A Modular Communicative Leadless Pacing-Defibrillator System.

BACKGROUND: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is associated with fewer lead-related complications than a transvenous ICD; however, the subcutaneous ICD cannot provide bradycardia and antitachycardia pacing. Whether a modular pacing-defibrillator system comprising a leadless pacemaker in wireless communication with a subcutaneous ICD to provide antitachycardia and bradycardia pacing is safe remains unknown. METHODS: We conducted a multinational, single-group study that enrolled patients at risk for sudden death from ventricular arrhythmias and followed them for 6 months after implantation of a modular pacemaker-defibrillator system. The safety end point was freedom from leadless pacemaker-related major complications, evaluated against a performance goal of 86%. The two primary performance end points were successful communication between the pacemaker and the ICD (performance goal, 88%) and a pacing threshold of up to 2.0 V at a 0.4-msec pulse width (performance goal, 80%). RESULTS: We enrolled 293 patients, 162 of whom were in the 6-month end-point cohort and 151 of whom completed the 6-month follow-up period. The mean age of the patients was 60 years, 16.7% were women, and the mean (±SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was 33.1±12.6%. The percentage of patients who were free from leadless pacemaker-related major complications was 97.5%, which exceeded the prespecified performance goal. Wireless-device communication was successful in 98.8% of communication tests, which exceeded the prespecified goal. Of 151 patients, 147 (97.4%) had pacing thresholds of 2.0 V or less, which exceeded the prespecified goal. The percentage of episodes of arrhythmia that were successfully terminated by antitachycardia pacing was 61.3%, and there were no episodes for which antitachycardia pacing was not delivered owing to communication failure. Of 162 patients, 8 died (4.9%); none of the deaths were deemed to be related to arrhythmias or the implantation procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The leadless pacemaker in wireless communication with a subcutaneous ICD exceeded performance goals for freedom from major complications related to the leadless pacemaker, for communication between the leadless pacemaker and subcutaneous ICD, and for the percentage of patients with a pacing threshold up to 2.0 V at a 0.4-msec pulse width at 6 months. (Funded by Boston Scientific; MODULAR ATP ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04798768.).

Anticoagulation with Edoxaban in Patients with Atrial High-Rate Episodes.

BACKGROUND: Device-detected atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) are atrial arrhythmias detected by implanted cardiac devices. AHREs resemble atrial fibrillation but are rare and brief. Whether the occurrence of AHREs in patients without atrial fibrillation (as documented on a conventional electrocardiogram [ECG]) justifies the initiation of anticoagulants is not known. METHODS: We conducted an event-driven, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized trial involving patients 65 years of age or older who had AHREs lasting for at least 6 minutes and who had at least one additional risk factor for stroke. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive edoxaban or placebo. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, or systemic embolism, evaluated in a time-to-event analysis. The safety outcome was a composite of death from any cause or major bleeding. RESULTS: The analysis population consisted of 2536 patients (1270 in the edoxaban group and 1266 in the placebo group). The mean age was 78 years, 37.4% were women, and the median duration of AHREs was 2.8 hours. The trial was terminated early, at a median follow-up of 21 months, on the basis of safety concerns and the results of an independent, informal assessment of futility for the efficacy of edoxaban; at termination, the planned enrollment had been completed. A primary efficacy outcome event occurred in 83 patients (3.2% per patient-year) in the edoxaban group and in 101 patients (4.0% per patient-year) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 1.08; P = 0.15). The incidence of stroke was approximately 1% per patient-year in both groups. A safety outcome event occurred in 149 patients (5.9% per patient-year) in the edoxaban group and in 114 patients (4.5% per patient-year) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.67; P = 0.03). ECG-diagnosed atrial fibrillation developed in 462 of 2536 patients (18.2% total, 8.7% per patient-year). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with AHREs detected by implantable devices, anticoagulation with edoxaban did not significantly reduce the incidence of a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, or systemic embolism as compared with placebo, but it led to a higher incidence of a composite of death or major bleeding. The incidence of stroke was low in both groups. (Funded by the German Center for Cardiovascular Research and others; NOAH-AFNET 6 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02618577; ISRCTN number, ISRCTN17309850.).

