Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with left bundle branch block.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle branch block (LBBB) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are commonly coexisting conditions. The impact of LBBB on catheter ablation of AF has not been well determined. This study aims to explore the long-term outcomes of patients with AF and LBBB after catheter ablation. METHODS: Forty-two patients with LBBB of 11,752 patients who underwent catheter ablation of AF from 2011 to 2020 were enrolled as LBBB group. After propensity score matching in a 1:4 ratio, 168 AF patients without LBBB were enrolled as non-LBBB group. Late recurrence and a composite endpoint of stroke, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular hospitalization were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Late recurrence rate was significantly higher in the LBBB group than that in the non-LBBB group (54.8% vs. 31.5%, p = .034). Multivariate analysis showed that LBBB was an independent risk factor for late recurrence after catheter ablation of AF (hazard ratio [HR] 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-4.40, p = .031). LBBB group was also associated with a significantly higher incidence of the composite endpoint (21.4% vs. 6.5%, HR 3.98, 95% CI 1.64-9.64, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: LBBB was associated with a higher risk for late recurrence and a higher incidence of composite endpoint in the patients underwent catheter ablation.

Catheter ablation versus medical therapy for atrial fibrillation with prior stroke history: a prospective propensity score-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and prior stroke history have a high risk of cardiovascular events despite anticoagulation therapy. It is unclear whether catheter ablation (CA) has further benefits in these patients. METHODS: AF patients with a previous history of stroke or systemic embolism (SE) from the prospective Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study between August 2011 and December 2020 were included in the analysis. Patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio to CA or medical treatment (MT) based on propensity score. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death or ischemic stroke (IS)/SE. RESULTS: During a total of 4.1 ± 2.3 years of follow-up, the primary outcome occurred in 111 patients in the CA group (3.3 per 100 person-years) and in 229 patients in the MT group (5.7 per 100 person-years). The CA group had a lower risk of the primary outcome compared to the MT group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.47-0.74, P < 0.001]. There was a significant decreasing risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31-0.61, P < 0.001), IS/SE (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.97, P = 0.033), cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19-0.54, P < 0.001) and AF recurrence (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.30-0.37, P < 0.001) in the CA group compared to that in the MT group. Sensitivity analysis generated consistent results when adjusting for time-dependent usage of anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: In AF patients with a prior stroke history, CA was associated with a lower combined risk of all-cause death or IS/SE. Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm the benefits of CA in these patients.

Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation among hospitalized patients: clinical correlates and in-hospital outcomes in Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Atrial Fibrillation.

AIMS: The clinical correlates and outcomes of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in hospitalized patients are largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the clinical correlates and in-hospital outcomes of asymptomatic AF in hospitalized Chinese patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a cross-sectional registry study of inpatients with AF enrolled in the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Atrial Fibrillation Project between February 2015 and December 2019. We investigated the clinical characteristics of asymptomatic AF and the association between the clinical correlates and the in-hospital outcomes of asymptomatic AF. Asymptomatic and symptomatic AF were defined according to the European Heart Rhythm Association score. Asymptomatic patients were more commonly males (56.3%) and had more comorbidities such as hypertension (57.4%), diabetes mellitus (18.6%), peripheral artery disease (PAD; 2.3%), coronary artery disease (55.5%), previous history of stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA; 17.9%), and myocardial infarction (MI; 5.4%); however, they had less prevalent heart failure (9.6%) or left ventricular ejection fractions ≤40% (7.3%). Asymptomatic patients were more often hospitalized with a non-AF diagnosis as the main diagnosis and were more commonly first diagnosed with AF (23.9%) and long-standing persistent/permanent AF (17.0%). The independent determinants of asymptomatic presentation were male sex, long-standing persistent AF/permanent AF, previous history of stroke/TIA, MI, PAD, and previous treatment with anti-platelet drugs. The incidence of in-hospital clinical events such as all-cause death, ischaemic stroke/TIA, and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was higher in asymptomatic patients than in symptomatic patients, and asymptomatic clinical status was an independent risk factor for in-hospital all-cause death, ischaemic stroke/TIA, and ACS. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic AF is common among hospitalized patients with AF. Asymptomatic clinical status is associated with male sex, comorbidities, and a higher risk of in-hospital outcomes. The adoption of effective management strategies for patients with AF should not be solely based on clinical symptoms.

Impact of age on characteristics, performance measures and outcomes of inpatients for heart failure in Beijing, China.

