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INTRODUCTION: Obesity is implicated in adverse atrial remodeling and worse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) on ablation-induced scar formation on late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-CMR). METHODS: We conducted an analysis of DECAAF II participants who underwent LGE-CMR scans to measure scar formation 3 months after catheter ablation. Ablation parameters and lesion delivery were not dependent on BMI. The effect of BMI on ablation success was explored. RESULTS: Our analyses included 811 patients. Comorbidities were more prevalent in obese patients. Baseline left atrial volume was higher in obese individuals, 118, 126, 135, 140, and 143 mm3 for normal weight, overweight, obese grade 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p < .001). BMI was associated with scar formation (R = -0.135, p < .001), with patients with Class 3 obesity having the lowest percentage of ablation-induced scar, 11.1%, 10.3%, 9.5%, 8.8%, 6.8% by ascending BMI group. There was an inverse correlation between BMI and the amount of fibrosis covered by ablation scar, 24%, 23%, 21%, and 18% by ascending BMI group (p = .001). For the fibrosis-guided ablation group, BMI was associated with residual fibrosis (R = 0.056, p = .005). CONCLUSION: Obese patients have lower ablation scar formation, covered fibrosis, and more residual fibrosis postablation compared to nonobese patients, regardless of ablation parameters including impedance drop.
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INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an effective alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis in all surgical risk groups. Reports of clinical outcomes post-TAVR in developing countries are scarce. We aimed to address the clinical outcomes and safety profile of TAVR in a developing country. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective study on patients undergoing TAVR at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) from January 2016 to April 2023. We included a total of 399 patients. Our primary endpoint was to assess the rate of TAVR in-hospital and 30-day mortality, neurologic events, and new permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) in patients, stratified by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk of mortality score. RESULTS: Survival rates were 98.7% (394) at discharge vs. 97.5% (389) at 30 days post-procedure. The technical success rate was 95% (379) at the end of the procedure. Device success and early safety rates were 93.5% (373) and 83% (331), respectively at 30 days post-procedure. The all-cause mortality rate increased from 1.3% (5) at discharge to 2.5% (10) at 30-day intervals. The rate of ischemic stroke was 1.3% (five) at discharge and increased to 2% (eight) at 30 days post-procedure. PPI was needed in 5.8% (23) of patients at discharge with an increase to 7% (28) at one-month interval. Overall, the rates of TAVR outcomes among the three risk groups were comparable including neurologic events, valve-related complications, bleeding problems, vascular and access-related complications, and myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: This study at AUBMC highlights the successful implementation of the TAVR program in a developing country, showcasing its efficacy and safety within 30 days post-operation, despite challenges such as financial constraints and limited access to specialized training. Larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods are needed to accurately represent clinical outcomes in developing countries.