bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of atrial cycle length and site of origin on the peak frequency of bipolar electrograms to discriminate isthmus conduction in atrial scar
Authors: Merino JL , Kim S , Relan J , Sanroman M , Castrejon S , Carton A , Cervantes C , Martinez Cossiani M , De La Vieja Alarcon JJ , Molina P , Rivero Santana B 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

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

Background
Peak frequency (PF) of conventional bipolar electrograms is a novel parameter which may distinguish between near-field (NF) and far-field (FF) signals. However, the influence of activation rate and the direction of the activation front on it is unknown.

Purpose
1. To study the influence of atrial cycle length and wavefront origin on PF to detect residual conduction in a well-defined model of narrow isthmus of conduction such as subacute pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection following atrial fibrillation ablation. 2. To compare this influence with that found for Bipolar voltage (BiV).

Methods
Baseline maps were acquired in redo PV isolation (PVI) procedures with a 16-pole grid catheter (HD-Grid) during low rate sinus rhythm (SR), low rate coronary sinus pacing at 500 ms cycle length (CSLR) and high rate coronary sinus pacing at 300 ms cycle length (CSHR). PFs were retrospectively computed. PVI sites requiring ≤3 radiofrequency applications were included, with EGMʼs ≤1cm from the PVI site classified as GAP (vs &gt;1cm, No-GAP).

Results
28 GAPs were found in 12 of 14 consecutive patients in the study. 3976 EGMʼs (1547 GAP vs 2429 No-GAP) were analyzed. In both GAP and No-GAP, PF was similar in SR vs CSLR (GAP: 363±132 Hz -SR vs 345±135 Hz -CSLR, P=NS ; No-GAP: 196±110 Hz -SR vs 181±116 Hz -CSLR, P=NS). PF was slightly higher for CSLR vs CSHR. (GAP: 345±135 Hz -CSLR vs 317±154 Hz -CSHR, P&lt;0.001; No-GAP 181±116 mV -CSLR vs 162±129 mV -CSHR, P&lt;0.01). (Panel A). BiV was significantly higher in SR vs CS pacing but similar between CSLR and CSHR (GAP: 1.86±2.11 mV -SR vs 0.87±1.19 mV -CSLR vs 0.74±0.92 mV -CSHR, P= NS, No-GAP: 0.62±1.22 mV -SR vs 0.33±0.68 mV - CSLR vs 0.27±0.48 mV - CSHR, P=NS. (Panel B). ROC GAP discrimination for PF was similar between SR and CSLR (AUCʼs: 0.86-SR, 0.84-CSLR) and slightly lower for CSHR (AUC: 0.81) with optimal cutoffs of 260, 240 and 220 Hz, respectively. ROC GAP discrimination for BiV was lower vs PF in all rhythm modes (AUCʼs: 0.77-SR, 0.74-CSLR, 0.75-CSHR), with optimal cutoffs of 0.3, 0.2 and 0.15 mV, respectively.

Conclusion
ROC gap discrimination was significantly higher for all rhythm modes with PF vs BiV. PF showed slightly decreasing cutoff values for SR, CSLR and CSHR respectively, whereas BiV showed a greater relative decrease in cutoffs for SR, CSLR and CSHR.
Comparison of safety and efficacy between POLARx and Arctic Front cryoballoon ablation
Authors: Rehman M , Adiyaman A , Smit JJJ , Manfai B , Elvan A 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The POLARx cryoballoon, which maintains a constant balloon pressure during ablation, was recently introduced for the treatment of AF. We present a comparison of acute and follow-up efficacy and safety outcomes between POLARx and Arctic Front, a frequently used second-generation used cryoballoon.

Methods
251 consecutive patients who underwent first-time cryoballoon AF ablation with POLARx (n=118) or Arctic Front (n=133) with a follow-up of at least 6 months, were retrospectively included.

