Mortality and morbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation and liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. However, the outcomes associated with AF in hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis are unknown. AIM: To determine the outcomes of hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis and AF. METHODS: In this study, we examined morbidity and mortality of patients with concomitant AF and liver cirrhosis from the National Inpatient Sample database, the largest publicly available inpatient healthcare database in the United States. RESULTS: A total of 696937 patients with liver cirrhosis were included, 45745 of whom had concomitant AF (6.6%). Liver cirrhosis patients with AF had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (12.6% vs 10.3%, P < 0.001), clinical stroke (1.6% vs 1.1%, P < 0.001), and acute kidney injury (28.2% vs 25.1%, P < 0.001), and less gastrointestinal bleeding (4.4% vs 5.1%, P < 0.001) and blood transfusion (22.5% vs 23.8%, P < 0.001) compared with those who did not have the arrhythmia. In addition, they had a longer length of stay (8 ± 10 d vs 7 ± 8 d, P < 0.001) and higher hospitalization costs (20720 ± 33210 $ vs 16272 ± 24166 $, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In subjects with liver cirrhosis, AF is associated with higher rates of inpatient mortality, stroke, and acute kidney injury compared to those who do not have the cardiac arrhythmia.

Single incision technique for implantation of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) have gained increasing popularity because of certain advantages over transvenous ICDs. However, while conventional ICDs require a single surgical incision to implant, S-ICDS need two or three incisions, making them less appealing. OBJECTIVE: This study sought out to investigate the feasibility of using a single-incision technique to implant S-ICDs. METHODS: Patients qualifying for S-ICDs were considered for a single incision. A single incision is performed by making a left inframammary incision and then the subcutaneous tissue is dissected medially toward the lower sternum. Two sutures are placed in the fascia in the xiphoid area to anchor the lead and a tunneling tool is used to dissect the tissue to place the lead parallel to the sternum. Then subcutaneous tissues are dissected down the lateral chest wall over the muscle fascia to create the pulse generator pocket in the vicinity of the fifth and sixth intercostal spaces and near the mid-axillary line. RESULTS: Eleven patients (six males and five females) successfully underwent S-ICD implantation with a single incision without acute complications (64% for primary prevention). The mean age is 47.4 ± 15.8 years. There were no lead dislodgements, inappropriate shocks, or any other issues during a median follow-up of 10 months (interquartile range 5-17). One patient had a successful appropriate shock for ventricular fibrillation about one year after device implant. CONCLUSIONS: A single incision for subcutaneous ICDs is feasible and safe in our early experience.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: The role of catheter ablation (CA) is increasingly recognized as a reasonable therapeutic option in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to compare CA to medical therapy in AF patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: We searched the literature for randomized clinical trials comparing CA to medical therapy in this population. RESULTS: Six trials with a total of 775 patients were included. AF was persistent in 95% of patients with a mean duration of 18.5 ± 23 months prior enrollment. The mean age was 62.2 ± 7.8 years, mostly males (83%) with mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 31.2 ± 6.7%. Compared to medical therapy, CA has significantly improved LVEF by 5.9% (Mean difference [MD] 5.93, confidence interval [CI] 3.59-8.27, P < 0.00001, I2 = 87%), quality of life, (MD -9.01, CI -15.56, -2.45, P = 0.007, I2 = 47%), and functional capacity (MD 25.82, CI 5.46-46.18, P = 0.01, I2 = 90%). CA has less HF hospital readmissions (odds ratio [OR] 0.5, CI 0.32-0.78, P = 0.002, I2 = 0%) and death from any cause (OR 0.46, CI 0.29-0.73, P = 0.0009, I2 = 0%). Freedom from AF during follow-up was higher in patients who had CA (OR 24.2, CI 6.94-84.41, P < 0.00001, I2 = 81%. CONCLUSION: CA was superior to medical therapy in patients with AF and HFrEF in terms of symptoms, hemodynamic response, and clinical outcomes by reducing AF burden. However, these findings are applicable to the very specific patients enrolled in these trials.

When a Pseudo-Infarct Electrocardiogram (ECG) Pattern in a Posterior Accessory (Wolff-Parkinson-White) Pathway Masks a True Inferior Infarct.

BACKGROUND Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern is due to a pre-excitation leading to characteristic ECG changes in sinus rhythm as short PR interval, the presence of delta waves, wide QRS complexes, and potentially Q wave-T wave vector discordance (pseudo-infarct pattern). These later changes can mask the underlying ECG depolarizing solely through the His-Purkinje system. Our case highlights how the ECG of a WPW pattern with a pseudo-infarct pattern can in fact mask a true infarct on the underlying ECG without pre-excitation. CASE REPORT A 61-year-old diabetic man with a recent history of supra-ventricular tachycardia (SVT) presented with the ECG characteristic of a Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern i-e short PR interval of 0.10 s (<0.12 s) and the presence of delta waves in sinus rhythm. In addition, there was a wide significant Q wave in the inferior leads meeting the criteria for significant and pathologic Q waves, related to the pre-excitation and known as a pseudo-infarct pattern. The patient underwent successful ablation of his left inferoseptal accessory pathway. The pre-excitation pattern (short PR and delta wave) disappeared after successful ablation revealed a narrower Q wave in inferior leads, likely from unexpected true old inferior infarction, which was later confirmed by 2D echocardiogram and nuclear stress test (fixed inferior defect). CONCLUSIONS The presence of pseudo-infarct pattern due to a WPW does not always preclude the presence of underlying true infarct pattern, especially in the presence of coronary artery disease risk factors.

