Fecal calprotectin: A novel predictor of ulcerated esophageal injury after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial esophageal fistula (AEF) is a lethal complication that can occur post atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Esophageal injury (EI) is likely to be the initial lesion leading to AEF. Endoscopic examination is the gold standard for a diagnosis of EI but extensive endoscopic screening is invasive and costly. This study was conducted to determine whether fecal calprotectin (Fcal), a marker of inflammation throughout the intestinal tract, may be associated with the existence of esophageal injury. METHODS: This diagnostic study was conducted in a cohort of 166 patients with symptomatic AF undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation from May 2020 to June 2021. Fcal tests were performed 1-7 days after ablation. All patients underwent endoscopic ultrasonography 1 or 2 days after ablation. RESULTS: The levels of Fcal were significantly different between the EI and non-EI groups (404.9 µg/g (IQR 129.6-723.6) vs. 40.4 µg/g (IQR 15.0-246.2), p < .001). Analysis of ROC curves revealed that a Fcal level of 125 µg/g might be the optimal cut-off value for a diagnosis of EI, giving a 78.8% sensitivity and a 65.4% specificity. The negative predictive value of Fcal was 100% for ulcerated EI. CONCLUSIONS: The level of Fcal is associated with EI post AF catheter ablation. 125 µg/g might be the optimal cut-off value for a diagnosis of EI. Negative Fcal could predict the absence of ulcerated EI, which could be considered a precursor to AEF.

A comparative study on the clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and conventional open surgery in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of single-channel percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) and conventional open surgery in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 66 patients with LDH admitted to Tianjin Medical University from June 2017 to June 2018 were divided into two groups: the observation group (single-channel PELD) and the control group (posterior lumbar interbody fusion), with 33 cases in each group. The two groups were compared in terms of visual analogue scale(VAS), oswestry disability index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score(JOA), perioperative indicators, clinical efficacy, postoperative complications, changes in inflammatory factors and serum T lymphocyte subsets. Results: The operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, time in bed, hospital stay in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group. At 7d after treatment, the improvement of ODI, VAS and JOA in the observation group were better than that in the control group. At the last follow-up, there was no significant difference in Cobb angle and lumbar lordosis angle between the two groups. The levels of serum IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in the observation group were lower than those in the control group. The degree of reduction of serum CD3+ and CD4+ in the observation group were higher than those in the control group. And the level of elevation of CD8+ in the observation group was lower than that in the control group. Moreover, there was no significant difference in CD4+/CD8+ level between the two groups. The excellent rate of surgical results in the observation group was higher than that in the control group. Complications occurred in both groups, with no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: Single-channel PELD can achieve superior clinical efficacy over conventional open surgery in the treatment of LDH.

Prospective randomized comparison between upgraded '2C3L' vs. PVI approach for catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: PROMPT-AF trial design.

BACKGROUND: In randomized studies, the strategy of pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVI) plus linear ablation has failed to increase success rates for persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) ablation when compared with PVI alone. Peri-mitral reentry related atrial tachycardia due to incomplete linear block is an important cause of clinical failures of a first ablation procedure. Ethanol infusion (EI) into the vein of Marshall (EI-VOM) has been demonstrated to facilitate a durable mitral isthmus linear lesion. OBJECTIVE: This trial is designed to compare arrhythmia-free survival between PVI and an ablation strategy termed upgraded '2C3L' for the ablation of PeAF. STUDY DESIGN: The PROMPT-AF study (clinicaltrials.gov 04497376) is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized trial using a 1:1 parallel-control approach. Patients (n = 498) undergoing their first catheter ablation of PeAF will be randomized to either the upgraded '2C3L' arm or PVI arm in a 1:1 fashion. The upgraded '2C3L' technique is a fixed ablation approach consisting of EI-VOM, bilateral circumferential PVI, and 3 linear ablation lesion sets across the mitral isthmus, left atrial roof, and cavotricuspid isthmus. The follow-up duration is 12 months. The primary end point is freedom from atrial arrhythmias of >30 seconds, without antiarrhythmic drugs, in 12 months after the index ablation procedure (excluding a blanking period of 3 months). CONCLUSIONS: The PROMPT-AF study will evaluate the efficacy of the fixed '2C3L' approach in conjunction with EI-VOM, compared with PVI alone, in patients with PeAF undergoing de novo ablation.

