bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary vein isolation with additional substrate ablation for atrial fibrillation results in an increased risk for the development of atypical atrial flutter
Authors: Ferreira Neves I , Jacinto S , Portugal G , Silva Cunha P , Valente B , Lousinha A , Santos H , Monteiro A , Contins R , Cruz Ferreira R , Martins Oliveira M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. Several extra pulmonary vein (PV) ablation strategies for substrate modification (PVI plus) have been employed to AF patients. It has not been proven that this approach decreases the recurrence of AF, and it could contribute to increase the risk of developing atypical atrial flutter.

Methods
Patients submitted to AF catheter ablation at our centre between 2005 and 2020 were included. Using logistic regression, we did a retrospective analysis of the association between the application of PVI plus strategies (such as ablation of the cavo tricuspid isthmus (CTI), ganglion plexus, isolation of the superior vena cava (SVC), mitral isthmus ablation and atrial roof line ablation) and the development of atypical flutter later submitted to ablation.

Results
Five hundred and seventy-five patients were included (64% males, age 57±12 years [between 14 and 81], 68.2% with paroxysmal AF) with &gt; 1-year follow-up. Five hundred and five (87.8%) had PVI alone. From the 575 patients, 11 (1.9%) developed an atypical flutter during the follow-up, which was later submitted to ablation. The crude ODDS of a patient submitted to a PVI plus strategy developing atypical atrial flutter are 13.92 times higher than the one of those submitted to a stand-alone PVI technique, with a p value &lt;0.001 (95% CI 3.96 – 48.87). When adjusted for age and history of heart failure, the ODDS of a patient submitted to a PVI plus strategy developing atypical atrial flutter are 16.29 times higher than the one of those submitted to a stand-alone PVI technique, with a p value &lt;0.001 (95% CI 3.92 – 67.65).

Conclusions
Additional substrate ablation for AF significantly increases the risk of developing atypical auricular flutter.Characteristics of the study populationCharacterization of PIV plus strategies
Posterior wall isolation with pulsed field ablation or radiofrequency ablation with vein of marshall ethanol ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mannhart D , Krisai P , Weidlich S , Knecht S , Isenegger C , Katic J , Voellmin G , Osswald S , Sticherling C , Kuehne M , Badertscher P 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
In patients undergoing repeat catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) two ablation strategies beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) have recently gained increased interest: posterior wall isolation (PWI) using pulsed field ablation (PFA) and Vein of Marshall (VoM) ethanol ablation combined with radiofrequency energy ablation (RFA). However, a direct comparison is lacking.

Purpose
To compare prospectively enrolled patients undergoing repeat catheter ablation for persistent AF using PVI and PWI with PFA (PFA group) vs. PVI and VoM ethanol ablation using RFA (VoM group) regarding procedural characteristics, safety, myocardial injury and outcomes.

Methods
Patients undergoing redo PFA-PVI with PWI and VoM ethanol ablation with RFA were included. Isolation and bidirectional block were checked using a multipolar mapping catheter. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was measured after 24h of ablation.

Results
A total of 84 patients were included (age 69 [interquartile range (IQR) 63-75] years; ejection fraction 56% [IQR 48-60%]; left atrial size 42 [IQR 37-47] mm), baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. Of these, 54 patients (64%) were in the PFA group and 30 (36%) in the VoM group. The procedure duration (65 [IQR 56-73] minutes vs 116 [IQR 103-142] minutes; p &lt; .001) and fluoroscopic times (11 [IQR 8–14] minutes vs 14 [IQR 12-19] minutes; p &lt; .001) were significantly shorter for the PFA group than for the VoM group. No major complications were observed except for a probable allergic reaction in the VoM group and a transient AV-block in the PFA group. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin levels post ablation were similar between the PFA group and the VoM group with 886 [IQR 627–1260] ng/L and 793 [IQR 543-1199] ng/L, p=0.28, respectively. During follow-up (median duration 230 [IQR 117-370] days), AF recurrence was observed in 15% in the PFA group and in 40% in the VOM group (p ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion
In patients undergoing repeat catheter ablation for AF, PVI and PWI using PFA is associated with shorter procedure and fluoroscopic times, similar high-sensitivity cardiac troponin levels and a reduced recurrence rate compared to PVI using RFA with additional VoM ethanol ablation.Central Illustration
Association of superior vena cava isolation with improved outcomes in atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Botis M , Doundoulakis I , Antoniou C K , Kordalis A , Deligiannis G , Tsioufis P , Gatzoulis K A , Tsioufis K , Tsiachris D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the mainstay in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, additional arrhythmogenic foci seem to contribute to AF initiation and maintenance. A great proportion of those non-PV foci have been reported to be located in the superior vena cava.

