Left Atrial Electrophysiological Properties after Pulmonary Vein Isolation Predict the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation: A Cohort Study.

Background: The aim of this work was to investigate left atrial electrophysiological properties for their ability to predict the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods: The study comprised 53 patients with AF [62 (interquartile range (IQR): 52-68) years old; 47.2% females]. High-density, three-dimensional electro-anatomic mapping using PentaRay was conducted during sinus rhythm in the left atrium (LA) immediately after PVI. LA conduction time, conduction velocity in predefined anterior and posterior routes, low voltage area percentage and distribution were assessed. Results: The AF recurrence group had longer LA conduction time compared to the non-recurrence group [11 (IQR: 10-12) ms vs. 9 (IQR: 8-10) ms, p = 0.001). The percent low voltage area was greater in the recurrence group than the non-recurrence group [31.2 (IRQ: 7.1-49.3)% vs. 7.7 (IQR: 4.3-15.2)%, p = 0.008]. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that LA conduction time independently predicted AF recurrence following ablation over a median follow-up of 235 days [IQR: 154-382 days; hazard ratio (HR): 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-5.23, p = 0.031]. The optimal cut-off for LA conduction time was 98 ms [area under curve (AUC): 0.926, sensitivity: 0.833, specificity: 0.894, p < 0.01]. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with a conduction time > 98 ms had a higher rate of AF recurrence following ablation (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with longer LA conduction time after PVI had more frequent AF recurrence.

Left Atrial Low Voltage Areas Predicts Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Catheter Ablation: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Low voltage areas (LVAs) on left atrial (LA) voltage mapping correlate with atrial fibrosis. However, there is no uniform standard for the definition of LVAs, or mapping techniques and mapping rhythms, so that the predictive value of left atrial LVAs for recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is uncertain. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the presence of pre-ablation left atrial LVAs and the risk of recurrent AF after catheter ablation. METHODS: The databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane library, Scopus, Wanfang Datebase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine and China Scientific Journal Datebase were searched from inception to 31 July 2023. Relevant studies regarding left atrial LVAs prior to ablation to predict postoperative recurrence of AF were identified and analyzed. The efficacy endpoints were defined as the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia lasting over 30 s. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies with 1070 patients were included. We found the presence of pre-ablation left atrial LVAs correlated with the risk of recurrent AF after ablation (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.33-3.52). The presence of pre-ablation left atrial LVAs can predict the risk of recurrent AF after ablation both in the follow-up duration ≤12 months group and follow-up duration >12 months group (follow-up duration ≤12 months: HR = 2.93, 95% CI: 2.20-3.90; follow-up duration >12 months: HR = 2.80, 95% CI: 2.09-3.77). The presence of pre-ablation left atrial LVAs correlated with the risk of recurrent AF after ablation in paroxysmal AF (HR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.97-4.24). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of pre-ablation left atrial LVAs correlate with the risk of recurrent AF after catheter ablation.

Effects of Total Intravenous Anesthesia on Circadian Rhythms in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Transcatheter Closure.

Objective To evaluate the effects of total intravenous anesthesia on the circadian rhythms in the patients undergoing cardiac transcatheter closure. Methods Thirty patients undergoing cardiac transcatheter closure under elective intravenous anesthesia were included in this study.Paired t-tests were performed to compare the mRNA levels of the genes encoding circadian locomotor output cycles kaput(CLOCK),brain and muscle ARNT-1 like protein-1(BMAL1),cryptochrome 1(CRY1),and period circadian clock 2(PER2),the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire(MCTQ)score,and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score before and after anesthesia.Multiple stepwise regression analysis was performed to screen the factors influencing sleep chronotype and PSQI total score one week after surgery. Results The postoperative mRNA level of CLOCK was higher [1.38±1.23 vs.1.90±1.47;MD(95%CI):0.52(0.20-0.84),t=3.327,P=0.002] and the postoperative mRNA levels of CRY1 [1.56±1.50 vs.1.13±0.98;MD(95%CI):-0.43(-0.81--0.05),t=-2.319,P=0.028] and PER2 [0.82±0.63 vs.0.50±0.31;MD(95%CI):-0.33(-0.53--0.12),t=-3.202,P=0.003] were lower than the preoperative levels.One week after surgery,the patients presented advanced sleep chronotype [3∶03±0∶59 vs.2∶42±0∶37;MD(95%CI):-21(-40--1),t=-2.172,P=0.038],shortened sleep latency [(67±64)min vs.(37±21)min;MD(95%CI):-30.33(-55.28--5.39),t=-2.487,P=0.019],lengthened sleep duration [(436±83)min vs.(499±83)min;MD(95%CI):62.80(26.93-98.67),t=3.581,P=0.001],increased sleep efficiency [(87.59±10.35)% vs.(92.98±4.27)%;MD(95%CI):5.39(1.21-9.58),t=2.636,P=0.013],decreased sleep quality score [1.13±0.78 vs.0.80±0.71;MD(95%CI):-0.33(-0.62--0.05),t=-2.408,P=0.023],and declined PSQI total score [6.60±3.17 vs.4.03±2.58;MD(95%CI):-2.57(-3.87--1.27),t=-4.039,P<0.001].Body mass index(BMI)(B=-227.460,SE=95.475,t=-2.382,P=0.025),anesthesia duration(B=-47.079,SE=18.506,t=-2.544,P=0.017),and mRNA level of PER2(B=2815.804,SE=1080.183,t=2.607,P=0.015)collectively influenced the sleep chronotype,and the amount of anesthesia medicine(B=0.067,SE=0.028,t=2.385,P=0.024)independently influenced the PSQI one week after surgery. Conclusions Total intravenous anesthesia can improve sleep habits by advancing sleep chronotype.BMI,anesthesia duration,and mRNA level of PER2 collectively influence sleep chronotype one week after surgery.The amount of anesthesia medicine independently influences the PSQI total score one week after surgery.