Biomarker-based prediction of sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation patients: the EAST-AFNET 4 biomolecule study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), recurrent AF and sinus rhythm during follow-up are determined by interactions between cardiovascular disease processes and rhythm-control therapy. Predictors of attaining sinus rhythm at follow-up are not well known. METHODS: To quantify the interaction between cardiovascular disease processes and rhythm outcomes, 14 biomarkers reflecting AF-related cardiovascular disease processes in 1586 patients in the EAST-AFNET 4 biomolecule study (71 years old, 46% women) were quantified at baseline. Mixed logistic regression models including clinical features were constructed for each biomarker. Biomarkers were interrogated for interaction with early rhythm control. Outcome was sinus rhythm at 12 months. Results were validated at 24 months and in external datasets. RESULTS: Higher baseline concentrations of three biomarkers were independently associated with a lower chance of sinus rhythm at 12 months: angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2) (odds ratio [OR] 0.76 [95% confidence interval 0.65-0.89], p=0.001), bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) (OR 0.83 [0.71-0.97], p=0.017) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (OR 0.73 [0.60-0.88], p=0.001). Analysis of rhythm at 24 months confirmed the results. Early rhythm control interacted with the predictive potential of NT-proBNP (pinteraction=0.033). The predictive effect of NT-proBNP was reduced in patients randomized to early rhythm control (usual care: OR 0.64 [0.51-0.80], p<0.001; early rhythm control: OR 0.90 [0.69-1.18], p=0.453). External validation confirmed that low concentrations of ANGPT2, BMP10 and NT-proBNP predict sinus rhythm during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Low concentrations of ANGPT2, BMP10 and NT-proBNP identify patients with AF who are likely to attain sinus rhythm during follow-up. The predictive ability of NT-proBNP is attenuated in patients receiving rhythm control.

Anticoagulation with edoxaban in patients with long atrial high-rate episodes ≥24†h.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with long atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) ≥24 h and stroke risk factors are often treated with anticoagulation for stroke prevention. Anticoagulation has never been compared with no anticoagulation in these patients. METHODS: This secondary pre-specified analysis of the Non-vitamin K antagonist Oral anticoagulants in patients with Atrial High-rate episodes (NOAH-AFNET 6) trial examined interactions between AHRE duration at baseline and anticoagulation with edoxaban compared with placebo in patients with AHRE and stroke risk factors. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, or cardiovascular death. The safety outcome was a composite of major bleeding and death. Key secondary outcomes were components of these outcomes and electrocardiogram (ECG)-diagnosed atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Median follow-up of 2389 patients with core lab-verified AHRE was 1.8 years. AHRE ≥24 h were present at baseline in 259/2389 patients (11%, 78 ± 7 years old, 28% women, CHA2DS2-VASc 4). Clinical characteristics were not different from patients with shorter AHRE. The primary outcome occurred in 9/132 patients with AHRE ≥24 h (4.3%/patient-year, 2 strokes) treated with anticoagulation and in 14/127 patients treated with placebo (6.9%/patient-year, 2 strokes). Atrial high-rate episode duration did not interact with the efficacy (P-interaction = .65) or safety (P-interaction = .98) of anticoagulation. Analyses including AHRE as a continuous parameter confirmed this. Patients with AHRE ≥24 h developed more ECG-diagnosed atrial fibrillation (17.0%/patient-year) than patients with shorter AHRE (8.2%/patient-year; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This hypothesis-generating analysis does not find an interaction between AHRE duration and anticoagulation therapy in patients with device-detected AHRE and stroke risk factors. Further research is needed to identify patients with long AHRE at high stroke risk.