Purpose
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of SVC isolation as an adjunctive therapy to PVI isolation.

Methods
We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Embase. Inclusion criteria were cohort studies with control group or randomized clinical trials, comparing patients undergoing PVI only and patients undergoing PVI with concurrent SVC isolation, in effects of freedom from atrial tachycardia, need for cardioversion, hospitalization and all-cause mortality.

Results
A total of 7 studies, incorporating 1.550 patients, were included. The combination of SVC and PVI isolation in patients undergoing AF ablation was more effective than PVI isolation alone (risk ratio = 0.689; 95% confidence interval, 0.505-0.942). In a subgroup analysis, the isolation of SVC after identifying focal potentials demonstrated effectiveness (risk ratio = 0.573; 95% confidence interval, 0.364-0.902), while the isolation of SVC when the focal potentials were induced after isoprotenerol infusion or rapid atrial pacing did not alter the clinical outcomes (risk ratio = 0.798; 95% confidence interval, 0.493, 1.292).

Conclusions
The outcomes of AF ablation are favorable when additional SVC isolation is conducted. The effect is pronounced when spontaneous SVC potentials are identified.
Effectiveness of photoplethysmography-based rhythm monitoring after atrial fibrillation ablation using a smartphone application
Authors: Gruwez H , Maris S , Dhont S , Meekers E , Bruckers L , Wouters F , Van Herendael H , Nuyens D , Rivero-Ayerza M , Vandervoort P , Haemers P , Pison L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after AF ablation is frequent. Monitoring recurrence is essential for attributing patient symptoms and for assessing both AF burden and treatment effectiveness. The conventional approach relies on periodic (long-term) electrocardiograms (ECG) and is constrained by limited monitoring time, measurement dispersion, and cost. Furthermore, patients are unable to prioritize measurements based on symptoms. Photoplethysmography (PPG) emerges as a technology that could potentially transform any smartphone into a rhythm monitoring device, thereby mitigating the limitations associated with current practices. Selected applications leveraging this technology have demonstrated excellent usability and accuracy for the detection of AF. However, the effectiveness of PPG-based follow-up remains uncertain.

Purpose
To compare the effectiveness of digital follow-up utilizing a PPG-based smartphone application with conventional ECG-based follow-up for the detection of atrial arrhythmia recurrence after ablation.

Methods
Patients undergoing AF ablation were consecutively enrolled and monitored using a 24h-ECG at 3-6-12 months on top of ECGs conducted for clinical indications (conventional follow-up). Additionally, patients were instructed to perform PPG measurements twice daily or whenever symptoms were perceived, over the course of one year (digital follow-up). The primary outcome was recurrence of atrial arrhythmia.

Results
In total, 96 patients (69% male, mean age 64 [58 – 68] years) performed 39,895 PPG measurements. The compliance rate (n performed/prescribed) was 92.6% for ECG and 78.2% for PPG recordings. After one year follow-up, atrial arrhythmia recurrence was detected by conventional follow-up in 17.9% and in 38.5% of patients by digital follow-up (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% CI: 1.7-7.1). The confidence interval lower limit exceeded the predefined non-inferiority margin (p for non-inferiority &gt; 0.001). Hence, superiority was tested (p for superiority = 0.001). The negative predictive value of digital follow-up for atrial arrhythmia detected with conventional follow-up was 98.3% (95% CI: 90.1-99.9%). Symptoms were reported in 81.1% of PPG-detected atrial arrhythmias and episodes sustained for 3.9 [1.1 – 22.7] hours.

