Catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation: patterns of recurrence and impact on quality of life and health care utilisation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patterns of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence post catheter ablation for persistent AF are not well described. This study aimed to describe the pattern of AF recurrence seen following catheter ablation for persistent AF (PsAF) and the implications for healthcare utilisation and quality of life. METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of the CAPLA study, an international, multi-centre study that randomised patients with symptomatic PsAF to pulmonary vein isolation plus posterior wall isolation or pulmonary vein isolation alone. Patients underwent twice daily single lead ECG, implantable device monitoring or three monthly Holter monitoring. RESULTS: 154 of 333 (46.2%) patients (median age 67.3 years, 28% female) experienced AF recurrence at 12-month follow-up. Recurrence was paroxysmal in 97 (63%) patients and persistent in 57 (37%). Recurrence type did not differ between randomisation groups (p=0.508). Median AF burden was 27.4% in PsAF recurrence and 0.9% in paroxysmal AF (PAF) recurrence (p<0.001). Patients with PsAF recurrence had lower baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (PsAF 50% vs PAF 60%, p<0.001) and larger left atrial volume (PsAF 54.2±19.3 ml/m² vs PAF 44.8±11.6 ml/m², p=0.008). Healthcare utilisation was significantly higher in PsAF (45 patients [78.9%]) vs PAF recurrence (45 patients [46.4%], p<0.001) and lowest in those without recurrence (17 patients [9.5%], p<0.001). Patients without AF recurrence had greater improvements in quality of life as assessed by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaire (Δ33.3±25.2 points) compared to those with PAF (Δ24.0±25.0 points, p=0.012) or PsAF (Δ13.4±22.9 points, p<0.001) recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: AF recurrence is more often paroxysmal after catheter ablation for PsAF irrespective of ablation strategy. Recurrent PsAF was associated with higher AF burden, increased healthcare utilisation and antiarrhythmic drug use. The type of AF recurrence and AF burden may be considered important endpoints in clinical trials investigating ablation of PsAF.

Impact of Posterior Wall Isolation During AF Ablation on the Incidence of Left Atrial Flutter.

BACKGROUND: Linear and complex electrogram ablation (LCEA) beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is associated with an increase in left atrial macro-re-entrant tachycardias (LAMTs). Posterior wall isolation (PWI) is increasingly performed to improve AF ablation outcomes. However, the impact of PWI on the incidence of LAMT is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to establish the incidence of LAMT following PVI alone vs PVI + PWI vs PVI + PWI + LCEA. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF or LAMT post-AF ablation between 2008 and 2022 from 4 electrophysiology centers were reviewed with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. RESULTS: In total, 5,619 (4,419 index, 1,100 redo) AF ablation procedures were performed in 4,783 patients (mean age 60.9 ± 10.6 years, 70.7% men). Over a mean follow-up of 6.4 ± 3.8 years, 246 procedures for LAMT were performed in 214 patients at a mean of 2.6 ± 0.6 years post-AF ablation. Perimitral (52.8% of patients), roof-dependent (27.1%), PV gap-related (17.3%), and anterior circuits (8.9%) were most common, with 16.4% demonstrating multiple circuits. The incidence of LAMT was significantly higher following PVI + PWI (6.2%) vs PVI alone (3.0%; P < 0.0001) and following PVI + PWI + LCEA vs PVI + PWI (12.5%; P = 0.019). Conduction gaps in previous ablation lines were responsible for LAMT in 28.4% post-PVI alone, 35.3% post-PVI + PWI (P = 0.386), and 81.8% post-PVI + PWI + LCEA (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of LAMT following PVI + PWI is higher than with PVI alone but significantly lower than with more extensive atrial substrate modification. Given a low frequency of LAMT following PWI, empiric mitral isthmus ablation is not justified and may be proarrhythmic.

Predictors of pacemaker requirement in patients receiving implantable loop recorders for unexplained syncope: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are increasingly used to evaluate patients with unexplained syncope. Identification of all predictors of bradycardic syncope and consequent permanent pacemaker (PPM) insertion is of substantial clinical interest as patients in the highest risk category may benefit from upfront pacemaker insertion. OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify risk predictors for PPM insertion in ILR recipients with unexplained syncope. METHODS: An electronic database search (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane) was performed in June 2023. Studies evaluating ILR recipients with unexplained syncope and recording risk factors for eventual PPM insertion were included. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) for clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics with respect to future PPM requirement. RESULTS: Eight studies evaluating 1007 ILR recipients were included; 268 patients (26.6%) underwent PPM insertion during study follow-up. PPM recipients were older (mean age, 70.2 ± 15.4 years vs 61.6 ± 19.7 years; P < .001). PR prolongation on baseline electrocardiography was a significant predictor of PPM requirement (pooled OR, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.63-5.20). The presence of distal conduction system disease, encompassing any bundle branch or fascicular block, yielded a pooled OR of 2.88 for PPM insertion (95% confidence interval, 1.53-5.41). Injurious syncope and lack of syncopal prodrome were not significant predictors of PPM insertion. Sinus node dysfunction accounted for 62% of PPM insertions, whereas atrioventricular block accounted for 26%. CONCLUSION: Approximately one-quarter of ILR recipients for unexplained syncope require eventual PPM insertion. Advancing age, PR prolongation, and distal conduction disease are the strongest predictors for PPM requirement.