Outcomes of incident atrial fibrillation in heart failure with preserved or reduced ejection fraction: A community-based study.

INTRODUCTION: The best management strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with heart failure (HF) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cohort study was conducted in Olmsted County, Minnesota, with resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Patients with incident AF occurring between 2000 and 2014 with a prior or concurrent HF were included. Patients with LVEF ≥ 50% were designated as HF and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and those with LVEF < 50% were designated as HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Rhythm control in the first year after AF diagnosis was defined as prescriptions for an antiarrhythmic drug, catheter ablation, or maze procedure. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoints were cardiovascular death, cardiovascular hospitalization, and stroke or transient ischemic attack. Of 859 patients (age, 77.2 ± 12.1 years; 49.2%, female), 447 had HFpEF-AF, and 412 had HFrEF-AF. There was no difference in all-cause mortality (10-year mortality, 83% vs 79%; p = .54) or secondary endpoints between the HFpEF-AF and HFrEF-AF, respectively. Compared with the rate control strategy, rhythm control in HFpEF-AF patients (n = 40, 15.9%) offered no survival benefits (adjusted HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.42-1.16; p = .16), whereas rhythm control in HFrEF-AF patients (n = 52, 22.5%) decrease cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17-0.86; p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HFpEF-AF and HFrEF-AF had similar poor prognoses. Rhythm control strategy was seldom adopted in community care in patients with HF and AF. A rhythm control strategy may provide survival benefit for patients with HFrEF-AF and the benefit of rhythm control in patients with HFpEF-AF warrants further study.

Adjunctive percutaneous ablation targeting epicardial arrhythmogenic structures in patients of atrial fibrillation with recurrence after multiple procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Repeat ablation strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after multiple ablation procedures is known to be challenging. This study evaluated the insights of adjunctive ablation for epicardial arrhythmogenic substrates in those patients via a percutaneous epicardial approach. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-five consecutive patients with AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence, who had two or more prior ablation procedures, were enrolled from September 2016 to December 2018. In addition to a standard endocardial approach, epicardial mapping and ablation were performed via a percutaneous subxiphoid access in the electrophysiology lab. Adjunctive epicardial ablations for left lateral ridge (LLR) were performed in 31 of 35 patients (88.6%) for efficient transmural lesions with pacing capture loss. Marshall Bundle (MB) potentials were documented on epicardial LLR in three patients and abolished by direct epicardial ablation. Bachmann's bundle (BB) was ablated as an epicardial conduction gap in four patients with a refractory anterior wall line. Two epicardial AT/AF triggers were detected followed by successful termination with epicardial ablation. No periprocedural complications occurred. About 23 of 35 patients (65.7%) remained free from AF/AT after 23.2 ± 9 months of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with multiple failed prior AF procedures refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy might warrant a percutaneous epicardial mapping and ablation strategy, with adjunctive therapy for targeting LLR/MB, BB, and underlying epicardial triggers in addition to a standard endocardial approach.

Risk of esophageal thermal injury during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation guided by different ablation index.