Conclusions
Among patients with AF ablation, digital PPG-based rhythm monitoring with a smartphone, was non-inferior in the detection of atrial arrhythmia recurrence after ablation. Moreover, the detection of atrial arrhythmia was significantly increased compared to conventional ECG-based monitoring.
Atrial fibrillation ablation performed under general anesthesia is associated with significantly low arterial blood pressure and higher incidence of hypotensive events
Authors: Di Cori A , Parollo M , Fiorentini F , Pistelli L , Torre M , Cito V , Barletta V , De Lucia R , Canu A , Sbragi S , Segreti L , Zucchelli G 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Catheter ablation is a pivotal treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). When performed under general anesthesia (GA), it may be associated to hypotensive events, with unclear prevalence and prognostic impact. Continuous non-invasive blood pressure (CNBP) measurement is a validated and reliable tool for intraprocedural beat-to-beat advanced hemodynamic monitoring.

Purpose
To assess and compare the hemodynamic impact of GA during AF ablation using a CNBP (ClearSight) system.

Methods
In an observational single large volume center study we prospectively enrolled all patients undergoing AF ablation at our institution with CNBP monitoring, as per local practice. Patients were assigned to deep sedation (DS) or general anesthesia (GA) group according to the chosen sedation regimen. The following parameters were compared between the two strategies: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume (SV), stroke volume index (SVI). Hypotension events (HE) (MAP &lt; 65 mmHg) were counted and compared between groups.

Results
Two hundred patients were enrolled from September 2022 to August 2023. 170 patients underwent AF ablation under DS (76,7% male, mean age 56,77±15,76), while 30 patients were treated under GA (70% male, mean age 60,72±13,79).
A total of 117709 measurements were analyzed and compared, for an overall monitoring time of 39293,66 minutes. Patients treated under GA had significantly lower average SBP (104,83±21,48 mmHg vs 138,05±22,09 mmHg, p&lt;0,001), DBP (59,59±11,89 mmHg vs 76,12±12,75 mmHg, p&lt;0,001), MAP (74,96±15,02 mmHg vs 97,12±15,38 mmHg, p&lt;0,001). We also observed significantly lower CO (4,40±1,47 L/min vs 5,16±1,62 L/min, p&lt;0,001), CI (2,22±0,71 L/min/m2 vs 2,61±0,78 L/min/m2, p&lt;0,001) SV (62,37±18,04 mL/beat vs 70,65±24,95 mL/beat, p&lt;0,001) and SVI (31,40±8,54 mL/beat/m2 vs 35,80±12,07 mL/beat/m2, p&lt;0,001). Patients treated under GA witnessed a higher number of per-patient HE (10,53±9,16 vs 0,61±2,07, p&lt;0,001), and higher HE duration (4,8±6,62 min vs 2,82±3,66, p&lt;0,001).

Conclusion
AF ablation performed under general anesthesia is associated with significantly lower systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure, reduced cardiac output, stroke volume and stroke volume index when compared to deep sedation. Patients undergoing AF ablation under GA witness higher incidence and duration of hypotensive events.
CNBP is a valid tool for beat-to-beat procedural hemodynamic assessment and can help identifying and treat hypotensive events. Further studies are needed to assess the potential prognostic impact of intraprocedural hypotension during AF ablation.
Optimized workflow for pulmonary vein isolation using very high power short duration radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Gigli L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Point-by-point radiofrequency ablation is the most used invasive treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, single-shot technologies are largely widespread due to their proved safety and efficacy. QDOT MICRO (QDM) is a novel contact force–sensing catheter optimized for temperature-controlled radiofrequency (RF) ablation that allows to maintain target temperature during 90 W ablations for ≤4 seconds.

Purpose
This study evaluates procedural safety and effectiveness as well as long-term effects of an optimized procedural workflow using QDM catheter to perform wide atrial circumferential ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Methods
Consecutive patients referred for paroxysmal AF first ablation through pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) were prospectively enrolled. Every procedure was performed in general anesthesia by using CARTO3 Electroanatomical Mapping System BiosenseWebster QDM catheter and Deflectable Sheet VIZIGO as single sheet in left atrium. VHPSD was performed to encircling the posterior wall, while conventional-power temperature-controlled (CPTC) mode was used to encircling the anterior wall. The primary safety endpoint was incidence of primary adverse events within ≤7 days of ablation. The primary effectiveness endpoint was freedom from documented atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence and acute procedural, repeat ablation, and antiarrhythmic drug failure.

