Ablation Strategies for Repeat Procedures in Atrial Fibrillation Recurrences Despite Durable Pulmonary Vein Isolation: The Prospective Randomized ASTRO AF Multicenter Trial.

BACKGROUND: Ablation strategies for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation and isolated pulmonary veins vary and their effects on arrhythmia recurrence remain unclear. A prospective randomized German multicenter trial sought to compare 2 ablation strategies in this patient cohort. METHODS: Patients with atrial fibrillation despite durable pulmonary vein isolation were randomly assigned at 7 centers to undergo low-voltage area ablation using 3-dimensional mapping and irrigated radiofrequency current ablation (group A) or empirical left atrial appendage isolation (LAAI) using the cryoballoon followed by staged interventional left atrial appendage closure (group B). The primary end point was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias between 91 and 365 days after index ablation. The study was powered for superiority of LAAI compared with low-voltage area. RESULTS: Patients (40% women; mean age, 68.8±8 years) with paroxysmal (32%) or persistent atrial fibrillation (68%) were randomized to undergo low-voltage area ablation (n=79) or cryoballoon-guided LAAI (n=82). After a planned interim analysis, enrollment was halted for futility on January 10, 2023. In the LAAI group, 77 of 82 left atrial appendages were successfully isolated with subsequent left atrial appendage closure in 57 patients. Procedure-related complications occurred in 4 (5%) and 11 (13.5%) patients in group A and B, respectively (P=0.10). The median follow-up was 367 days (interquartile range, 359-378). The Kaplan-Meier point estimate for freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias was 51.7% (CI, 40.9%-65.4%) for group A and 55.5% (CI, 44.4%-69.2%; P=0.8069) for group B. CONCLUSIONS: The current study did not detect superiority of cryoballoon-guided LAAI over low-voltage area ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation despite durable PVI. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04056390.

Safety and Effectiveness of Pulsed Field Ablation to Treat Atrial Fibrillation: One-Year Outcomes From the MANIFEST-PF Registry.

BACKGROUND: Pulsed field ablation is a novel nonthermal cardiac ablation modality using ultra-rapid electrical pulses to cause cell death by a mechanism of irreversible electroporation. Unlike the traditional ablation energy sources, pulsed field ablation has demonstrated significant preferentiality to myocardial tissue ablation, and thus avoids certain thermally mediated complications. However, its safety and effectiveness remain unknown in usual clinical care. METHODS: MANIFEST-PF (Multi-National Survey on the Methods, Efficacy, and Safety on the Post-Approval Clinical Use of Pulsed Field Ablation) is a retrospective, multinational, patient-level registry wherein patients at each center were prospectively included in their respective center registries. The registry included all patients undergoing postapproval treatment with a multielectrode 5-spline pulsed field ablation catheter to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) between March 1, 2021, and May 30, 2022. The primary effectiveness outcome was freedom from clinical documented atrial arrhythmia (AF/atrial flutter/atrial tachycardia) of ≥30 seconds on the basis of electrocardiographic data after a 3-month blanking period (on or off antiarrhythmic drugs). Safety outcomes included the composite of acute (<7 days postprocedure) and latent (>7 days) major adverse events. RESULTS: At 24 European centers (77 operators) pulsed field ablation was performed in 1568 patients with AF: age 64.5±11.5 years, female 35%, paroxysmal/persistent AF 65%/32%, CHA2DS2-VASc 2.2±1.6, median left ventricular ejection fraction 60%, and left atrial diameter 42 mm. Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in 99.2% of patients. After a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 367 (289-421) days, the 1-year Kaplan-Meier estimate for freedom from atrial arrhythmia was 78.1% (95% CI, 76.0%-80.0%); clinical effectiveness was more common in patients with paroxysmal AF versus persistent AF (81.6% versus 71.5%; P=0.001). Acute major adverse events occurred in 1.9% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this large observational registry of the postapproval clinical use of pulsed field technology to treat AF, catheter ablation using pulsed field energy was clinically effective in 78% of patients with AF.

Cryoablation of atrial fibrillation in "very severe" obese patients (BMI ≥ 40): Indications, feasibility, procedural safety and efficacy, and clinical outcome (the ICE-Obese Extreme).