BACKGROUND: During ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), energy delivery toward the left atrial posterior wall may cause esophageal injury (EI). Ablation index (AI) was introduced to estimate ablation lesion size, however, the impact of AI technology on the risk of EI has not been explored. METHOD: From March 2019 to December 2019, 60 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing first-time ablation were prospectively enrolled. The first 30 consecutive patients were ablated with the AI target value of 400 (AI-400 group), and the later 30 consecutive patients were ablated with the AI target value of 350 at the posterior wall (AI-350 group). Endoscopic ultrasonography was used to evaluate EI postablation. EI was classified as a category 1 (erythema or erosion) or a category 2 (hematoma or ulceration). RESULTS: Compared with the AI-400 group (59.9 ± 8.4 years; male, 60%), the AI-350 group (59.1 ± 9.9 years; male, 50%) had a lower incidence of EI (3.3% vs 26.7%, P = .03). There was no significant difference in the percentage of first-pass PVI between the AI-400 group and the AI-350 group (left PVI: 80% vs 73.4%, P = .54; right PVI: 80% vs 60%, P = .1). Neither ablation time nor fluoroscopy time was significantly different between the AI-400 group and the AI-350 group. CONCLUSIONS: AF ablation guide by AI target value of 350 may reduce esophageal thermal injury and has a similar efficiency on the acute success rate of first-pass PVI compared with an AI target value of 400 at the posterior wall.

Atrioesophageal fistula post atrial fibrillation ablation: A multicenter study from China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but devastating complication with high mortality post atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The purpose of current study was to determine the epidemiology, clinical features, pathogenesis, and management of AEF after AF ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with diagnosed AEF were included and retrospectively analyzed according to the registry of 11 centers in China from January 2010 to December 2019. A total of 16 AEF cases were identified from 44 794 patients who received a left atrial ablation procedure (0.035% per procedure). The interval from procedure to clinical onset of AEF averaged 18.3 days (3-39 days). The fever ranked the most common symptom, occurred in 14 of the 16 cases, followed by neurological deficits (n = 11), chest pain (n = 5), and hematemesis (n = 4). Patients undergoing surgical repair had a better prognosis compared to those receiving nonsurgical management ([4 of 8] 50.0% vs [8 of 8] 100%, P < .05) with an overall mortality rate of 75.0%. CONCLUSION: AEF is highly characterized by varied manifestations. Early diagnosis and urgent surgical repair are vital to those patients and associated with improved survival rates.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for refractory ventricular tachycardia secondary to cardiac lipoma: A case report.

We present the case of a 29-year-old man who developed ventricular tachycardia (VT) secondary to a cardiac lipoma located adjacent to the interventricular groove, which could not be fully resected. Antiarrhythmic drugs and endocardial and epicardial ablation failed to prevent VT recurrence. Finally, noninvasive stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) targeting the lipoma was performed, with a total dose of 24 Gy delivered in three fractions. The number of VT episodes was reduced from 189/24 h before SBRT to 0 after the procedure. At 4-month follow-up, there were no signs of therapy-related complications. Our experience suggests that SBRT could emerge as a viable treatment option for patients with cardiac tumors who develop refractory ventricular arrhythmias.

Approaches to catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation is less successful for persistent atrial fibrillation than for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Guidelines suggest that adjuvant substrate modification in addition to pulmonary-vein isolation is required in persistent atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We randomly assigned 589 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation in a 1:4:4 ratio to ablation with pulmonary-vein isolation alone (67 patients), pulmonary-vein isolation plus ablation of electrograms showing complex fractionated activity (263 patients), or pulmonary-vein isolation plus additional linear ablation across the left atrial roof and mitral valve isthmus (259 patients). The duration of follow-up was 18 months. The primary end point was freedom from any documented recurrence of atrial fibrillation lasting longer than 30 seconds after a single ablation procedure. RESULTS: Procedure time was significantly shorter for pulmonary-vein isolation alone than for the other two procedures (P<0.001). After 18 months, 59% of patients assigned to pulmonary-vein isolation alone were free from recurrent atrial fibrillation, as compared with 49% of patients assigned to pulmonary-vein isolation plus complex electrogram ablation and 46% of patients assigned to pulmonary-vein isolation plus linear ablation (P=0.15). There were also no significant differences among the three groups for the secondary end points, including freedom from atrial fibrillation after two ablation procedures and freedom from any atrial arrhythmia. Complications included tamponade (three patients), stroke or transient ischemic attack (three patients), and atrioesophageal fistula (one patient). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, we found no reduction in the rate of recurrent atrial fibrillation when either linear ablation or ablation of complex fractionated electrograms was performed in addition to pulmonary-vein isolation. (Funded by St. Jude Medical; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01203748.).

