2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

Left bundle branch area pacing prevails over His bundle pacing for heart failure patients undergoing atrioventricular node ablation in permanent atrial fibrillation: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Atrioventricular node ablation (AVNA) and pacemaker implantation enhance prognosis in heart failure patients experiencing rapid ventricular response due to atrial fibrillation. This meta-analysis assessed the clinical benefits of various pacing modalities following AVNA.

METHODS

The electrophysiological endpoint was defined as QRS duration, while the echocardiographic endpoint was the change in left ventricular ejection fraction. Secondary endpoints included pacing threshold, mortality rates, and improvements in the 6-min walk test.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis of 13 studies involving 1257 patients suggested that His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) conferred an advantage in narrowing QRS duration compared to biventricular pacing (BVP) (HBP vs BVP OR = - 59.05, 95%CI = - 73.12 to - 44.97; LBBAP vs BVP OR = - 48.64, 95%CI = - 64.05 to - 33.24). The findings of echocardiographic endpoints suggested that LBBAP and HBP emerged as the optimal strategies over RVP (vs HBP OR = - 7.59, 95%CI = - 11.85 to - 3.32; vs LBBAP OR = - 6.58, 95%CI = - 12.08 to - 1.07). LBBAP reduced all-cause mortality compared to BVP (OR = 0.10, 95%CI = 0.01-0.78); however, no significant differences in all-cause mortality were observed between LBBAP and HBP. The pacing threshold of LBBAP was significantly lower than HBP (OR = - 0.40, 95%CI = - 0.57 to - 0.23).

CONCLUSION

LBBAP not only demonstrated superior clinical outcomes regarding mortality compared to ventricular pacing strategies, but also was associated with a lower pacing threshold than HBP, thereby indicating its potential advantage over HBP in patients undergoing AVNA and subsequent pacemaker implantation.

Left Atrial Appendage Closure after Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Oral anticoagulation is recommended after ablation for atrial fibrillation among patients at high risk for stroke. Left atrial appendage closure is a mechanical alternative to anticoagulation, but data regarding its use after atrial fibrillation ablation are lacking.

METHODS

We conducted an international randomized trial involving 1600 patients with atrial fibrillation who had an elevated score (≥2 in men and ≥3 in women) on the CHA2DS2-VASc scale (range, 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating a greater risk of stroke) and who underwent catheter ablation. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo left atrial appendage closure or receive oral anticoagulation. The primary safety end point, tested for superiority, was non-procedure-related major bleeding or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding. The primary efficacy end point, tested for noninferiority, was a composite of death from any cause, stroke, or systemic embolism at 36 months. The secondary end point, tested for noninferiority, was major bleeding, including procedure-related bleeding, through 36 months.

RESULTS

A total of 803 patients were assigned to undergo left atrial appendage closure, and 797 to receive anticoagulant therapy. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 69.6±7.7 years, 34.1% of the patients were women, and the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.5±1.3. At 36 months, a primary safety end-point event had occurred in 65 patients (8.5%) in the left atrial appendage closure group (device group) and in 137 patients (18.1%) in the anticoagulation group (P<0.001 for superiority); a primary efficacy end-point event had occurred in 41 patients (5.3%) and 44 patients (5.8%), respectively (P<0.001 for noninferiority); and a secondary end-point event had occurred in 3.9% and 5.0% (P<0.001 for noninferiority). Complications related to the appendage closure device or procedure occurred in 23 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients who underwent catheter-based atrial fibrillation ablation, left atrial appendage closure was associated with a lower risk of non-procedure-related major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding than oral anticoagulation and was noninferior to oral anticoagulation with respect to a composite of death from any cause, stroke, or systemic embolism at 36 months. (Funded by Boston Scientific; OPTION ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03795298.).

Contemporary management of ischemic cardiomyopathy: The synergy of medical, revascularization, and device therapies

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading global cause of death, affecting millions and leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), a manifestation of IHD, results in severe left ventricular dysfunction due to coronary artery disease and poses a significant challenge due to the complex pathophysiology, variable clinical presentation, and overall poor prognosis. Recent advances in medical therapy, device interventions, and revascularization techniques offer newfound hope in improving ICM patient outcomes. This article reviews the state-of-the-art management approaches for ICM, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans that integrate the various contemporary therapies to address the multiple mechanisms of disease development and progression. A meticulously tailored treatment approach for each individual patient offers the hope of prolonged survival through the synergy of therapies designed to address the different and complex mechanisms that contribute to their disease process.

Cardiac Amyloidosis With Right Atrial Appendage Thrombus Detected After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a valuable alternative therapy to anticoagulants for stroke prevention, and a representative study has demonstrated a high rate of anticoagulant discontinuation after LAAO.

CASE SUMMARY

LAAO was performed on an 88-year-old woman with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Although anticoagulant therapy was discontinued after LAAO, a follow-up image showed a thrombus in the right atrial appendage (RAA) incidentally. Anticoagulation was resumed, and no clinical events were detected during a 1-year follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Although LAAO is an effective treatment for stroke prevention in patients with CA, this condition is associated with an increased risk of intracardiac thrombus. Therefore, discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy after LAAO should be approached by keeping in mind the possibility of RAA thrombus.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGES

LAAO can be effective in CA, yet anticoagulation discontinuation must be individualized, keeping in mind the possibility of RAA thrombus in high-risk patients.

Implementation of a Cellular Automaton for efficient simulations of atrial arrhythmias

In silico models offer a promising advancement for studying cardiac arrhythmias and their clinical implications. However, existing detailed mathematical models often suffer from prolonged computational time compared to diagnostic needs. This study introduces a Cellular Automaton (CA) model tailored to replicate atrial electrophysiology in different stages of Atrial Fibrillation (AF), including persistent AF (PsAF). The CA, using a finite set of states, has been trained using biophysical simulations on a reduced domain for a large set of pacing conditions. Fine-tuning included tissue heterogeneity and anisotropic propagation through pacing simulations. Characterized by Action Potential Duration (APD), Diastolic Interval (DI) and Conduction Velocity (CV) for varying levels of electrical remodeling, the biophysical simulations introduced restitution curves or surfaces into the CA. Validation involved a comprehensive comparison with realistic 2D and 3D atrial models, evaluating healthy and pro-arrhythmic behaviors. Comparisons between CA and biophysical solver revealed striking proximity, with a Cycle Length difference of <10 ms in self-sustained re-entry and a 4.66±0.57 ms difference in depolarization times across the complete atrial geometry. Notably, the CA model exhibited a 80% accuracy, 96% specificity and 45% sensitivity in predicting AF inducibility under different pacing sites and substrate conditions. Additionally, the CA allowed for a 64-fold decrease in computing time compared to the biophysical solver. CA emerges as an efficient and valid model for simulation of atrial electrophysiology across different stages of AF, with potential as a general screening tool for rapid tests. While biophysical tests are recommended for investigating specific mechanisms, CA proves valuable in clinical applications for personalized therapy planning through digital twin simulations.

Reduced direct oral anticoagulant dose vs dual antiplatelet therapy after left atrial appendage closure in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an alternative therapy for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who are not eligible for long-term oral anticoagulation. However, the optimal therapy after this procedure still is controversial, especially in a subgroup of patients with severe renal dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of low-dose direct oral anticoagulation (l-DOAC) vs dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after LAAC in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane. Outcomes were the incidence of device-related thrombus (DRT), major bleeding, stroke, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, thromboembolic events (DRT, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, peripheral thromboembolism), and the composite outcome of thromboembolic events and major bleeding. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. Review Manager 5.4.1 was used for statistical analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 1015 participants from 2 randomized controlled trials and 3 nonrandomized cohorts were included. The incidence of DRT was significantly reduced with l-DOAC relative to DAPT (0.81% vs 5.08%, respectively; RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.15-0.94; P = .04; I2 = 0%). We also found the patients who used l-DOAC had a reduction in the composite outcomes of thromboembolic events and major bleeding (1.41% vs 11.13%; RR 0.14; 95% CI 0.05-0.36; P <.0001; I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSION

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the use of l-DOACs in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who underwent LAAC reduces the occurrence of the DRT and composite outcomes of thromboembolic events and major bleeding.