BACKGROUND: Management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in very severe obese patients is challenging. Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) represents an effective rhythm control strategy. However, data in this patient group were limited. METHODS: Highly symptomatic AF patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 who had failed antiarrhythmic drug therapy and electrocardioversion and failure to achieve targeted body-weight-reduction underwent CBA. RESULTS: Data of 72 very severe obese AF patients (Group A) and 129 AF patients with normal BMI (Group B, BMI < 25 kg/m2) were consecutively collected. Group A had significantly younger age (60.6 ± 10.4 vs. 69.2 ± 11.2 years), higher BMI (44.3 ± 4.3 vs. 22.5 ± 1.6 kg/m2). Procedural pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was successful in all patients (2 touch-up ablation in Group A). Compared to Group B, Group A had similar procedural (61.3 ± 22.6 vs. 57.5 ± 19 min), similar fluoroscopy time (10.1 ± 5.5 vs. 9.2 ± 4.8 min) but significantly higher radiation dose (2852 ± 2095 vs. 884 ± 732 µGym2). We observed similar rates of real-time-isolation (78.6% vs. 78.5%), single-shot-isolation (86.5% vs. 88.8%), but significantly longer time-to-sustained-isolation (53.5 ± 33 vs. 43.2 ± 25 s). There was significantly higher rate of puncture-site-complication (6.9% vs. 1.6%) in Group A. One-year clinical success in paroxysmal AF was (Group A: 69.4% vs. Group B: 80.2%; p < .001), in persistent AF was (Group A: 58.1% vs. Group B: 62.8%; p = .889). In Re-Do procedures Group A had a numerically lower PVI durability (75.0% vs. 83.6%, p = .089). CONCLUSION: For very severe obese AF patients, CBA appears feasible, leads to relatively good clinical outcome.

State-of-the-art pulsed field ablation for cardiac arrhythmias: ongoing evolution and future perspective.

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an innovative approach in the field of cardiac electrophysiology aimed at treating cardiac arrhythmias. Unlike traditional catheter ablation energies, which use radiofrequency or cryothermal energy to create lesions in the heart, PFA utilizes pulsed electric fields to induce irreversible electroporation, leading to targeted tissue destruction. This state-of-the-art review summarizes biophysical principles and clinical applications of PFA, highlighting its potential advantages over conventional ablation methods. Clinical data of contemporary PFA devices are discussed, which combine predictable procedural outcomes and a reduced risk of thermal collateral damage. Overall, these technological developments have propelled the rapid evolution of contemporary PFA catheters, with future advancements potentially impacting patient care.

Initial real-world data on catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation using the novel lattice-tip focal pulsed-field ablation catheter.

AIMS: Technological advancements have contributed to the enhanced precision and lesion flexibility in pulsed-field ablation (PFA) by integrating a three-dimensional mapping system combined with a point-by-point ablation strategy. Data regarding the feasibility of this technology remain limited to some clinical trials. This study aims to elucidate initial real-world data on catheter ablation utilizing a lattice-tip focal PFA/radiofrequency ablation (RFA) catheter in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for persistent AF via the lattice-tip PFA/RFA catheter were enrolled. We evaluated acute procedural data including periprocedural data as well as the clinical follow-up within a 90-day blanking period. In total, 28 patients with persistent AF underwent AF ablation either under general anaesthesia (n = 6) or deep sedation (n = 22). In all patients, pulmonary vein isolation was successfully achieved. Additional linear ablations were conducted in 21 patients (78%) with a combination of successful anterior line (n = 13, 46%) and roof line (n = 19, 68%). The median procedural and fluoroscopic times were 97 (interquartile range, IQR: 80-114) min and 8.5 (IQR: 7.2-9.5) min, respectively. A total of 27 patients (96%) were interviewed during the follow-up within the blanking period, and early recurrent AF was documented in four patients (15%) including one case of recurrent AF during the hospital stay. Neither major nor minor procedural complication occurred. CONCLUSION: In terms of real-world data, our data confirmed AF ablation feasibility utilizing the lattice-tip focal PFA/RFA catheter in patients with persistent AF.

Long-term outcomes of the pentaspline pulsed-field ablation catheter for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: results of the prospective, multicentre FARA-Freedom Study.