Research Progress of Low-Voltage Areas Associated with Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial fibrosis is an independent predictor of the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation. Low-voltage areas (LVA) measured during catheter ablation for AF are a commonly used surrogate for the presence of atrial fibrosis. LVA are associated with clinical outcomes and comorbidities and have links to triggering sites for AF. Several trials have shown promising data of targeting ablation in LVA, however the results have been mixed. This article will review the role of LVA in the prediction of adverse events in AF patients, including stroke, how to predict the presence of LVA, and the impact of LVA ablation on the recurrence of AF.

A new mixed surgical treatment for grades iii and iv hemorrhoids: modified selective hemorrhoidectomy combined with complete anal epithelial retention / Um novo tratamento cirúrgico para hemorroidas mistas graus iii e iv: hemorroidectomia seletiva modificada combinada com retenção epitelial anal completa

ABSTRACT Background: Varicose veins appear above and below the dentate line in mixed hemorrhoids, which seriously affects anal function and quality of life. Aim: To propose an improvement in tissue-selecting therapy repair of anal pad combined with complete anal canal epithelial retention comparing with Milligan-Morgan surgery. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was designed enrolling 200 patients with grade III and IV hemorrhoids. They were divided into control and observation groups. The control received Milligan-Morgan surgery, and the observation the modified tissue-selecting therapy stapler combined with complete anal canal preservation surgery. All patients were followed for six months to evaluate the treatment differences. Results: In final, control group included 82 and observation 87. The average operation time of the control group was significantly lower than that of the observation, while the bleeding volume was significantly lower in control group. The control group VAS score was 3 (1, 4), and observation 4 (2, 5). There was no significant difference in the incidence of urinary retention, bleeding and wound margin edema after surgery at one month postoperatively. Digital incidence of anal stenosis in the observation group was significantly lower than in control; the same occurred with residual anal margins. The postoperative anal canal diameter was significantly larger than the control group. Wexner anal incontinence score showed that no anal incontinence occurred in both groups, and the control group scored was significantly higher than observation. In final six months follow-up, the observation group did not experience any relapse and four cases were found among controls. The treatment satisfaction of the observation group was better. Conclusions: In grades III and IV hemorrhoids, modified tissue-selecting therapy combined with complete anal canal preservation had better prognosis and treatment satisfaction than Milligan-Morgan procedure, and it is a new surgical method for patients with advanced mixed hemorrhoids.