Detection and management of postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting or non-cardiac surgery: a survey by the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration

We developed a survey to describe current practice on the detection and management of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurring after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or non-cardiac surgery. We e-mailed an online anonymous questionnaire of 17 multiple choice or rank questions to an international network of healthcare professionals. Between June 2023 and June 2024, 158 participants from 25 countries completed the survey. For CABG patients, 62.7% of respondents reported use of telemetry to detect POAF on the ward until discharge, and 40% reported no dedicated methods for monitoring AF recurrences during follow-up. The largest number (46%) reported prescribing oral anticoagulants (OACs) at discharge if patients were at risk according to CHA2DS2-VASc/CHA2DS2-VA scores, and the most common duration of OAC therapy was 3 months to 1 year (43%). For non-cardiac surgery patients, POAF detection methods varied, with 29% using periodic 12-lead ECG and 27% using telemetry followed by periodic ECGs. For monitoring AF recurrence, 33% reported planned cardiology visits with ECG. Regarding OAC prescription during follow-up, 51% reported they prescribe OACs only for patients who are at risk of stroke, and 42% prescribe OACs for an interval of 3 months to 1 year. The most commonly reported barrier to OAC prescription was the lack of randomized controlled trial data. For both CABG and non-cardiac surgery, the reported methods for POAF detection and recurrences monitoring were heterogeneous and prescription patterns for OACs varied greatly. The most frequently reported concern about long-term anticoagulation was lack of randomized data, indicating the urgent need for sound studies that inform daily clinical practice.

Predictors of Arrhythmia Recurrence After Cryoballoon Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Sub-Analysis of the Cryo Global Registry

INTRODUCTION

Freedom from recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) is suboptimal after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF). This sub-analysis from the Cryo Global Registry sought to investigate predictors of ablation success after PVI using cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for PsAF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ATA recurrence was defined as ≥ 30 s recurrence of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia after a 90-day blanking period and through 12-months. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis (with ATA recurrence as an endpoint) was performed to identify CBA responders. PsAF patients (N = 882) were on average 63.9 ± 11.3 years old (69.2% male), and freedom from ATA recurrence was 79.7% (76.8%-82.2%). Longer elapsed time from PsAF diagnosis to ablation (hazard ratio [HR] 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.11); p = 0.002) and a larger number of previously failed antiarrhythmic drugs (HR 1.39 (95% CI: 1.13-1.70); p < 0.002) were shown to be independent predictors of ATA recurrence in a multivariate model which included 703 evaluated patients.

CONCLUSION

These real-world results provide important insights to guide referral of PsAF patients, including the benefits of earlier treatment via CBA.

Precision medicine in the management of cardiac arrhythmias

Precision medicine in cardiac electrophysiology tailors diagnosis, treatment, and prevention by integrating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Unlike traditional, generalized strategies, precision medicine focuses on individual patient characteristics to enhance care. Significant progress has been made, especially in managing channelopathies, where genetic insights now already drive personalized therapies. Identifying specific mutations has clarified molecular mechanisms and enabled targeted interventions, improving outcomes in conditions such as long QT syndrome. The integration of big data from clinical records, omics datasets, and biosignals from devices such as cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) or wearables may be on the verge of revolutionizing the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias once again. Progress is also expected in the field of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and in silico modeling, which may overcome the limitations of traditional expression systems for the functional evaluation of patient-specific mutations. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and polygenic risk scores (PRS) provide deeper insights into complex arrhythmogenic disorders, aiding in risk stratification and targeted treatment strategies. Finally, emerging technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 promise gene editing for inherited and acquired arrhythmias. In summary, precision medicine offers the potential for individualized treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

Sarcopenic obesity and the risk of atrial fibrillation in non-diabetic older adults: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Evidence of an association between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and the risk of long-term atrial fibrillation (AF) is lacking, and the underlying involvement of insulin resistance (IR) and inflammation is not clear.

METHODS

This community-based prospective cohort study evaluated sarcopenia, obesity, and baseline clinical characteristics in 4321 non-diabetic older adults between 2007 and 2011. Sarcopenia was identified using skeletal muscle mass/body weight (SMM/BW), appendicular lean mass (ALM)/BW, and handgrip strength (HGS), and obesity was identified by fat mass (FM)/BW. The association of sarcopenia and obesity with AF risk was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox proportional hazards model. Interaction analysis, a restricted cubic splines model, mediation analysis, and a Fine-Gray competing-risk model were also used.

RESULTS

Over an average of 10.9 years of follow-up, 546 (11.98 per 1000 person-years) participants developed AF. Low SMM/BW, low ALM/BW, low HGS, high FM/BW, sarcopenia and obesity, were significantly associated with an increased AF risk. There was a significant synergistic relationship between sarcopenia and obesity in the increased AF risk [hazard ratio (HR): 2.029, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.639-2.512]. Compared with participants without sarcopenia and obesity, AF risk was the highest in those with SO (HR: 2.669, 95 % CI: 2.110-3.377], followed by sarcopenia alone (HR: 1.980, 95%CI: 1.453-2.699) and obesity (HR: 1.839, 95%CI: 1.475-2.292). Mediation analysis found that estimated glucose disposal rate (a surrogate marker of IR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and galectin-3 were mediating factors in the increased AF risk caused by SO, accounting for 34.87 %, 27.56 %, and 21.05 % of the total effect, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SO significantly increased AF risk in these non-diabetic older individuals. Sarcopenia and obesity not only acted alone but also exhibit had a synergistic relationship to increase AF risk. IR and inflammation mediated the increased AF risk associated with SO.

Association Between Use of WATCHMAN Device and 1-Year Mortality Using High-Dimensional Propensity Scores to Reduce Confounding

BACKGROUND

Previous observational studies showed left atrial appendage occlusions with the WATCHMAN device reduced 1-year mortality, which conflicted with evidence generated from randomized controlled trials. We proposed to use the high-dimensional propensity score (hdPS) to assist in nonactive comparator selection (prevalent user of medication) and compared 1-year mortality between patients with atrial fibrillation who received the WATCHMAN device (percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion device [pLAAO]) and direct oral anticoagulants in 2 matched cohorts based on (1) traditional propensity score (PS) and (2) integrating traditional PS with information learned from hdPS.

METHODS

Patients entered the cohort once diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in the 15% of Medicare fee-for-service claims database from 2011 to 2018. Patients could enter the study cohort upon receiving WATCHMAN or at an outpatient visit with an atrial fibrillation diagnosis, respectively. We used PS matching with a 1:3 ratio for patients in pLAAO and direct oral anticoagulant groups. In cohort 2, we implemented a multistep approach with information learned from hdPS. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios of outcomes with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

In cohort 1, we identified 1159 and 3477 patients in the pLAAO and direct oral anticoagulant groups with a mean age of 78.1 versus 77.5 years, 44.9% versus 40.8% of women, and a 1-year mortality rate of 8.02 versus 8.97/100 person-years (hazard ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.69-1.09]). With the support of hdPS, in cohort 2, we excluded patients with malignant cancer and added frailty score in the PS model. We identified 953 and 2859 patients in the pLAAO and direct oral anticoagulant groups with a mean age of 78.1 versus 77.9 years, 47.2% versus 46.1% of women, and a 1-year mortality rate of 7.45 and 7.69/100 person-years (hazard ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.73-1.24]).

CONCLUSIONS

No association was found between pLAAO and 1-year mortality, which is consistent with existing evidence from randomized controlled trials. The hdPS approach provides an opportunity to improve nonactive comparator selection in traditional PS analysis.

Major clinical outcomes in symptomatic vs. asymptomatic atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Current guidelines suggest that asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) is independently associated with increased risks of stroke and mortality compared with symptomatic AF. Considering that recent investigations have provided conflicting results, the present study aimed to evaluate the association between symptom status and clinical outcomes in patients with AF.