Representation of obesity in contemporary atrial fibrillation ablation randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and impact of obesity on outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have not been well studied. OBJECTIVE: To examine the proportion of participants with obesity enrolled in RCTs of AF ablation and outcomes of ablation when subgroup analysis of participants with obesity were available. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE for AF ablation RCTs published between January 1, 2015 to May 31, 2022. When body mass index (BMI) data were available, normal distribution was assumed and a z score was used to estimate the proportion of obesity. Results categorized by BMI or body weight status were reviewed. Authors were contacted for additional information. RESULTS: Of 148 eligible RCTs with 30174 participants, 144 (97.30%) RCTs did not report the proportion of participants with obesity, while published information regarding BMI was available in 63.51%. Three trials excluded patients based on BMI. Using reported BMI, we estimated the proportion of participants with obesity varied greatly across these trials, ranging from 5.82%-71.9% (median 38.02%, interquartile 29.64%, 49.10%). Patients with obesity were represented in a greater proportion among trials conducted in North America (50.23%) and Asia (44.72%), compared to others (32.16%), p < .001. Subgroup analysis or analysis adjusting for BMI was reported in only 13 (8.78%) RCTs; four (30.77%) of these suggested that BMI or body weight might negatively affect primary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Obesity is a common comorbidity among AF patients. However, most AF ablation RCTs underreported the proportion of participants with obesity and its impact on the primary outcomes.

SCMR expert consensus statement for cardiovascular magnetic resonance of patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a proven imaging modality for informing diagnosis and prognosis, guiding therapeutic decisions, and risk stratifying surgical intervention. Patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) would be expected to derive particular benefit from CMR given high prevalence of cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia. While several guidelines have been published over the last 16 years, it is important to recognize that both the CIED and CMR technologies, as well as our knowledge in MR safety, have evolved rapidly during that period. Given increasing utilization of CIED over the past decades, there is an unmet need to establish a consensus statement that integrates latest evidence concerning MR safety and CIED and CMR technologies. While experienced centers currently perform CMR in CIED patients, broad availability of CMR in this population is lacking, partially due to limited availability of resources for programming devices and appropriate monitoring, but also related to knowledge gaps regarding the risk-benefit ratio of CMR in this growing population. To address the knowledge gaps, this SCMR Expert Consensus Statement integrates consensus guidelines, primary data, and opinions from experts across disparate fields towards the shared goal of informing evidenced-based decision-making regarding the risk-benefit ratio of CMR for patients with CIEDs.

Surgical skill simulation training to proficiency reduces procedural errors among novice cardiac device implanters: a randomized study.

AIMS: In cardiac device implantation, having both surgical skills and ability to manipulate catheter/lead/wire is crucial. Few cardiologists, however, receive formal surgical training prior to implanting. Skills are mostly acquired directly on-the-job and surgical technique varies across institutions; suboptimal approaches may increase complications. We investigated how novel proficiency-based progression (PBP) simulation training impacts the surgical quality of implantations, compared to traditional simulation (SIM) training. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this international prospective study, novice implanters were randomized (blinded) 1:1 to participate in a simulation-based procedure training curriculum, with proficiency demonstration requirements for advancing (PBP approach) or without (SIM). Ultimately, trainees performed the surgical tasks of an implant on a porcine tissue that was video-recorded and then scored by two independent assessors (blinded to group), using previously validated performance metrics. Primary outcomes were the number of procedural Steps Completed, Critical Errors, Errors (non-critical), and All Errors Combined. Thirty novice implanters from 10 countries participated. Baseline experiences were similar between groups. Compared to SIM-trained, the PBP-trained group completed on average 11% more procedural Steps (P < 0.001) and made 61.2% fewer Critical Errors (P < 0.001), 57.1% fewer Errors (P = 0.140), and 60.7% fewer All Errors Combined (P = 0.001); 11/15 (73%) PBP trainees demonstrated the predefined target performance level vs. 3/15 SIM trainees (20%) in the video-recorded performance. CONCLUSION: Proficiency-based progression training produces superior objectively assessed novice operators' surgical performance in device implantation compared with traditional (simulation) training. Systematic PBP incorporation into formal academic surgical skills training is recommended before in vivo device practice. Future studies will quantify PBP training's effect on surgery-related device complications.

Design and deployment of the STEEER-AF trial to evaluate and improve guideline adherence: a cluster-randomized trial by the European Society of Cardiology and European Heart Rhythm Association.

