Severe Periprocedural Complications After Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: An International Collaborative Individual Patient Data Registry.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) including pulmonary vein isolation and possibly further substrate ablation is the most common electrophysiological procedure. Severe complications are uncommon, but their detailed assessment in a large worldwide cohort is lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of periprocedural severe complications and to provide a detailed characterization of the diagnostic evaluation and management of these complications in patients undergoing AF ablation. METHODS: Individual patient data were collected from 23 centers worldwide. Limited data were collected for all patients who underwent catheter ablation, and an expanded series of data points were collected for patients who experienced severe complications during periprocedural follow-up. Incidence, predictors, patient characteristics, management details, and overall outcomes of patients who experienced ablation-related complications were investigated. RESULTS: Data were collected from 23 participating centers at which 33,879 procedures were performed (median age 63 years, 30% women, 71% radiofrequency ablations). The incidence of severe complications (n = 271) was low (tamponade 6.8‰, stroke 0.97‰, cardiac arrest 0.41‰, esophageal fistula 0.21‰, and death 0.21‰). Age, female sex, a dilated left atrium, procedure duration, and the use of radiofrequency energy were independently associated with the composite endpoint of all severe complications. Among patients experiencing tamponade, 13% required cardiac surgery. Ninety-three percent of patients with complications were discharged directly home after a median length of stay of 5 days (Q1-Q3: 3-7 days). CONCLUSIONS: This large worldwide collaborative study highlighted that tamponade, stroke, cardiac arrest, esophageal fistula, and death are rare after AF ablation. Older age, female sex, procedure duration, a dilated left atrium, and the use of radiofrequency energy were associated with severe complications in this multinational cohort. One in 8 patients with tamponade required cardiac surgery.

When anticoagulation management in atrial fibrillation becomes difficult: Focus on chronic kidney disease, coagulation disorders, and cancer.

Anticoagulation therapy (AT) is fundamental in atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment but poses challenges in implementation, especially in AF populations with elevated thromboembolic and bleeding risks. Current guidelines emphasize the need to estimate and balance thrombosis and bleeding risks for all potential candidates of antithrombotic therapy. However, administering oral AT raises concerns in specific populations, such as those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), coagulation disorders, and cancer due to lack of robust data. These groups, excluded from large direct oral anticoagulants trials, rely on observational studies, prompting physicians to adopt individualized management strategies based on case-specific evaluations. The scarcity of evidence and specific guidelines underline the need for a tailored approach, emphasizing regular reassessment of risk factors and anticoagulation drug doses. This narrative review aims to summarize evidence and recommendations for challenging AF clinical scenarios, particularly in the long-term management of AT for patients with CKD, coagulation disorders, and cancer.

Incidence of vascular complications for electrophysiology procedures in the ultrasound era: a single-centre experience over 10,000 procedures in the long term.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) is being increasingly used to guide vascular access for electrophysiology (EP) procedures in many centres. Nonetheless, the incidence and predictors of vascular complications in the US era are limited. In this study, we describe our experience of vascular access-related complications associated with EP procedures which were performed with the routine use of US-guided vascular access. METHODS: A total of 10,158 consecutive EP procedures in 8361 patients performed from April 2014 (when our centre moved to a policy of routine US-guided vascular access for EP procedures) to March 2022 were included. The outcome of interest was any vascular access-related complication that occurred within 7 days of the procedure; these were classified as severe if surgical intervention and/or blood transfusion was required, major if non-surgical intervention or delayed hospital discharge was required, or minor if it did not fulfil the criteria for severe or major. RESULTS: During the study period, 2 (0.02%) severe vascular complications occurred, including 1 pseudo-aneurysm requiring surgery and 1 retroperitoneal haemorrhage requiring blood transfusion. Nine (0.09%) major complications occurred, including 6 hematomas managed by compression devices, 1 type B aortic dissection, 1 AV fistula managed conservatively and 1 haematoma managed conservatively but delayed hospital discharge. Eighteen (0.18%) minor haematomas were seen that did not require any intervention or delayed hospital discharge. On multivariable analysis, female sex [OR (95% CI): 2.5 (1.2, 5.4)] and use of an arterial access [OR (95% CI): 19.3 (7.1, 52.3)] were seen to be independent predictors of the 29 vascular complications. CONCLUSION: With the use of US-guided vascular access in EP procedures, major vascular complications are exceedingly rare, particularly those needing surgical intervention. Our results provide additional evidence for scientific guidelines to support US use.