METHODS

Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched until 25 March 2024. Triple-independent study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Evidence was pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Thirty-six studies (217 850 participants) were included. Based on the frequentist analysis, symptomatic individuals had no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) .97, 95% confidence interval (CI) .80-1.17], cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.04, 95% CI .72-1.49), thromboembolism (HR 1.06, 95% CI .87-1.28), stroke (HR 1.06, 95% CI .84-1.34), hospitalization (HR 1.34, 95% CI .89-2.02), and myocardial infarction (HR .98, 95% CI .70-1.36), compared to the asymptomatic group. Symptomatic patients had a 33% increased risk of new-onset heart failure (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.19-1.49) and a 30% lower risk of progression to permanent AF (HR .70, 95% CI .54-.89). The Bayesian analysis yielded comparable results, yet the association between symptom status and new-onset heart failure was not significant (HR 1.27, 95% credible interval .76-1.93; Bayes factor = 1.2). Symptomatic patients had higher odds of receiving antiarrhythmic drugs (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.33-2.03) and ablation therapy (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.06-2.05) compared to asymptomatic cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of major clinical outcomes did not differ between individuals with and without AF-related symptoms. Asymptomatic patients had a greater hazard of progression to permanent AF.

Development and validation of a predictive model for atrial fibrillation recurrence post-catheter ablation in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation on the basis of hemodynamic parameters

BACKGROUND

The influence of hemodynamic parameters on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation is not well known, and it remains unclear whether a nomogram combining risk factors and hemodynamic parameters improves prediction accuracy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a nomogram on the basis of echocardiographic hemodynamic parameters for predicting AF recurrence after catheter ablation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

METHODS

A total of 380 consecutive patients with NVAF undergoing AF catheter ablation treatment were prospectively included. Patients were divided into training and validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. The follow-up time averaged 9 months with a median of 12 months, during which 132 patients (34.7%) experienced AF recurrence.

RESULTS

Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and Cox regression analyses identified 4 significant predictors of AF recurrence: persistent AF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-2.61; P = .041), S/D ratio of pulmonary vein (HR 0.50; 95% CI 0.30-0.84; P = .009), left atrial acceleration factor α (HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.02-1.68; P = .032), and left atrial appendage peak emptying flow velocity (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.97-0.99; P = .004). On the basis of these 4 variables, a predictive nomogram was constructed. The nomogram demonstrated C indices of 0.664 and 0.728 for predicting 1- and 2-year AF recurrence, respectively, in the validation cohort. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that a Nomo score of >128 was associated with a higher risk of AF recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Hemodynamic parameters may offer valuable insight into predicting AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Our study successfully developed a reliable nomogram on the basis of echocardiographic hemodynamic parameters to estimate the risk of AF recurrence after catheter ablation in patients with NVAF.

Cardioversion and the Risk of Subsequent Stroke or Systemic Embolism and Death in Emergency Department Patients With Acute Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter

Objectives

Guideline recommendations for the emergency department cardioversion of patients with acute atrial fibrillation/flutter have recently changed. This was related to several studies that found a higher-than-expected risk of subsequent stroke or systemic embolism in cardioverted atrial fibrillation/flutter patients. We sought to confirm an elevated rate of stroke, systemic embolism, or death following emergency department cardioversion to normal sinus rhythm compared with similar patients who were not converted.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study combined 4 datasets of atrial fibrillation/flutter patients seen at 25 emergency departments in Ontario, Canada, 2000-2012, who were all eligible for cardioversion. We linked patients to province-wide datasets to determine the primary outcome, a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, or all-cause death. To adjust for baseline differences between patients who cardioverted vs those who did not, we used overlap weights based on the propensity score. The latter included 28 variables, including oral anticoagulant prescriptions.

Results

Of 2521 patients, 2060 (81.7%) converted to sinus rhythm in the emergency department, and 1055 (41.8%) left on anticoagulation. Twelve (0.48%) patients met the primary outcome at 30 days and ≤5 (≤0.2%) at 7 days. In the weighted sample, at 30 days, the primary outcome occurred in 0.37% (95% CI, 0.04%-0.78%) of cardioverted patients vs 0.23% (95% CI, 0.00%-0.60%) in those not cardioverted; the absolute risk increase was 0.13% (95% CI, -0.36% to 0.69%; P = .61), and the number needed to harm was 747.

Conclusion

In atrial fibrillation/flutter patients eligible for cardioversion at 25 emergency departments, the rate of subsequent stroke or systemic embolism and death was very low. After adjusting for risk factors and post-conversion oral anticoagulant use, the rate of subsequent stroke and systemic embolism and death was not significantly higher in patients who cardioverted vs those who did not.

HFpEF correlated with better improvement of left atrial function in post-ablation patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

The extent of improvement in left atrial (LA) function after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PxAF) and its association with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remain unclear. This study aims to explore whether there is a difference in the improvement of LA function after RFCA in patients with PxAF combined with HFpEF compared to those without HFpEF. Patients with PxAF receiving RFCA were enrolled. LA volume index (LAVI), LA emptying fraction (LAEF), and LA peak reservoir strain (LA RS) were assessed using echocardiography at baseline and three months after RFCA. Changes in these parameters were compared between patients with a high probability of HFpEF (hp-HFpEF) and those with a medium or low probability of HFpEF (lp-HFpEF), as determined by the H2FPEF score. A total of 147 patients (mean age 62.6 years; 63.3% males) were recruited (hp-HFpEF = 30). Baseline LA function differed significantly between patients with hp-HFpEF and those with lp-HFpEF. Differences included LAVI, LAEF, and LA RS (all P < 0.01). The improvement in LA function 3 months after RFCA was significantly different between the two groups, even after adjusting for confounding factors. Specifically, patients with hp-HFpEF experienced greater reductions in LAVI, more improvement in LAEF, and greater improvement in LA RS compared to patients with lp-HFpEF. A high probability of HFpEF was correlated with greater improvement in LA function following RFCA in patients with PxAF. The clinical trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05266144.

2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes" incorporates new evidence since the "2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction" and the corresponding "2014 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Patients With Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes" and the "2015 ACC/AHA/SCAI Focused Update on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction." The "2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes" and the "2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization" retire and replace, respectively, the "2016 ACC/AHA Guideline Focused Update on Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease."

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from July 2023 to April 2024. Clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and other evidence conducted on human participants were identified that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline.

STRUCTURE

Many recommendations from previously published guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data.

Predictors of left atrial appendage emptying velocity: Derivation and validation of CHIRP3(M-1) score

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to impaired left atrial appendage contractility, increasing the risk of thromboembolic stroke. The left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAev) measured on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a marker of increased thromboembolic risk.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate predictors of reduced LAAev for identifying individuals at increased risk for cardioembolic stroke.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective review of TEEs and clinical charts. Predictors of LAAev <30 cm/s were identified using logistic regression. A risk prediction model was created using stepwise selection in a derivation set (n = 695) and separately tested in a validated set (n = 300).

RESULTS

We included TEEs on 995 patients (age 71.3±12.7 years; female 38.1%; history of AF 82.1%; in AF at evaluation 27.7%; CHA2DS2-VASc score 4.1 ± 1.9; LAAev 41.6 ± 21.0 cm/s). Significant multivariable predictors of LAAev <30 cm/s in derivation set were used to create the CHIRP3M-1 score containing 8 variables: Coronary artery disease (1), congestive Heart failure (1), Increased left atrial volume index ≥42 mL/m2 (1), current Rhythm AF (1), Paroxysmal AF (2), Persistent AF (3), longstanding Persistent/permanent AF (4), and greater than moderate Mitral regurgitation (-1). In the validation set, as compared to intermediate scores (3-4), those with low scores (≤2) and high scores (≥5) had odds ratios for LAAev <30 cm/s of 0.41 (0.21, 0.78, P = .007) and 2.58 (95% confidence interval 1.45-4.61, P = .001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

We developed and validated a novel risk stratification system to predict reduced LAAev using clinical and echocardiographic variables. This may help refine the stratification of cardioembolic stroke risk.