Sex-specific outcomes after catheter ablation for persistent AF.

BACKGROUND: Sex-specific outcomes after catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) have reported conflicting findings. OBJECTIVE: We examined the impact of female sex on outcomes in patients with persistent AF (PsAF) from the Catheter Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Multicentre Randomized Trial of Pulmonary Vein Isolation vs PVI with Posterior Left Atrial Wall Isolation (CAPLA) randomized trial. METHODS: A total of 338 patients with PsAF were randomized to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) or PVI with posterior wall isolation (PWI). The primary outcome was arrhythmia recurrence at 12 months. Clinical and electroanatomical characteristics, arrhythmia recurrence, and quality of life were compared between women and men. RESULTS: Seventy-nine women (23.4%; PVI 37; PVI + PWI 42) and 259 men (76.6%; PVI 131; PVI + PWI 128) underwent AF ablation. Women were older {median age 70.4 (interquartile range [IQR] 64.8-74.6) years vs 64.0 (IQR 56.7-69.7) years; P < .001} and had more advanced left atrial electroanatomical remodeling. At 12 months, arrhythmia-free survival was lower in women (44.3% vs 56.8% in men; hazard ratio 1.44; 95% confidence interval 1.02-2.04; log-rank, P = .036). PWI did not improve arrhythmia-free survival at 12 months (hazard ratio 1.02; 95% confidence interval 0.74-1.40; log-rank, P = .711). The median AF burden was 0% in both groups (women: IQR 0.0%-2.2% vs men: IQR 0.0%-2.8%; P = .804). Health care utilization was comparable between women (36.7%) and men (30.1%) (P = .241); however, women were more likely to undergo a repeat procedure (17.7% vs 6.9%; P = .007). Women reported more severe baseline anxiety (average Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] anxiety score 7.5 ± 4.9 vs 6.3 ± 4.3 in men; P = .035) and AF-related symptoms (baseline Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life Questionnaire [AFEQT] score 46.7 ± 20.7 vs 55.9 ± 23.0 in men; P = .002), with comparable improvements in psychological symptoms (change in HADS anxiety score -3.8 ± 4.6 vs -3.0 ± 4.5; P = .152 (change in HADS depression score -2.9 ± 5.0 vs -2.6 ± 4.0; P = .542) and greater improvement in AFEQT score compared with men at 12 months (change in AFEQT score +45.9 ± 23.1 vs +39.2 ± 24.8; P = .048). CONCLUSION: Women undergoing CA for PsAF report more significant symptoms and poorer quality of life at baseline than men. Despite higher arrhythmia recurrence and repeat procedures in women, the AF burden was comparably low, resulting in significant improvements in quality of life and psychological well-being after CA in both sexes.

P-Wave Morphology From Common Nonpulmonary Vein Trigger Sites Following Pulmonary Vein and Posterior Wall Isolation.

BACKGROUND: Non-pulmonary vein (PV) triggers are increasingly targeted during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. P-wave morphology (PWM) can be useful because point mapping of AF triggers is challenging. The impact of prior ablation on PWM is yet to be determined. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to report PWM before and after left atrial (LA) ablation and construct a P-wave algorithm of common non-PV trigger locations. METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, observational study analyzed the paced PWM of 30 patients with persistent AF undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and posterior wall isolation (PWI). Pace mapping was performed at the SVC, crista terminalis, inferior tricuspid annulus, coronary sinus ostium, left septum, left atrial appendage, Ligament of Marshall, and inferoposterior LA. The PWM was reported before PVI, then blinded comparisons were made post-PVI and post-PVI + PWI. A P-wave algorithm was constructed. RESULTS: A total of 8,352 paced P waves were prospectively recorded. No significant changes in the PWM were seen post-PVI alone in 2,775 of 2,784 (99.7%) and post-PWI in 2,715 of 2,784 (97.5%). Changes in PWM were predominantly at the IPLA (53 P waves) with a positive P-wave in leads V2 to V6 before biphasic post-PWI, LA appendage (9 P waves), coronary sinus ostium (6 P waves), and ligament of Marshall (3 P waves). A PWM algorithm was created before PVI and accurately predicted the location in 93% post-PVI + PWI. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal change was observed in PWM post-PV and PWI aside from the IPLA location. A P-wave algorithm created before and applied after PVI + PWI provided an accuracy of 93%. PWM provides a reliable tool to guide the localization of common non-PV trigger sites even after PV and PWI.

