bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of atrial complexity of patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation: a clinical computational study
Authors: Sanchez De La Nava AM , Gonzalez-Torrecilla E , Gonzalez-Mansilla A , Soto N , Avila P , Datino T , Bermejo J , Arenal A , Fernandez-Aviles F , Atienza F 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): Supported in part by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI16/01123, DTS16/0160, PI17/010559, PI17/01106 and PI20/01618); Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (CIRBER CV); and cofound by FEDER: Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional. EITHealth 19600 AFFINE.

Background
Pulmonary veins (PV) electrical isolation is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF treatment), but other proarrhythmic areas of the atria may trigger or sustain AF.

Objective
We used computer simulations to analyze AF complexity measured using non-invasive electrocardiographic imaging (ECGi).

Methods
We included 30 patients that underwent PVI. Personalized simulations using biatrial anatomies segmented from MRI images and an automata model for modeling the electrical activity were compared with ECGi results to evaluate the long-term outcome of AF ablation.

Results
Simulation maps closely correlated with the rotors histogram obtained from patients´ ECGi: high entropy areas from simulations matched the areas with higher density of rotor presence on the ECGi. Simulations revealed that successful ablations occurred in patients with rotors mainly located at the PV area, while unsuccessful ablations presented an increased number of high entropy foci, greater distribution of rotors along the atria and lower number of PV rotors. The number of rotors attached to the PV was significantly higher in patients with favorable long-term ablation outcome (1-year AF Freedom: 1.61 ± 0.21 vs. AF: 1.40 ± 0.20; p-value = 0.018).

Conclusion
This simulation approach could improve patient screening and ablation design prior to the intervention providing information of the complexity of the atria. Abstract Figure. Rotor maps, ACM and ACB for 3 patients
Why is neuromodulation effect of pulmonary vein isolation not same in all cases?
Authors: Aksu T , Yalin K , Gopinathannair R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Cardiac ganglionated plexi (GPs) of the autonomic system are primarily located in major epicardial fat pads adjacent to the left atrium and pulmonary vein junctions. These structures may play a central role in both the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Previous studies reported modification of GPs during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) may increase rate of sinus node and AF-free survival. However, a deficiency certainly existed why is modification of GPs observed in some patients during PVI but not in others?

Purpose
We aimed to evaluate ratio of ablation points within classical antral circumferential ablation lines for PVI and distribution of 4 major atrial ganglionated plexus.

Methods
Thirty-eight consecutive patients undergoing ablation of GP for vagally mediated bradyarrhythmias were evaluated. All GP sites were detected by using previously defined fragmented electrogram based strategy which is a validated tool when compared with a combination of spectral analysis and high frequency stimulation to detect GPs. Estimated ablation lines for antral circumferential ablation was defined as a circumferential isolation line performed ≥1 cm away from the pulmonary vein ostium as identified by 3D electroanatomical reconstruction (Figure 1). The total number of ablation points in each GP sites and ratio of ablation points within estimated antral circumferential ablation lines were recorded.

Results
The great majority of ablation points were detected at the insertion of the right pulmonary veins. Number of ablation points in each GP site in descending order is as follows: (1) the right superior GP = 13.6 ± 6; (2) the left superior GP = 10.5 ± 5; (3) the right inferior GP = 5.9 ± 4; and (4) the left inferior GP = 2.5 ± 3. The ratio of ablation points within estimated antral circumferential ablation lines was higher in right-sided GPs (50.5%±24 for the right superior GP and 30.2%±31 for the right inferior GP vs 18.3%±24 for the left superior GP and 11.6%±26 for the left inferior GP. Figure 2 demonstrates total number of ablation points and the ratio of ablation points within estimated antral circumferential ablation lines in each GP site.