Results
Of the total 251 patients who were included, mean age was 63 ± 9 years and 161 (64%) participants were male. The majority of the patients suffered from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (95%). Follow-up success rates did not significantly differ between the POLARx (79%) and Artic Front (75%) groups at 6 months. Antiarrhythmic drug-use after the blanking period of 3 months was 9% for the POLARx group. Complication rates, excluding groin complications, were low in both study groups and were not significantly different (4% in POLARx vs 3% in Arctic Front). Procedure times (71 ± 23 minutes vs. 120 ± 36 minutes) and fluoroscopy times (20 ± 10 minutes vs. 33 ± 18 minutes) were both more favourable in the POLARx group. Lastly, nadir balloon temperatures were significantly lower (-57 ± 7 ºC vs -51 ± 7 ºC) for the POLARx group for all pulmonary veins (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
Cryoballoon AF ablation with the POLARx cryoballoon results in similar success and complication rates at 6 months, in comparison with Arctic Front. Procedure and fluoroscopy times are shorter and balloon nadir temperatures are significantly lower for the POLARx cryoballoon. This can lead to optimal logistics and thus cost-effective use of lab and personnel.
Pre-clinical evaluation of a third generation absorbable antibacterial envelope
Authors: Christie M , Love C , Hanna I , Thomas G , Greenspon A , Chen S , Sanders M , Bauer C , Christopherson M , Balaji V , Skulsky S , Sohail M 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

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

Background
An absorbable antibacterial envelope (TYRX), which stabilizes cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) was shown to significantly reduce infections in a large randomized controlled trial (WRAP-IT). A 3rd generation envelope (T3) is being developed to improve the implanter experience and enable smoother device insertion with a redesigned, multifilament mesh, an enhanced form factor, and identical polymer coating and antibiotic concentrations as the currently available 2nd generation envelope (T2).

Purpose
To compare drug elution profiles of T3 vs T2 and evaluate the efficacy of T3 against bacteria commonly known to be associated with CIED infections.

Methods
The T3 drug elution profile was assessed in vitro by evaluating the amount of each drug, minocycline and rifampin, released at a given timepoint using an accelerated dissolution method. For comparative analysis with T2, elution curve equivalency was based on similarity factor values (f2) of ≥50 per FDA guidance. An in vivo elution study was also conducted (per the Principles of Laboratory Animal Care [NIH Publication no. 85-23 revised 1985]) to ensure drug concentrations met the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) through 7 days. Substantial equivalence was defined as rifampin and minocycline concentrations above MIC at 2hr post-implant and sustained through 7 days. In a further animal model, 12 pockets were created in 6 rabbits, for CIED insertion with and without T3 envelopes, to evaluate efficacy against gram+ and gram- bacteria. At day 7, implant sites were evaluated for signs of infection via macroscopic observations and microbial recovery procedures. A Fisher’s Exact Test was used for comparisons.

Results
The T3 envelope showed a similar elution profile to T2 in vitro (Figure) with f2 &gt;50 (range 76-84). In the in vivo assessment, the T3 envelope eluted both antibiotics above the MIC at 2hr post-implant with sustained elution through 7 days, consistent with historical T2 performance. Further bacterial challenge studies in vivo showed a statistically significant reduction (p&lt;0.05) in infections with 0/6 infected pockets in the CIED + T3 group vs 6/6 infected pockets in the CIED only group consistent with T2 performance (Table).

Conclusion
The 3rd generation absorbable antibacterial envelope demonstrated equivalent pre-clinical performance compared to the 2nd generation envelope as antibiotic elution curves were equivalent, elution was sustained at concentrations above MIC for 7 days, and infection rates were significantly reduced compared to no envelope. These results suggest equivalent clinical performance could be expected with the newly designed envelope.
Endurance training increases the risk of atrial fibrillation in women: a matched-cohort study
Authors: Drca N , Larsson SC , Jensen-Urstad M 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by research grants from Kvinnor och Hälsa and The Swedish Research Council for Sport Science (to Nikola Drca).

Objective
Previous studies have found that vigorous physical activity, mainly related to endurance sport participation, increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in men. However, it remains unclear whether vigorous physical activity also influences the risk of AF in women. We aimed to examine whether endurance sport participation may affect AF risk in women.