Impact of Anatomically Guided Ganglionated Plexus Ablation on Electrical Firing from Isolated Pulmonary Veins.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation (AF) initiation and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) effectiveness remain unclear. Ganglionated plexus (GPs) have been implicated in AF initiation and maintenance. In this study, we evaluated the impact of GP ablation in patients with pulmonary vein (PV) firing after PVI. METHODS: Patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation therapy with PVI were screened. Among 840 cases over a 3.75-year period, 12 cases were identified with persistent PV firing (left = 4 and right = 8) after PVI was achieved and left atrial sinus rhythm restored. Adjacent GP ablation was performed anatomically and followed if necessary by additional PV ablation. RESULTS: In eight patients, PV firing was terminated during GP ablation outside of the circumferential ablation line. In one patient, additional PV ablation resulted in cessation of PV firing and in the remaining three patients, firing could not be terminated by GP ablation or additional PVI. CONCLUSION: GP ablation outside of wide antral circumferential line frequently results in the cessation of rapid firing from electrically isolated PVs. These observations suggest that interactions between left atrium and PV beyond electrical conduction warrant consideration in AF mechanisms.

Cadmium Activates Reactive Oxygen Species-dependent AKT/mTOR and Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathways in Neuronal Cells.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of Cd-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the apoptosis of neuronal cells. METHODS: Neuronal cells (primary rat cerebral cortical neurons and PC12 cells) were incubated with or without Cd post-pretreatment with rapamycin (Rap) or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, and the activation of phosphoinositide 3'-kinase/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways were measured by western blotting or immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: Cd-induced activation of Akt/mTOR signaling, including Akt, mTOR, p70 S6 kinase (p70 S6K), and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). Rap, an mTOR inhibitor and NAC, a ROS scavenger, blocked Cd-induced activation of Akt/mTOR signaling and apoptosis of neuronal cells. Furthermore, NAC blocked the decrease of B-cell lymphoma 2/Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bcl-2/Bax) ratio, release of cytochrome c, cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (Endo G). CONCLUSION: Cd-induced ROS generation activates Akt/mTOR and mitochondrial pathways, leading to apoptosis of neuronal cells. Our findings suggest that mTOR inhibitors or antioxidants have potential for preventing Cd-induced neurodegenerative diseases.

Alendronate prevents angiotensin II-induced collagen I production through geranylgeranylation-dependent RhoA/Rho kinase activation in cardiac fibroblasts.

Collagen I is the main component of extracellular matrix in cardiac fibrosis. Our previous studies have reported inhibition of farnesylpyrophosphate synthase prevents angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis, while the exact molecular mechanism was still unclear. This paper was designed to investigate the effect of alendronate, a farnesylpyrophosphate synthase inhibitor, on regulating angiotensin II-induced collagen I expression in cultured cardiac fibroblasts and to explore the underlying mechanism. By measuring the mRNA and protein levels of collagen I, we found that alendronate prevented angiotensin II-induced collagen I production in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect on collagen I expression was reversed by geranylgeraniol, and mimicked by inhibitors of RhoA/Rho kinase pathway including C3 exoenzyme and GGTI-286. Thus we suggested geranylgeranylation-dependent RhoA/Rho kinase activation was involved in alendronate-mediated anti-collagen I synthetic effect. Furthermore, we accessed the activation status of RhoA in alendronate-, geranylgeraniol- and GGTI-286-treated cardiac fibroblasts and gave an indirect evidence for RhoA activation via geranylgeranylation. Then we came to the conclusion that in cardiac fibroblasts, alendronate could protect against angiotensin II-induced collagen I synthesis through inhibition of geranylgeranylation and inactivation of RhoA/Rho kinase signaling. Targeting geranylgeranylation and RhoA/Rho kinase signaling will hopefully serve as therapeutic strategies to reduce fibrosis in heart remodeling.