AIMS: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a well-established strategy for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Despite randomized controlled trials and real-world data showing the promise of pulsed-field ablation (PFA) for this treatment, long-term efficacy and safety data demonstrating single-procedure outcomes off antiarrhythmic drugs remain limited. The aim of the FARA-Freedom Study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of PFA using the pentaspline catheter for PAF. METHODS AND RESULTS: FARA-Freedom, a prospective, non-randomized, multicentre study, enrolled patients with PAF undergoing de novo PVI with PFA, who were followed for 12 months with weekly transtelephonic monitoring and a 72-h Holter ECG at 6 and 12 months. The primary safety endpoint was a composite of device- or procedure-related serious adverse events out to 7 days post-ablation and PV stenosis or atrioesophageal (AE) fistula out to 12 months. Treatment success is a composite of acute PVI and chronic success, which includes freedom from any documented atrial tachyarrhythmia longer than 30 s, use of antiarrhythmic drugs or cardioversion after a 3-month blanking period, or use of amiodarone or repeat ablation at any time. The study enrolled 179 PAF patients (62 ± 10 years, 39% female) at 13 centres. At the index procedure, all PVs were successfully isolated with the pentaspline PFA catheter. Procedure and left atrial dwell times, with a 20-min waiting period, were 71.9 ± 17.6 and 41.0 ± 13.3 min, respectively. Fluoroscopy time was 11.5 ± 7.4 min. Notably, monitoring compliance was high, with 88.4 and 90.3% with weekly events and 72-h Holter monitors, respectively. Freedom from the composite primary effectiveness endpoint was 66.6%, and 41 patients had atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence, mostly recurrent atrial fibrillation (31 patients). The composite safety endpoint occurred in two patients (1.1%), one tamponade and one transient ischaemic attack. There was no coronary spasm, PV stenosis, or AE fistula. There were four cases of transient phrenic nerve palsy, but all resolved during the index procedure. CONCLUSION: In this prospective, non-randomized, multicentre study, PVI using a pentaspline PFA catheter was effective in treating PAF patients despite rigourous endpoint definitions and high monitoring compliance and demonstrated favourable safety. REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT05072964 (sponsor: Boston Scientific Corporation).

Incidence and predictors of 2-year mortality following percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in the EWOLUTION trial.

AIMS: Sufficient survival time following left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is essential for ensuring the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this strategy for stroke prevention. Understanding prognostic factors for early mortality after LAAO could optimize patient selection. In the current study, we perform an in-depth analysis of 2-year mortality after LAAO, focusing particularly on potential predictors. METHODS AND RESULTS: The EWOLUTION registry is a real-world cohort comprising 1020 patients that underwent LAAO. Endpoint definitions were pre-specified, and death was categorized as cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular, or unknown origin. Mortality rates were calculated from Kaplan-Meier estimates. Baseline characteristics significantly associated with death in univariate Cox regression analysis were incorporated into the multivariate analysis. All multivariate predictors were included in a risk model. Two-year mortality rate was 16.4% [confidence interval (CI): 14.0-18.7%], with 50% of patients dying from a non-cardiovascular cause. Multivariate baseline predictors of 2-year mortality included age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.05, CI: 1.03-1.08, per year increase], heart failure (HR 1.73, CI: 1.24-2.41), vascular disease (HR 1.47, CI: 1.05-2.05), valvular disease (HR 1.63, CI: 1.15-2.33), abnormal liver function (HR 1.80, CI: 1.02-3.17), and abnormal renal function (HR 1.58, CI: 1.10-2.27). Mortality rate exhibited a gradual rise as the number of risk factors increased, reaching 46.1% in patients presenting with five or six risk factors. CONCLUSION: One in six patients died within 2 years after LAAO. We identified six independent predictors of mortality. When combined, this model showed a gradual increase in mortality rate with a growing number of risk factors, which may guide appropriate patient selection for LAAO. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The original EWOLUTION registry was registered at clinicaltrials.gov under identifier NCT01972282.

Practical guide on left atrial appendage closure for the non-implanting physician: an international consensus paper.

A significant proportion of patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation (AF) and are in need of thromboembolic protection are not treated with oral anticoagulation or discontinue this treatment shortly after its initiation. This undertreatment has not improved sufficiently despite the availability of direct oral anticoagulants which are associated with less major bleeding than vitamin K antagonists. Multiple reasons account for this, including bleeding events or ischaemic strokes whilst on anticoagulation, a serious risk of bleeding events, poor treatment compliance despite best educational attempts, or aversion to drug therapy. An alternative interventional therapy, which is not associated with long-term bleeding and is as effective as vitamin K anticoagulation, was introduced over 20 years ago. Because of significant improvements in procedural safety over the years, left atrial appendage closure, predominantly achieved using a catheter-based, device implantation approach, is increasingly favoured for the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients who cannot achieve effective anticoagulation. This management strategy is well known to the interventional cardiologist/electrophysiologist but is not more widely appreciated within cardiology or internal medicine. This article introduces the devices and briefly explains the implantation technique. The indications and device follow-up are more comprehensively described. Almost all physicians who care for adult patients will have many with AF. This practical guide, written within guideline/guidance boundaries, is aimed at those non-implanting physicians who may need to refer patients for consideration of this new therapy, which is becoming increasingly popular.