Results
120 enrolled participants (61 ± 12 years, 45% female) met eligibility criteria. Median procedural skin-to-skin time and RF application for ablating PVs were 56 and 17 minutes, respectively. Median ablation time was 22 minutes. First-pass isolation (entrance and exit block validation) was obtained in 98 % and inter-lesion distance was 4,8 ± 0,8 mm. In 100% of patients PVI was obtained without adverse events. The Kaplan-Meier estimated 12-month rate for clinical success (freedom from symptomatic recurrence of AF) was 93%, freedom from AF was 89%

Conclusions
PVI performed with point by point optimized workflow using VHPSD RF catheter in combination with steerable sheet is highly efficient and effective without compromising safety.
Baseline characteristics and risk of major bleeding in Taiwanese patients with atrial fibrillation and renal impairment receiving rivaroxaban: the prospective XARETO registry
Authors: Chao T , Chang K C , Cheng C I , Chen C P , Chen J Y , Chu P H , Chen Z C , Lin T H , Liu Y B , Tsai C T , Tsai H L , Tsao T P , Chen W J , Chen S A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Data about the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the prospective registry of Asian atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with renal dysfunction, especially those with a creatinine clearance (CCr) between 15 to 30 ml/min, are limited. This study aimed to investigate the safety of rivaroxaban in Taiwanese AF patients with renal impairment in the daily practice.

Methods
XARETO (Xarelto for the prevention of stroke and non-central nervous systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation with REnal impairment in Taiwanese pOpulation) is a multi-center, non-interventional, single arm prospective observational cohort study performed in Taiwan. Subjects with non-valvular AF aged &gt;=20 years with a documented CCr of 15-50 ml/min within 6 months before the enrollment were enrolled. All subjects were prescribed rivaroxaban for stroke prevention. The major bleeding was defined as a bleeding events with fall in Hgb of &gt;=2 g/dL or a transfusion of &gt;= 2 units of packed red blood cells or whole blood or occurrence of bleeding at a critical site or mortality.

Results
A total of 493 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 78.3 years old and 59.6% was male. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4.4 and 2.9, respectively. Co-morbidities were as follows: 41.0% patients had chronic heart failure, 83.2% had hypertension, 40.8% had diabetes and 14.8% had prior stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolic events. The mean CCr was 35.19 ml/min, and 159 (32.3%) of them has a CCr between 15-29 ml/min.
During the follow up, there were 23 patients with 26 adjudicated major bleeding events with the incidence rate of 6.2 per 100 person-years (95% CI 3.9-9.3). Of these patients, there were 15 patients with 16 adjudicated major bleeding events considered as related to the rivaroxaban treatment with the incidence rate of 4.0 per 100 person-years (95% CI 2.2-6.6)(Figure)

Conclusions
In high-risk Taiwan AF patients (mean CHA2DS2-VASc score 4.4) with renal impairment (mean CCr 35.19 ml/min, 32.3% between 15-29 ml/min), the safety of rivaroxaban was confirmed in the prospective XARETO study.
Real-world insights on anticoagulation therapies in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a comprehensive electronic health record-based study using natural language processing and machine learning
Authors: Cosin J , Anguita M , Suarez C , Arias-Cabrales C , Martinez-Sanchez L , Arumi D , Fernandez De Cabo S 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Limited evidence exists regarding real-world practices and outcomes of oral anticoagulation in patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF).

Purpose
To conduct a retrospective real-world data (RWD) study using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) on Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in NVAF patients.

Methods
Retrospective study in 15 Spanish hospitals between 2014-2020 including adult NVAF patients treated with oral anticoagulants without anticoagulation history, recent thrombotic events, rheumatic mitral valvular heart disease, mitral valve stenosis, venous thromboembolism, nor pregnancy. We employed EHRead®, a free text analysis engine utilizing NLP and ML to extract RWD from EHRs based in SNOMED CT (standardized coding system). Free-text information was extracted and organized in an anonymized database for population-based descriptive and comparative analysis. After matching patients using propensity-score matching (PSM), we used Kaplan-Meier curves to compare VKA vs DOAC efficacy on thrombotic prevention, safety, and mortality.