Colchicine for prevention of post-cardiac procedure atrial fibrillation: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Development of atrial fibrillation after certain cardiac procedures is a common medical problem. The inflammatory process plays an important role in the pathogenesis of post-cardiac procedure atrial fibrillation (PCP-AF). Colchicine, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, has been used in several studies to reduce the risk of PCP-AF. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the efficacy of colchicine in prevention of PC-PAF. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library database and Google Scholar for RCTs, using terms "Atrial fibrillation, atrial, or fibrillation and colchicine". The primary end-point was the occurrence of AF post cardiac procedure, which includes cardiac surgery or pulmonary vein isolation. The safety end point was the occurrence of any side effects. Estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of six RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, enrolling a total of 1257 patients. Colchicine significantly reduced the odds of PCP-AF (OR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.40-0.68, P<0.001, I2=0%). However, occurrence of side effects was significantly higher with colchicine when compared to placebo (OR 2.10; 95% CI, 1.34-3.30, P<0.001, I2=0%). The number needed to treat is 7 and the number needed to harm is 11.2. The proportion of patients discontinuing treatment was 16%. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that colchicine is an effective drug for prevention of PCP-AF. Colchicine could be considered as a prophylaxis to reduce PCP-AF, with some risk of treatment discontinuation due to the poor gastrointestinal tolerance (diarrhea).

Use of adenosine to shorten the post ablation waiting period for cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter.

BACKGROUND: Dormant conduction unmasked by adenosine predicts clinical recurrences of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent atrial flutter following catheter ablation. Conventional practice involves a waiting period of 20 to 30 minutes after achievement of a bidirectional line of block (BDB) to monitor for recovery of conduction. OBJECTIVE: Assess whether abolition of dormant conduction with adenosine immediately after CTI ablation and BDB can predict the lack of CTI conduction recovery during the following 30 minutes. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for CTI-dependent atrial flutter were studied. Following the completion of CTI ablation and documentation of BDB, adenosine (≥12 mg IV) was administered immediately. In cases of dormant conduction, the CTI was ablated again until its abolition. After the achievement of BDB without dormant conduction, spontaneous CTI reconnection during the following 30 minutes and dormant conduction with adenosine at 30 minutes were evaluated. RESULTS: A CTI block was achieved in 171 patients. Nine patients (5.3%) had dormant conduction across the CTI immediately after ablation and BDB, and required further ablation. Two patients (1.2%) had subsequent spontaneous time-dependent reconnection within 30 minutes. Two other patients (1.2%) developed late dormant conduction with adenosine at 30 minutes. All 4 patients underwent further ablation. CONCLUSION: A negative adenosine challenge immediately after CTI ablation with bidirectional block, or after abolition of dormant conduction with further ablation, strongly predicted the absence of subsequent spontaneous reconnection within 30 minutes. Based on these results, the conventional waiting period is unnecessary in 97.6% patients without dormant conduction after CTI-dependent flutter ablation.

Snaring of the right ventricular lead during cavotricuspid isthmus ablation.

The presence of a right ventricular (RV) lead may interfere with cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation. We present a new option of lifting the RV lead from the CTI allowing a successful ablation of a CTI-dependent flutter without compromising lead integrity and functionality.

Atrioventricular dyssynchrony from empiric device settings is common in cardiac resynchronization therapy and adversely impacts left ventricular morphology and function.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic atrioventricular (AV) optimization after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is uncommon due to time constraints and the use of vendor-specific device algorithms. It remains unclear whether optimization of mitral inflow velocities can still be useful. We aimed to investigate post implantation left ventricular (LV) inflow patterns to determine the incidence of AV dyssynchrony from empirically set devices. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing CRT using empiric device settings. Forty-eight patients with clinical, echocardiographic, and pacemaker follow-up were grouped by their post implantation LV filling pattern. Baseline characteristics and echocardiographic measurements were compared with post implantation findings at median 6.3 months (interquartile range [IQR], 3.9-17.0). RESULTS: Twenty-four patients demonstrated AV dyssynchrony (Group 1) after CRT, and 24 patients did not (Group 2). Group 1 patients had less LV reverse remodeling compared to Group 2 patients (ΔLV end-diastolic volume: -3.6 mL vs -49.5 mL, P<.05; ΔLV end-systolic volume: -16.9 mL vs -53.5 mL, P<.05) and did not experience significant improvements in LV outflow tract velocity time integral, stroke volume, or LV ejection fraction. There were no differences in new-onset atrial fibrillation, heart failure readmissions, or mortality between groups. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that up to 50% of patients with empiric device settings have AV dyssynchrony at 6 months despite atrioventricular delay optimization (AVO) algorithms. As AV dyssynchrony is common and has proven to be modifiable, a strategic approach to Doppler echocardiography-guided AVO after CRT is warranted, particularly in nonresponders where the LV filling pattern is fused or truncated.