Caudal fluoroscopic guidance for the insertion of transvenous pacing leads.

BACKGROUND: Pneumothorax is a well-recognized complication of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) insertion. While AP fluoroscopy alone is the most commonly imaging technique for subclavian or axillary access, caudal fluoroscopy (angle 40°) is routinely used at our institution. The caudal view provides additional separation of the first rib and clavicle and may reduce the risk of pneumothorax. We assessed outcomes at our institution of AP and caudal fluoroscopic guided pacing lead insertion. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing transvenous lead insertion for pacemakers, defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices between 2011 and 2023. Both de novo and lead replacement/upgrade procedures were included. Data were extracted from operative, radiology, and discharge reports. All patients underwent postprocedure chest radiography. RESULTS: Three thousand two hundred fifty-two patients underwent insertion of pacing leads between February 2011 and March 2023. Mean age was 71.1 years (range 16-102) and 66.7% were male. Most (n = 2536; 78.0%) procedures used caudal guidance to obtain venous access, while 716 (22.0%) procedures used AP guidance alone. Pneumothoraxes occurred in five (0.2%) patients in the caudal group and five (0.7%) patients in the AP group (p = .03). Subclavian contrast venography was performed less frequently in the caudal group (26.2% vs. 42.7%, p < .01). CONCLUSION: Caudal fluoroscopy for axillary/subclavian access is associated with a lower rate of pneumothorax and contrast venography compared with an AP approach.

Impact of Posterior Left Atrial Voltage on Ablation Outcomes in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: CAPLA Substudy.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is less effective in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF). Adjunctive ablation targeting low voltage areas (LVAs) may improve arrhythmia outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the outcomes of adding posterior wall isolation (PWI) to PVI, vs PVI alone in PsAF patients with posterior wall LVAs. METHODS: The CAPLA (Effect of Catheter Ablation Using Pulmonary Vein Isolation With vs Without Posterior Left Atrial Wall Isolation on Atrial Arrhythmia Recurrence in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation) study was a multicenter, randomized trial involving PsAF patients randomized 1:1 to either PVI alone or PVI with PWI. Voltage mapping performed during pacing pre-ablation was reviewed offline, with LVA defined as bipolar voltage of <0.5 mV. The primary endpoint was freedom from any documented atrial arrhythmia of >30 seconds off antiarrhythmic medication at 12 months after a single ablation procedure in patients with posterior LVA. RESULTS: A total of 210 patients (average 64.6 ± 9.2 years,73.3% males, median atrial fibrillation duration 4.5 months [IQR: 2 to 8 months]) underwent multipolar left atrial mapping during coronary sinus pacing with posterior LVA present in 69 (32.9%). Patients with posterior LVA were more likely to have LVA in other atrial regions (91.7% vs 57.1%; P < 0.01), larger left atrial diameter (4.8 cm vs 4.4 cm; P < 0.01), and significantly increased risk of atrial arrhythmia recurrence at 12 months (LVA: 56.5% vs no LVA: 41.4%; HR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.01-2.27; P = 0.04) compared to no posterior LVA. However, the addition of PWI to PVI did not significantly improve freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence over PVI alone (PVI with PWI: 44.8% vs PVI: 41.9%; HR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.51-1.79; P = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PsAF undergoing catheter ablation, posterior LVA was associated with a significant increase in atrial arrhythmia recurrence. However, the addition of PWI in those with posterior LVA did not reduce atrial arrhythmia recurrence over PVI alone.

Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation vs Medical Therapy and Psychological Distress: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation on mental health outcomes is not well understood. Objective: To determine whether AF catheter ablation is associated with greater improvements in markers of psychological distress compared with medical therapy alone. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Randomized Evaluation of the Impact of Catheter Ablation on Psychological Distress in Atrial Fibrillation (REMEDIAL) study was a randomized trial of symptomatic participants conducted in 2 AF centers in Australia between June 2018 and March 2021. Interventions: Participants were randomized to receive AF catheter ablation (n = 52) or medical therapy (n = 48). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included follow-up assessments of prevalence of severe psychological distress (HADS score >15), anxiety HADS score, depression HADS score, and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score. Arrhythmia recurrence and AF burden data were also analyzed. Results: A total of 100 participants were randomized (mean age, 59 [12] years; 31 [32%] women; 54% with paroxysmal AF). Successful pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all participants in the ablation group. The combined HADS score was lower in the ablation group vs the medical group at 6 months (8.2 [5.4] vs 11.9 [7.2]; P = .006) and at 12 months (7.6 [5.3] vs 11.8 [8.6]; between-group difference, -4.17 [95% CI, -7.04 to -1.31]; P = .005). Similarly, the prevalence of severe psychological distress was lower in the ablation group vs the medical therapy group at 6 months (14.2% vs 34%; P = .02) and at 12 months (10.2% vs 31.9%; P = .01), as was the anxiety HADS score at 6 months (4.7 [3.2] vs 6.4 [3.9]; P = .02) and 12 months (4.5 [3.3] vs 6.6 [4.8]; P = .02); the depression HADS score at 3 months (3.7 [2.6] vs 5.2 [4.0]; P = .047), 6 months (3.4 [2.7] vs 5.5 [3.9]; P = .004), and 12 months (3.1 [2.6] vs 5.2 [3.9]; P = .004); and the BDI-II score at 6 months (7.2 [6.1] vs 11.5 [9.0]; P = .01) and 12 months (6.6 [7.2] vs 10.9 [8.2]; P = .01). The median (IQR) AF burden in the ablation group was lower than in the medical therapy group (0% [0%-3.22%] vs 15.5% [1.0%-45.9%]; P < .001). Conclusion and Relevance: In this trial of participants with symptomatic AF, improvement in psychological symptoms of anxiety and depression was observed with catheter ablation, but not medical therapy. Trial Registration: ANZCTR Identifier: ACTRN12618000062224.

Posterior Wall Isolation Improves Outcomes for Persistent AF With Rapid Posterior Wall Activity: CAPLA Substudy.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is less effective in persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) than in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the CAPLA (Effect of Catheter Ablation Using Pulmonary Vein Isolation With vs Without Posterior Left Atrial Wall Isolation on Atrial Arrhythmia Recurrence in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: The CAPLA randomized clinical trial) of PVI vs posterior wall isolation (PWI) did not support empiric PWI in PerAF. We examined pulmonary vein (PV) and posterior wall (PW) electrical characteristics to determine if select patients may benefit from additional PWI. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the impact of PV and PW electrical characteristics on AF ablation outcomes in the CAPLA randomized study. METHODS: Participants in spontaneous AF at the time of ablation were included from the CAPLA study. The mean, shortest, and longest PV, PW, and left atrial (LA) appendage cycle length measurements were annotated preablation using a multipolar catheter for 100 consecutive cycles. Next, cardioversion was performed with a high-density LA voltage map completed. Cox proportional hazards regression was utilized to determine clinical and electroanatomic predictors of AF recurrence overall and according to ablation strategy. Follow-up included twice daily single-lead electrocardiograms or continuous monitoring for 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients (27% female, age 65 ± 9 years, 18% long-standing PerAF, LA volume index 52 ± 16 mL/m2, median AF duration 5 months [IQR: 2-10 months]) were in AF on the day of procedure and were randomized to PVI alone (50%) or PVI+PWI (50%) according to the CAPLA randomized clinical trial protocol. Baseline clinical, echocardiographic, and electroanatomic parameters were comparable between groups (all P > 0.05) including PV and PW characteristics. After 12 months, freedom from AF off antiarrhythmic drug therapy was 51.7% in PVI and 49.7% in PVI+PWI (log-rank P = 0.564). Rapid PW activity was defined as less than the median of the shortest PW cycle length (140 ms) and rapid PV activity was defined as less than the median of the shortest PV cycle length (126 ms). In those with rapid PW activity, the addition of PWI was associated with greater arrhythmia-free survival (56.4%) vs PVI alone (38.6%) (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.67-0.94; log-rank P = 0.030). Moreover, in those undergoing PVI only, the risk of AF recurrence was higher in those with rapid PW activity (55.3% vs 46.5% in slower PW activity; HR: 1.50, 95%CI 1.11-2.26; log-rank P = 0.036). Rapid PV activity and PV cycle length (individual PVs or average of all 4 PVs) were not associated with outcome (all P > 0.05) regardless of ablation strategy. There was no correlation between PW cycle length and posterior low voltage (r = -0.06, P = 0.496). The addition of PWI did not improve arrhythmia-free survival in subgroups with LA enlargement (LA volume index >34 mL/m2) (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.39-1.25; P = 0.301), posterior low-voltage zone (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.68-1.66; P = 0.807), or long-standing PerAF (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.71-1.72; P = 0.669). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid PW activity is associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence post-catheter ablation. The addition of PWI in this subgroup was associated with a significant improvement in freedom from AF compared with PVI alone. The presence of rapid PW activity may identify patients with PerAF likely to benefit from PWI.