RESUMO Racional: Veias varicosas aparecem acima e abaixo da linha dentada nas hemorroidas mistas, afetando seriamente a função anal e a qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Propor melhoria na terapia de seleção de tecido de reparo do coxim anal combinado com retenção completa epitelial do canal anal em comparação com a operação de Milligan-Morgan. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo randomizado controlado foi desenhado envolvendo 200 pacientes com hemorroidas graus III e IV. Eles foram divididos em grupos de controle e observação. O controle recebeu operação de Milligan-Morgan, e o de observação procedimento de seleção de tecido modificado combinado com operação completa de preservação do canal anal. Todos os pacientes foram acompanhados por seis meses para avaliar as diferenças de tratamento. Resultados: No final, o grupo controle incluiu 82 e o de observação 87. O tempo médio de operação do grupo controle foi significativamente menor do que o de observação, enquanto o volume de sangramento foi significativamente menor no grupo controle. O escore VAS do grupo controle foi 3 (1, 4) e no de observação 4 (2, 5). Não houve diferença significativa na incidência de retenção urinária, sangramento e edema da margem da ferida no pós-operatório de um mês. A incidência de estenose anal digital no grupo observação foi significativamente menor do que no controle; o mesmo ocorreu com as margens anais residuais. O diâmetro do canal anal pós-operatório foi significativamente maior nele do que o grupo controle. A pontuação de incontinência anal de Wexner mostrou que nenhuma incontinência ocorreu em ambos os grupos, e a pontuação do grupo de controle foi significativamente maior do que no de observação. Nos últimos seis meses de acompanhamento, o grupo observação não teve nenhuma recaída e quatro casos foram encontrados entre os controles. A satisfação com o tratamento do grupo observação foi maior. Conclusões: Nas hemorroidas graus III e IV, o tratamento de seleção de tecido modificado combinado com a preservação completa do canal anal teve melhor prognóstico e satisfação do que com o procedimento de Milligan-Morgan, e é um novo método cirúrgico para pacientes com hemorroidas mistas avançadas.

Long-term outcomes of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for complex fistula-in-ano: modified operative procedure experience / Resultados em longo prazo da ligadura da fístula interesfincteriana no complexo das fístulas perianais: modificação técnica de procedimento cirúrgico

ABSTRACT Background: It is important but difficult to treat complex fistula-in-ano due to the high recurrent rate and following incontinence. Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), a novel surgical procedure with the advantage of avoiding anal incontinence, has a variable success rate of 57-94.4 %. Aim: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of modified LIFT operative procedure - ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract - to treat complex fistula-in-ano. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 62 cases of complex fistula-in-ano. The group was treated with the modified approach of LIFT (curved incision was made in the anal canal skin; purse-string suture was performed around the fistula; the residual fistulas were removed in a tunnel-based way) and had a follow-up time of more than one year. Patient´s preoperative general condition, postoperative efficacy and their anal function were compared. Results: The median age of the participants was 34, and 43 (69.4%) cases were male. Forty-one (66.1%) cases were of high transsphincteric fistula, four (6.5%) cases of high intrasphincter fistula, and 17 (27.4%) cases of anterior anal fistula in female. The median follow-up duration was 24.5 (range, 12-51) months. The success rate in the end of follow-up was 83.9% (52/62). The anorectal pressure and Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence (CCF-FI) evaluated three months before and after the operation did not find apparent changes. Conclusions: Compared with LIFT, the modified LIFT remarkably reduces postoperative failure and the recurrence rate of complex fistula with acceptable long-term outcomes.

RESUMO Racional: É importante, mas difícil de se tratar fístula anal complexa devido à alta taxa de recorrência e de incontinência pós-operatória. A ligadura do trajeto da fístula interesfincteriana (LIFT) - um novo procedimento cirúrgico com a vantagem de evitar a incontinência anal - tem taxa de sucesso variável entre 57-94,4%. Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados em longo prazo do procedimento cirúrgico LIFT modificado - ligadura do trato interesfincteriano com fístula - para tratar fístula complexa anal. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de 62 casos de fístula complexa no ânus tratados com abordagem modificada de LIFT (incisão curva na pele do canal anal; sutura em bolsa realizada em torno da fístula; as fístulas residuais removidas em um túnel) e teve tempo de acompanhamento de mais de um ano. A condição geral pré-operatória dos pacientes, a eficácia pós-operatória e a função anal foram comparadas. Resultados: A mediana de idade dos participantes foi de 34 anos, e 43 (69,4%) dos casos eram de homens. Quarenta e um (66,1%) casos eram de fístula transesfincteriana alta, quatro (6,5%) de fístula intra-esfincteriana alta e 17 (27,4%) de fístula anal anterior em mulheres. A mediana da duração do acompanhamento foi de 24,5 meses (12-51). A taxa de sucesso no final do acompanhamento foi de 83,9% (52/62). A pressão anorretal e a Incontinência Fecal da Cleveland Clinic Florida (CCF-FI) avaliadas três meses antes e após a operação não encontraram alterações aparentes. Conclusões: Comparado com o LIFT, o LIFT modificado reduz notavelmente a falha pós-operatória e a taxa de recorrência de fístula complexa com resultados aceitáveis em longo prazo.