AIMS: This study aims to provide representative information on heart failure (HF) patients in China, especially older adults aged ≥75 years. We aim to clarify the age-related discrepancies in performance measures and the modifying effect of age on the impact of HF patients' characteristics on clinical outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: All HF patients admitted into five tertiary and four secondary hospitals of the Capital Medical University were divided into two groups according to age: 1419 (53.3%) were <75 years, and 1244 (46.7%) were ≥75 years. Older HF patients were more likely to be women, with higher left ventricular ejection fraction, with co-morbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma, anaemia, chronic kidney disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, while obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia and valvular heart disease were more prevalent among younger HF patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction assessment was performed in a similar proportion of patients in the younger and older groups (81.7% vs. 80.5%, P = 0.426), while B-type natriuretic peptide/N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide was tested in a lower proportion in the younger group (84.8% vs. 89%, P = 0.001). At discharge, HF with reduced ejection fraction patients were less likely to receive beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, or combined beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers therapy in the older group (49.74% vs. 63.2%, P = 0.002; 52.9% vs. 64.7%, P = 0.006; and 28.57% vs. 45.5%, P < 0.001, respectively) but were equally likely to receive mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in the two age groups (80.8% vs. 84.1%, P = 0.322). Older patients with HF had higher risk of in-hospital and 1 year mortality (2.7% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.011; 21.7% vs. 12.5%; P < 0.001, respectively). Higher body mass index was associated with better outcomes in both age groups. New York Heart Association functional class IV and estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were independent predictors of 1 year mortality. The associations between patients' characteristics and risk of mortality were not modified by age. CONCLUSIONS: HF patients aged ≥75 years had distinct clinical profiles, received worse in-hospital therapies and experienced higher in-hospital and 1 year mortality.

A novel esophageal retractor with eccentric balloon during atrial fibrillation ablation.

BACKGROUND: Due to the anatomically adjacent relationship between the left atrium (LA) and esophagus, energy delivery on the posterior wall of LA is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel esophageal retractor (SAFER) with an inflatable C-curve balloon during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. METHOD: Nine patients underwent AF ablation assisted with the SAFER. After inflation, the esophagus was deviated laterally away from the intended ablation site of the posterior wall under local anesthesia. The extent of mechanical esophageal deviation (MED) was evaluated under fluoroscopy, defined as the shortest distance from the trailing esophageal edge to the closest point of the ablation line. Gastroscopy was performed before and after ablation. The target ablation index used in all LA sites including the posterior wall was 400-450 after effective MED. All adverse events during the periprocedural period were recorded. RESULTS: The mean deviation distance achieved 16.2 ± 9.6 mm away from the closest ablation point of the pulmonary vein lesion set. With respect to the individual left and right pulmonary vein lesion sets, the deviation distance was 19.7 ± 11.5 and 12.7 ± 6.8 mm, respectively. The extent of deviation was 0 to 5 mm, 5.1 to 10 mm, or >10 mm in 0(0%), 7(38.9%), and 11(61.1%), respectively. Procedural success was achieved in all patients without acute reconnection. There was only one esophageal complication which manifested as esophageal erosion and this patient experienced throat pain possibly related to the SAFER retractor with no clinical sequelae. CONCLUSION: Esophageal deviation with the novel eccentric balloon is a novel feasible choice during AF ablation, enabling adequate energy delivery to the posterior wall of LA. Additional prospective randomized controlled studies are required for further validation.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with autoimmune disease: A propensity score matching study based on the China Atrial Fibrillation Registry.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with autoimmune disease (AD) is limited. HYPOTHESIS: Patients with AD had worse outcomes after CA procedures for AF. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in patients undergoing AF ablation between 2012 and 2021. The risk of recurrence after ablation was investigated in patients with AD and a 1:4 propensity score matched non-AD group. RESULTS: We identified 107 patients with AD (64 ± 10 years, female 48.6%) who were matched with 428 non-AD patients (65 ± 10 years, female 43.9%). Patients with AD exhibited more severe AF-related symptoms. During the index procedure, a higher proportion of AD patients received nonpulmonary vein trigger ablation (18.7% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.002). Over a median follow-up of 36.3 months, patients with AD experienced a similar risk of recurrence with the non-AD group (41.1% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.21, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86-1.76) despite a higher incidence of early recurrences (36.4% vs. 13.5%, p = 0.001). Compared with non-AD patients, patients with connective tissue disease were at an increased risk of recurrence (46.3% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.049, HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.00-2.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the duration of AF history and corticosteroid therapy were independent predictors of postablation recurrence in patients with AD. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AD, the risk of recurrence after ablation for AF during the follow-up was comparable with non-AD patients, but a higher risk of early recurrence was observed. Further research into the impact of AD on AF treatment is warranted.

