systems for the treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO). However, there are still cases in which establishing a retrograde system is difficult because the guidewire or MC cannot pass through due to calcification, stenosis, or tortuosity. We present a case of a 56-year-old man with angina. Coronary angiography revealed a CTO of the right coronary artery (RCA). Although we started an antegrade approach at first, the guidewire went to subintimal lumen. We switched to a retrograde approach. Although the guidewire passed through posterolateral (PL) channel, the MC could not pass due to a stenosis at the junction of the main RCA trunk. Therefore, we negotiated the septal channel; however, it could only be guided in the peripheral direction. When the guidewire was more advanced in the peripheral direction, it crossed the guidewire that had previously passed through the PL channel. Then, when a balloon was delivered via the septal channel and trapped the guidewire from the PL channel, the MC was successfully delivered via the PL channel. After establishing the retrograde system, revascularization succeeded smoothly. In conclusion, this technique can be one option for the treatment of CTO patients. .

Preprocedural Planning Using a Three-Dimensional Printed Model for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in an Anomalous Coronary Artery.

BACKGROUND Three-dimensional (3D) printed models have been recently introduced for diagnosis and preprocedural planning for percutaneous interventions or surgery in cardiovascular disease. CASE REPORT We treated a 71-year-old woman with angina. Although we performed coronary angiography, we could not engage the catheters for the left coronary artery (LCA). Then, we withdrew the catheter and examined her anatomy using coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). The CCTA revealed that the LCA originated from the noncoronary cusp (NCC). Because anomalous LCA originating from the NCC is a rare congenital anomaly, percutaneous coronary intervention was considered difficult. We decided to use a 3D-printed model, which enabled us to clearly see the anatomy and simulation before the actual procedure, which went smoothly according to the preprocedural planning using the 3D printed model. 3D printed modeling is feasible for use in reproducing coronary artery anatomy and enhancing understanding of coronary abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Use of 3D-printed models is a useful new option that can help visualize the anatomy and perform preprocedural planning for complex cases.

Prognostic Importance of Hippocampal Atrophy in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) impedes a patient's decision-making ability to support self-care and is associated with increased mortality in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Thus, screening for MCI is very important. The assessment of hippocampal atrophy using magnetic resonance imaging can effectively diagnose early MCI. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and prognostic significance of hippocampal atrophy using magnetic resonance imaging in patient with CHF. Of the 491 patients with CHF included in the study, 170 demonstrated hippocampal atrophy. Patients with hippocampal atrophy were older, and showed a higher rate of renal dysfunction and cardiac events than patients without hippocampal atrophy. A total of 180 cardiac events occurred during the follow-up period. A Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that hippocampal atrophy was significantly associated with cardiac events. In conclusion, hippocampal atrophy is a significant and independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with CHF and can aid risk stratification of these patients.

Difficult Wiring of a Recanalized Thrombotic Lesion in the Right Coronary Artery Analyzed with Optical Coherence Tomography.

BACKGROUND Recanalized thrombi are usually unrecognized in conventional coronary angiography. However, multiple channels have been observed in recanalized thrombotic lesions. Therefore, the wire apparently crosses the lesion in some difficult cases. We analyzed the cause of difficult wiring of a recanalized thrombotic lesion using optical coherence tomography (OCT). CASE REPORT An 87-year-old man with chest pain was admitted to our hospital. Coronary angiography showed significant stenosis of the proximal right coronary artery with irregular linear filling and haziness. Crossing of the wire for the lesion was very difficult but was achieved using a parallel wire technique. OCT clearly demonstrated multiple small channels which had ambiguous findings on angiography and intravascular ultrasound. These structures showed a honeycomb-like appearance suggests the recanalized thrombi. A drug-eluting stent was subsequently deployed to fully cover the entire lesion. CONCLUSIONS OCT is useful to evaluate the accurate tissue characteristics of a recanalized thrombotic lesion. Because recanalized thrombi have multiple small channels and since there are some cases in which a part of the channel only flows into a side branch, it is necessary to carefully monitor wiring at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention.

Decreased left ventricular stroke volume is associated with low-grade exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade exercise tolerance is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The 6 min walk test (6MWT) is commonly used to evaluate exercise tolerance in patients with COPD. However, little is known regarding the relationship between cardiac function and exercise tolerance in patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors in cardiac function for low-grade exercise tolerance in patients with stable COPD. METHODS: We recruited 57 patients with stable COPD (men 54, women 3) to perform the 6MWT. Patients with underlying orthopaedic disease or heart failure were excluded. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and contrast-enhanced cardiac CT. We also measured pulmonary function and the 6MWT distance. RESULTS: Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and per cent predicted FEV, along with left ventricular end diastolic volume and left ventricular cardiac output as measured by cardiac CT, were significantly related to the 6MWT distance. On multivariate analysis, left ventricular stroke volume was the factor most closely associated with a decreased walked distance in the 6MWT. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased left ventricular stroke volume was associated with low-grade exercise tolerance in patients with stable COPD without heart failure.

Ruptured Right Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Caused by Suspected Takayasu's Arteritis.

A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare aortic anomaly. The most common complication is a rupture into the right ventricle and atrium. An SVA rupture into the left ventricle is a rare event. A 42-year-old man visited an outpatient clinic due to worsening exertional dyspnea. A loud to-and-fro heart murmur was detected, and echocardiography revealed a right SVA that had ruptured into the left ventricle, inducing acute heart failure. Computed tomography imaging allowed us to determine that the right SVA had been caused by asymptomatic Takayasu's arteritis. The patient was treated with prednisolone and the right SVA rupture was surgically repaired.

Circulating heart-type fatty acid-binding protein levels predict ventricular fibrillation in Brugada syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The association between ongoing myocardial damage and outcomes in patients with Brugada syndrome who had received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is unclear. METHODS: Consecutive patients with Brugada syndrome (n=31, 50±13 years) who had received an ICD were prospectively enrolled. Minor myocardial membrane injury [heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) >2.4ng/mL] and myofibrillar injury (troponin T >0.005ng/mL) were defined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Patients were followed for a median period of 5 years to an endpoint of appropriate ICD shock. RESULTS: Myocardial membrane injury (29%) and myofibrillar injury (26%) were similarly prevalent among patients with Brugada syndrome who had received ICDs. Appropriate ICD shocks occurred in 19% of patients during the follow-up period. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that serum H-FABP level >2.4ng/mL, but not troponin T level, was an independent prognostic factor for appropriate ICD shock due to ventricular fibrillation [hazard ratio (HR) 25.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-1686, p=0.03]. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluating myocardial damage using H-FABP may be a promising tool for predicting ventricular arrhythmia in patients with Brugada syndrome who have received ICDs.