The Role of Posterior Wall Isolation in Catheter Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and Systolic Heart Failure: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Catheter ablation for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and survival compared with medical therapy. Nonrandomized studies have reported improved success with posterior wall isolation (PWI). Objective: To determine the impact of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with PWI vs PVI alone on outcomes in patients with HFrEF. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was an ad hoc secondary analysis of the CAPLA trial, a multicenter, prospective, randomized control trial that involved 11 centers in 3 countries (Australia, Canada, and UK). CAPLA featured 338 patients with persistent AF randomized to either PVI plusPWI or PVI alone. This substudy included patients in the original CAPLA study who had symptomatic HFrEF (LVEF <50% and New York Heart Association class ≥II). Interventions: Pulmonary vein isolation with PWI vs PVI alone. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was freedom from any documented atrial arrhythmia greater than 30 seconds, after a single ablation procedure, without the use of antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy at 12 months. Results: A total of 98 patients with persistent AF and symptomatic HFrEF were identified (mean [SD] age, 62.1 [9.8] years; 79.5% men; and mean [SD] LVEF at baseline, 34.6% [7.9%]). After 12 months, 58.7% of patients with PVI plus PWI were free from recurrent atrial arrhythmia without the use of AAD therapy vs 61.5% with PVI alone (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.54-1.91; P = .96). There were no significant differences in freedom from atrial arrhythmia with or without AAD therapy after multiple procedures (PVI plus PWI vs PVI alone, 60.9% vs 65.4%; P = .73) or AF burden (median, 0% in both groups; P = .78). Mean LVEF improved substantially in PVI plus PWI (∆ LVEF, 19.3% [13.0%; P < .01) and PVI alone (18.2% [14.1%; P < .01), with no difference between groups (P = .71). Normalization of LV function occurred in 65.2% of patients in the PVI plus PWI group and 50.0% of patients with PVI alone (P = .13). Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this study indicate that addition of PWI to PVI did not improve freedom from arrhythmia recurrence or recovery of LVEF in patients with persistent AF and symptomatic HFrEF. Catheter ablation was associated with significant improvements in systolic function, irrespective of ablation strategy used. These results caution against the routine inclusion of PWI in patients with HFrEF undergoing first-time catheter ablation for persistent AF. Trial Registration: http://anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12616001436460.

The impact of age on ablation outcomes in AF-mediated cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: The absence of ventricular scar in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and systolic heart failure (HF) predicts left ventricular (LV) recovery following AF ablation. It is unknown whether age impacts the degree of LV recovery, reverse remodeling, or AF recurrence following catheter ablation (CA) among this population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of age on LV recovery and AF recurrence in a population with AF and systolic HF without fibrosis (termed AF-mediated cardiomyopathy) following CA. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing CA between 2013 and 2021 with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) < 45% and absence of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) detected LV myocardial fibrosis were stratified by age (<65 vs. ≥65 years). Following CA, participants underwent remote rhythm monitoring for 12 months with repeat CMR for HF surveillance. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 70 patients (10% female, mean LVEF 33 ± 9%), stratified into younger (age < 65 years, 63%) and older (age ≥ 65 years, 37%) cohorts. Baseline comorbidities, LVEF (34 ± 9 vs. 33 ± 8 ≥65 years, p = .686), atrial and ventricular dimensions (left atrial volume index: 55 ± 21 vs. 56 ± 14 mL/m2 age ≥ 65, p = .834; indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume: 108 ± 40 vs. 104 ± 28 mL/m2 age ≥ 65, p = .681), pharmacotherapy and ablation strategy (pulmonary vein isolation in all; posterior wall isolation in 27% vs. 19% age ≥ 65, p = .448; cavotricuspid isthmus in 9% vs. 11.5% age ≥ 65) were comparable (all p > .05) albeit a higher CHADS2 VASc score in the older cohort (2.7 ± 0.9 vs. 1.6 ± 0.6 age < 65, p < .001).   Freedom from AF was comparable (hazard ratio: 0.65, 95% confidence interval: 0.38-1.48, LogRank p = .283) as was AF burden [0% (interquartile range, IQR: 0.0-2.1) vs. age ≥ 65: [0% (IQR 0.0-1.7), p = .516], irrespective of age. There was a significant improvement in LV systolic function in both groups (ΔLVEF + 21 ± 14% vs. +21 ± 12% age ≥ 65, p = .913), with LV recovery in the vast majority (73% vs. 69%, respectively, p = .759) at 13 (IQR: 12-16) months. This was accompanied by comparable improvements in functional status (New York Heart Association class p = .851; 6-min walk distance 50 ± 61 vs. 93 ± 134 m in age ≥ 65, p = .066), biomarkers (ΔN-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide -139 ± 246 vs. -168 ± 181 age ≥ 65,p = .629) and HF symptoms (Short Form-36 survey Δphysical component summary p = .483/Δmental component summary, p = .841). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing CA for AF with systolic HF in the absence of ventricular scar, comparable improvements in ventricular function, symptoms, and freedom from AF are achieved irrespective of age.