Prospective randomized comparison between upgraded '2C3L' vs. PVI approach for catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: PROMPT-AF trial design.

BACKGROUND: In randomized studies, the strategy of pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVI) plus linear ablation has failed to increase success rates for persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) ablation when compared with PVI alone. Peri-mitral reentry related atrial tachycardia due to incomplete linear block is an important cause of clinical failures of a first ablation procedure. Ethanol infusion (EI) into the vein of Marshall (EI-VOM) has been demonstrated to facilitate a durable mitral isthmus linear lesion. OBJECTIVE: This trial is designed to compare arrhythmia-free survival between PVI and an ablation strategy termed upgraded '2C3L' for the ablation of PeAF. STUDY DESIGN: The PROMPT-AF study (clinicaltrials.gov 04497376) is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized trial using a 1:1 parallel-control approach. Patients (n = 498) undergoing their first catheter ablation of PeAF will be randomized to either the upgraded '2C3L' arm or PVI arm in a 1:1 fashion. The upgraded '2C3L' technique is a fixed ablation approach consisting of EI-VOM, bilateral circumferential PVI, and 3 linear ablation lesion sets across the mitral isthmus, left atrial roof, and cavotricuspid isthmus. The follow-up duration is 12 months. The primary end point is freedom from atrial arrhythmias of >30 seconds, without antiarrhythmic drugs, in 12 months after the index ablation procedure (excluding a blanking period of 3 months). CONCLUSIONS: The PROMPT-AF study will evaluate the efficacy of the fixed '2C3L' approach in conjunction with EI-VOM, compared with PVI alone, in patients with PeAF undergoing de novo ablation.

Fascicular ventricular tachycardia arising from the left side His and its adjacent region: a subset of upper septal idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia.

AIMS: Fascicular ventricle tachycardia (FVT) arising from the proximal aspect of left His-Purkinje system (HPS) has not been specially addressed. Current study was to investigate its clinical, electrocardiographic, and electrophysiological characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighteen patients who were identified as this rare FVT were consecutively enrolled, and their scalar electrocardiogram and electrophysiological data were collected and analysed. The ventricular tachycardia (VT) morphology was similar to sinus rhythm (SR) in eight patients, left bundle branch block type in one patient, right bundle branch block type in seven patients, and both narrow and wide QRS type in two patients. During VT, right-sided His potential preceded the QRS with His-ventricle (H-V) interval of 36.3 ± 12.4 ms, which was shorter than that during SR (-51.4 ± 8.6 ms) (P = 0.002). The earliest Purkinje potentials (PPs) were recorded within 7 ± 3 mm of left-side His and preceded the QRS by 49.1 ± 14.0 ms. Mapping along the left anterior fascicle and left posterior fascicle revealed an antegrade activation sequence in all with no P1 potentials recorded. In the two patients with two VT morphologies, the earliest PP was documented at the same site, and the activation sequence of HPS remained antegrade. Ablation at the earliest PP successfully eliminated the tachycardia, except one patient who developed complete atrial-ventricular block and two patients who abandoned ablations. After at least 12 months follow-up, 15 patients were free from any recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Fascicular ventricle tachycardia arising from the proximal aspect of left HPS was featured by recording slightly shorter H-V interval and absence of P1 potentials. Termination of VT requires ablation at the left-sided His or its adjacent region.

Vein of Marshall ethanol infusion: First-step or adjunctive choice for perimitral atrial tachycardia?