Conclusions
The present study shows that individual variability of distribution of GPs and how antral ablation was done during PVI might be the main contributors of neuromodulation effect. Further randomized, controlled and multicenter studies should be performed to confirm these findings. Abstract Figure 1
Catheter ablation as initial therapy for symptomatic atrial fibrillation- a meta analysis
Authors: Abdul Razzack A , Gopar Franco WX , Rocha Castellanos DM , Patel N , Patel V , Adeel Hassan S , Pothuru S , Yasmin F , Kumar Ochani R , Mandava S , Theja Reddy K , Mustafa A , Mehmood Lak H 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The current guidelines recommend a trial of antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) before ablation is considered. However, the concept "first do no harm" plays an integral role in the management of atrial fibrillation. Little is known about ablation as first line therapy for untreated patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation.

Methods
Electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase) were searched until 25th November 2020. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated from dichotomous data using Mantel Haenszel (M-H) random-effects with statistical significance to be considered if the confidence interval excludes 1 and p &lt; 0.05. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating catheter ablation vs AAD as first line therapy were included. The primary outcome of interest was recurrence of any atrial tachyarrhythmia (symptomatic/asymptomatic, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and atrial tachycardia). Secondary outcomes included recurrence of symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia, major adverse events and cardiovascular adverse events.

Results
A total of five studies with 986 (Ablation = 496; AAD = 490) participants were included. Patients receiving ablation were less prone to experience any type of atrial tachyarrhythmia when compared to patients receiving anti-arrhythmic drugs (OR 0.42; 95%CI 0.31 to 0.55; p &lt; 0.00001; I²=0) The incidence of symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia was also higher in the AAD arm (OR 0.33; 95%CI 0.18-0.62; p = 0.0006; I²=59%). There were no statistically significant differences for major(OR1.30; 95%CI0.85 to 1.98; p = 0.22; I²=0)and cardiovascular adverse events (OR 1.13; 95%CI 0.69-1.86; p = 0.64 I²=0) respectively.

Conclusion
Catheter ablation was associated with a significantly lower rate of tachyarrhythmia recurrence than conventional anti-arrhythmic drugs, but may also cause adverse events Abstract Figure.
Antiplatelets in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Benz A , Johansson I , Dewilde W , Lopes RD , Mehran R , Sartori S , Sarafoff N , Yasuda S , Mcintyre WF , Healey JS , Shoamanesh A , Eikelboom JW , Connolly SJ 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Dr. Benz reports a personal research grant from the German Heart Foundation (Deutsche Herzstiftung e.V.). Dr. Johansson reports personal unrestricted research grants from Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation (Hjärt-Lungfonden) and from Stockholm County Council (Region Stockholm). Dr. McIntyre holds a fellowship award from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR). Dr. Shoamanesh reports funding support from the Marta and Owen Boris Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Background/Introduction: There is an ongoing controversy surrounding the efficacy and safety of antiplatelet agents in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Purpose
We aimed to systematically assess the effects of antiplatelets on stroke and other outcomes in patients with AF, both receiving oral anticoagulation or not.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL up until September 2020 to identify randomized trials allocating patients with AF to aspirin or a P2Y12 inhibitor, versus control. Where applicable, we obtained unpublished data from study authors. Random-effects models were applied for meta-analysis.

Results
Based on 21,518 patients from 18 randomized trials, there was no reduction in stroke with antiplatelet therapy (risk ratio [RR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-1.04). There was a significant qualitative interaction according to whether patients were receiving concomitant oral anticoagulation or not (p &lt; 0.001). Without concomitant anticoagulation, antiplatelets reduced stroke (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.86), while they appeared to increase stroke with it (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.98-1.79). A similar pattern emerged for ischaemic stroke. Antiplatelets increased major bleeding (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.35-1.77) and intracranial haemorrhage (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.20-2.24), and reduced myocardial infarction (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.94), consistently and irrespective of concomitant anticoagulation. Antiplatelets had a neutral effect on mortality (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.89-1.17).