Patient experience of very high power short duration radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation under mild conscious sedation.

BACKGROUND: Very high power short duration (vHPSD) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may reduce ablation times and improve patient tolerability, permitting pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) under mild conscious sedation (mCS) and promoting same day discharge (SDD). METHODS: First, a retrospective feasibility study was performed at 2 tertiary cardiac centres in the UK. Consecutive cases of first-time PVI using vHPSD ablation with 90 W lesions for up to 4 s were compared against cases performed using standard RF (sRF) and cryoballoon (Cryo) therapy. Subsequently, a prospective study of patients who had vHPSD or Cryo exclusively under mCS was undertaken. Questionnaires based on Likert and visual analogue scales (VAS) were used to measure anxiety, discomfort and pain. RESULTS: In total, 182 patients (59 vHPSD, 62 sRF and 61 Cryo) were included in the retrospective study, with 53 (90%) of vHPSD cases successfully performed under mCS. PVI ablation time in the vHPSD group (5.8 ± 1.7 min) was shorter than for sRF (16.5 ± 6.3 min, p < 0.001) and Cryo (17.5 ± 5.9 min, p < 0.001). Fifty-one vHPSD and 52 Cryo patients were included in the prospective study. PVI ablation time in the vHPSD group was shorter than for the Cryo group (6.4 ± 2.9 min vs 17.9 ± 5.7 min, p < 0.001), but overall procedure duration was longer (121 ± 39 min vs 95 ± 20 min, p < 0.001). There were no differences in the patient experience of anxiety, discomfort or pain. SDD rates were the same in both groups (61% vs 67%, p = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: vHPSD RFA for PVI can be performed under mCS to achieve SDD rates comparable to cryoablation, without compromising patient experience.

Cardioneuroablation for vasovagal syncope and atrioventricular block: A step-by-step guide.

Catheter-based cardioneuroablation is increasingly being utilized to improve outcomes in patients with vasovagal syncope and atrioventricular block due to vagal hyperactivity. There is now increasing convergence among enthusiasts on its various aspects, including patient selection, technical steps, and procedural end-points. This pragmatic review aims to take the reader through a step-by-step approach to cardioneuroablation: we begin with a brief overview of the anatomy of intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system, before focusing on the indications, preprocedure and postprocedure management, necessary equipment, and its potential limitations.

Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients ≤30 Years of Age.

Pulmonary vein (PV) automaticity is an established trigger for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), making PV isolation (PVI) the cornerstone of catheter ablation. However, data on triggers for atrial fibrillation (AF) and catheter ablation strategy in very young patients aged <30 years are sparse. A total of 51 young patients (mean age 24.0 ± 4.2 years, 78.4% men) with drug-refractory PAF underwent electrophysiology (EP) study and ablation at 5 EP centers. None of the patients had structural heart disease or family history of AF. EP study induced supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in 12 patients (n = 12, 23.5%): concealed accessory pathway mediated orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia in 3 patients, typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in 6 patients, left superior PV tachycardia in 1 patient, left atrial appendage tachycardia in 1 patient, and typical atrial flutter in 1 patient. In patients with induced SVTs, SVT ablation without PVI was performed as an index procedure, except for the patient with atrial flutter who received cavotricuspid isthmus ablation in addition to PVI. Remaining patients underwent radiofrequency (n = 15, 29.4%) or second-generation cryoballoon-based PVI (n = 24, 47%). There were no major complications related to ablation procedures. Follow-up was based on outpatient visits including 24-hour Holter-electrocardiogram at 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation, or additional Holter-electrocardiogram was ordered in case of symptoms suggesting recurrence. Recurrence was defined as any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) episode >30 seconds after a 3-month blanking period. A total of 2 patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, 1 with left atrial appendage tachycardia, experienced AF recurrence within the first 3 months and received PVI. After the 3-month blanking period, during a median follow-up of 17.0 ± 10.1 months, 44 of 51 patients (86.2%) were free of ATA recurrence. In the PVI group, 33 of 39 patients (84.6%) experienced no ATA recurrence. In conclusion, SVT substrate is identified in around a quarter of young adult patients with history of AF, and targeted ablation without PVI may be sufficient in the majority of these patients. PVI is needed in the majority and is safe and effective in this population.