BACKGROUND: Perimitral atrial tachycardia (PMAT) is the most frequent type of iatrogenic atrial tachycardia (AT) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Vein of Marshall ethanol infusion (EIVOM) is a promising technique in mitral isthmus (MI) ablation. METHODS: A total of 165 patients with PMAT were divided into three groups according to ablation strategies, including RF only group (n = 89), RF-EIVOM group (initial RF ablation with adjunctive EIVOM, n = 28), and EIVOM-RF group (first-step EIVOM with touch-up RF ablation, n = 48). Acute and follow-up procedure outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: PMAT terminated in 89.9%, 89.3%, and 93.7% of patients in RF only, RF-EIVOM and EIVOM-RF groups, respectively (p = .715), with complete MI block achieved in 80.9%, 89.3%, and 95.8% of patients (EIVOM-RF vs. RF only, p = .012). First-step utilization of EIVOM was associated with a significant shortening of RF ablation time at MI (EIVOM-RF 2.1 ± 1.3 min, RF only 7.9 ± 5.9 min, RF-EIVOM 6.8 ± 5.8 min; p < .001) and a decrease in the proportion of patients need ablation within coronary sinus (CS, EIVOM-RF 14.6%, RF only 61.8%, RF-EIVOM 64.3%; p < .001). After a mean follow-up of 12.1 ± 6.2 months, AF/AT recurred in 39 (43.8%), 6 (21.4%), and 12 (25.0%) patients in RF only, RF-EIVOM, and EIVOM-RF group (RF-EIVOM vs. RF only, p = .026; EIVOM-RF vs. RF only, p = .022). CONCLUSIONS: EIVOM was associated with an enhanced acute MI block rate as well as reduced AF/AT recurrence. First-step utilization of EIVOM promises to significantly simplify the RF ablation process. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: PMAT is the most common type of iatrogenic AT after AF ablation procedures. EIVOM contributed to a higher acute MI block rate and lower arrhythmia recurrence risk during follow-up. First-step utilization of EIVOM significantly reduced the need for radiofrequency ablation at MI and inside CS with the advantage of creating a homogenous, transmural lesion and eliminating epicardial connections.

Risk Factors for Left Ventricular Thrombus Formation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a common complication of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), causing morbidity and mortality. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed patients with DCM from January 2002 to August 2020 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital. Clinical characteristics were compared between the LVT group and the age and sex 1:4 matched with the LVT absent group. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of D-dimer predicting LVT occurrence in DCM. RESULTS: A total of 3,134 patients were screened, and LVT was detected in 72 (2.3%) patients on echocardiography. The patients with LVT had higher D-dimer, fibrinogen, and lower systolic blood pressure than those without LVT. The ejection fraction (EF) was lower and left ventricular end-systolic diameter was larger in the LVT group. Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) was more common in the LVT absent groups. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation was lower in the LVT group. The ROC curve analysis yielded an optimal cut-off value of 444 ng/mL DDU (D-dimer units) for D-dimer to predict the presence of LVT. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that EF (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.86-0.95), severe MR (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.08-0.48), and D-dimer level (OR = 15.4, 95% CI = 7.58-31.4) were independently associated with LVT formation. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that elevated D-dimer levels (>444 ng/mL DDU) and reduced EF were independently associated with increased risk of LVT formation. Severe MR could decrease the incidence of LVT.

Direct autotransfusion in the management of acute pericardial tamponade during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: An imperfect but practical method.

Background: Acute pericardial tamponade (APT) is one of the most serious complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF-CA). Direct autotransfusion (DAT) is a method of reinjecting pericardial blood directly into patients through vein access without a cell-salvage system. Data regarding DAT for APT are rare and provide limited information. Our present study aims to further investigate the safety and feasibility of DAT in the management of APT during the AF-CA procedure. Methods and results: We retrospectively reviewed 73 cases of APT in the perioperative period of AF-CA from January 2014 to October 2021 at our institution, among whom 46 were treated with DAT. All included patients successfully received emergency pericardiocentesis through subxiphoid access guided by X-ray. Larger volumes of aspirated pericardial blood (658.4 ± 545.2 vs. 521.2 ± 464.9 ml), higher rates of bridging anticoagulation (67.4 vs. 37.0%), and surgical repair (6 vs. 0) were observed in patients with DAT than without. Moreover, patients with DAT were less likely to complete AF-CA procedures (32/46 vs. 25/27) and had a lower incidence of APT first presented in the ward (delayed presentation) (8/46 vs. 9/27). There was no difference in major adverse events (death/disseminated intravascular coagulation/multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and clinical thrombosis) (0/0/1/0 vs. 1/0/0/0), other potential DAT-related complications (fever/infection and deep venous thrombosis) (8/5/2 vs. 5/3/1), and length of hospital stay (11.4 ± 11.6 vs. 8.3 ± 4.7 d) between two groups. Conclusion: DAT could be a feasible and safe method to deal with APT during AF-CA procedure.