AIMS: The aim is to describe the rationale, design, delivery, and baseline characteristics of the Stroke prevention and rhythm control Treatment: Evaluation of an Educational programme of the European society of cardiology in a cluster-Randomized trial in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (STEEER-AF) trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: STEEER-AF is a pragmatic trial designed to objectively and robustly determine whether guidelines are adhered to in routine practice and evaluate a targeted educational programme for healthcare professionals. Seventy centres were randomized in six countries (France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and UK; 2022-23). The STEEER-AF centres recruited 1732 patients with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF), with a mean age of 68.9 years (SD 11.7), CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3.2 (SD 1.8), and 647 (37%) women. Eight hundred and forty-three patients (49%) were in AF at enrolment and 760 (44%) in sinus rhythm. Oral anticoagulant therapy was prescribed in 1543 patients (89%), with the majority receiving direct oral anticoagulants (1378; 89%). Previous cardioversion, antiarrhythmic drug therapy, or ablation was recorded in 836 patients (48.3%). Five hundred fifty-one patients (31.8%) were currently receiving an antiarrhythmic drug, and 446 (25.8%) were scheduled to receive a future cardioversion or ablation. The educational programme engaged 195 healthcare professionals across centres randomized to the intervention group, consisting of bespoke interactive online learning and reinforcement activities, supported by national expert trainers. CONCLUSION: The STEEER-AF trial was successfully deployed across six European countries to investigate guideline adherence in real-world practice and evaluate if a structured educational programme for healthcare professionals can improve patient-level care. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04396418.

Disturbed atrial metabolism, shear stress, and cardiac load contribute to atrial fibrillation after ablation: AXAFA biomolecule study.

AIMS: Different disease processes can combine to cause atrial fibrillation (AF). Their contribution to recurrent AF after ablation in patients is not known. Cardiovascular processes associated with recurrent AF after AF ablation were determined by quantifying biomolecules related to inflammation, metabolism, proliferation, fibrosis, shear stress, atrial pressure, and others in the AXAFA biomolecule study. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve circulating cardiovascular biomolecules (ANGPT2, BMP10, CA125, hsCRP, ESM1, FABP3, FGF23, GDF15, IGFBP7, IL6, NT-proBNP, and hsTnT) were quantified in plasma samples obtained prior to a first AF ablation using high-throughput, high-precision assays. Cox regression was used to identify biomolecules associated with recurrent AF during the first 3 months after AF ablation. In 433 patients (64 years [58, 70]; 33% women), baseline concentrations of ANGPT2, BMP10, hsCRP, FGF23, FABP3, GDF15, and NT-proBNP were elevated in patients with recurrent AF (120/433; 28%). After adjustment for 11 clinical features and randomized treatment, elevated NT-proBNP [hazard ratio (HR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (1.29, 1.94)], ANGPT2 [HR 1.37, (1.12, 1.67)], and BMP10 [HR 1.24 (1.02, 1.51)] remained associated with recurrent AF. Concentrations of ANGPT2, BMP10, and NT-proBNP decreased in patients who remained arrhythmia free, but not in patients with recurrent AF, highlighting their connection to AF. The other eight biomarkers showed unchanged concentrations. CONCLUSION: Elevated concentrations of ANGPT2, BMP10, and NT-proBNP are associated with recurrent AF after a first AF ablation, suggesting that processes linked to disturbed cardiomyocyte metabolism, altered atrial shear stress, and increased load contribute to AF after AF ablation in patients.

Non-invasive detection of slow conduction with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for ventricular tachycardia ablation.

AIMS: Non-invasive myocardial scar characterization with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been shown to accurately identify conduction channels and can be an important aid for ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. A new mapping method based on targeting deceleration zones (DZs) has become one of the most commonly used strategies for VT ablation procedures. The aim of the study was to analyse the capability of CMR to identify DZs and to find predictors of arrhythmogenicity in CMR channels. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-four consecutive patients with structural heart disease and VT undergoing ablation after CMR at a single centre (October 2018 to July 2021) were included (mean age, 64.8 ± 11.6 years; 95.5% male; 70.5% with ischaemic heart disease; a mean ejection fraction of 32.3 ± 7.8%). The characteristics of CMR channels were analysed, and correlations with DZs detected during isochronal late activation mapping in both baseline maps and remaps were determined. Overall, 109 automatically detected CMR channels were analysed (2.48 ± 1.15 per patient; length, 57.91 ± 63.07 mm; conducting channel mass, 2.06 ± 2.67 g; protectedness, 21.44 ± 25.39 mm). Overall, 76.1% of CMR channels were associated with a DZ. A univariate analysis showed that channels associated with DZs were longer [67.81 ± 68.45 vs. 26.31 ± 21.25 mm, odds ratio (OR) 1.03, P = 0.010], with a higher border zone (BZ) mass (2.41 ± 2.91 vs. 0.87 ± 0.86 g, OR 2.46, P = 0.011) and greater protectedness (24.97 ± 27.72 vs. 10.19 ± 9.52 mm, OR 1.08, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Non-invasive detection of targets for VT ablation is possible with CMR. Deceleration zones found during electroanatomical mapping accurately correlate with CMR channels, especially those with increased length, BZ mass, and protectedness.