The "heart brain" and neuromodulation for vasovagal syncope.

It is well known that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a major contributor in etiopathogenesis of vasovagal syncope (VVS). Catheter based neuromodulation (CNA) of the intrinsic cardiac ANS has evolved rapidly from being an experimental unproven procedure to its current status as an increasingly performed ablation procedure in many major hospitals worldwide. The present review aims to bring the anatomical elements of intrinsic cardiac ANS and clinical application of intrinsic cardiac neuromodulation together, by reviewing anatomical terminologies and clinical data, in order to provide a practical assistance to the electrophysiology community.

Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Using Ablation Index Versus Second Generation Cryoballoon in the Treatment of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison.

INTRODUCTION: Both radiofrequency (RF) and cryoballoon (CB) ablation are treatment options for persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF). An important recent innovation in RF ablation is Ablation Index (AI), known also as the VISITAG SURPOINT™ Module, a composite lesion quality marker whose use has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of acute and late pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection and the recurrence of atrial arrhythmias in PsAF. Due to a lack of direct comparative evidence between the latest generations of technologies, there is uncertainty regarding the best treatment option in PsAF. The objective of the present study was to conduct a matching-adjusted indirect treatment comparison (MAIC) using individual patient-level data (IPD) to assess the comparative effectiveness of the THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH™ Catheter or the THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH™ SF Catheter with AI/VISITAG SURPOINT™ Module (STAI) versus the second-generation CB catheter (Arctic Front Advance™; herein referred to as CB) with respect to 12-month atrial arrhythmia recurrence, fluoroscopy time, and procedural efficiency. METHODS: IPD for STAI were obtained from four investigator-initiated studies and were pooled. Comparable CB studies identified from a systematic literature review were also pooled. In the absence of a common treatment arm between STAI and CB studies, an unanchored MAIC was conducted. The primary analysis compared the pooled STAI IPD to the pooled CB cohort, with corrections for differences across trials, including eligibility criteria and patient baseline characteristics. Scenario and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the primary analysis. RESULTS: In the primary analysis, which was adjusted for left atrial diameter (LAD), age, diabetes, and sex, STAI was associated with a statistically significant 65% relative reduction in the rate of arrhythmia recurrence compared to CB at 12-month follow-up (HR 0.35; 95% CI 0.23, 0.52). STAI was associated with shorter total fluoroscopy time than CB but longer procedure time. Results were consistent across scenario and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation with AI significantly reduced atrial arrhythmia recurrence at 12-month follow-up and fluoroscopy time compared to CB, with longer procedure times.

Safety, effectiveness, and quality of life following pulmonary vein isolation with a multi-electrode radiofrequency balloon catheter in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: 1-year outcomes from SHINE.

AIMS: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a compliant multi-electrode radiofrequency balloon catheter (RFB) used with a multi-electrode diagnostic catheter for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective, multicentre, single-arm study was conducted at six European sites and enrolled patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The primary effectiveness endpoint was entrance block in treated pulmonary veins (PVs) after adenosine/isoproterenol challenge. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of primary adverse events (PAEs) within 7 days. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging and neurological assessments were performed pre- and post-ablation in a subset of patients. Atrial arrhythmia recurrence was assessed over 12 months via transtelephonic and Holter monitoring. Quality of life was assessed by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) questionnaire. Of 85 patients undergoing ablation per study protocol, PV entrance block was achieved in all (one PV required touch-up with a focal catheter). Acute reconnection of ≥1 PVs after adenosine/isoproterenol challenge was observed in 9.3% (30/324) of PVs ablated. Post-ablation, silent cerebral lesions were detected in 9.7% (3/31) of patients assessed, all of which was resolved at 1-month follow-up. One patient experienced a PAE (retroperitoneal bleed). Freedom from documented symptomatic and all arrhythmia was 72.2% and 65.8% at 12 months. Four patients (4.7%) underwent repeat ablation. Significant improvements in all AFEQT subscale scores were seen at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: PVI with the novel RFB demonstrated favourable safety and effectiveness, with low repeat ablation rate and clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03437733.

Outcomes in VKA-treated patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease: Clinical trials vs 'real-world'.