Impact of cytochrome P-450 3A4 enzyme/P-glycoprotein inducing antiseizure medications on direct oral anticoagulant therapy

OBJECTIVES

Concomitant use of cytochrome P-450 and P-glycoprotein (CYP 3A4/P-gp) inducing antiseizure medications and direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) may result in reduced DOAC effectiveness, but study results are inconsistent and of variable quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of concomitant CYP 3A4/P-gp inducing antiseizure medications and DOAC use.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who were newly, concomitantly receiving a DOAC (apixaban, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban) and either a CYP 3A4/P-gp inducer (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone) or noninducer (gabapentin). The primary outcome was the occurrence of a thromboembolic complication, defined as the composite of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism (S/SE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Secondary outcomes included the components of the primary composite as well as all-cause mortality and clinically relevant bleeding. Adjusted multivariate proportional hazards modeling was used to compare outcomes for each DOAC individually in the inducer and noninducer groups.

RESULTS

There were 1843 and 14 647 patients who received a DOAC plus a CYP3A4/P-gp inducer and noninducer, respectively. Overall, patients were primarily older, white, had atrial fibrillation, and were dispensed dabigatran. After adjustment, there were no statistically significant differences in the primary outcome between the groups ( P  > 0.05); however, concomitant inducer and DOAC use was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality ( P  < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

No excess risk of thrombosis during concomitant use of DOACs with CYP3A4/P-gp inducing antiseizure medications compared to use with gabapentin was identified. Further research is needed to confirm an association with excess all-cause mortality.

Risk Factors Associated with Unsuccessful Dofetilide Initiation Due to Excessive QT Interval Prolongation: A Retrospective Study

Dofetilide is a class III anti-arrhythmic medication approved for patients with atrial fibrillation to maintain sinus rhythm. Excessive QTc interval prolongation, a potential side effect of dofetilide, increases the risk of torsades de pointes. This risk is mitigated by closely monitoring the QTc interval during an inpatient initiation protocol for the first five doses. Prior studies have demonstrated that dofetilide can be safely used in patients with heart failure after completing the initiation protocol. However, no studies have investigated risk factors associated with dofetilide-induced excessive QTc interval prolongation, resulting in discontinuation of the medicine. This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed the association between dofetilide-associated excessive QTc prolongation during medication initiation and pertinent medical comorbidities as well as various echocardiographic values of interest. Risk factors found to be significantly associated with excessive QTc prolongation during dofetilide initiation included a clinical history of heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, increased left atrial diameter, and reduced right ventricular systolic function. Although some studies have demonstrated the safety of dofetilide use in patients with heart failure, our findings suggest that these patients are less likely to tolerate initiation of the medication due to excessive QTc prolongation.

Unveiling Atrial Fibrillation: The Risk Factors, Prediction, and Primary Prevention

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent, progressive cardiac arrhythmia that significantly impacts the patient's health-related quality of life. AF is linked to a 5-fold and 2-fold higher risk of stroke and cognitive dysfunction, respectively. With advancements in cardiac electrophysiology, many risk factors have been identified, which increase the risk for the development of AF. These risk factors encompassing age, hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, male gender, obesity, alcohol intake, obstructive sleep apnea and so on, can be categorized into 3 major groups: modifiable, non-modifiable, and cardiac. Multiple AF prediction models have been successfully validated to identify people at high risk of AF development using these risk factors. These prediction models, such as CHARGE-AF (Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology) and HARMS2-AF score can be used in clinical practice because of their easy applicability. It is crucial to address modifiable risk factors in individuals with a high risk of developing AF. Furthermore, the implementation of primary AF prevention in individuals at high risk can contribute to improved long-term outcomes. This review aims to provide the most recent, concise explanation of the risk factors linked to AF, the prediction of AF, and strategies for the primary prevention of AF.

MRI-based modelling of left atrial flow and coagulation to predict risk of thrombogenesis in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF), impacting nearly 50 million individuals globally, is a major contributor to ischaemic strokes, predominantly originating from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Current clinical scores like CHA₂DS₂-VASc, while useful, provide limited insight into the pro-thrombotic mechanisms of Virchow's triad-blood stasis, endothelial damage, and hypercoagulability. This study leverages biophysical computational modelling to deepen our understanding of thrombogenesis in AF patients. Utilising high temporal resolution Cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a 3D patient-specific modelling pipeline for simulating patient-specific flow in the left atrium was developed. This computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was coupled with reaction-diffusion-convection equations for key clotting proteins, leading to an innovative risk stratification score that combines clinical and modelling data. This approach categorises thrombogenic risk into low (A), moderate (B), and high (C) levels. Applied to a cohort of nine patients, pre- and post-catheter ablation therapy, this approach generates novel risk scores of thrombus formation, which are based of mechanistic characterisation of all aspects of the Virchow's triad. Currently, thrombogenesis mechanisms are not factored in widespread clinical risks scores based on demographic characteristics and co-morbidities. Notably, some patients with a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 0 (lowest clinical risk) exhibited much higher risks once the individual pathophysiology was accounted for. This discrepancy highlights the limitations of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score in providing detailed mechanistic insights into patient-specific thrombogenic risk. This work introduces a comprehensive method for assessing thrombus formation risks in AF patients, emphasising the value of integrating biophysical modelling with clinical scores to enhance personalised stroke prevention strategies.

Evaluation of the ABC pathway in patients with atrial fibrillation: A machine learning cluster analysis

Background

Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway is recommended by guidelines on atrial fibrillation (AF) and exerts a protective role against adverse outcomes of AF patients. But the possible differences in its effectiveness across the diverse range of patients in China have not been systematically evaluated. We aim to comprehensively evaluate multiple clinical characteristics of patients, and probe clusters of ABC criteria efficacy in patients with AF.

Methods

We used data from an observational cohort that included 2,016 patients with AF. We utilized 45 baseline variables for cluster analysis. We evaluated the management patterns and adverse outcomes of identified phenotypes. We assessed the effectiveness of adherence to the ABC criteria at reducing adverse outcomes of phenotypes.

Results

Cluster analysis identified AF patients into three distinct groups. The clusters include Cluster 1: old patients with the highest prevalence rates of atherosclerotic and/or other comorbidities (n = 964), Cluster 2: valve-comorbidities AF in young females (n = 407), and Cluster 3: low comorbidity patients with paroxysmal AF (n = 644). The clusters showed significant differences in MACNE, all-cause death, stroke, and cardiovascular death. All clusters showed that full adherence to the ABC pathway was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of MACNE (all P < 0.05). For three clusters, adherence to the different 'A'/'B'/'C' criterion alone showed differential clinic impact.

Conclusion

Our study suggested specific optimization strategies of risk stratification and integrated management for different groups of AF patients considering multiple clinical, genetic and socioeconomic factors.

Understanding Reasons for Oral Anticoagulation Nonprescription in Atrial Fibrillation Using Large Language Models

BACKGROUND

Rates of oral anticoagulation (OAC) nonprescription in atrial fibrillation approach 50%. Understanding reasons for OAC nonprescription may reduce gaps in guideline-recommended care. We aimed to identify reasons for OAC nonprescription from clinical notes using large language models.

METHODS

We identified all patients and associated clinical notes in our health care system with a clinician-billed visit for atrial fibrillation without another indication for OAC and stratified them on the basis of active OAC prescriptions. Three annotators labeled reasons for OAC nonprescription in clinical notes on 10% of all patients ("annotation set"). We engineered prompts for a generative large language model (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4) and trained a discriminative large language model (ClinicalBERT) to identify reasons for OAC nonprescription and selected the best-performing model to predict reasons for the remaining 90% of patients ("inference set").

RESULTS

A total of 35 737 patients were identified, of which 7712 (21.6%) did not have active OAC prescriptions. A total of 910 notes across 771 patients were annotated. Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 outperformed ClinicalBERT (macro-F1 score across all reasons of 0.79, compared with 0.69 for ClinicalBERT). Using Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 on the inference set, 61.1% of notes had documented reasons for OAC nonprescription, most commonly the alternative use of an antiplatelet agent (23.3%), therapeutic inertia (21.0%), and low burden of atrial fibrillation (17.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study using large language models to extract documented reasons for OAC nonprescription from clinical notes in patients with atrial fibrillation and reveals guideline-discordant practices and actionable insights for the development of health system interventions to reduce OAC nonprescription.