Bipolar radiofrequency ablation of refractory ventricular arrhythmias: results from a multicentre network.

AIMS: Advanced ablation strategies are needed to treat ventricular tachycardia (VT) and premature ventricular complexes (PVC) refractory to standard unipolar radiofrequency ablation (Uni-RFA). Bipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation (Bi-RFA) has emerged as a treatment option for refractory VT and PVC. Multicentre registry data on the use of Bi-RFA in the setting of refractory VT and PVC are lacking. The aim of this Bi-RFA registry is to determine its real-world safety, feasibility, and efficacy in patients with refractory VT/PVC. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients undergoing Bi-RFA at 16 European centres for recurring VT/PVC after at least one standard Uni-RFA were included. Second ablation catheter was used instead of a dispersive patch and was positioned at the opposite site of the ablation target. Between March 2021 and August 2024, 91 patients underwent 94 Bi-RFA procedures (74 males, age 62 ± 13, and prior Uni-RFA range 1-8). Indications were recurrence of PVC (n = 56), VT (n = 20), electrical storm (n = 13), or PVC-triggered ventricular fibrillation (n = 2). Procedural time was 160 ± 73 min, Bi-RFA time 426 ± 286 s, and mean Uni-RFA time 819 ± 697 s. Elimination of clinical VT/PVC was achieved in 67 (74%) patients and suppression of VT/PVC in a further 10 (11%) patients. In the remaining 14 patients (15%), no effect on VT/PVC was observed. Three major complications occurred: coronary artery occlusion, atrioventricular block, and arteriovenous fistula. Follow-up lasted 7 ± 8 months. Nineteen patients (61%) remained VT free. ≥80% PVC burden reduction was achieved in 45 (78%). CONCLUSION: These real-world registry data indicate that Bi-RFA appears safe, is feasible, and is effective in the majority of patients with VT/PVC.

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation.

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society .

Impact of gender in patients with device-related thrombosis after left atrial appendage closure - A sub-analysis from the multicenter EUROC-DRT-registry.

BACKGROUND: Device-related thrombosis (DRT) is a common finding after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and is associated with worse outcomes. As women are underrepresented in clinical studies, further understanding of sex differences in DRT patients is warranted. METHODS AND RESULTS: This sub-analysis from the EUROC-DRT-registry compromises 176 patients with diagnosis of DRT after LAAC. Women, who accounted for 34.7% (61/176) of patients, were older (78.0 ± 6.7 vs. 74.9 ± 9.1 years, p = .06) with lower rates of comorbidities. While DRT was detected significantly later in women (173 ± 267 vs. 127 ± 192 days, p = .01), anticoagulation therapy was escalated similarly, mainly with initiation of novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC), vitamin K antagonist (VKA) or heparin. DRT resolution was achieved in 67.5% (27/40) of women and in 75.0% (54/72) of men (p = .40). In the remaining cases, an intensification/switch of anticoagulation was conducted in 50.% (9/18) of men and in 41.7% (5/12) of women. Final resolution was achieved in 72.5% (29/40) cases in women, and in 81.9% (59/72) cases in men (p = .24). Women were followed-up for a similar time as men (779 ± 520 vs. 908 ± 687 days, p = .51). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no difference in mortality rates in women (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.73, 95%-Confidence interval [95%-CI]: .68-4.37, p = .25) and no differences in stroke (HR: .83, 95%-CI: .30-2.32, p = .72) within 2 years after LAAC. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of risk factors and outcome revealed no differences between men and women, with DRT in women being diagnosed significantly later. Women should be monitored closely to assess for DRT formation/resolution. Treatment strategies appear to be equally effective.

Ventricular tachycardia due to left ventricular metastasis: A case report.