BACKGROUND: Our objectives were to evaluate the risk of adverse events in a 'real-world' vs 'clinical trial' cohort of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: We studied patient-level data for vitamin K antagonist-treated AF patients with a creatinine clearance <60 mL/min from the Murcia AF Project and AMADEUS trial. The study end-points were ischaemic stroke, major bleeding, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction and intracranial haemorrhage. RESULTS: This study included 1,108 AF patients with CKD. The annual rate of the composite study outcome of ischaemic stroke, major bleeding and all-cause mortality was higher in the real-world (13.4%) vs AMADEUS (6.6%) cohort with an IRR of 2.04 (95% CI,1.34-3.09), P < .001. Individual annual rates of major bleeding, all-cause mortality and non-cardiovascular mortality were significantly greater in the real-world cohort. Similar findings were demonstrated even after multivariable adjustment, with the composite outcome HR of 2.85 (95% CI,1.74-4.66), P < .001. In a propensity score matched cohort, this risk remained significantly higher in the real-world cohort (IRR 2.95 [95% CI,1.03-10.28], P = .027), as did the risk of major bleeding and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Vitamin K antagonist-treated AF patients with CKD are exposed to significant annual rates of major adverse events including all-cause mortality. This risk may be under-appreciated in the idealised environment of randomised controlled trials.

Standardized pulmonary vein isolation workflow to enclose veins with contiguous lesions: the multicentre VISTAX trial.

AIMS: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using a standardized workflow aiming to enclose the veins with contiguous and optimized radiofrequency lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS: This multicentre, prospective, non-randomized study was conducted at 17 European sites. Pulmonary vein isolation was guided by VISITAG SURPOINT (VS target ≥550 on the anterior wall; ≥400 on the posterior wall) and intertag distance (≤6 mm). Atrial arrhythmia recurrence was stringently monitored with weekly and symptom-driven transtelephonic monitoring on top of standard-of-care monitoring (24-h Holter and 12-lead electrocardiogram at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up). Three hundred and forty participants with drug refractory PAF were enrolled. Acute effectiveness (first-pass isolation proof to a 30-min wait period and adenosine challenge) was 82.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 77.4-86.7%]. At 12-month follow-up, the rate of freedom from any documented atrial arrhythmia was 78.3% (95% CI 73.8-82.8%), while freedom from atrial arrhythmia by standard-of-care monitoring was 89.4% (95% CI 78.8-87.0%). Freedom fromrepeat ablations by the Kaplan-Meier analysis was 90.4% during 12 months of follow-up. Of the 34 patients with repeat ablations, 14 (41.2%) demonstrated full isolation of all pulmonary vein circles. Primary adverse event (PAE) rate was 3.6% (95% CI 1.9-6.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The VISTAX trial demonstrated that a standardized PAF ablation workflow aiming for contiguous lesions leads to low rates of PAEs, high acute first-pass isolation rates, and 12-month freedom from arrhythmias approaching 80%. Further research is needed to improve the reproducibility of the outcomes across a wider range of centres.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03062046, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03062046.

Comparative effectiveness of catheter ablation devices in the treatment of atrial fibrillation: a network meta-analysis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is most commonly performed using radiofrequency (RF) and cryoballoon (CB) catheters. Ablation Index is a novel lesion-quality marker associated with improved outcomes in RF ablation. Due to lack of direct comparative evidence between the latest generations of technologies, there is uncertainty regarding the best treatment option. Aim: To conduct a network meta-analysis to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of RF with Ablation Index to other catheter ablation devices in the treatment of AF. Methods: Searches for randomized and nonrandomized prospective comparative studies of ablation catheters were conducted in multiple databases. The outcome of interest was 12-month freedom from atrial arrhythmias after a single ablation procedure. Studies were grouped as high-, low- and unclear-quality based on study design and balanced baseline patient characteristics. Bayesian hierarchical network meta-analysis was conducted and results presented as relative risk ratios with 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Results: 12 studies evaluating five different catheter ablation devices were included. Radiofrequency ablation with Ablation Index was associated with statistically significantly greater probability of 12-month freedom from atrial arrhythmias than Arctic Front (relative risk: 1.77; 95% CrI: 1.21-2.87), Arctic Front Advance™ (1.41; 1.06-2.47), THERMOCOOL™ (1.34; 1.17-1.48) and THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH™ (1.09; 1-1.3). Results were robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: Radiofrequency catheter with Ablation Index is superior to currently available options for 12-month freedom from atrial arrhythmias after AF ablation. This study provides decision-makers with robust, pooled, comparative evidence of the latest ablation technologies.