Conclusions
Antiplatelet therapy did not reduce stroke and increased major bleeding in patients with AF. Antiplatelets did not affect mortality. Subgroup analysis suggests a reduction in stroke with antiplatelets in patients without concomitant oral anticoagulation, and a corresponding signal for harm in those with it. Abstract Figure.
Is transesophageal echocardiogram mandatory for patients undergoing ablation for right atrial flutter with uninterrupted anticoagulants? A prospective single registry
Authors: Suzat A , Da Costa A , Guichard JB , Pierrard ROMAIN , Benali K , Yvorel C , Bayard G , Isaaz K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background. Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in patients with atrial flutter (AFL). Objectives. Our prospective single-center observational study sought to evaluate the prevalence of LAA thrombi in patients referred for AFL ablation, compared to those requiring atrial fibrillation (AFib) ablation during the same time period, as well as to determine the predictive factors of LAA thrombi in terms of arrhythmia etiology. Methods and Results. From July 2019 to August 2020, 321 consecutive patients who were referred for either AFib ablation (n = 229) or AFL ablation (n = 92) were included in the study, with a thrombus detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in 3.22% (12/321). Prior to ablation under anticoagulants, the percentage of thrombi was similar between patients referred for AFL ablation and those referred for AFib ablation (5.4% [n = 5/92] vs. 3.1% [n = 7/229]; p = 0.3). In the overall population, patients with LAA thrombi had a higher CHA²DS²-VASc score (3 ± 2 vs. 2 ± 1.5; p = 0.048) and a higher presence of valvular prothesis (25% vs. 4.9%; p = 0.003), with relevant left atrial remodeling more often observed, such as demonstrated by a higher left atrium (LA) volume (57 ± 19 vs. 46 ± 17 ml/m²; p = 0.04), a lower LAA velocity (0.41 ± 0.3 vs. 0.55 ± 0.2; p = 0.04) and a more severe LAA echo contrast (83.3% vs. 3.2%; p &lt;0.0001). In the subset of patients with right AFL, patients with LAA thrombi had a higher CHA²DS²-VASc score (4.4 ± 1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.5; p = 0.008), had more often hypertension (100% vs. 53%; p = 0.04) and more often diabetes mellitus (60% vs. 18.4%; p = 0.03), and a more severe LAA echo contrast (80% vs. 5.7%; p &lt;0.0001). Predictive factors of atrial thrombi evaluated by crude odds ratios were the presence of valvular prosthesis (OR = 6.53; [1.60, 26.65] ; p = 0.009), the CHA²DS²-VASc score (OR = 1.41 [0.99, 2.01] ; p = 0.05), the LAA velocity (cm/s) (OR = 0.03; [0.001, 0.79]; p = 0.04) and presence of severe LAA contrast (OR = 188 ; [35.32, 1002.02] ; &lt;0.0001) rather than the atrial arrhythmia itself. Conclusions. Patients referred for ablation with right AFL have a similar risk of LAA thrombi, compared to those with AFib. The risk of LAA thrombi is better related to the presence of valvular prosthesis, CHA²DS²-VASc score and LA remodelling than the atrial arrhythmia itself. Accordingly, TEE should be recommended before right AFL ablation, especially in case of a valvular prosthesis, high CHA²DS²-VASc score or LA alteration.
Periprocedural anticoagulation management in edxoaban patients undergoing catheter-based cardiovascular procedures: analyses of the noninterventional global EMIT study
Authors: Vanassche T , Colonna P , Santamaria A , Chen C , Von Heymann C , Jin J , Saxena M , Jiang W , Unverdorben M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Daiichi Sankyo

Background
The optimal periprocedural management of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), including edoxaban, in patients undergoing catheter-based cardiovascular procedures is unknown, and mainly based on physician opinion and experience.

Purpose
To assess real-world management of edoxaban in patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures, and to report their clinical events.

Methods
Global EMIT-AF/VTE is a prospective study of periprocedural management in edoxaban-treated patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. We report the data from patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures. Timing and duration of edoxaban interruption were at the treating physician’s discretion. Outcomes were collected from 5 days before until 30 days post procedure. Primary outcome was the incidence of major bleeding (MB); secondary outcomes included incidence of clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) and acute thromboembolic events (ATE).