New-onset atrial fibrillation prediction: the HARMS2-AF risk score.

AIMS: Lifestyle risk factors are a modifiable target in atrial fibrillation (AF) management. The relative contribution of individual lifestyle risk factors to AF development has not been described. Development and validation of an AF lifestyle risk score to identify individuals at risk of AF in the general population are the aims of the study. METHODS AND RESULTS: The UK Biobank (UKB) and Framingham Heart Study (FHS) are large prospective cohorts with outcomes measured >10 years. Incident AF was based on International Classification of Diseases version 10 coding. Prior AF was excluded. Cox proportional hazards regression identified independent AF predictors, which were evaluated in a multivariable model. A weighted score was developed in the UKB and externally validated in the FHS. Kaplan-Meier estimates ascertained the risk of AF development. Among 314 280 UKB participants, AF incidence was 5.7%, with median time to AF 7.6 years (interquartile range 4.5-10.2). Hypertension, age, body mass index, male sex, sleep apnoea, smoking, and alcohol were predictive variables (all P < 0.001); physical inactivity [hazard ratio (HR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-1.05, P = 0.80] and diabetes (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.97-1.09, P = 0·38) were not significant. The HARMS2-AF score had similar predictive performance [area under the curve (AUC) 0.782] to the unweighted model (AUC 0.802) in the UKB. External validation in the FHS (AF incidence 6.0% of 7171 participants) demonstrated an AUC of 0.757 (95% CI 0.735-0.779). A higher HARMS2-AF score (≥5 points) was associated with a heightened AF risk (score 5-9: HR 12.79; score 10-14: HR 38.70). The HARMS2-AF risk model outperformed the Framingham-AF (AUC 0.568) and ARIC (AUC 0.713) risk models (both P < 0.001) and was comparable to the CHARGE-AF risk score (AUC 0.754, P = 0.73). CONCLUSION: The HARMS2-AF score is a novel lifestyle risk score which may help identify individuals at risk of AF in the general community and assist population screening.

Identifying Patients at High Risk of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus Before Cardioversion: The CLOTS-AF Score.

Background Transesophageal echocardiography-guided direct cardioversion is recommended in patients who are inadequately anticoagulated due to perceived risk of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT); however, LAAT risk factors remain poorly defined. Methods and Results We evaluated clinical and transthoracic echocardiographic parameters to predict LAAT risk in consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter undergoing transesophageal echocardiography before cardioversion between 2002 and 2022. Regression analysis identified predictors of LAAT, combined to create the novel CLOTS-AF risk score (comprising clinical and echocardiographic LAAT predictors), which was developed in the derivation cohort (70%) and validated in the remaining 30%. A total of 1001 patients (mean age, 62±13 years; 25% women; left ventricular ejection fraction, 49.8±14%) underwent transesophageal echocardiography, with LAAT identified in 140 of 1001 patients (14%) and dense spontaneous echo contrast precluding cardioversion in a further 75 patients (7.5%). AF duration, AF rhythm, creatinine, stroke, diabetes, and echocardiographic parameters were univariate LAAT predictors; age, female sex, body mass index, anticoagulant type, and duration were not (all P>0.05). CHADS2VASc, though significant on univariate analysis (P<0.001), was not significant after adjustment (P=0.12). The novel CLOTS-AF risk model comprised significant multivariable predictors categorized and weighted according to clinically relevant thresholds (Creatinine >1.5 mg/dL, Left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, Overload (left atrial volume index >34 mL/m2), Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) <17 mm, Stroke, and AF rhythm). The unweighted risk model had excellent predictive performance with an area under the curve of 0.820 (95% CI, 0.752-0.887). The weighted CLOTS-AF risk score maintained good predictive performance (AUC, 0.780) with an accuracy of 72%. Conclusions The incidence of LAAT or dense spontaneous echo contrast precluding cardioversion in patients with AF who are inadequately anticoagulated is 21%. Clinical and noninvasive echocardiographic parameters may identify patients at increased risk of LAAT better managed with a suitable period of anticoagulation before undertaking cardioversion.

Impact of Catheter Ablation on Cognitive Function in Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Control Trial.