Reverse electrical and structural remodeling of the left atrium occurs early after pulmonary vein isolation for persistent atrial fibrillation.

PURPOSE: Adverse left atrial (LA) remodeling is known to be associated with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF). The time course and pattern of reversal of LA remodeling following catheter ablation is poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate LA chamber volumes and dimensions, LA conduction velocities, and LA bipolar voltages at baseline and at 2 months after catheter ablation for PeAF. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with PeAF underwent detailed LA mapping during fixed rate atrial pacing using the CARTO3 navigation system prior to undergoing pulmonary vein isolation. All patients returned for protocol-mandated repeat electrophysiology study at 2 months, irrespective of symptoms or arrhythmia recurrence, during which all measurements were repeated using an identical mapping protocol. Patients then underwent daily ECG monitoring for 12 months. RESULTS: Nineteen out of twenty-three (83.6%) patients had durable PVI of all veins at repeat electrophysiology study, while 4 (17.4%) patients had late reconnection of a single vein each. In the blinded offline analysis, LA volume at follow-up was significantly lower as compared with baseline (55 ± 14 mL/m2 vs. 65 ± 15 mL/m2, P < 0.001). LA conduction velocities were significantly greater at 2 months (0.90 ± 0.13 m/s vs. 0.78 ± 0.13 m/s, P = 0.01). There was non-uniform regional LA voltage evolution, with a significant increase in bipolar voltages observed on the LA posterior wall (2.18 ± 0.85 mV vs. 1.83 ± 0.49 mV, P = 0.04), but not elsewhere. Individual variables of remodeling were not associated with AF recurrence. CONCLUSION: Significant structural and electrical reverse remodeling of the LA can be seen as early as 2 months following successful catheter ablation for PeAF.

Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation Using Ablation Index-Guided Contact Force Ablation: A Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison to Cryoballoon Ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Ablation Index, also known as VISITAG SURPOINT™, is a novel lesion-quality marker that improves outcomes in radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). There is no direct evidence on the comparative effectiveness of RF ablation with Ablation Index and cryoballoon (CB). The objective of the present study was to conduct a matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) using individual patient-level data (IPD) to compare the effectiveness of RF ablation with Ablation Index to that of CB on recurrence of atrial arrhythmias 12 months after catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF). METHODS: Individual patient-level data for RF ablation with Ablation Index were obtained from two studies: Solimene et al. [J Interv Card Electrophysiol 54(1):9-15, 2019] and Hussein et al. [J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 28(9):1037-1047, 2017]. Comparable CB studies identified from a systematic literature review were pooled. Prognostic variables for adjustment were ranked a priori by several practicing electrophysiologists. In the absence of a common treatment arm between the Ablation Index and CB studies, an unanchored MAIC was conducted. Primary analysis compared the Solimene et al. study to pooled CB studies. A secondary analysis compared pooled RF ablation with Ablation Index studies to pooled CB studies. Several scenario and sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Primary analyses showed statistically significant reductions in the rate of arrhythmia recurrence with RF ablation with Ablation Index compared to CB in unmatched, unadjusted (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27-0.95) and matched (0.42, 0.21-0.86) analyses. Greater reductions in the rate of arrhythmia recurrence that favored RF ablation with Ablation Index were observed after matching and adjusting for age (0.41, 0.20-0.85), age and left ventricular ejection fraction (0.37, 0.16-0.88), and age, sex, and left ventricular ejection fraction (0.30, 0.13-0.71). Secondary and sensitivity analyses showed similar reductions. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation with Ablation Index was associated with reductions in recurrence of atrial arrhythmias at 12 months compared to CB in unmatched and unadjusted, matched, and matched and adjusted comparisons.