We present the case of a 60-year-old male patient who was admitted to our hospital after experiencing a syncopal episode. First ECGs showed sinus rhythm with polymorphic premature ventricular complexes and later ventricular tachycardia with a left bundle branch block morphology were recorded. Imaging with TEE and MRI revealed a space-occupying lesion in the left ventricle, which was ultimately identified as a rare cardiac metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. Treatment was initiated with monoclonal antibodies resulting in lesion regression. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic in patients with history of malignancy.

A worldwide survey on incidence, management, and prognosis of oesophageal fistula formation following atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: the POTTER-AF study.

AIMS: Oesophageal fistula represents a rare but dreadful complication of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation. Data on its incidence, management, and outcome are sparse. METHODS AND RESULTS: This international multicentre registry investigates the characteristics of oesophageal fistulae after treatment of atrial fibrillation by catheter ablation. A total of 553 729 catheter ablation procedures (radiofrequency: 62.9%, cryoballoon: 36.2%, other modalities: 0.9%) were performed, at 214 centres in 35 countries. In 78 centres 138 patients [0.025%, radiofrequency: 0.038%, cryoballoon: 0.0015% (P < 0.0001)] were diagnosed with an oesophageal fistula. Peri-procedural data were available for 118 patients (85.5%). Following catheter ablation, the median time to symptoms and the median time to diagnosis were 18 (7.75, 25; range: 0-60) days and 21 (15, 29.5; range: 2-63) days, respectively. The median time from symptom onset to oesophageal fistula diagnosis was 3 (1, 9; range: 0-42) days. The most common initial symptom was fever (59.3%). The diagnosis was established by chest computed tomography in 80.2% of patients. Oesophageal surgery was performed in 47.4% and direct endoscopic treatment in 19.8% and conservative treatment in 32.8% of patients. The overall mortality was 65.8%. Mortality following surgical (51.9%) or endoscopic treatment (56.5%) was significantly lower as compared to conservative management (89.5%) [odds ratio 7.463 (2.414, 23.072) P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Oesophageal fistula after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is rare and occurs mostly with the use of radiofrequency energy rather than cryoenergy. Mortality without surgical or endoscopic intervention is exceedingly high.

Early recurrences predict late therapy failure after pulsed field ablation of atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a new ablation technology for atrial fibrillation (AF). Data regarding early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) after PFA-pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) are sparse. METHODS: Consecutive patients with symptomatic AF were enrolled to undergo PFA-PVI. A dedicated catheter delivering bipolar energy (1.9-2.0 kV) was used. Late recurrence (LR) was defined as documented AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) lasting more than 30 s after a 90-day blanking period. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-one patients (42% female, age 69 ± 12, 55% paroxysmal AF [PAF]) were included in this analysis. Median follow-up time was 367 days (interquartile range: 253-400). Forty-six patients (21%) experienced ERAT after a median of 23 days (46% in PAF and 54% in persistent AF [persAF]). Kaplan-Meier estimated freedom of AF/AT was 74.2% at 1 year, 81.8% for PAF, and 64.8% for persAF (p = .0079). Of patients experiencing ERAT, an LR was observed in 54%. There was no significant difference of LR between those who presented with very early ERAT (0-45 days) and those with ERAT (46-90 days) (p = .57). In multivariate analysis, ERAT (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.370; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.851-6.136; p < .001) and female sex (HR: 2.048; 95% CI: 1.114-3.768; p = .021) were the only independent predictors for LR. CONCLUSIONS: ERAT could be recorded in 21% of patients after PFA-PVI and was an independent predictor for LR. We found no difference in the rate of LRs among patients experiencing ERAT before or after 45 days.

Sex-related differences in outcome after left atrial appendage occlusion: Insights from Europe and the EWOLUTION registry.

BACKGROUND: Women with atrial fibrillation (AF) generally experience worse symptoms, poorer quality of life, and have a higher risk of stroke and death. There is limited availability of sex-related differences regarding left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sex-related differences in patients undergoing LAAO in EWOLUTION. METHODS: A total of 1025 patients scheduled for elective LAAO therapy employing the WATCHMAN Gen 2.5 prospectively consented for participation; 1005 patients received a successful implant and were followed for 2 years. As we detected sex-related differences in baseline data we performed a propensity score matching. The primary endpoint is a combined endpoint of survival free from mortality, major bleeding, ischemic stroke, transitory ischemic attack (TIA) and systemic embolization (SE) up to 2-year clinical follow-up. Secondary Endpoints were periprocedural data and overall 2-year survival. RESULTS: Women were older but had less often vascular disease and hemorrhagic stroke. There was no sex-related significant difference after LAAO at 2 years in the combined endpoint of survival free from mortality, major bleeding, ischemic stroke, TIA, and SE (female vs. male: 79% vs.76%, p = 0.24) or in overall survival (female vs. male: 85% vs. 82%, p = 0.16). Procedural data showed a higher sealing rate after the implantation in women (complete sealing female 94% vs. male 90%, p = 0.033), significantly more pericardial effusions (female 1.2% vs. male 0.2%, p = 0.031) and a similar periprocedural risk profile. CONCLUSIONS: Females undergoing LAAO differ in various baseline variables, but after adjustment, we observed similar safety and efficacy of LAAO with no significant difference in long-term outcomes between women and men.