Causal relationship between type I diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation: A Mendelian randomization study

Background

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus have been at heightened risk for developing atrial fibrillation. We aimed to investigate whether this association is causal using Mendelian randomization.

Methods

Using publicly available genome-wide association studies data, we selected single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus as instrumental variables. We employed inverse variance-weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger regression, simple mode, and weighted mode methods within a two-sample Mendelian randomization framework to assess the causal relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation. We evaluated the pleiotropy and heterogeneity levels of the included genetic instruments using MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test, funnel plots, and leave-one-out plots.

Results

Causal impact of type 1 diabetes mellitus on atrial fibrillation: Inverse variance weighted (odds ratio [OR] = 0.996, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.985-1.007, P = 0.498). MR-Egger (OR = 1.000, 95 % CI: 0.985-1.016, P = 0.963). Weighted median (OR = 0.985, 95 % CI: 0.973-0.998, P = 0.022). Simple mode (OR = 1.007, 95 % CI: 0.974-1.040, P = 0.698). Weighted mode (OR = 0.995, 95 % CI: 0.984-1.005, P = 0.298). MR-Egger intercept test (P = 0.437). There was no evidence of pleiotropy among the genetic instrumental variables included in the analysis.

Conclusions

In Mendelian randomization analysis, we did not find evidence of a causal relationship between genetically determined type 1 diabetes mellitus in European ancestry populations and atrial fibrillation.

Early Rhythm Control for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With End-Stage or Chronic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the benefits and risks of early rhythm control (ERC) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This population-based cohort study included 5224 patients with AF (58.2% male, median age 70 years) with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD; n=1660) and CKD stage 3 to 4 (n=3564), who underwent ERC or rate control between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2015. A primary outcome consisted of cardiovascular death, ischemic stroke, heart failure-related hospitalization, and acute myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 3.5 years, compared with rate control, ERC was associated with a reduced risk of the primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.98) without an increase in the composite safety outcome in CKD stage 3 to 4 (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.13). In patients with ESKD, there was no difference between rate control and ERC in the primary outcome (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.17) but an increase in composite safety outcome (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.50). During follow-up, 65.0% of patients with ESKD and 57.3% with CKD stage 3 to 4 failed to maintain ERC. In the on-treatment (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.99) and time-varying regression (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.98) analyses, ERC was associated with a lower risk of primary outcome even in patients with ESKD.

CONCLUSION

Early rhythm control revealed a modest risk-benefit profile in patients with ESKD compared with CKD stage 3 to 4, with poor adherence to ERC playing a major role. Therefore, an approach tailored to renal function should be considered for choosing AF treatment strategies.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic implication of atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

INTRODUCTION

Despite the latest innovations in surgical and cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, atrial fibrillation remains a common occurrence in patients undergoing heart surgery, and has been shown to increase the incidence of intra- and postoperative complications. For this reason, it is among the top 10 research topics in cardiovascular surgery.

METHOD

Observational, analytical, retrospective study carried out at the largest cardiovascular centre in Mexico. Adult patients (>18 years) with no history of atrial fibrillation who underwent on-pump heart surgery between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2023 were included. Variables that have previously been correlated with postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 544 patients were included. The incidence of POAF was 23.8%. Overall in-hospital mortality was 5.9%. There was a significant difference in age between patients that developed postoperative atrial fibrillation and those that maintained sinus rhythm (62 years vs 57 years, p = < 0.01). Using a univariate logistic regression model, we found that POAF significantly predicts the occurrence of hospital-acquired pneumonia (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.61-6.02, p = <0.01) and the requirement for renal replacement therapy (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.34-6.86, p = <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia in the postoperative period of on-pump heart surgery, and is a predictor of adverse outcomes. Prevention, early detection and treatment of POAF may have prognostic implications.

Out-of-pocket costs for direct oral anticoagulants and prescription abandonment among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are used to prevent thrombosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Despite their clinical benefits, some patients abandon their DOAC prescription.

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively evaluate the association between patient out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and abandonment of the first DOAC prescription among patients with NVAF or VTE in the United States.

METHODS

Data from Symphony Health, an ICON plc Company, PatientSource (April 1, 2017, to October 31, 2020) were used to select patients with NVAF or VTE with an approved or abandoned claim for a DOAC (apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban). OOP costs (2021 US dollars) of the index claim were described by abandonment status, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between OOP costs of the index DOAC claim and abandonment. Analyses were performed in patients with NVAF and VTE separately.

RESULTS

Among 753,755 patients with NVAF, 88.5% had an approved index DOAC claim and 11.5% had an abandoned index DOAC claim. Among 308,429 patients with VTE, 91.5% had an approved index DOAC claim and 8.5% had an abandoned index DOAC claim. Mean OOP costs of the index DOAC claim were lower in those with an approved than abandoned claim (NVAF approved vs abandoned: $79 vs $175; VTE approved vs abandoned: $65 vs $133). Among patients with NVAF, 21.4% of those with an approved claim and 9.1% of those with an abandoned claim had no OOP costs, 58.7% (approved) and 49.0% (abandoned) had OOP costs greater than $0 to less than $100, and 19.9% (approved) and 41.9% (abandoned) had OOP costs greater than or equal to $100; among patients with VTE, 27.8% (approved) and 15.6% (abandoned) had no OOP costs, 58.4% (approved) and 54.8% (abandoned) had OOP costs greater than $0 to less than $100, and 13.8% (approved) and 29.6% (abandoned) had OOP costs greater than or equal to $100. In multivariable models, the risk of abandonment increased by 21% (NVAF) and 17% (VTE) for each $100 in OOP costs (both P < 0.001). Relative to patients with no OOP costs, patients with OOP costs greater than $0 to less than $50 were 86% (NVAF) and 55% (VTE) more likely to abandon their index DOAC, patients with OOP costs greater than $50 to less than $100 were 80% (NVAF) and 111% (VTE) more likely to abandon their index DOAC, and patients with OOP costs greater than or equal to $100 were 332% (NVAF) and 244% (VTE) more likely to abandon their index DOAC (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with NVAF or VTE, OOP costs of the first DOAC claim greater than or equal to $100 were associated with the highest risk of abandoning the first DOAC prescription.

A new scoring system to predict the risk of late recurrence in extended follow-up after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: APCEL score

Background

In studies where risk scores used to determine the risk of late recurrence after atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation were defined, significant differences were observed in terms of parameters such as post-procedural follow-up time, pre-procedural AF time, energy sources used for ablation, and cut-off values of left atrium (LA) diameter. Considering all these factors, we aimed to develop a new recurrence risk score for prolonged follow-up after AF ablation.

Methods

The study included 206 patients who underwent index AF catheter ablation for paroxysmal or persistent AF. Independent predictors of late recurrence were identified at a median follow-up of 40 months (range: 21-57), and a risk score was created. The predictive ability of this score for late recurrence was compared with that of other risk scores.

Results

Independent predictors of late recurrence development included pre-ablation AF duration >19 months, persistent AF, early recurrence, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and LA volume index >31 mL/m2. The APCEL risk score, derived from these factors (Early recurrence: 3 points, AF duration >19 months: 2 points, others: 1 point), demonstrated good predictive performance for late recurrence at 6th [AUC: 0.940, 95% CI: 0.896-0.983], 12th [AUC: 0.865, 95% CI: 0.796-0.932], 24th [AUC: 0.814, 95% CI: 0.743-0.885], and 36th months [AUC: 0.798, 95% CI: 0.726-0.868].

Conclusions

The APCEL score, calculated at the end of the blanking period for patients who underwent AF ablation, can effectively identify those at high risk of late recurrence during extended follow-up.

Choosing the optimal oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: direct oral anticoagulants vs vitamin K antagonists

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have replaced vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for stroke prevention in many patients with atrial fibrillation, but VKAs may still be preferred in some situations. We use a case-based approach to present the evidence for the possible use of a VKA in preference to a DOAC in patients with atrial fibrillation and rheumatic mitral stenosis, high body mass index, frailty, and breakthrough stroke despite being prescribed a DOAC.