Marked suppression of pulmonary vein firing after circumferential pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: is pulmonary vein firing an epiphenomenon?

INTRODUCTION: Rapid firing in pulmonary veins (PVs) is a leading cause of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. We hypothesized that PV firing (PV-F) should continue after circumferential PV isolation (CPVI) because the PV tissue responsible for PV-F remains intact. METHODS AND RESULTS: In Group-1 (n = 92), isoproterenol (ISP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were co-administered to provoke PV-F before and after CPVI. The site of rapid focal discharge that initiated atrial fibrillation (AF) defined PV-F versus non-PV-F. Additional 17 patients with PV-F induced by ISP+ATP before CPVI were enrolled into Group-2 and various pacing maneuvers were used in conjunction to ISP+ATP to provoke PV-F after CPVI. In Group-1, AF was induced in 47/81 (58.0%) and 16/88 (18.2%) patients before and after CPVI, respectively (P < 0.01). Before CPVI, 43/47 (91.5%) of the rapid firing originated from PV. After successful CPVI, 88/92 patients were in sinus rhythm and non-PV-F was induced in 14/88 patients. PV-F was induced in 2/88 patients, which was eliminated by ganglionated plexus ablation outside the CPVI line. In Group-2, various pacing maneuvers with ISP+ATP only induced PV-F in 1/17 patients after CPVI. CONCLUSION: Marked suppression of PV-F after CPVI strongly suggests that the real source of PV-F is located in the atrium. PV-F may be an epiphenomenon.

ArhGAP11A mediates amyloid-ß generation and neuropathology in an Alzheimer's disease-like mouse model.

Amyloid-ß (Aß) plays an important role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but some factors promoting Aß generation and Aß oligomer (Aßo) neurotoxicity remain unclear. We here find that the levels of ArhGAP11A, a Ras homology GTPase-activating protein, significantly increase in patients with AD and amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin-1 (PS1) mice. Reducing the ArhGAP11A level in neurons not only inhibits Aß generation by decreasing the expression of APP, PS1, and ß-secretase (BACE1) through the RhoA/ROCK/Erk signaling pathway but also reduces Aßo neurotoxicity by decreasing the expressions of apoptosis-related p53 target genes. In APP/PS1 mice, specific reduction of the ArhGAP11A level in neurons significantly reduces Aß production and plaque deposition and ameliorates neuronal damage, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits. Moreover, Aßos enhance ArhGAP11A expression in neurons by activating E2F1, which thus forms a deleterious cycle. Our results demonstrate that ArhGAP11A may be involved in AD pathogenesis and that decreasing ArhGAP11A expression may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD treatment.

His bundle pacing versus left bundle branch pacing on ventricular function in atrial fibrillation patients referred for pacing: a prospective crossover comparison.

BACKGROUND: His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) both provide physiologic pacing which maintain left ventricular synchrony. They both improve heart failure (HF) symptoms in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. We aimed to assess the intra-patient comparison of ventricular function and remodeling as well as leads parameters corresponding to two pacing modalities in AF patients referred for pacing in intermediate term. METHODS: Uncontrolled tachycardia AF patients with both leads implantation successfully were randomized to either modality. Echocardiographic measurements, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, quality-of-life assessments and leads parameters were obtained at baseline and at each 6-month follow up. Left ventricular function including the left ventricular endo-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and right ventricular (RV) function quantified by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were all assessed. RESULTS: Consecutively twenty-eight patients implanted with both HBP and LBBP leads successfully were enrolled (69.1 ± 8.1 years, 53.6% male, LVEF 59.2% ± 13.7%). The LVESV was improved by both pacing modalities in all patients (n = 23) and the LVEF was improved in patients with baseline LVEF at less than 50% (n = 6). The TAPSE was improved by HBP but not LBBP (n = 23). CONCLUSION: In this crossover comparison between HBP and LBBP, LBBP was found to have an equivalent effect on LV function and remodeling but better and more stable parameters in AF patients with uncontrolled ventricular rates referred for atrioventricular node (AVN) ablation. HBP could be preferred in patients with reduced TAPSE at baseline rather than LBBP.