Clinical outcomes of left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with previous intracranial or gastrointestinal bleeding: Insights from the LOGIC (Left atrial appendage Occlusion in patients with Gastrointestinal or IntraCranial bleeding) International Multicenter Registry.

AIMS: To compare outcomes of patients who underwent left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and contraindication to anticoagulants due to history of either gastrointestinal (GI) or intracranial (IC) bleeding. METHODS: Patients with NVAF that underwent LAAO for GI or IC bleeding from seven centers were included in this observational study. Baseline characteristics, procedural features, and follow-up data were collected, and compared between the two groups. The primary outcomes were incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic events at 12-month. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-eight patients were included, 57% with previous GI-bleeding, and 43% with previous IC-bleeding. Median CHA 2 DS 2-VASc score was 4 (interquartile range [IQRs]: 3-5) for both GI-bleeding and IC-bleeding patients, while GI-bleeding patients had a higher HAS-BLED score (4 [IQRs: 3-4] vs. 3 [IQRs]: 2-3]; p = 0.001). At 12-month follow-up, relative risk reduction for stroke was similar between the two groups. The GI-bleeding group had more hemorrhagic events compared to IC-bleeding group (any bleeding 8.4% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.012; major bleeding BARC 3-5: 4.3% vs. 1.8; p = 0.010). At multivariate analysis history of GI bleeding was an independent predictor of hemorrhagic events (adjusted HR: 2.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-5.63; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes after LAAO may be affected by the different indications for the procedure. In our study, GI-bleeding and IC-bleeding as indication to LAAO differ in their baseline characteristics. LAAO confirms its efficacy in ischemic risk reduction in both groups, while GI bleeding seems to be an independent predictor of bleeding recurrence at 12 months behind the antithrombotic regimen.

Findings from repeat ablation using high-density mapping after pulmonary vein isolation with pulsed field ablation.

AIMS: Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) can offer a novel perspective for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We aimed to characterize the incidence of pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection, types of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) and lesion quality after PFA-guided PV isolation (PVI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients undergoing second ablation for recurrent ATa following the initial PVI using the pentaspline PFA catheter were investigated. The rate of PV reconnection, the features of recurrent ATa, and the amount of isolated posterior wall (PW) surface area (ISAPW%) (ratio of the isolated- to total surface area on PW) were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 360 patients treated with PFA, 25 patients (paroxysmal AF, n = 19) with 99 PVs underwent a second procedure 6.1 ± 4.0 months after the initial procedure. The rate of PV reconnection was 9.1% (9 PVs). Patients presented with atrial tachycardia (AT) (n = 16), AF (n = 8) and typical atrial flutter (n = 1). The mechanism of all but one AT was macro-reentry. The critical isthmus was found to be linked to the initial lesion set at the left atrial (LA) PW in eight patients and linked to pre-existing substrate at the LA anterior wall in four patients. One AT had a focal origin at the septum. In three patients, AT were unmappable. Mean ISAPW% was 72.7 ± 19.0%. CONCLUSION: We revealed a remarkable low reconnection rate with a large antral lesion at the PW after pentaspline PFA catheter-guided PVI. However, macro-reentrant AT with a critical isthmus at the LAPW linked to the PVI lesion set was commonly observed.

Efficacy and safety in patients treated with a novel radiofrequency balloon: a two centres experience from the AURORA collaboration.