Repeat ablation strategy for recurrent persistent atrial fibrillation: A propensity-matched score comparison between "2C3L" and "extensive ablation" approach.

BACKGROUND: Debates exist in the repeat ablation strategy for patients with recurrence presenting as persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) after initial persistent AF ablation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome between the "2C3L" and "extensive ablation" approach in patients undergoing repeat procedures for recurrent persistent AF. METHODS: Propensity-score matching was performed in 196 patients with AF recurrence undergoing repeat ablation, and 79 patients treated with "2C3L" strategy were matched to 79 patients treated with "extensive ablation" strategy. The "2C3L" approach included pulmonary vein isolation, mitral isthmus, left atrial roof, and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation, while the "extensive ablation" strategy included extensive ablation of a variety of other targets aiming to terminate the AF. The primary outcome was freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmia after 24-h ambulatory monitoring follow-up for 12 months. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the primary outcome between the "2C3L" and the "extensive ablation" group [70.9% vs. 69.6%, p = .862; 95% confidence interval (CI) -12.8 to 15.3], although the "extensive ablation" group had a significantly high proportion of AF termination (19.0% for "2C3L" vs. 41.8% for "extensive ablation" group, p = .002; 95% CI 8.5-35.9). And AF termination was not related to the primary outcome in multifactorial regression. At 40 ± 22 months after the repeat procedure, the primary outcome was also comparable (57.0 % for "2C3L" vs. 48.1% for "extensive ablation" group, p = .265; 95% CI -6.6 to 23.7). CONCLUSION: The outcome between the "2C3L" and "extensive ablation" approaches was comparable in patients undergoing repeat procedures for recurrent persistent AF.

MicroRNA-155 inhibition attenuates myocardial infarction-induced connexin 43 degradation in cardiomyocytes by reducing pro-inflammatory macrophage activation.

Background: Degradation of pro-inflammatory macrophage-mediated connexin 43 (Cx43) plays an important role in post-myocardial infarction (MI) arrhythmogenesis, microRNA (miR)-155 produced by macrophages has been shown to mediate post-MI effects. We hypothesized that miR-155 inhibition attenuated MI-induced Cx43 degradation by reducing pro-inflammatory macrophage activation. Methods: MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in male C57BL/6 mice. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mice bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and hypoxia-induced neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were used in vitro models. qRT-PCR, Western-blot and immunofluorescence were used to analyze relevant indicators. Results: The expression levels of miR-155, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)7 were higher in MI mice and LPS-treated BMDMs than in the sham/control groups, treatment with a miR-155 antagomir reversed these effects. Moreover, miR-155 inhibition reduced ventricular arrhythmias incidence and improved cardiac function in MI mice. Cx43 expression was decreased in MI mice and hypoxia-exposed NRCMs, and hypoxia-induced Cx43 degradation in NRCMs was reduced by application of conditioned medium from LPS-induced BMDMs treated with the miR-155 antagomir, but increased by conditioned medium from BMDMs treated with a miR-155 agomir. Importantly, NRCMs cultured in conditioned medium from LPS-induced BMDMs transfected with small interfering RNA against IL-1ß and MMP7 showed decreased hypoxia-mediated Cx43 degradation, and this effect also was diminished by BMDM treatment with the miR-155 agomir. Additionally, siRNA-mediated suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) knockdown in LPS-induced BMDMs promoted Cx43 degradation in hypoxia-exposed NRCMs, and the effect was reduced by the miR-155 inhibition. Conclusions: MiR-155 inhibition attenuated post-MI Cx43 degradation by reducing macrophage-mediated IL-1ß and MMP7 expression through the SOCS1/nuclear factor-κB pathway.

Outcome of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) frequently coexist. This study aimed to assess the long-term outcome of catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF and SCAD. METHODS: In total, 12,104 patients with paroxysmal AF underwent catheter ablation in the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry between 2011 and 2019 were screened. A total of 441 patients with SCAD were matched with patients without SCAD in a 1:4 ratio. The primary endpoint was AF recurrence after single ablation. The composite secondary endpoints were thromboembolism, coronary events, major bleeding, all-cause death. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up of 46.0 ± 18.9 months, the recurrence rate in patients with SCAD was significantly higher after a single ablation (49.0% vs. 41.9%, p = .03). The very late recurrence rate of AF in the SCAD group was also significantly higher than that in the control group (38.9% vs. 31.2%;p = .04). In multivariate analysis, adjusted with the female, smoking, duration of AF, previous thromboembolism, COPD, and statins, SCAD was independently associated with AF recurrence (adjusted HR, 1.19 [1.02-1.40], p = .03). The composite secondary endpoints were significantly higher in the SCAD group (12.70% vs. 8.54%, p = .02), mainly due to thromboembolism events (8.16% vs. 4.41%, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: SCAD significantly increased the risk of recurrence after catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF. The incidence of thromboembolic events after catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF in the patients with SCAD was significantly higher than that in those without SCAD.