BACKGROUND: Early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has been reported following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, whether POCD is persistent long-term is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine if AF catheter ablation is associated with persistent cognitive dysfunction at 12-month follow-up. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 100 patients with symptomatic AF who failed at least 1 antiarrhythmic drug randomized to either ongoing medical therapy or AF catheter ablation and followed up for 12 months. Changes in cognitive performance were assessed using 6 cognitive tests administered at baseline and during follow-up (3, 6, and 12 months). RESULTS: A total of 96 participants completed the study protocol. Mean age was 59 ± 12 years (32% women, 46% with persistent AF). The prevalence of new cognitive dysfunction in the ablation arm compared with the medical arm was as follows: at 3 months: 14% vs 2%; P = 0.03; at 6 months: 4% vs 2%; P = NS; and at 12 months: 0% vs 2%; P = NS. Ablation time was an independent predictor of POCD (P = 0.03). A significant improvement in cognitive scores was seen in 14% of the ablation arm patients at 12 months compared with no patients in the medical arm (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: POCD was observed following AF ablation. However, this was transient with complete recovery at 12-month follow-up.

Atrial Fibrillation Ablation for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) frequently develop atrial fibrillation (AF). There are no randomized trials examining the effects of AF ablation on HFpEF outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of AF ablation vs usual medical therapy on markers of HFpEF severity, including exercise hemodynamics, natriuretic peptide levels, and patient symptoms. METHODS: Patients with concomitant AF and HFpEF underwent exercise right heart catheterization and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. HFpEF was confirmed with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of 15 mm Hg at rest or ≥25 mm Hg on exercise. Patients were randomized to AF ablation vs medical therapy, with investigations repeated at 6 months. The primary outcome was change in peak exercise PCWP on follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients (mean age: 66.1 years; 51.6% females, 80.6% persistent AF) were randomized to AF ablation (n = 16) vs medical therapy (n = 15). Baseline characteristics were comparable across both groups. At 6 months, ablation reduced the primary outcome of peak PCWP from baseline (30.4 ± 4.2 to 25.4 ± 4.5 mm Hg; P < 0.01). Improvements were also seen in peak relative VO2 (20.2 ± 5.9 to 23.1 ± 7.2 mL/kg/min; P < 0.01), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels (794 ± 698 to 141 ± 60 ng/L; P = 0.04), and MLHF (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure) score (51 ± -21.9 to 16.6 ± 17.5; P < 0.01). No differences were detected in the medical arm. Following ablation, 50% no longer met exercise right heart catheterization-based criteria for HFpEF vs 7% in the medical arm (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: AF ablation improves invasive exercise hemodynamic parameters, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with concomitant AF and HFpEF.

Effect of Catheter Ablation Using Pulmonary Vein Isolation With vs Without Posterior Left Atrial Wall Isolation on Atrial Arrhythmia Recurrence in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: The CAPLA Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone is less effective in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with paroxysmal AF. The left atrial posterior wall may contribute to maintenance of persistent AF, and posterior wall isolation (PWI) is a common PVI adjunct. However, PWI has not been subjected to randomized comparison. Objective: To compare PVI with PWI vs PVI alone in patients with persistent AF undergoing first-time catheter ablation. Design, Setting, and Participants: Investigator initiated, multicenter, randomized clinical trial involving 11 centers in 3 countries (Australia, Canada, UK). Symptomatic patients with persistent AF were randomized 1:1 to either PVI with PWI or PVI alone. Patients were enrolled July 2018-March 2021, with 1-year follow-up completed March 2022. Interventions: The PVI with PWI group (n = 170) underwent wide antral pulmonary vein isolation followed by posterior wall isolation involving linear ablation at the roof and floor to achieve electrical isolation. The PVI-alone group (n = 168) underwent wide antral pulmonary vein isolation alone. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary end point was freedom from any documented atrial arrhythmia of more than 30 seconds without antiarrhythmic medication at 12 months, after a single ablation procedure. The 23 secondary outcomes included freedom from atrial arrhythmia with/without antiarrhythmic medication after multiple procedures, freedom from symptomatic AF with/without antiarrhythmic medication after multiple procedures, AF burden between study groups at 12 months, procedural outcomes, and complications. Results: Among 338 patients randomized (median age, 65.6 [IQR, 13.1] years; 76.9% men), 330 (97.6%) completed the study. After 12 months, 89 patients (52.4%) assigned to PVI with PWI were free from recurrent atrial arrhythmia without antiarrhythmic medication after a single procedure, compared with 90 (53.6%) assigned to PVI alone (between-group difference, -1.2%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.99 [95% CI, 0.73-1.36]; P = .98). Of the secondary end points, 9 showed no significant difference, including freedom from atrial arrhythmia with/without antiarrhythmic medication after multiple procedures (58.2% for PVI with PWI vs 60.1% for PVI alone; HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.79-1.55]; P = .57), freedom from symptomatic AF with/without antiarrhythmic medication after multiple procedures (68.2% vs 72%; HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.80-1.78]; P = .36) or AF burden (0% [IQR, 0%-2.3%] vs 0% [IQR, 0%-2.8%], P = .47). Mean procedural times (142 [SD, 69] vs 121 [SD, 57] minutes, P < .001) and ablation times (34 [SD, 21] vs 28 [SD, 12] minutes, P < .001) were significantly shorter for PVI alone. There were 6 complications for PVI with PWI and 4 for PVI alone. Conclusions and Relevance: In patients undergoing first-time catheter ablation for persistent AF, the addition of PWI to PVI alone did not significantly improve freedom from atrial arrhythmia at 12 months compared with PVI alone. These findings do not support the empirical inclusion of PWI for ablation of persistent AF. Trial Registration: anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12616001436460.