Results
After evaluating 138,773,332 EHRs from 4.6 million patients, 44,292 NVAF patients were included; 35,267 (79.6%) treated with VKA and 9,025 (20.4%) with DOAC. Half of them were men (53.0%) with a mean (SD) age of 76.3 (12.7) years. VKA-treated patients tended to be older, with more cardiovascular comorbidities and higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores than DOACs-treated patients (Table 1). Using PSM, 8,930 patients were matched per subgroup with standardized mean differences below 10% for all confounders. The comparative analysis showed that DOAC-treated patients had a significant lower risk of thrombotic, minor bleeding events, and mortality than VKA-treated ones, with no significant differences in major bleeding (Figure 1).

Conclusion
The application of NLP and ML allowed us to create an extensive, plausible, and detailed database of Spanish NVAF patients from RWD in EHRs. In our cohort, we found a higher efficacy and lower mortality and minor bleeding events with DOACs over VKAs, without differences in major bleeding events.
This study was sponsored by Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb. JCS, MA & CS were paid consultants to Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb in connection with the development of this abstract. CAC & LMS are employes of the SAVANA who were paid consultants to Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb in connection with the development of this abstract. DA & SFC are employees of Pfizer.Table 1Figure 1
Characteristics and incidence of peri-device leaks after left atrial appendage closure in patients with prior electrical isolation of left atrial appendage during catheter ablation
Authors: Maan A , Kawamura I K , Musikantow D M , Turagam M T , Whang W W , Koruth J K , Miller M M , Dukkipati S D , Reddy V R 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients who undergo electrical isolation of left atrial appendage (eLAAi) during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation have a higher subsequent risk of thromboembolism. In post-ablation patients with eLAAi who undergo mechanical LAA closure (LAAC), there are limited data on imaging and clinical outcomes during follow-up, particularly peri-device leaks (PDLs).

Purpose
We investigated imaging outcomes on ~1 year follow up transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for PDL and clinical outcomes in patients who had undergone LAAc after sustaining eLAAi from catheter ablation.

Methods
We analyzed data from TEEs at ~1 year follow up in patients who had undergone LAAC with either the Watchman or Watchman-FLX device. The images were analyzed for evidence of any discernible PDL which also which also included the absence of thrombosis/obliteration of the distal LAA. "Severe" PDL was categorized as the leak size of &gt;5 mm on follow up TEE imaging. Baseline characteristics, imaging and clinical outcomes were compared with univariate comparison using Fisher’s exact test, between the two subgroups of LAAC patients stratified according to prior h/o eLAAi.

Results
A total of 532 patients underwent LAAC at our center between 03/2015 and 10/2022, with data available on ~1 year follow-up TEE imaging. Of these, 21 (3.9%) had undergone eLAAi during AF ablation prior to LAAC. At ~1 year follow up TEE imaging, the patients with prior h/o eLAAi had a numerically higher incidence of any PDL (42.9% vs 26.5%, p = 0.09). The incidence of severe PDL was significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with prior eLAAi as compared to patients without prior eLAAi (14.3% vs 3.3%, p = 0.04; Figure). There was no statistically-significant difference in the subsequent risk of thromboembolism between the eLAAi and control subgroups (4.8% vs 6.1%, p = 1.0) over an average follow-up of 577±331 days post-LAAC.

Conclusions
A prior history of eLAAi during AF ablation was associated with a higher risk of severe PDLs (&gt;5mm) on follow up imaging after LAAC. The finding of severe PDL in the eLAAi subgroup might be attributable to ostial fibrosis as a result of ablation which might affect the LAA endocardial surface interaction with the device fabric. The occurrence of a higher risk of severe PDL in patients with prior eLAAi after LAAC might necessitate PDL closure or resumption of anticoagulation in such patients to mitigate the risk of subsequent thromboembolism.igure showing our study schema and compa