Impact of Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels on Outcomes in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Results from the China Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study.

BACKGROUND Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction improves cardiovascular outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between lipid levels and outcomes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation by LDL-C quarters. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled from 31 typical hospitals in China. Of 19 515 patients, 6775 with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) were followed for 5 years or until an event occurred. RESULTS Hyperlipidemia was not an independent risk factor for stroke/thromboembolism and cardiovascular mortality among patients with NVAF (hazard ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.7-0.96, P=0.82). When patients were divided into quartiles according to LDL-C levels at the time of enrollment (Q1, <1.95; Q2, 1.95-2.51; Q3, 2.52-3.09; and Q4, >3.09 mmol/L), as LDL-C increased, events tapered off according to Kaplan-Meier curves for patients who were without oral anticoagulants and off statins (non-OAC; log-rank=8.3494, P=0.0393) and for those with oral anticoagulants (OAC; log-rank=6.7668 P=0.0797). This relationship was stronger for patients who were without OAC treatment and off statins than for those with OAC treatment. The relationship was not significant in patients with or without OAC and on statins (log-rank=2.5080, P=0.4738). This relationship also existed in patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores <2 (log-rank=5.893, P=0.1167). For those with CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥2 (log-rank=6.6163, P=0.0852), the relationship was stronger. CONCLUSIONS In patients with NVAF using standard or no lipid-lowering medication, low plasma LDL-C levels were related to an increased risk of stroke/thromboembolism and cardiovascular mortality.

The Use of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 in a Chinese Population to Predict Cardiovascular Events.

Objective: To explore associations between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and the risk of cardiovascular events in a Chinese population, with a long-term follow-up. Methods: A random sample of 2,031 participants (73.6% males, mean age = 60.4 years) was derived from the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study (APAC) from 2010 to 2011. Serum Lp-PLA2 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The composite endpoint was a combination of first-ever stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) or all-cause death. Lp-PLA2 associations with outcomes were assessed using Cox models. Results: The median Lp-PLA2 level was 141.0 ng/mL. Over a median follow-up of 9.1 years, we identified 389 events (19.2%), including 137 stroke incidents, 43 MIs, and 244 all-cause deaths. Using multivariate Cox regression, when compared with the lowest Lp-PLA2 quartile, the hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for developing composite endpoints, stroke, major adverse cardiovascular events, and all-cause death were 1.77 (1.24-2.54), 1.92 (1.03-3.60), 1.69 (1.003-2.84), and 1.94 (1.18-3.18) in the highest quartile, respectively. Composite endpoints in 145 (28.6%) patients occurred in the highest quartile where Lp-PLA2 (159.0 ng/mL) was much lower than the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommended cut-off point, 200 ng/mL. Conclusion: Higher Lp-PLA2 levels were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular event/death in a middle-aged Chinese population. The Lp-PLA2 cut-off point may be lower in the Chinese population when predicting cardiovascular events.

Sacubitril/Valsartan Decreases Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility by Inhibiting Angiotensin II-Induced Atrial Fibrosis Through p-Smad2/3, p-JNK, and p-p38 Signaling Pathways.

Sacubitril/valsartan (SAC/VAL) prevents angiotensin II (AngII) from binding AT1-R and blocks degradation of natriuretic peptides. Despite its efficacy in reducing ventricular fibrosis and preserving cardiac functions, which has been extensively demonstrated in myocardial infarction or pressure overload models, few studies have been conducted to determine whether SAC/VAL could attenuate atrial fibrosis and decrease atrial fibrillation (AF) susceptibility. Our study provided evidence for the inhibition of atrial fibrosis and reduced susceptibility to AF by SAC/VAL. After 28 days of AngII continuous subcutaneous stimulation, rats in SAC/VAL group exhibited reduced extent of atrial fibrosis, inhibited proliferation, migration, and differentiation of atrial fibroblasts, and decreased susceptibility to AF. We further found that inhibition of p-Smad2/3, p-JNK, and p-p38MAPK pathways is involved in the role of SAC/VAL on AngII-induced atrial fibrosis in vivo. These results emphasize the importance of SAC/VAL in the prevention of AngII-induced atrial fibrosis and may help to enrich the options for AF pharmacotherapy.