Current evidence and indications for left atrial appendage closure

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and its prevalence increases with age. The main and most severe complication of AF is ischemic stroke, yet an estimated 50 % of eligible patients cannot tolerate or are contraindicated to receive oral anticoagulation (OAC). In patients with AF, the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the main source of thrombus formation. Percutaneous LAA closure (LAAC) has emerged over the past two decades as a valuable alternative to OAC for reducing the risk of strokes and systemic embolisms in patients with AF who cannot tolerate long-term OAC. With newer generation devices such as the Watchman (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) and Amulet (Abbott, Abbott Park, IL, USA) gaining approval from the US Food and Drug Administration in recent years, the safety and efficacy of LAAC in specific populations intolerant to OAC have increased and more patients are being treated. This systematic review provides the indications for LAAC and the evidence for evaluating the use of the currently available device therapies. We also examine the current unsolved problems with patient selection and postprocedural antithrombotic regimens.

Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Sotalol Following Expedited Intravenous Loading in Patients With Atrial Arrhythmias

Sotalol, a class III antiarrhythmic agent, is used to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (AFIB/AFL). Despite its efficacy, sotalol's use is limited by its potential to cause life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias due to QT interval prolongation. Traditionally, sotalol administration required hospitalization to monitor these risks. The FDA approval of intravenous (IV) sotalol for loading before oral maintenance aims to reduce hospitalization duration by facilitating an expedited loading dose, transitioning to oral maintenance therapy. This study evaluates the population pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of sotalol using data from the Prospective Evaluation Analysis and Kinetics of IV Sotalol (PEAKS) Registry, which includes patients with atrial arrhythmias undergoing IV sotalol loading. A nonlinear mixed-effect modeling approach was used to describe sotalol PK, considering covariates such as age, weight, sex, and renal function. The study also examined the correlation between sotalol plasma concentrations and corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation. Sotalol PK after IV loading and two oral maintenance doses was adequately described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination in patients with atrial arrhythmias. Weight and creatinine clearance (CrCl) were identified as covariates with significant influence on sotalol PK. A linear regression model adequately described the relationship between QTc and plasma sotalol levels (R2 = 0.27). The Monte Carlo simulations showed that the IV loading doses recommended in the prescribing information did not result in significant prolongation of QTc. The data from this study supports the current dosing recommendations of IV sotalol in patients with AFIB/AFL.

Integrating deep learning with ECG, heart rate variability and demographic data for improved detection of atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common but often undiagnosed condition, increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure. Early detection is crucial, yet traditional methods struggle with AF's transient nature. This study investigates how augmenting ECG data with heart rate variability (HRV) and demographic data (age and sex) can improve AF detection.

METHODS

We analysed 35 634 12-lead ECG recordings from three public databases (China Physiological Signal Challenge-Extra, PTB-XL and Georgia), each with physician-validated AF labels. A range of convolutional neural network models, including AlexNet, VGG-16, ResNet and transformers, were tested for AF prediction, enriched with HRV and demographic data to explore the effectiveness of the multimodal approach. Each data modality (ECG, HRV and demographic) was assessed for its contribution to model performance using fivefold cross-validation. Performance improvements were evaluated across key metrics, and saliency maps were generated to provide further insights into model behaviour and identify critical features in AF detection.

RESULTS

Integrating HRV and demographic data with ECG substantially improved performance. AlexNet and VGG-16 outperformed more complex models, achieving AUROC of 0.9617 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.97) and 0.9668 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.97), respectively. Adding HRV data showed the most significant improvement in sensitivity, with AlexNet increasing from 0.9117 to 0.9225 and VGG-16 from 0.9216 to 0.9225. Combining both HRV and demographic data led to further improvements, with AlexNet achieving a sensitivity of 0.9225 (up from 0.9192 with HRV) and VGG-16 reaching 0.9113 (up from 0.9097 with HRV). The combination of HRV and demographic data resulted in the highest gains in sensitivity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Saliency maps confirmed the models identified key AF features, such as the absence of the P-wave, validating the multimodal approach.

CONCLUSIONS

AlexNet and VGG-16 excelled in AF detection, with HRV data improving sensitivity, and demographic data providing additional benefits. These results highlight the potential of multimodal approaches, pending further clinical validation.

Benefit-Risk Assessment of Rivaroxaban in Older Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation or Venous Thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

Both bleeding and adverse ischemic events increase with age, compounding the benefit-risk balance of anticoagulants in older patients. We present analyses using benefit-risk methods to better understand the age-dependence of the benefit-risk profile of rivaroxaban in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) or venous thromboembolism (VTE).

METHODS

Randomized controlled trial data from the ROCKET-AF (NVAF) and EINSTEIN DVT, EINSTEIN PE, EINSTEIN-Extension, and EINSTEIN CHOICE in (VTE) were used. For ROCKET-AF, benefits and risks were assessed with incidence rates for key thrombotic and bleeding endpoints and a net clinical benefit (NCB) measure. Cumulative incidences (estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method) were estimated at day 185 for EINSTEIN and EINSTEIN Extension and 1 year for EINSTEIN CHOICE. Incidence differences were calculated for the overall population and age subgroups of < 65, 65-75, and > 75 years.

RESULTS

In ROCKET-AF, rate differences in the composite NCB outcome (vascular death, stroke, myocardial infarction, fatal bleeding, critical organ bleeding, and non-CNS systemic embolism) favored rivaroxaban overall and by age < 65, 65-75, and > 75 years (-84, -25, -61, and -150 cases per 10,000 patient-years, respectively). In the pooled EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE studies, cumulative incidence differences for the composite NCB outcome (recurrent VTE and major bleeding) were -103, 3, -105, and -544 per 10,000 patients, respectively. For extended VTE treatment with rivaroxaban versus placebo in EINSTEIN-Extension, NCB results were -536, -492, -556, and -601 per 10,000 patients, respectively. In the EINSTEIN CHOICE analysis, NCB favored rivaroxaban 20 mg versus aspirin (-284, -255, -339, and -338, respectively) and rivaroxaban 10 mg versus aspirin (-339, -328, -485, and -80, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis demonstrated a positive benefit-risk profile with rivaroxaban versus trial comparators in older patients with NVAF or VTE, with benefit-risk increasingly favoring rivaroxaban with increasing age.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://ClinicalTrials.gov , identifiers: NCT00403767 (ROCKET-AF), NCT00440193 (EINSTEIN DVT), NCT00439777 (EINSTEIN PE), NCT00439725 (EINSTEIN Extension), and NCT02064439 (EINSTEIN CHOICE).

The Therapeutic Impact of Genetic Evaluation in an Atrial Fibrillation Precision Medicine Clinic

Background and Aims

Genetic testing is recommended for select patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aims of this study were to define the results of genetic evaluation and its therapeutic impact for patients referred to a dedicated AF precision medicine clinic.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with AF before age 60 were candidates for referral. In addition to standard evaluation with history, physical exam, and ECG, genetic evaluation included a 3-generation pedigree, cardiac imaging, ambulatory monitoring, and clinical genetic testing with a cardiomyopathy/arrhythmia panel.

Results

264 participants were referred: the median age was 47 years (Q1, Q3: 38, 55), 77 (29%) were female, and 236 (89%) were White. Median age at AF diagnosis was 39 years (Q1, Q3: 31, 48) and median time from AF diagnosis to evaluation was 3.7 years (Q1, Q3: 0.9, 10). 242 patients (92%) underwent genetic testing, which identified a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in 48 (20%). The strongest predictors of positive genetic testing were history of cardiomyopathy, infranodal conduction disease, and elevated T1 or late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI (all p<0.05). The strongest predictors of negative genetic testing were obstructive sleep apnea and a normal 12-lead ECG (both p<0.04). Overall, genetic testing changed clinical management in 52% of patients with positive genetic testing, highlighted by 7 new ICD placements and initiation of disease modifying therapy in 16 patients.

Conclusions

Genetic testing was positive in 20% of patients with early-onset AF referred to a dedicated AF precision medicine clinic. Genetic testing results changed clinical management in approximately half of genotype-positive patients.