The Effects of Catheter Ablation on Permanent Pacemakers and Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators.

Catheter ablation is a procedure that is frequently performed in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Here, we review all of the potential interactions that can occur among patients undergoing catheter ablation while having implantable cardiac electronic devices, and discuss the precautionary measures to minimize such interactions.

Regional Lack of Consistency in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation (from the RECORD-AF Trial).

American and European society guidelines for atrial fibrillation management mostly agree on the utilization of rate and rhythm control strategies and the indications for oral anticoagulant (OAC) use. However, the level of adherence to guidelines in clinical practice may vary by region. In this study, data analysis from The Registry on Cardiac rhythm disorders assessing the control of Atrial Fibrillation (RECORD-AF) registry, an international registry in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation of <1 year, shows that differences in practice exist between 3 regions, namely Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and North America. Data analyzed included major cardiovascular outcomes at 12 months, choice of rhythm versus rate control strategy and the use of OAC according to CHADS2 score between regions, and the cost incurred according to management strategy. In conclusion, there is preference for rhythm control strategy in Europe compared to North America without a significant impact on major cardiovascular outcomes; there is significant discrepancy in the use of OAC in Eastern Europe compared to the 2 other regions; and rate control was found to be more costly in all regions.

Radiofrequency and Cryo-Ablation Effect on Transvenous Pacing and Defibrillatory Lead Integrity: An In Vitro Study.

INTORDUCTION: Medical societies and cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) manufacturers recommend avoiding close or direct contact between the body of transvenous leads and ablation catheters used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. These recommendations are made despite the lack of clinical studies. However, the target myocardium for successful ablation can be contiguous to CIED leads. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examine in vitro the effects of direct application of radiofrequency (RF) and cryo-ablation energy on the integrity and functionality of CIED leads (excluding the pacing electrodes and defibrillation coils). A saline bath was created to mimic the body milieu. CIED leads, including all commercially available lead insulation materials, were connected to a CIED pulse generator and placed in direct contact with an ablation catheter in the tissue bath. RF and cryo-ablation energy were delivered under various conditions, including maximal ablation power, temperature, and impedance via the RF generator. CIED lead functionality, reflective of conductor integrity, was evaluated through lead impedance monitoring during ablation. CIED leads were then visually inspected, and examined with optic and electron microscopy as per protocol. A total of 42 leads were studied. All leads showed the absence of insulation damage at the site of ablation visually and with microscopy. Lead functionality was also preserved in all leads. CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation in contact with CIED leads using radiofrequency or cryo-ablation in vitro did not affect lead body integrity and function despite aggressive ablation settings. It may be reasonable to perform ablation in contact with the body of CIED leads when clinically necessary.

A Practical ECG Criterion to Unmask Left Accessory AV Connections in Patients With Subtle Preexcitation.

BACKGROUND: Accessory AV-connections capable of antegrade conduction need to be recognized because of the potential for life-threatening arrhythmias. However, the preexcited ECG pattern may be subtle, especially among left-sided AV-connections. We explored whether additional ECG criteria might help identify left-sided AV-connections. METHODS: We analyzed 156 patients who underwent an electrophysiology study (EPS) and ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias (PSVT). Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with left-sided AV-connections (Group 1) and all other PSVT (Group 2). Various ECG parameters were compared before and after ablation in both groups. RESULTS: The EPS identified left-sided AV-connections among 43 patients (Group 1) and excluded it among 113 (Group 2). Baseline ECG in Group 1 demonstrated obvious preexcitation among 24/43 patients (55.8%), the remaining 19/43 missing obvious preexcitation. R/S ratio > 0.5 in V1 was noted in 38/43 (88.4%) patients in Group 1 before ablation (median 1.00; IQR 0.58-2.20), including 16/19 (84.2%) patients lacking obvious left-sided AVconnections. Conversely, only 10/113 (8.8%) patients in Group 2 had R/S ratios in V1 ≥ 0.5 (0.20; 0.10-0.31), P < 0.0001. After ablation, the R/S ratio decreased significantly in Group 1 (0.29; 0.17-0.45), P < 0.0001. Thus, a combined criterion of classic preexcitation or R/S ratio ≥ 0.5 on ECG identified 40/43 left-sided AV-connections (sensitivity 93.0%). The negative predictive value of this combined criterion was 103/106 (97.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic patients, combining the R/S ratio (≥ 0.5) in lead V1 with the classic preexcitation pattern on ECG markedly improved the sensitivity to diagnose left-sided AV-connections. This ratio may be particularly useful among patients lacking obvious preexcitation.