A strategy of idarucizumab for pericardial tamponade during perioperative period of atrial fibrillation ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate theoptimal idarucizumab (dabigatran antagonist) usage strategy for patients with acute pericardial tamponade receiving uninterrupted dabigatran during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Ten patients presenting acute pericardial tamponade while receiving uninterrupted dabigatran during catheter ablation for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2019 to July 2020 were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. A "wait and see" strategy of idarucizumab was carried out for all patients; in brief, idarucizumab was applied following pericardiocentesis, comprehensive evaluation of bleeding and hemostasis. RESULTS: There were five males, five paroxysmal AF, and the average age of the patients was 64.0 ± 9.8 years. Among the 10 patients, four were treated with dabigatran 110 mg, six were treated with dabigatran 150 mg, and one was simultaneously given clopidogrel. The average time from pericardial tamponade to the last dose of dabigatran was 8.2 ± 3.4 h. All patients underwent pericardiocentesis successfully, and the average drainage volume was 322.5 ml (220.0 ± 935.0 ml). For reversal anticoagulation, six patients received protamine, and five patients received idarucizumab. Of the five patients who were treated with idarucizumab, four presented exact hemostasis, except for one patient who underwent continuous drainage and finally received surgery repair. The average time to restart anticoagulation was 1.1 ± 0.3 days after the procedure, and no rebleeding, embolism or deaths were observed. CONCLUSION: The "wait and see" strategy of idarucizumab for acute pericardial tamponade during the perioperative period of catheter ablation for AF may be safe and feasible.

Comparison of prognosis and outcomes of catheter ablation versus drug therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease: A prospective propensity-score matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) frequently coexist. HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the prognosis of catheter ablation versus drug therapy in patients with AF and SCAD. METHODS: In total, 25 512 patients with AF in the Chinese AF Registry between 2011 and 2019 were screened for SCAD. 815 patients with AF and SCAD underwent catheter ablation therapy were matched with patients by drug therapy in a 1:1 ratio. Primary end point was composite of thromboembolism, coronary events, major bleeding, and all-cause death. The secondary endpoints were each component of the primary endpoint and AF recurrence. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 45 ± 23 months, the patients in the catheter ablation group had a higher AF recurrence-free rate (53.50% vs. 18.41%, p < .01). In multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference between the strategy of catheter ablation and drug therapy in primary composite end point (adjusted HR 074, 95%CI 0.54-1.002, p = .0519). However, catheter ablation was associated with fewer all-cause death independently (adjusted HR 0.36, 95%CI 0.22-0.59, p < .01). In subgroup analysis, catheter ablation was an independent risk factor for all-cause death in the high-stroke risk group (adjusted HR 0.39, 95%CI 0.23-0.64, p < .01), not in the low-medium risk group (adjusted HR 0.17, 95%CI 0.01-2.04, p = .17). CONCLUSIONS: In the patients with AF and SCAD, catheter ablation was not independently associated with the primary composite endpoint compared with drug therapy. However, catheter ablation was an independent protective factor of all-cause death.

Atrial fibrosis underlying atrial fibrillation (Review).

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common tachyarrhythmias observed in the clinic and is characterized by structural and electrical remodelling. Atrial fibrosis, an emblem of atrial structural remodelling, is a complex multifactorial and patient­specific process involved in the occurrence and maintenance of AF. Whilst there is already considerable knowledge regarding the association between AF and fibrosis, this process is extremely complex, involving intricate neurohumoral and cellular and molecular interactions, and it is not limited to the atrium. Current technological advances have made the non­invasive evaluation of fibrosis in the atria and ventricles possible, facilitating the selection of patient­specific ablation strategies and upstream treatment regimens. An improved understanding of the mechanisms and roles of fibrosis in the context of AF is of great clinical significance for the development of treatment strategies targeting the fibrous region. In the present review, a focus was placed on the atrial fibrosis underlying AF, outlining its role in the occurrence and perpetuation of AF, by reviewing recent evaluations and potential treatment strategies targeting areas of fibrosis, with the aim of providing a novel perspective on the management and prevention of AF.