STRUCTURED GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Key Question: Does genetic evaluation of patients with early-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) change their clinical management?Key Finding: Among 246 participants that completed genetic evaluation in a dedicated AF precision medicine clinic, 20% had positive genetic testing with identification of a pathogenic cardiomyopathy or channelopathy variant. These findings led to changes in clinical management in 52% of patients with positive genetic testing.Take-home Message: Genetic evaluation of patients with early-onset AF consists of detailed phenotyping and genetic testing to identify previously undiagnosed genetic disorders. This facilitates earlier diagnosis and clinical intervention.

The impact of preoperative atrial fibrillation on survival and outcomes in heartmate II and heartmate 3 patients

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent among patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs); however, the exact influence of different types of AF on the clinical outcomes of these patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the impact of different types of AF on the outcomes of patients with LVADs.

METHODS

The records of 162 patients with the LVADs HeartMate 3 (n = 64) and HeartMate II (n = 98) at a single center were reviewed. Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to analyze the associations among paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF), permanent atrial fibrillation (peAF), survival, hemorrhage, and thromboembolism. To adjust for confounding factors, we also used the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method and estimated the average treatment effect (ATE) for the outcomes of ischemic stroke (IS), mortality and right heart failure (RHF).

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

not applicable.

RESULTS

Of the 56 (34.6%) patients with preoperative AF, 38 patients had pAF and 18 patients had peAF. Overall survival differed significantly among the three groups (log-rank test: p = 0.001). Patients with peAF or pAF had a greater incidence of postoperative right heart failure (RHF) than did patients with sinus arrhythmia (SR) (p = 0.037). According to the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, both pAF and peAF were independent risk factors for post-LVAD IS (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.65 (95% CI: 1.28-10.41, p = 0.016 and HR: 9.48 (2.94-30.56), p < 0.001). Patients with preoperative peAF or pAF who received an LVAD did not have an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke. After IPTW, the ATE with respect to mortality was significantly different between patients with peAF and those with SR (p < 0.001). The ATE with respect to post-LVAD IS was significantly different for the pAF vs. SR and the peAF vs. SR patient groups (p = 0.035 and p = 0.004). After IPTW, the ATE for the RHF outcome did not significantly differ among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with preoperative pAF or peAF who underwent LVAD implantation had a higher risk of IS than patients with SR. Our data demonstrated that only preoperative peAF is associated with poor survival while SR is not.

Opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation among frail older patients, little effort for a high diagnostic yield. Outcomes of the Dutch-GERAF study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Frailty increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and its complications. This study investigated the feasibility and diagnostic yield of an eHealth screening for the detection of new AF, in frail older patients.

METHODS

Patients referred to the Geriatric Medicine outpatient clinics were eligible. A Frailty Index (FI) was calculated. Patients were screened for AF with electrocardiograms (ECGs) at baseline and a smartphone photoplethysmography (PPG) application, during 6 months.

RESULTS

Nine hundred fifty-two patients (median age 79 years) were included, mean FI of 0.16, 311 were frail (33%) and 751 had sinus rhythm (79%) at baseline. Six hundred forty-one patients (85%) performed PPG recordings (median 2), 295 (39%) at least 3 recordings. Twenty (2.7%) new cases of AF were found, 10 at baseline and 10 during follow-up. Among 16 (2%) patients, additional irregular PPG recordings were acquired, but no confirmatory ECG took place.

CONCLUSION

The screening strategy proved feasible in very old and frail patients. A diagnostic yield of 2.7% was found by ECG, and an additional 0.9% of new AF cases were suspected on PPG recordings. The non-binding approach of the strategy might be disadvantageous for the patient category. Future PPG AF screening programmes for very old and frail patients should strictly organise their means of AF confirmation.

Flecainide acetate inhalation solution for cardioversion of recent-onset, symptomatic atrial fibrillation: results of the phase 3 RESTORE-1 trial

AIMS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia. New treatments are needed to cardiovert recent-onset paroxysmal AF quickly and safely. RESTORE-1 was a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a 120 mg orally inhaled solution of flecainide acetate (FlecIH-103) for cardioversion of symptomatic, recent-onset (≤48 h) paroxysmal AF. The study aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FlecIH-103 administered via oral inhalation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients experiencing a recent-onset paroxysmal AF episode were randomized to receive a single dose of FlecIH-103 or placebo delivered over two 3.5 min inhalation periods, while patients were monitored using 12-lead electrocardiograms and Holter. The trial was stopped prematurely after treating 55 patients, due to lower-than-expected conversion rates and plasma levels. Mean age was 59.6 years, 31.5% of patients were female, and 59.2% were having their first AF episode. Conversion rate was 30.8% (95% confidence interval: 14.7-43.8) for the active group (n = 39) and 0.0% for the placebo group (n = 12) (P = 0.04). Median time to conversion was 12.8 min (IQR: 17.2). In the active group, the mean flecainide plasma level was 198 ng/mL (SD: 156), which is ∼50% lower than in the previous studies. The most common adverse events (AEs) were dysgeusia, dyspnoea, and cough. All AEs were short-lasting and of mild or moderate intensity.

CONCLUSION

Despite early termination of the trial, FlecIH-103 was significantly more effective than placebo in cardioverting AF. Safety data did not show any serious AEs. Further studies of FlecIH-103 are needed to optimize the combination of drug formulation and inhalation delivery platform.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov, unique identifier: NCT05039359.

Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Patients: A Whole New Ballgame?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained supraventricular arrhythmia, particularly in older adults, with its incidence increasing dramatically with age. This condition is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality, being closely linked to an elevated risk of heart failure, ischemic stroke, systemic thromboembolism, and dementia. The complexities of managing AF in the elderly arise from age-related physiological changes, comorbidities, frailty, and the challenges of polypharmacy. Therapeutic strategies must balance efficacy and safety, tailoring interventions to the individual's health status, life expectancy, and personal preferences. This review explores the latest evidence-based approaches to managing AF in elderly patients, focusing on the nuanced application of rate and rhythm control strategies, anticoagulation, and emerging insights into the relationship between AF and cognitive impairment.

Edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair and heart failure hospitalizations: the TRI-SPA registry

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The prognostic impact of a history of heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) in patients undergoing transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has been scarcely studied. This study presents the results of the TRI-SPA registry, which includes data from 15 Spanish centers.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective registry was conducted, including patients who underwent T-TEER between June 2020 and May 2023. Patients were classified into the 3 groups, based on the number of HFH in the 12 months prior to the procedure: no HFH, 1 HFH, and >1 HFH (recurrent). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and HFH.

RESULTS

Of the 262 patients included, 167 (63.7%) had no history of HFH, 60 (22.9%) had 1 HFH, and 35 (13.4%) had >1 HFH. Patients with >1 hospitalization had more comorbidities, higher surgical risk, and worse functional class; however, no significant differences were observed in the severity of tricuspid regurgitation either at baseline or after T-TEER. After a median follow-up of 365 [160-643] days, patients with recurrent HFH had higher rates of the composite outcome (9.9%, 16.7%, and 43.1%, respectively; P<.001), as well as higher mortality rates (P=.036) and HFH (P<.001). The number of HFH significantly decreased in the 12 months following T-TEER compared with the 12 months prior (P=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent HFH within the 12 months prior to the procedure was associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical events during follow-up. T-TEER significantly reduced the number of hospitalizations during the follow-up period.

Systemic immune inflammation index as a predictor for atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a common arrhythmia with significant public health implications, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Catheter ablation (CA) is an established treatment for drug-resistant Afib, yet recurrence remains a major concern, impacting quality of life in a significant portion of patients. Inflammation plays a critical role in the recurrence of Afib after ablation, with systemic inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein being linked to higher recurrence rates. In this editorial, we discuss the study by Wang et al, published in the latest issue, which investigates the predictive role of the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) in Afib recurrence following radiofrequency CA. Elevated pre-ablation SII levels are identified as an independent predictor of recurrence, significantly enhancing the predictive power of the APPLE score. Integration of SII improved the APPLE score's predictive performance, as shown by enhanced area under the curve, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement. This combined model highlights the importance of both structural and inflammatory factors in Afib recurrence, offering a more personalized approach to patient management. Additionally, the affordability and accessibility of SII enhance its practicality in clinical workflows. The study by Wang et al underscores the potential of integrating SII with existing scoring systems to refine risk stratification and optimize treatment strategies. Future research should validate these findings across diverse populations, explore limitations such as the potential influence of comorbidities on SII reliability, and investigate additional biomarkers to enhance predictive accuracy.

Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation: A Frontier Review From the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration

Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) and is estimated to be present in >70% of AF patients. This Frontiers Review was prepared by 29 expert members of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration to summarize existing evidence and knowledge gaps on links between hypertension, AF, and their cardiovascular sequelae; simultaneous screening for hypertension and AF; and the prevention of AF through antihypertensive therapy. Hypertension and AF are inextricably connected. Both are easily diagnosed, often silent, and frequently treated inadequately. Together, they additively increase the risk of ischemic stroke, heart failure, and many types of dementia, resulting in greater all-cause mortality, considerable disease burden, and increased health care expenditures. Automated upper arm cuff blood pressure devices with implemented technology can be used to simultaneously detect both hypertension and AF. However, positive screening for AF with an oscillometric blood pressure monitor still requires ECG confirmation. The current evidence suggests that high-risk individuals aged ≥65 years or with treatment-resistant hypertension could benefit from AF screening. Since antihypertensive therapy effectively lowers AF risk, particularly in individuals with left ventricular dysfunction, hypertension should be the key target for AF prediction and prevention rather than merely a comorbidity of AF. Nevertheless, several important gaps in knowledge need to be filled over the next years, including the ideal method and selection of patients for simultaneous screening of hypertension and AF and the optimal antihypertensive drug class and blood pressure targets for AF prevention.

Safety and Efficacy of Factor Xa Inhibitors in Atrial Fibrillation Patients on Dialysis: Evidence from Four Randomized Controlled Trials

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent in dialysis-dependent patients, who face higher risks of thromboembolism and bleeding. Although vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are commonly used for anticoagulation, the benefits of factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors over VKAs in this population are unclear. This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy and safety of VKAs and FXa inhibitors based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a systematic search of PubMed and Embase for RCTs comparing FXa inhibitors and VKAs up to November 2024. The primary safety outcome was major bleeding, and the primary efficacy outcome was stroke or systemic embolism (SSE). Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. This meta-analysis included 486 dialysis-dependent AF patients from 4 RCTs, with a median follow-up of 26 weeks to 1.88 years. FXa inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of major bleeding compared to VKAs (RR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42-0.99; p = 0.04), but no significant difference in SSE (RR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.20-1.02; p = 0.06). FXa inhibitors also showed a significantly lower risk of intracranial bleeding (RR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.17-0.96; p = 0.04), but no differences in other outcomes, including gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and mortality. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that FXa inhibitors may offer a safer alternative to VKAs for AF patients on dialysis, with a lower risk of bleeding and similar risks of stroke and mortality.

The Impact of Weight Categories on the Association Between Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter and Known Risk Factors: A Nationwide Inpatient Data Analysis

Background/Objectives: Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (Afib/Aflut) are the most common arrhythmias presenting to the emergency department. The goal of this study was to evaluate any predictor of Afib/flut with cardiovascular risk factors and demographics based on weight categories. Methods: Using ICD-10 codes from the large Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database in the years 2016-2020, we evaluate any association between the presence of Afib/Aflut with risk factors and demographics in different weight categories in adults over the age of 18. Results: A total of 23,037,013 afib/flut patients were found in the NIS database. Obesity and morbid obesity were independently associated with the presence of Afib/Aflut (for multivariate OR obesity: 1.28, CI 1.27-1.28, p < 0.001; for morbid obesity: OR 1.9, CI 1.89-1.91, p < 0.001). Regardless of weight categories such as cachexia, overweight, obese, or morbidly obese, traditional risk factors remained independently associated with Afib/Aflut. Furthermore, male gender and Caucasians were independently associated with the presence of Afib/Aflut regardless of any weight categories. (For example, in the overweight categories, the multivariate OR for females was 0.69, CI: 0.69-0.69, p < 0.001, and for African Americans, OR 0.62, CI 0.61-0.62, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Traditional risk factors were persistently associated with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation regardless of weight categories. Furthermore, the Caucasian race and male gender were also strong independent predictors of Afib/Aflut.

Effects of 1-year exercise in patients with atrial fibrillation: study protocol for the Norwegian Exercise in Atrial Fibrillation (NEXAF) randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia worldwide and is expected to increase substantially within the coming years. Although lifestyle changes and risk factor modification are now acknowledged as central components of atrial fibrillation management, the effects of exercise on disease-specific outcomes are still not extensively documented due to few high-quality randomised trials. The primary objective of the Norwegian Exercise in Atrial Fibrillation Trial (NEXAF) is to assess the effects of exercise over 12 months on key clinical and patient-reported outcomes in previously inactive patients with atrial fibrillation.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

NEXAF is a multicentre, two-arm, randomised controlled trial inviting patients 18-80 years with a confirmed diagnosis of paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. Eligible patients are randomised 1:1 to either a combined supervised and eHealth-based exercise intervention or usual care for 12 months. The primary outcomes are total time in atrial fibrillation measured by insertable cardiac monitors, and disease-specific quality of life measured by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life questionnaire.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from the Regional Ethics Committee in Mid-Norway in April 2021 (ID 213848).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05164718.

Cryoballoon Ablation for Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the Korean Cryoballoon Registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is considered an effective rhythm control treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) and is increasing exponentially. However, data regarding the efficacy and safety of CBA in elderly patients are limited.

METHODS

A total of 2,652 patients (55.2% with non-paroxysmal AF) from the Korean CBA registry database with follow-up of ≥12-months after de novo CBA were divided into 2 groups based on age (<75 and ≥75 years old). Procedure related complications and clinical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group (n=2,403), the elderly group (n=249) had female predominance (41.8% vs. 21.1%, p<0.001), a higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores (4.0 [3.0-5.0] vs. 2.0 [1.0-3.0]; p<0.001), and a higher prevalence of heart failure (33.3% vs. 21.9%; p<0.001) and chronic kidney disease (42.2% vs. 10.4%; p<0.001). A total of 120 procedure-related minor complications were reported, but no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups (6.4% vs. 4.3%; p=0.18). Recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias was observed in 67 patients (27.2%) in the elderly group and 788 patients (33.3%) in the control group. After adjusting for confounding variables, the freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias during 24-month was similar between the 2 groups (67.0% vs. 62.7%; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-1.34; p=0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

CBA showed a reasonable efficacy and safety profile in elderly population with AF, comparable to that in younger patients.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Insertable Cardiac Monitors on Device Clinic Workflow and Resource Utilization

BACKGROUND

Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) are essential for managing arrhythmias but often generate large numbers of transmissions and false alerts. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) as part of the ICM workflow can reduce this burden. However, its impact on clinic workflow and resource utilization must be better understood.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of AI-enhanced ICMs on clinic workflow and resource utilization.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using real-world, deidentified ICM remote monitoring data from Octagos Health, which included 140 U.S. device clinics between July 2022 and April 2024. Nonactionable alerts (NAAs) were defined as false or repetitive alerts transmitted on the remote monitoring platforms but dismissed by device technicians and not forwarded to clinicians for review. We compared NAAs generated by AI-enhanced vs non-AI-enhanced ICMs and estimated associated staffing hours, resources, and costs extrapolated for a clinic managing 600 ICM patients.

RESULTS

Among 19,320 patients (mean age: 69 ± 13.5 years; 47.3% male), 68% had non-AI-enhanced ICMs, and 32% had AI-enhanced ICMs. The mean annual NAA volume per 600-ICM clinic was 5,078 for non-AI-enhanced ICMs and 2,110 for AI-enhanced ICMs, resulting in 559 fewer staffing hours (956 vs 397 hours; 95% CI: 513-605 hours; P value < 0.001) and $29,470 in annual savings ($20,929 vs $50,399; 95% CI: $27,035-$31,904; P value < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to non-AI-enhanced ICMs, AI-enhanced ICMs significantly reduce NAAs, leading to a projected decrease in clinic workload and associated costs, potentially improving workflow and health care efficiency.