Higher power short duration vs. lower power longer duration posterior wall ablation for atrial fibrillation and oesophageal injury outcomes: a prospective multi-centre randomized controlled study (Hi-Lo HEAT trial).

AIMS: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with the risk of oesophageal thermal injury (ETI). Higher power short duration (HPSD) ablation results in preferential local resistive heating over distal conductive heating. Although HPSD has become increasingly common, no randomized study has compared ETI risk with conventional lower power longer duration (LPLD) ablation. This study aims to compare HPSD vs. LPLD ablation on ETI risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were randomized 1:1 to HPSD or LPLD posterior wall (PW) ablation. Posterior wall ablation was 40 W (HPSD group) or 25 W (LPLD group), with target AI (ablation index) 400/LSI (lesion size index) 4. Anterior wall ablation was 40-50 W, with a target AI 500-550/LSI 5-5.5. Endoscopy was performed on Day 1. The primary endpoint was ETI incidence. The mean age was 61 ± 9 years (31% females). The incidence of ETI (superficial ulcers n = 4) was 4.5%, with equal occurrence in HPSD and LPLD (P = 1.0). There was no difference in the median value of maximal oesophageal temperature (HPSD 38.6°C vs. LPLD 38.7°C, P = 0.43), or the median number of lesions per patient with temperature rise above 39°C (HPSD 1.5 vs. LPLD 2, P = 0.93). Radiofrequency ablation time (23.8 vs. 29.7 min, P < 0.01), PVI duration (46.5 vs. 59 min, P = 0.01), and procedure duration (133 vs. 150 min, P = 0.05) were reduced in HPSD. After a median follow-up of 12 months, AF recurrence was lower in HPSD (15.9% vs. LPLD 34.1%; hazard ratio 0.42, log-rank P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Higher power short duration ablation was associated with similarly low rates of ETI and shorter total/PVI RF ablation times when compared with LPLD ablation. Higher power short duration ablation is a safe and efficacious approach to PVI.

The impact of coffee subtypes on incident cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, and mortality: long-term outcomes from the UK Biobank.

AIMS: Epidemiological studies report the beneficial effects of habitual coffee consumption on incident arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality. However, the impact of different coffee preparations on cardiovascular outcomes and survival is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between coffee subtypes on incident outcomes, utilizing the UK Biobank. METHODS AND RESULTS: Coffee subtypes were defined as decaffeinated, ground, and instant, then divided into 0, <1, 1, 2-3, 4-5, and >5 cups/day, and compared with non-drinkers. Cardiovascular disease included coronary heart disease, cardiac failure, and ischaemic stroke. Cox regression modelling with hazard ratios (HRs) assessed associations with incident arrhythmia, CVD, and mortality. Outcomes were determined through ICD codes and death records. A total of 449 563 participants (median 58 years, 55.3% females) were followed over 12.5 ± 0.7 years. Ground and instant coffee consumption was associated with a significant reduction in arrhythmia at 1-5 cups/day but not for decaffeinated coffee. The lowest risk was 4-5 cups/day for ground coffee [HR 0.83, confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.91, P < 0.0001] and 2-3 cups/day for instant coffee (HR 0.88, CI 0.85-0.92, P < 0.0001). All coffee subtypes were associated with a reduction in incident CVD (the lowest risk was 2-3 cups/day for decaffeinated, P = 0.0093; ground, P < 0.0001; and instant coffee, P < 0.0001) vs. non-drinkers. All-cause mortality was significantly reduced for all coffee subtypes, with the greatest risk reduction seen with 2-3 cups/day for decaffeinated (HR 0.86, CI 0.81-0.91, P < 0.0001); ground (HR 0.73, CI 0.69-0.78, P < 0.0001); and instant coffee (HR 0.89, CI 0.86-0.93, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Decaffeinated, ground, and instant coffee, particularly at 2-3 cups/day, were associated with significant reductions in incident CVD and mortality. Ground and instant but not decaffeinated coffee was associated with reduced arrhythmia.