Same-day discharge after atrial fibrillation ablation under a nurse-coordinated standardized protocol.

AIMS: Same-day discharge (SDD) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is an effective means to spare healthcare resources. However, safety remains a concern, and besides structural adaptations, SDD requires more efficient logistics and coordination. Therefore, in this study, we implement a streamlined, nurse-coordinated SDD programme following a standardized protocol. METHODS AND RESULTS: As a dedicated SDD coordinator, a nurse specialized in ambulatory cardiac interventions was in charge of the full SDD protocol, including eligibility, patient flow, in-hospital logistics, patient education, and discharge as well as early post-discharge follow-up by smartphone-based virtual visits. Patients planned for AF ablation were considered eligible if they had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥35%, with basic support at home and accessibility of the hospital within 60 min also forming a part of the eligibility criteria. A total of 420 consecutive patients were screened by the SDD coordinator, of whom 331 were eligible for SDD. The reasons for exclusion were living remotely (29, 6.9%), lack of support at home (19, 4.5%), or LVEF <35% (17, 4.0%). Of the eligible patients, 300 (91%) were successfully discharged the same day. There were no major post-SDD complications. Rates of unplanned medical attention (19, 6.3%) and 30-day readmission (5, 1.6%) were extremely low and driven by femoral access-site complications. These were significantly reduced upon the introduction of compulsory ultrasound-guided punctures after the initial 150 SDD patients (P = 0.0145). Standardized SDD coordination resulted in efficient workflows and reduced the total workload of the medical staff. CONCLUSION: Same-day discharge after AF ablation following a nurse-coordinated standardized protocol is safe and efficient. The concept of ambulatory cardiac intervention nurses functioning as dedicated coordinators may be key in the future transition of hospitals to SDD. Ultrasound-guided femoral puncture virtually eliminated relevant femoral access-site complications in our cohort and should therefore be a prerequisite for SDD.

Atrial cardiomyopathy revisited-evolution of a concept: a clinical consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asian Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS).

AIMS: The concept of "atrial cardiomyopathy" (AtCM) had been percolating through the literature since its first mention in 1972. Since then, publications using the term were sporadic until the decision was made to convene an expert working group with representation from four multinational arrhythmia organizations to prepare a consensus document on atrial cardiomyopathy in 2016 (EHRA/HRS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus on atrial cardiomyopathies: definition, characterization, and clinical implication). Subsequently, publications on AtCM have increased progressively. METHODS AND RESULTS: The present consensus document elaborates the 2016 AtCM document further to implement a simple AtCM staging system (AtCM stages 1-3) by integrating biomarkers, atrial geometry, and electrophysiological changes. However, the proposed AtCM staging needs clinical validation. Importantly, it is clearly stated that the presence of AtCM might serve as a substrate for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and AF may accelerates AtCM substantially, but AtCM per se needs to be viewed as a separate entity. CONCLUSION: Thus, the present document serves as a clinical consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asian Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS) to contribute to the evolution of the AtCM concept.

Longer and better lives for patients with atrial fibrillation: the 9th AFNET/EHRA consensus conference.

