Hybrid Totally Thoracoscopic Maze and Catheter Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Initial Experience.

Atrial fibrillation is now a pandemic in our ageing community. Although James L. Cox devised a surgical procedure with near-universal curative success in 1987, catheter-based interventions have flourished. For persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), however, an isolated endocardial approach has limitations: procedural times are long, carry risk, and the outcomes are not durable. By combining left atrial endocardial and epicardial interventions with staged mapping, we optimise the benefits of both approaches. Our initial series of hybrid ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation reports excellent early outcomes, freedom from complications and excellent success at follow-up.

NOACs Now Mainstream for the Use of Anticoagulation in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Australia.

The management of stroke risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation has changed over the past few years. This change has occurred due to the introduction of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) such as apixaban, rivaroxaban and dabigatran for the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. These agents have shown comparable stroke risk reduction to warfarin in large international multicentre trials [1-3]. This has changed the clinical practice of many treating physicians since their introduction from 2011 to 2013. The purpose of this review was to highlight the now mainstream use of NOAC administration in preference to warfarin, by comparing the trends in the number of prescriptions filled since all three forms of oral anti-coagulant became available in 2013. These agents are being increasingly prescribed due to their ease of use compared to warfarin, which not only requires ongoing monitoring due to narrow therapeutic range but also has many drug and food interactions. Since November 2015, NOACs have become the mainstream choice for anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation likely given their ease of use compared to warfarin. The use of each anticoagulant remains divergent with the use of warfarin continuing to decrease.

Importance of superior vena cava isolation in successful ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation in patient with partial anomalous pulmonary vein.

Ectopic foci arising from pulmonary veins (PVs) are the predominant sources for the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a vast majority of cases. However, ectopic foci also exist in the non-PV areas like superior vena cava (SVC) in 10-20% of the cases. We report the significance of SVC isolation in a patient with persistent AF and anomalous pulmonary venous connection of the right superior pulmonary vein into the SVC.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure using a PFO closure device.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is commonly performed using umbrella-shaped devices. However, the utility of such devices is highly dependent on the underlying anatomy of the appendage. For the first time, we report the use of an Occlutech PFO closure device to successfully occlude a left atrial appendage that possessed a circumferential ridge at its mouth. PFO closure devices would also be suitable for the occlusion of left atrial appendages when an incomplete surgical closure results in a circumferential ridge.

Long-term longevity and clinical outcomes of Linox S/SD implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: Since the introduction of the Biotronik Linox S/SD leads in 2006, there have been multiple reports of premature lead failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the longevity of the Linox S/SD leads and to identify the possible predictors of lead failure in a single tertiary implant center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent implantation of Linox S/SD leads or Sorin Vigila 1CR/2CR leads (the same Linox S/SD leads marketed by Sorin) at our center. The cumulative lead survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier curve, and variables associated with lead failure were assessed by Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: A total of 187 patients (154 (82%) male) underwent Linox S/SD or Vigila 1CR/2CR implantation between 2007 and 2013. During follow-up with a median time of 75 months, nine lead failures were identified (4.8%). The mean and median times from lead implantation to lead failure were 70.7 ± 21 months and 64 (45-111) months, respectively. The cumulative survival probability for the Linox S/SD at 5 years was 97.1% and at 12 years was 90.3%. Non-physiological high-rate sensing was the most common type of lead failure in patients. In two-thirds of these patients, this led to inappropriate shock. We did not find any significant relationships between patients' clinical and procedural characteristics and lead failure. CONCLUSIONS: At our center, the 5-year lead survival of the Linox S/SD has been better than reports from other centers. The majority of lead failures presented as non-physiological high-rate sensing with subsequent inappropriate therapy.

Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET).

Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is a tachyarrhythmia arising from the atrioventricular node and His bundle area. Enhanced normal automaticity has been postulated as the mechanism of JET in the majority of patients. It is more common in children and can be seen as congenital or in postoperative settings. It is often a narrow complex tachycardia but can present as a wide complex tachycardia as a result of aberrant conduction. Its differentiation from other arrhythmias especially atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) can be challenging. Medical treatment of JET is difficult, and catheter ablation remains the mainstay of treatment in refractory cases with a high risk of atrioventricular block and recurrence.

Pacemaker-mediated arrhythmias.

Pacemakers can be directly involved in initiating or sustaining different forms of arrhythmia. These can cause symptoms such as dyspnea, palpitations, and decompensated heart failure. Early detection of these arrhythmias and optimal pacemaker programming is pivotal. The aim of this review article is to summarize the different types of pacemaker-mediated arrhythmias, their predisposing factors, and mechanisms of prevention or termination.

Non-interventional Management of Symptomatic Pulmonary Vein Occlusion after Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

Pulmonary vein occlusion (PVO) after atrial fibrillation ablation is often highly symptomatic. In cases with a clear target, balloon angioplasty and stenting can be successful. In the absence of such a target, surgical lobectomy has been reported as a treatment option, but the natural history of physiological adaptation may outweigh the risks of invasive therapies and a non-invasive strategy is valid in these situations. We present a case of highly symptomatic PVO managed non-invasively, with complete symptom resolution and return to high-intensity exercise. Catheter intervention may not always be possible in the absence of a target vessel, and lobectomy may not be necessary to manage PVO.

Three sisters, one pathway.

We present the first reported case of an entire family, 3 sisters, all presenting with symptomatic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia during a 15-year period, all were found at electrophysiological study to have identically located left lateral accessory pathway, all successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation. This rare familial clustering suggests a genetic contribution to pathway formation.