Results
Data was collected from 301 and 311 procedures with arterial or venous access, respectively. Baseline characteristics are shown in Table 1. Edoxaban was not interrupted in 36.9% of arterial and 52.7% of venous procedures. Edoxaban was interrupted pre-procedure in 41% of arterial and 32.8% of venous procedures. The median periprocedural interruption was 2 days. The overall incidence of bleeding was very low. Any bleeding was reported in 8 patients undergoing arterial and 10 patients undergoing venous procedures (2.7% and 3.2%). MB or CRNMB occurred in 2 arterial and 3 venous procedures (0.7% and 1.0%) and ATE occurred in 5 arterial and 1 venous procedure (1.7% and 0.3%, Table 1).

Conclusions
In this study, the periprocedural risks of bleeding and thrombotic events were low. About a third of arterial access procedures and half of venous access procedures were performed without edoxaban interruption. Arterial(n = 301) Venous(n = 311) Baseline characteristics Age, year, mean (SD)Male, n (%)Weight (kg), mean (SD) 71.9 (8.5)211 (70.1%)80.8 (16.7) 64.6 (11.1)215 (69.1%)84.1 (17.4) CrCL (mL/min), mean (SD) CHA2DS2-VASc score, mean (SD)HAS-BLED score, mean (SD) 73.5 (29.8) 3.3 (1.5)2.0 (1.0) 88.9 (35.5) 2.2 (1.5)1.3 (1.0) Edoxaban 60 mg / 30 mg, % 73% / 26% 88% / 26% Coronary heart disease, n (%) Congestive heart failure, n (%) 101 (33.6%) 58 (19.3%) 51 (16.4%) 33 (10.6%) Interruption of edoxaban, n (%) No interruption Pre-procedure only Post-procedure only Pre- and post-procedure 111 (36.9%)125 (41.5%)12 (4.0%)53 (17.6%) 164 (52.7%)102 (32.8%)8 (2.6%)37 (11.9%) Clinical events, n (%) MB or CRNMBACSStroke/Transient ischemic attackCV mortalityAll-cause mortality 2 (0.7%)2 (0.7%)3 (1.0%)1 (0.3%)2 (0.7%) 3 (1.0%) 01 (0.3%)00
Ophthalmic complications in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and type 2 diabetes prescribed rivaroxaban or warfarin
Authors: Costa O , Ho K , Caranfa JT , Vardar B , Abdelgawwad K , Brescia CW , Coleman CI 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Bayer AG Berlin, Germany

INTRODUCTION
Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at an increased risk of ophthalmic complications compared to those without. Ophthalmic complications in T2D patients with comorbid nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) may include ophthalmic bleeding and/or diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE
We sought to evaluate ophthalmic complications in patients with NVAF and T2D prescribed rivaroxaban or warfarin for stroke prevention.

METHODS
Optum® de-identified electronic health record (EHR) data from 11/2010-3/2020 were utilized. Adults with NVAF and T2D, newly started on rivaroxaban or warfarin and with ≥12 months of prior EHR activity were included. Patients were excluded if they received any oral anticoagulation in the prior 12 months, had valvular disease or pre-existing diabetic retinopathy. Our primary outcome was the incidence rate of any ophthalmic complication including non-traumatic bleeding (choroidal, intraocular, retinal, vitreous) or diabetic retinopathy. Ophthalmic bleeds typically associated with trauma (hyphema, orbital) were excluded from our outcomes. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using propensity score-overlap weighted Cox regression.