AIMS: Recent trial data demonstrate beneficial effects of active rhythm management in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and support the concept that a low arrhythmia burden is associated with a low risk of AF-related complications. The aim of this document is to summarize the key outcomes of the 9th AFNET/EHRA Consensus Conference of the Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-three international experts met in Münster for 2 days in September 2023. Key findings are as follows: (i) Active rhythm management should be part of the default initial treatment for all suitable patients with AF. (ii) Patients with device-detected AF have a low burden of AF and a low risk of stroke. Anticoagulation prevents some strokes and also increases major but non-lethal bleeding. (iii) More research is needed to improve stroke risk prediction in patients with AF, especially in those with a low AF burden. Biomolecules, genetics, and imaging can support this. (iv) The presence of AF should trigger systematic workup and comprehensive treatment of concomitant cardiovascular conditions. (v) Machine learning algorithms have been used to improve detection or likely development of AF. Cooperation between clinicians and data scientists is needed to leverage the potential of data science applications for patients with AF. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AF and a low arrhythmia burden have a lower risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events than those with a high arrhythmia burden. Combining active rhythm control, anticoagulation, rate control, and therapy of concomitant cardiovascular conditions can improve the lives of patients with AF.

Combined Area of Left and Right Atria May Outperform Atrial Volumes as a Predictor of Recurrences after Ablation in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation-A Pilot Study.

Background and Objectives: Left atrial (LA) remodelling and dilatation predicts atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences after catheter ablation. However, whether right atrial (RA) remodelling and dilatation predicts AF recurrences after ablation has not been fully evaluated. Materials and Methods: This is an observational study of 85 consecutive patients (aged 57 ± 9 years; 70 [82%] men) who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance before first catheter ablation for AF (40 [47.1%] persistent AF). Four-chamber cine-sequence was selected to measure LA and RA area, and ventricular end-systolic image phase to obtain atrial 3D volumes. The effect of different variables on event-free survival was investigated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: In patients with persistent AF, combined LA and RA area indexed to body surface area (AILA + RA) predicted AF recurrences (HR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.17, p = 0.048). An AILA + RA cut-off value of 26.7 cm2/m2 had 72% sensitivity and 73% specificity for predicting recurrences in patients with persistent AF. In this group, 65% of patients with AILA + RA > 26.7 cm2/m2 experienced AF recurrence within 2 years of follow-up (median follow-up 11 months), compared to 25% of patients with AILA + RA ≤ 26.7 cm2/m2 (HR 4.28, 95% CI 1.50-12.22; p = 0.007). Indices of LA and RA dilatation did not predict AF recurrences in patients with paroxysmal AF. Atrial 3D volumes did not predict AF recurrences after ablation. Conclusions: In this pilot study, the simple measurement of AILA + RA may predict recurrences after ablation of persistent AF, and may outperform measurements of atrial volumes. In paroxysmal AF, atrial dilatation did not predict recurrences. Further studies on the role of RA and LA remodelling are needed.

Late onset of two concurrent and dissociated arrhythmias in a transplanted heart.

A 53-year-old patient with a history of heart transplant is referred for atrial tachycardia ablation. Two dissociated concomitant rhythms are observed: a focal atrial tachycardia in the donor atrium and atrial fibrillation in the remaining recipient atrium.