Methods
We conducted a matched-cohort study of top Swedish female endurance athletes (n=228 marathon runners, cyclist, and 10 000-meters track runners) active between 1979-1991 and reference individuals (n=1 368) from the general population individually matched by sex, year of birth, and area of living with a 6:1 ratio to the female athletes. The athlete cohort was created by combining all Swedish women who ran the Stockholm Marathon faster than 3.25 hours in any of the races between 1979 and 1991 with all Swedish women competing in the Swedish athletic national championship in 10 000-meter track running and the top-ranked Swedish bicyclist during the same period. Participants were followed up from study entry until AF diagnosis, death, emigration, or December 31, 2017, whichever occurred first. We used the Swedish National Patient Register to determine whether the participants were diagnosed with AF and other covariables. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for analysis.

Results
Baseline characteristics are presented in Table 1. Mean age at study entry was 32 (SD ± 8.5) years. During follow-up (mean 28.8 years; SD ± 4.4), 33 cases of AF were diagnosed, including 10 (4.4%) among athletes and 23 (1.7%) among references. Endurance training was associated with an increased AF risk (Figure 1). The hazard ratio for female athletes compared with the reference population was 2.56 (95% confidence interval 1.22 to 5.37) in the univariable model and 3.67 (95% confidence interval 1.71 to 7.87) after adjustment for hypertension.

Conclusion
High level of endurance sport training is associated with an increased risk of AF in women.
Advanced vascular aging in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation - Data from RACE V
Authors: Weberndoerfer V , Van De Lande ME , Artola Arita VA , Nguyen BO , Elvan A , Hemels MEW , Tieleman RG , De Melis M , Mihl C , Schotten U , Van Gelder IC , Rienstra M , Linz D , Crijns HJGM , Kroon AA 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Dutch Heart Foundation, Medtronic

Background
The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases exponentially with age. To which extend vascular aging is part of this process is unknown. Pulse wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness are established markers for vascular aging and have been combined in a vascular aging index as published before(1).

Purpose
We aim to investigate if vascular age exceeds chronological age in our cohort with paroxysmal AF and if yes to which extend.

Methods
In this substudy from RACE V we included 295 patients with paroxysmal AF in which carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured. To calculate vascular aging we used a logarithmic formula derived from the Malmö-Cancer-and-Diet study which yields a vascular age index derived from cfPWV, cIMT and chronological age. This vascular aging index (VAI) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. (1). All patients underwent cardiac echocardiography and had a native cardiac CT scan in which fat around the heart and coronary calcium were quantified. In 121 patients Agatston scores from the ascending aortic artery were also measured.

Results
Patients in this study had a mean chronological age of 63.8 ± 10.1 years and a vascular age of 71.4 ± 11.7 years. Vascular age was on average 9.3 ± 10.2 years higher than chronological age. Vascular age correlated significantly with markers for diastolic dysfunction, vascular calcification in the coronary arteries as well as the aorta and the amount of epicardial and pericardial fat (table 1).

Conclusions
In patients with PAF vascular age was on average 9.3 years higher than chronological age in our cohort. Advanced vascular age is represented by vascular and myocardial remodeling related to fibrosis, calcification and fat accumulation. The results suggest that in patients with AF enhanced inflammation is leading to fibrosis and calcification. Whether AF is a marker, a mechanism or both in advanced vascular aging warrants further study.
Prognostic impact of vascular disease in patients with atrial fibrillation: Insights from The Loire Valley Atrial Fibrillation Project
Authors: Fawzy AM , Langouet Q , Bisson A , Bodin A , Lip GYH , Fauchier L 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Vascular disease which comprises peripheral artery disease, significant coronary artery disease and aortic disease is associated with both an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischaemic stroke in AF patients.

Purpose
We investigated the effect of vascular disease on the prognosis of AF patients.

Methods
In this retrospective analysis, all patients with AF were identified and classified into 2 groups depending on the presence of vascular disease. 3 patients were excluded due to missing data. Primary outcome was a composite of death, stroke and thromboembolic events. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, stroke or systemic embolism (SSE), ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke and major bleeding.