Substrate and Trigger Ablation for Reduction of Atrial Fibrillation Trial-Part II (STAR AF II): design and rationale.

BACKGROUND: The optimal ablation approach for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unknown. In particular, it is unclear if pulmonary vein (PV) antral isolation (PVI) is sufficient as a lone strategy for persistent AF. Furthermore, if additional substrate ablation is to be added, the ideal approach to substrate ablation is yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the optimal strategy of catheter ablation of persistent AF by comparing the efficacy of 3 strategies: PVI vs PVI plus complex fractionated electrogram (CFE) ablation (PVI + CFE) vs PVI plus linear ablation (PVI + Lines). STUDY DESIGN: The STAR AF II study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01203748) is a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial with a blinded assessment of outcomes. A total of 549 patients will be randomized in a 1:4:4 fashion to one of the investigation arms: PVI, PVI + CFE, and PVI + Lines, respectively. Patients undergoing a first-time ablation procedure for symptomatic, persistent AF that is refractory to at least 1 antiarrhythmic medication will be included. Persistent AF will be defined as a sustained episode lasting >7 days and <3 years. Patients with a left atrial parasternal size ≥60 mm will be excluded. The primary end point is freedom from documented AF >30 seconds at 18 months after 1 or 2 ablation procedures with or without antiarrhythmic medications. CONCLUSIONS: The STAR AF II study is a randomized trial designed to evaluate the optimal approach for catheter ablation of persistent AF.

Regional ganglionated plexus ablation eliminated rapid firing in an electrically isolated pulmonary vein.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) was initiated by rapid firing from left superior pulmonary vein (PV) by administration of isoproterenol (ISP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) before ablation. After successful isolation of all PVs, ISP and ATP were administered again. PVs were still isolated but an episode of rapid firing was observed inside the left PV isolation line during sinus rhythm. Radiofrequency energy was then delivered to the areas of superior left ganglionated plexus (GP) and inferior left GP. Then, PV firing could no longer be initiated. It suggests additional GP ablation may have additional benefit to circumferential PV isolation, to reduce the incidence of AF recurrence.

Dissociated pulmonary vein rhythm may predict the acute pulmonary vein reconnection post-isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Dissociated pulmonary vein rhythm (PVD) has been taken as a signal of PV isolation, but has been questioned recently; we assessed the relationship between PVD and acute PV reconnection after PV isolation in this study. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-five consecutive patients (52 males; mean age 59±11 years) were referred for catheter ablation of drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. Following PV isolation, the presence and cycle length of PVD were recorded. Pulmonary veins were classified into veins with PVD (Group 1) and veins without PVD (Group 2). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was then injected during isoproterenol infusion to reveal dormant conduction gap(s), and PVs were further remapped at 30 min post-isolation. Totally, PVD was observed in 68% (58 of 85) of patients and 34.7% (112 of 323) of PVs. Seventy-nine (24.5%) PVs were found acutely reconnected, including 48 veins revealed by ATP induction [ATP(+)PV] and 64 veins by reassessment after 30 min post-isolation [Time(+)PV]. Time(+)PVs were observed more frequently in Group 1 than those in Group 2 (31.3 vs. 13.7%, P<0.01), but no significant difference was found in the occurrence of ATP(+)PVs between Group 1 and Group 2 (17.9 vs. 13.3%, P=0.27). The sequences of the PVD and the acutely reconnected PV potential were similar in 87.5% of veins. After PV re-isolation, 70% (28 of 40) of previously documented PVD disappeared. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of PVD after PV isolation was closely related to the acute PV reconnection after 30 min post-isolation.