MRI-Detected Brain Lesions and Cognitive Function in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Left Atrial Catheter Ablation in the Randomized AXAFA-AFNET 5 Trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the prevalence of ischemic brain lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging and their association with cognitive function 3 months after first-time ablation using continuous oral anticoagulation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: We performed a prespecified analysis of the AXAFA-AFNET 5 trial (Anticoagulation Using the Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor Apixaban During Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation: Comparison to Vitamin K Antagonist Therapy), which randomized 674 patients with AF 1:1 to uninterrupted apixaban or vitamin K antagonist therapy before first-time ablation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging using fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging was obtained within 3 to 48 hours after AF ablation in all eligible patients enrolled in 25 study centers in Europe and the United States. Patients underwent cognitive assessment 3 to 6 weeks before ablation and 3 months after ablation using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). RESULTS: In 84 (26.1%) of 321 patients with analyzable magnetic resonance imaging, high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging detected at least 1 acute brain lesion, including 44 (27.2%) patients treated with apixaban and 40 (24.8%) patients treated with vitamin K antagonist (P=0.675). Median MoCA score was similar in patients with or without acute brain lesions at 3 months after ablation (28 [interquartile range (IQR), 26-29] versus 28 [IQR, 26-29]; P=0.948). Cerebral chronic white matter damage (defined as Wahlund score ≥4 points) detected by fluid-attenuated inversion recovery was present in 130 (40.5%) patients and associated with lower median MoCA scores before ablation (27 [IQR, 24-28] versus 27 [IQR, 25-29]; P=0.026) and 3 months after ablation (27 [IQR, 25-29] versus 28 [IQR, 26-29]; P=0.011). This association was no longer significant when adjusted for age and sex. Age was associated with lower MoCA scores before ablation (relative risk, 1.02 per 10 years [95% CI, 1.01-1.03]) and 3 months after ablation (relative risk, 1.02 per 10 years [95% CI, 1.01-1.03]). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic white matter damage as well as acute ischemic lesions detected by brain magnetic resonance imaging were found frequently after first-time ablation for paroxysmal AF using uninterrupted oral anticoagulation. Acute ischemic brain lesions detected by high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging were not associated with cognitive function at 3 months after ablation. Lower MoCA scores before and after ablation were associated only with older age, highlighting the safety of AF ablation on uninterrupted oral anticoagulation. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT02227550.

Early Rhythm-Control Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in the management of atrial fibrillation, patients with this condition remain at increased risk for cardiovascular complications. It is unclear whether early rhythm-control therapy can reduce this risk. METHODS: In this international, investigator-initiated, parallel-group, open, blinded-outcome-assessment trial, we randomly assigned patients who had early atrial fibrillation (diagnosed ≤1 year before enrollment) and cardiovascular conditions to receive either early rhythm control or usual care. Early rhythm control included treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs or atrial fibrillation ablation after randomization. Usual care limited rhythm control to the management of atrial fibrillation-related symptoms. The first primary outcome was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, stroke, or hospitalization with worsening of heart failure or acute coronary syndrome; the second primary outcome was the number of nights spent in the hospital per year. The primary safety outcome was a composite of death, stroke, or serious adverse events related to rhythm-control therapy. Secondary outcomes, including symptoms and left ventricular function, were also evaluated. RESULTS: In 135 centers, 2789 patients with early atrial fibrillation (median time since diagnosis, 36 days) underwent randomization. The trial was stopped for efficacy at the third interim analysis after a median of 5.1 years of follow-up per patient. A first-primary-outcome event occurred in 249 of the patients assigned to early rhythm control (3.9 per 100 person-years) and in 316 patients assigned to usual care (5.0 per 100 person-years) (hazard ratio, 0.79; 96% confidence interval, 0.66 to 0.94; P = 0.005). The mean (±SD) number of nights spent in the hospital did not differ significantly between the groups (5.8±21.9 and 5.1±15.5 days per year, respectively; P = 0.23). The percentage of patients with a primary safety outcome event did not differ significantly between the groups; serious adverse events related to rhythm-control therapy occurred in 4.9% of the patients assigned to early rhythm control and 1.4% of the patients assigned to usual care. Symptoms and left ventricular function at 2 years did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early rhythm-control therapy was associated with a lower risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes than usual care among patients with early atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular conditions. (Funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research and others; EAST-AFNET 4 ISRCTN number, ISRCTN04708680; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01288352; EudraCT number, 2010-021258-20.).

Myocardial scarring and recurrence of ventricular arrhythmia in patients surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

INTRODUCTION: Prediction of recurrent ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in survivors of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is important, but currently difficult. Risk of recurrence may be related to presence of myocardial scarring assessed with late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR). Our study aims to characterize myocardial scarring as defined by LGE-CMR in survivors of a VA-OHCA and investigate its potential role in the risk of new VA events. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2022, a total of 230 VA-OHCA patients without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction had CMR before implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation for secondary prevention at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, and Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, of which n = 170 patients had a conventional (no LGE protocol) CMR and n = 60 patients had LGE-CMR (including LGE protocol). Scar tissue including core, border zone (BZ) and BZ channels were automatically detected by specialized investigational software in patients with LGE-CMR. The primary endpoint was recurrent VA. RESULTS: After exclusion, n = 52 VA-OHCA patients with LGE-CMR and a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 49 ± 16% were included, of which 18 (32%) patients reached the primary endpoint of VA. Patients with recurrent VA in exhibited greater scar mass, core mass, BZ mass, and presence of BZ channels compared with patients without recurrent VA. The presence of BZ channels identified patients with recurrent VA with 67% sensitivity and 85% specificity (area under the ROC curve (AUC) 0.76; 95% CI: 0.63-0.89; p < .001) and was the strongest predictor of the primary endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of BZ channels was the strongest predictor of recurrent VA in patients with an out of-hospital cardiac arrest and LGE-CMR.