AIMS: A novel irrigated radiofrequency (RF) balloon (RFB) for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) was released in selected centres. We pooled the procedural data on efficacy and safety of RFB-PVI from two high volume German centres. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with RFB procedures were enrolled. A 3D electroanatomical left atrial map guided the RFB navigation. Every RF delivery lasted 60 s, and duration was automatically reduced to 20 s for electrodes facing the posterior wall. Procedural data and post-procedural endoscopy data (<48 h) were analysed. Data from 140 patients were collected (57% male, 67 ± 11 years, 57% paroxysmal atrial fibrillation). There were 547 PVs identified, and 99.1% could be isolated using solely the RFB. Single-shot PVI was recorded in 330/547 (60%) PVs. Median time to isolation during the first application was 10 s (IQR 8-13). A total of 2.1 ± 1.8 applications per PV were delivered, with the left superior PV requiring more application compared to other PVs. Median procedure and fluoroscopy time were 77 min (61-99) and 13 min (10-17), respectively. Major safety events were recorded only in the first 25 cases at each centre and included 1/140(0.7%) cardiac tamponade, 1/140(0.7%) phrenic nerve palsy, and 2/140 strokes (1.4%). An oesophageal temperature rise was recorded in 81/547 (15%) PVs, and endoscopy detected oesophageal lesions in 7/85 (8%) patients undergoing endoscopy. CONCLUSION: The RFB showed a high efficacy allowing for fast PVI procedures, and 60% of PVs could be isolated at the first application. Most safety events were recorded during the learning phase. An oesophageal temperature monitoring is suggested: oesophageal lesions were detected in 8% of patients.

EUropean real-world outcomes with Pulsed field ablatiOn in patients with symptomatic atRIAl fibrillation: lessons from the multi-centre EU-PORIA registry.

AIMS: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a new, non-thermal ablation modality for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The multi-centre EUropean Real World Outcomes with Pulsed Field AblatiOn in Patients with Symptomatic AtRIAl Fibrillation (EU-PORIA) registry sought to determine the safety, efficacy, and learning curve characteristics for the pentaspline, multi-electrode PFA catheter. METHODS AND RESULTS: All-comer AF patients from seven high-volume centres were consecutively enrolled. Procedural and follow-up data were collected. Learning curve effects were analysed by operator ablation experience and primary ablation modality. In total, 1233 patients (61% male, mean age 66 ± 11years, 60% paroxysmal AF) were treated by 42 operators. In 169 patients (14%), additional lesions outside the PVs were performed, most commonly at the posterior wall (n = 127). Median procedure and fluoroscopy times were 58 (interquartile range: 40-87) and 14 (9-21) min, respectively, with no differences due to operator experience. Major complications occurred in 21/1233 procedures (1.7%) including pericardial tamponade (14; 1.1%) and transient ischaemic attack or stroke (n = 7; 0.6%), of which one was fatal. Prior cryoballoon users had less complication. At a median follow-up of 365 (323-386) days, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of arrhythmia-free survival was 74% (80% for paroxysmal and 66% for persistent AF). Freedom from arrhythmia was not influenced by operator experience. In 149 (12%) patients, a repeat procedure was performed due to AF recurrence and 418/584 (72%) PVs were durably isolated. CONCLUSION: The EU-PORIA registry demonstrates a high single-procedure success rate with an excellent safety profile and short procedure times in a real-world, all-comer AF patient population.

Prognostic value of chronic kidney disease in patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often coexist and share an increased risk of thrombo-embolism (TE). CKD concomitantly predisposes towards a pro-haemorrhagic state. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic value of CKD in patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 2124 consecutive AF patients undergoing LAAO were categorized into CKD stage 1+2 (n = 1089), CKD stage 3 (n = 796), CKD stage 4 (n = 170), and CKD stage 5 (n = 69) based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline. The primary endpoint included cardiovascular (CV) mortality, TE, and major bleeding. The expected annual TE and major bleeding risks were estimated based on the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. A non-significant higher incidence of major peri-procedural adverse events (1.7 vs. 2.3 vs. 4.1 vs. 4.3) was observed with worsening CKD (P = 0.14). The mean follow-up period was 13 ± 7 months (2226 patient-years). In comparison to CKD stage 1+2 as a reference, the incidence of the primary endpoint was significantly higher in CKD stage 3 (log-rank P-value = 0.04), CKD stage 4 (log-rank P-value = 0.01), and CKD stage 5 (log-rank P-value = 0.001). Left atrial appendage occlusion led to a TE risk reduction (RR) of 72, 66, 62, and 41% in each group. The relative RR of major bleeding was 58, 44, 51, and 52%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate-to-severe CKD had a higher incidence of the primary composite endpoint. The relative RR in the incidence of TE and major bleeding was consistent across CKD groups.