Same-day discharge in selected patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is a complex procedure, generally requiring at least one overnight hospital stay. We investigated the safety and feasibility of early mobilization and same-day discharge following streamlined peri-ablation management for AF. METHODS: From 2014, we offered same-day discharge to selected patients who underwent uncomplicated AF ablation on the morning lists, with ultrasound-guided femoral access, uninterrupted warfarin or minimal interruption in novel oral anticoagulants, and reversal of intraprocedural heparin with protamine. Patients were discharged 6-8 h postprocedure and offered access to a dedicated nurse helpline. RESULTS: Of 1599 AF ablation cases performed from April 2014 to March 2017, 811 (50.7%) were performed on the morning lists and 169/811 (20.8%) were discharged on the same day. Excluding 26 research cases, 1/143 (0.7%) had transient right phrenic nerve palsy and five (3.5%) cases experienced minor problems that did not preclude same-day discharge; three (2.1%) needed rehospitalization postdischarge: one for pericarditic chest pain and two for nausea/vomiting. Compared to 642 overnight cases, day-case procedures were shorter, more likely to be redos, to be performed under sedation rather than general anesthesia, and less likely to involve linear lesions and electrical cardioversion. There were no significant differences in patient age, gender, body mass index, CHA2 DS2 -VASc, in preprocedural anticoagulation regimen (warfarin vs novel anticoagulants vs no anticoagulation) and in choice of ablation method (cryoballoon vs radiofrequency). CONCLUSIONS: Selective same-day discharge after AF ablation is safe and feasible using a streamlined peri-procedural care protocol. Wider adoption can potentially reduce health-care costs while improving patient experience.

Early experience of thoracoscopic vs. catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) ablation has been advocated as a treatment option for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in recent guidelines. Real-life data on its safety and efficacy during a centre's early experience are sparse. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty patients (28 persistent/longstanding persistent AF) underwent standalone VATS ablation for AF by an experienced thoracoscopic surgeon, with the first 20 cases proctored by external surgeons. Procedural and follow-up outcomes were collected prospectively, and compared with 90 propensity-matched patients undergoing contemporaneous catheter ablation (CA). Six (20.0%) patients undergoing VATS ablation experienced ≥1 major complication (death n = 1, stroke n = 2, conversion to sternotomy n = 3, and phrenic nerve injury n = 2). This was significantly higher than the 1.1% major complication rate (tamponade requiring drainage n = 1) seen with CA (P < 0.001). Twelve-month single procedure arrhythmia-free survival rates without antiarrhythmic drugs were 56% in the VATS and 57% in the CA cohorts (P = 0.22), and 78% and 80%, respectively given an additional CA and antiarrhythmic drugs (P = 0.32). CONCLUSION: During a centre's early experience, VATS ablation may have similar success rates to those from an established CA service, but carry a greater risk of major complications. Those embarking on a programme of VATS AF ablation should be aware that complication and success rates may differ from those reported by selected high-volume centres.

Systematic re-evaluation of SCN5A variants associated with Brugada syndrome.

BACKGROUND: A large number of SCN5A variants have been reported to underlie Brugada syndrome (BrS). However, the evidence supporting individual variants is highly heterogeneous. OBJECTIVE: We systematically re-evaluated all SCN5A variants reported in BrS using the 2015 American college of medical genetics and genomics and the association for molecular pathology (ACMG-AMP) guidelines. METHODS: A PubMed/Embase search was performed to identify all reported SCN5A variants in BrS. Standardized bioinformatic re-analysis (SIFT, PolyPhen, Mutation Taster, Mutation assessor, FATHMM, GERP, PhyloP, and SiPhy) and re-evaluation of frequency in the gnomAD database were performed. Fourteen ACMG-AMP rules were deemed applicable for SCN5A variant analysis. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty unique SCN5A variants were identified, the majority of which 425 (88%) were coding variants. One hundred and fifty-six of 425 (37%) variants were classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic. Two hundred and fifty-eight (60%) were classified as variants of uncertain significance, while a further 11 (3%) were classified as benign/likely benign. When considering the subset of variants that were considered "null" variants separately, 95% fulfilled criteria for pathogenicity/likely pathogenicity. In contrast, only 17% of missense variants fulfilled criteria for pathogenicity/likely pathogenicity. Importantly, however, only 25% of missense variants had available functional data, which was a major score driver for pathogenic classification. CONCLUSION: Based on contemporary ACMG-AMP guidelines, only a minority of SCN5A variants implicated in BrS fulfill the criteria for pathogenicity or likely pathogenicity.