Magnetic resonance detection of advanced atrial cardiomyopathy increases the risk for atypical atrial flutter occurrence following atrial fibrillation ablation.

AIMS: Recurrence of arrhythmia after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the form of atypical atrial flutter (AFL) is common among a significant number of patients and often requires redo ablation with limited success rates. Identifying patients at high risk of AFL after AF ablation could aid in patient selection and personalized ablation approach. The study aims to assess the relationship between pre-existing atrial cardiomyopathy and the occurrence of AFL following AF ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed a cohort of 1007 consecutive AF patients who underwent catheter ablation and were included in a prospective registry. Patients who did not have baseline cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE-CMR) or did not experience any recurrences were excluded. A total of 166 patients were included gathering 56 patients who underwent re-ablation due to AFL recurrences and 110 patients who underwent re-ablation due to AF recurrences (P = 0.11). A multiparametric assessment of atrial cardiomyopathy was based on basal LGE-CMR, including left atrial (LA) volume, LA sphericity, and global and segmental LA fibrosis using semiautomated post-processing software. Out of the initial cohort of 1007 patients, AFL and AF occurred in 56 and 110 patients, respectively. An age higher than 65 [odds ratio (OR) = 5.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.2-14.4], the number of previous ablations (OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-7.8), and the management of ablation lines in the index procedure (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.0-6.3) were independently associated with AFL occurrence. Furthermore, several characteristics assessed by LGE-CMR were identified as independent predictors of AFL recurrence after the index ablation for AF, such as enhanced LA sphericity (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6), LA global fibrosis (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07), and increased fibrosis in the lateral wall (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04). CONCLUSION: Advanced atrial cardiomyopathy assessed by LGE-CMR, such as increased LA sphericity, global LA fibrosis, and fibrosis in the lateral wall, is independently associated with arrhythmia recurrence in the form of AFL following AF ablation.

Detection of brain lesions after catheter ablation depends on imaging criteria: insights from AXAFA-AFNET 5 trial.

AIMS: Left atrial catheter ablation is well established in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) but associated with risk of embolism to the brain. The present analysis aims to assess the impact of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) slice thickness on the rate of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected ischaemic brain lesions after ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: AXAFA-AFNET 5 trial (NCT02227550) participants underwent MRI using high-resolution (hr) DWI (slice thickness: 2.5-3 mm) and standard DWI (slice thickness: 5-6 mm) within 3-48 h after ablation. In 321 patients with analysable brain MRI (mean age 64 years, 33% female, median CHA2DS2-VASc 2), hrDWI detected at least one acute brain lesion in 84 (26.2%) patients and standard DWI in 60 (18.7%; P < 0.01) patients. High-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging detected more lesions compared to standard DWI (165 vs. 104; P < 0.01). The degree of agreement for lesion confirmation using hrDWI vs. standard DWI was substantial (κ = 0769). Comparing the proportion of DWI-detected lesions, lesion distribution, and total lesion volume per patient, there was no difference in the cohort of participants undergoing MRI at 1.5 T (n = 52) vs. 3 T (n = 269). CONCLUSION: The pre-specified AXAFA-AFNET 5 sub-analysis revealed significantly increased rates of MRI-detected acute brain lesions using hrDWI instead of standard DWI in AF patients undergoing ablation. In comparison to DWI slice thickness, MRI field strength had a no significant impact in the trial. Comparing the varying rates of ablation-related MRI-detected brain lesions across previous studies has to consider these technical parameters. Future studies should use hrDWI, as feasibility was demonstrated in the multicentre AXAFA-AFNET 5 trial.