Results
A total of 8962 patients were included; 3021 with vascular disease and 5941 without vascular disease and followed up over a mean period of 929±1082 days. On the univariate analysis, patients with vascular disease were at a higher risk of all-cause mortality hazard ratio (HR) 1.728 ((confidence interval (CI)1.549-1.928), SSE HR HR 1.477 (CI 1.274-1.714), ischaemic stroke HR 1.441 (CI 1.202-1.727), major bleeding HR 1.488 (CI 1.292-1.713) and a composite of death and SSE HR 1.643 (CI 1.489-1.812), compared to patients without vascular disease. On a multivariate analysis, after adjusting for components of the CHA2DS2VASc score, oral anticoagulation (warfarin) use and antiplatelet use, the increased risk of all-cause mortality HR 1.460 (CI 1.285-1.658), SSE HR 1.226 (CI 1.030-1.458) and major bleeding HR 1.186 (CI 1.005-1.400) remained statistically significant, but the risk of ischaemic stroke was no longer significant, HR 1.187 (CI 0.960-1.469). Compared to those without vascular disease, patients with vascular disease were at a lower risk of haemorrhagic strokes but this was not significant.

Conclusion
AF patients with vascular disease are at a higher risk of all-cause mortality, SSE and major bleeding compared to patients without vascular disease, indicating that patients with this combination require careful and holistic management in terms of risk factor control and treatment. Additional research is required to further characterise the relationship between the two.
Electrocardiographic parameters and the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation in the general population
Authors: Geurts S , Tilly MJ , Kors JA , Deckers JW , Stricker BHC , De Groot NMS , Ikram MA , Kavousi M 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Rotterdam Study is funded by Erasmus Medical Center and Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands Organization for the Health Research and Development (ZonMw), the Research Institute for Diseases in the Elderly (RIDE), the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Sports, the European Commission (DG XII), and the Municipality of Rotterdam. This study is further supported by the Senior Scientist Grant from Dutch Heart Foundation (03-004-2021-T050).

Background
The (shape of the) association and sex-differences between electrocardiographic parameters and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) remain incompletely understood.

Purpose
To investigate the association between electrocardiographic parameters and new-onset atrial fibrillation among men and women in the general population.

Methods
12,212 participants free of AF from a large population-based cohort study were included. Up to five repeated measurements of electrocardiographic parameters including PR, QRS, QT, QT corrected for heart rate (QTc), JT, RR interval, and heart rate were assessed at baseline and follow-up examinations. Cox proportional hazards models and joint models, both adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors, were used to determine the (shape of) association between baseline and longitudinal electrocardiographic parameters with new-onset AF. Additionally, we evaluated potential sex-differences.

Results
During a median follow-up of 9.3 years, 1,282 incident AF cases occurred among 12,212 participants (mean age 64.9 years, 58.2% women). Penalized cubic splines revealed that associations between baseline electrocardiographic measures and risk of new-onset AF were generally U-shaped (Figure 1). Sex-differences in terms of the shape of the various associations were most apparent for baseline PR, QT, QTc, RR, and heart rate in relation to new-onset AF. Longitudinal measures of PR (hazard ratio (HR), 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.43, 1.02-2.04, p=0.0393), and QTc interval (HR, 95% CI, 5.23, 2.18-12.45, p=0.0002) were significantly associated with new-onset AF. Sex-stratified analyses showed that the longitudinal associations were more prominent among men.

Conclusions
Baseline electrocardiographic measures and risk of new-onset AF were generally U-shaped. Longitudinal electrocardiographic measures of PR, and QTc interval were significantly associated with new-onset AF, more pronounced in men. Our findings imply that different thresholds of electrocardiographic parameters might translate to a differential risk of AF among men and women, and that treatment options targeting specific electrocardiographic parameters might prevent AF in the general population, in particular in men.
Atrial fibrillation and stroke risk of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in denmark from 2005-2018: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Zoerner CR , Pallisgaard J , Schjerning AM , Toennesen J , Jensen MK , Gislason G , Hansen ML 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Internal funding: Herlev-Gentofte Cardiovascular Research Department.

Background
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be associated with serious complications such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AF) and sudden cardiac death. The treatment of AF in HCM patients can be challenging since AF often aggravates symptoms. Previous studies have suggested that HCM patients with AF have an elevated risk of thromboembolism and stroke compared to AF patients without HCM regardless of their CHA2DS2VASc score.