RESULTS
We included 26,537 rivaroxaban and 61,690 warfarin patients. The average age of patients was 69 ± 9 years, CHA2DS2VASc score was 4.1 ± 1.5 and HASBLED 1.5 ± 0.9. Thirty-two percent of patients had an a1c ≥7.0 and 16% an a1c≥8.0. Rivaroxaban was associated with a 15% (95%CI = 8-21%) relative hazard reduction of any ophthalmic complication (incidence rate = 1.25 vs. 1.46%/year) (Table), driven by reductions in both ophthalmic bleeding (HR = 0.80) and diabetic retinopathy (HR = 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS
Rivaroxaban was associated with a reduction in ophthalmic complications compared to warfarin. Table. Ophthalmic Complications Outcome Rivaroxaban, %/yearN = 26,537 Warfarin, %/yearN = 61,690 PS OLW HR (95%CI) Any Ophthalmic Complication 1.25 1.46 0.85 (0.79-0.92) Any Ophthalmic Bleed 0.15 0.19 0.80 (0.63-1.00) Choroidal Bleed 0.003 0.005 0.59 (0.11-3.17) Intraocular Bleed 0.01 0.01 0.75 (0.26-2.13) Retinal Bleed 0.08 0.09 0.93 (0.68-1.28) Vitreous Bleed 0.07 0.10 0.66 (0.47-0.92) Any Type of Diabetic Retinopathy 1.15 1.34 0.85 (0.79-0.93) Diabetic Retinopathy, non-proliferative 0.35 0.44 0.80 (0.69-0.93) Diabetic Retinopathy, proliferative 0.09 0.12 0.79 (0.59-1.05) Diabetic Retinopathy, unspecified 0.82 0.94 0.87 (0.79-0.97) CI = confidence interval; HR = hazard ratio; OLW = overlap weighted; PS = propensity score
Periprocedural safety and efficacy after left atrial appendage closure in a large UK tertiary centre: 10-year experience
Authors: Briosa E Gala A , Pope MTB , Monteiro C , Leo M , Betts TR 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is responsible for up 90% of atrial fibrillation (AF) related ischaemic strokes. Mechanical closure of the LAA is an alternative stroke prevention strategy in patients with non-valvular AF who are at a high risk of bleeding. LAA morphology is highly variable which may affect acute procedural success rates.

Purpose
This study sought to examine the periprocedural safety and efficacy, and short-term outcomes in patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device implantation in a large UK tertiary centre.

Methods
This retrospective study included all patients listed for a LAAO device in our institution from January 2010 to December 2020. Medical notes, procedural and imaging reports were reviewed and adverse event rates were calculated at discharge, 30 and 90 days. A Cox regression model was used for multivariable analysis with pre-specified covariates to assess outcomes at 90 days.

Results
Of 237 patients listed for a LAAO device, 8 (3.4%) had a LAA thrombus and the procedure was abandoned (4 had a successful implant at a later date). In 225 (94.9%) patients a LAAO device was implanted and 4 (1.7%) had unsuitable anatomy precluding device deployment. Seventy-two percent were male, age 74 ± 8 years, BMI 27 ± 6 kg/m2, CHA2DS2-VASc score 4.4 ± 1.2, HASBLED score 3.2 ± 0.8 and at high risk of stroke (98 ischaemic strokes and 129 haemorrhagic strokes) and bleeding (151 major or life-threatening bleeding episodes). The mean procedural and fluoroscopy time were 52.5 ± 30.5 and 8.0 ± 5.9 minutes, respectively. Three different LAAO devices were used (136 Watchman, 54 Watchman FLX and 35 Amplatzer Cardiac Plug) with no significant difference in acute procedural success (97.8%, 98.2% and 94.4%, p = 0.41, respectively). Complete seal was achieved in 202 (92%) patients with only 1 (0.4%) moderate leak. Procedure-related mortality was 1.3% and non-fatal serious adverse events occurred in 5 (2.1%) patients. At 90 days, 28 patients experienced an adverse event (KM 12.5%; 95% CI, 8%-16.1%) and 16 patients suffered a serious adverse event (KM 7.1%; 95% CI, 3.7%-10.4%). In a covariate-adjusted Cox model, CHA2DS2-VASc score less than 4 had hazard ratio of 0.21 (95% CI, 0.06 -0.71, p = 0.01) for serious events at 90 days.

Conclusion
The acute procedural success rate was high (97%) with a low number of periprocedural complications. Serious adverse events at both 30 and 90-days were low in keeping with other published registries. Abstract Figure.