Purpose
To determine the risk of AF and stroke in HCM patients.

Methods
Through the Danish National Registers all patients aged 16 or older diagnosed with HCM between the 1st of January 2005, and the 31st of December 2018 were included in the analysis. The association between HCM, AF, and stroke was investigated using multivariable Cox proportional-hazard analysis adjusted for gender, age, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease and hypertension. Cumulative incidence of AF and stroke was calculated using the Aalen-Johansen estimator, taking death as a competing risk into account.

Results
A total of 3856 patients were included, 2060 (53,4%) were male and median age of 67,8 (IQR 56 and 77,8) years. During the study period, 384 (10%) patients were diagnosed with AF. The risk of AF was significantly lower in males (HR 0,72 (0,59–0,90), p-value = 0.003) and for patients below 60 years (HR 0,18 (0,12–0,27), p-value = &lt;0.001). (Figure 1)
157 (4,1%) of the HCM patients developed stroke. The risk of developing stroke was significantly decreased for patients aged under 60 (HR 0,32 (0,2–0,52), p-value = &lt;0.001). There was no increased risk of stroke comparing genders.
Stroke risk was further analyzed in patients with known AF at time of inclusion, 656 (17%) in total. Compared to patients without AF and adjusted for age, gender and co-morbidities, there was no significant difference in stroke risk between these groups (HR 1.2 (0,81-1,76), p-value = 0.36). (Figure 2)

Conclusion
AF and stroke are common complications in HCM. Women are more susceptible to developing AF than men, and age over 60 at the time of diagnosis was associated with significantly higher risk of AF and stroke. HCM patients with previously known AF did not have a significantly elevated risk of stroke. More research will be needed to further explore these connections.
Pre-diabetes increases the risk of heart failure among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Huang J , Lip YHG , Wu MZ , Ren QW , Tse HF , Yiu KH 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Heart failure (HF) is common in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) which is associated with excess morbidity and mortality. Notably, the presence of diabetes increases risk of HF in patients with NVAF. The association between pre-diabetes and risk of HF was nonetheless unexplored in this population.

Purpose
The present study aimed to evaluate whether pre-diabetes was associated with an increased risk of HF in patients with NVAF.

Methods
Using a previously validated territory-wide electronic health record database, patients with newly diagnosed NVAF from 2010 to 2018 were included to evaluate for risk of HF upon competing risk regression with Cox proportional-hazard model adjustment. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their baseline glycemic status: (1) type 2 diabetes, (2) pre-diabetes, and (3) normoglycemia. In the pre-diabetes group, the subsequent risk of HF was further evaluated according to the changes of glycemic status at two years following index date.

Results
Among 65,994 NVAF patients (mean age 75.7 years, 48.5% female), 27,706 (42.0%) were normoglycemic, 10,926 (16.6%) had pre-diabetes, and 27,312 (41.4%) had diabetes at baseline. Over a median follow-up of 7.1 years, 7,203 (26%) normoglycemic patients, 3,168 (29%) pre-diabetic patients, and 8,745 (32%) diabetic patients developed HF (Log rank test, P&lt;0.001). Pre-diabetes was associated with an increased risk of HF compared with normoglycemic patients (subdistribution Hazard Ratio (SHR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.14) and diabetes conferred the highest risk amongst three groups (SHR=1.19, 95%CI: 1.15-1.24). In patients with pre-diabetes at baseline, 873 (8.0%) progressed to diabetes and 1204 (11%) resolved to normoglycemia at 2 years. Compared to those who remained pre-diabetic, patients who progressed to diabetes had a higher risk of HF (SHR = 1.23, 95% CI :1.05-1.44), whereas those who resolved to normoglycemia incurred a lower risk (SHR = 0.80, 95% CI :0.68-0.94).

Conclusion(s)
Pre-diabetes was independently associated with an increased risk of HF in patients with NVAF. Pre-diabetic patients who progressed to diabetes at 2 years experienced an increased risk of HF, whereas those who resolved to normoglycemia reduced risk of HF, as compared to those who remained pre-diabetic. These findings highlight the importance of strict blood glucose control in reducing the risk of HF in patients with atrial fibrillation.