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Yugo D, Chen YY, Lin YJ, Chien KL, Chang SL, Lo LW, Hu YF, Chao TF, Chung FP, Liao JN, Chang TY, Lin CY, Tuan TC, Kuo L, Wu CI, Liu CM, Liu SH, Li CH, Hsieh YC, Chen SA. Long-term mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with atrial flutter after catheter ablation. Europace 2021; 24:970-978. [PMID: 34939091 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS For patients with typical and atypical atrial flutter (AFL) but without history of atrial fibrillation (AF), the long-term cardiovascular (CV) outcomes after catheter ablation for AFL remain unclear. We compared the long-term all-cause mortality and CV outcomes in patients with AFL receiving catheter ablation compared with the results with medical therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS Atrial flutter patients receiving catheter ablation for typical AFL were identified using the Health Insurance Database, and constituted the 'AFL ablation group'. Patients with typical and atypical AFL but without ablation (AFL without ablation group) were propensity matched to the AFL ablation group. Patients with prior AF diagnosis were excluded. Primary outcomes included all-cause and CV mortality, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and stroke. The multivariable cox hazards regression model was used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) for study outcomes. A total of 3784 AFL patients (1892 patients in each group) was studied. Their mean follow-up durations were 7.85 ± 2.57 years (AFL without ablation group) and 8.31 ± 4.53 years (AFL ablation group). Atrial flutter with ablation patients had lower risks of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.68, P < 0.001), CV deaths (HR: 0.78, P = 0.001), HF hospitalization (HR: 0.84, P = 0.01), and stroke (HR: 0.80, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Catheter ablation for AFL in patients without prior AF was associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and CV events compared with AFL patients without ablation during long-term follow-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dony Yugo
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Cardiovascular Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yun-Yu Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yenn-Jiang Lin
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Liong Chien
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Lin Chang
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wei Lo
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Hu
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Fan Chao
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Fa-Po Chung
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Nan Liao
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yung Chang
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yu Lin
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Chuan Tuan
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa
| | - Ling Kuo
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa
| | - Cheng-I Wu
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Min Liu
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Huei Liu
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa
| | - Cheng-Hung Li
- Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Hsieh
- Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwa.,Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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2
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Chou CY, Chung FP, Chang HY, Lin YJ, Lo LW, Hu YF, Chao TF, Liao JN, Tuan TC, Lin CY, Chang TY, Liu CM, Wu CI, Huang SH, Chen CC, Cheng WH, Liu SH, Lugtu IC, Jain A, Feng AN, Chang SL, Chen SA. Prediction of Recurrent Atrial Tachyarrhythmia After Receiving Atrial Flutter Ablation in Patients With Prior Cardiac Surgery for Valvular Heart Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:741377. [PMID: 34631838 PMCID: PMC8495322 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.741377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Surgical scars cause an intra-atrial conduction delay and anatomical obstacles that facilitate the perpetuation of atrial flutter (AFL). This study aimed to investigate the outcome and predictor of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia after catheter ablation in patients with prior cardiac surgery for valvular heart disease (VHD) who presented with AFL. Methods: Seventy-two patients with prior cardiac surgery for VHD who underwent AFL ablation were included. The patients were categorized into a typical AFL group (n = 45) and an atypical AFL group (n = 27). The endpoint was the recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia during follow-up. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the predictor of recurrence. Results: No significant difference was found in the recurrence rate of atrial tachyarrhythmia between the two groups. Patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) had a higher recurrence of typical AFL compared with those without AF (13 vs. 0%, P = 0.012). In subgroup analysis, typical AFL patients with concomitant AF had a higher incidence of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia than those without it (53 vs. 14%, P = 0.006). Regarding patients without AF, the typical AFL group had a lower recurrence rate of atrial tachyarrhythmia than the atypical AFL group (14 vs. 40%, P = 0.043). Multivariate analysis showed that chronic kidney disease (CKD) and left atrial diameter (LAD) were independent predictors of recurrence. Conclusions: In our study cohort, concomitant AF was associated with recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia. CKD and LAD independently predicted recurrence after AFL ablation in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery for VHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Yao Chou
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Medical Center, Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fa-Po Chung
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yu Chang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Heart Center, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yenn-Jiang Lin
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wei Lo
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Hu
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Fan Chao
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Nan Liao
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Chuan Tuan
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yu Lin
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yung Chang
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Min Liu
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-I Wu
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Hao Huang
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chao Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Han Cheng
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Huei Liu
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Isaiah Carlos Lugtu
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Heart Institute, Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ankit Jain
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - An-Ning Feng
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Heart Center, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Lin Chang
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Romero J, Diaz JC, Di Biase L, Kumar S, Briceno D, Tedrow UB, Valencia CR, Baldinger SH, Koplan B, Epstein LM, John R, Michaud GF, Stevenson WG. Atrial fibrillation inducibility during cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter ablation as a predictor of clinical atrial fibrillation. A meta-analysis. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2017; 48:307-315. [DOI: 10.1007/s10840-016-0211-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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4
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Clementy N, Desprets L, Pierre B, Lallemand B, Simeon E, Brunet-Bernard A, Babuty D, Fauchier L. Outcomes after ablation for typical atrial flutter (from the Loire Valley Atrial Fibrillation Project). Am J Cardiol 2014; 114:1361-7. [PMID: 25200340 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.07.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Similar predisposing factors are found in most types of atrial arrhythmias. The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients with atrial flutter is high, suggesting similar outcomes in patients with those arrhythmias. We sought to investigate the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with AF and/or atrial flutter with contemporary management using radiofrequency ablation. In an academic institution, we retrospectively examined the clinical course of 8,962 consecutive patients admitted to our department with a diagnosis of AF and/or atrial flutter. After a median follow-up of 934 ± 1,134 days, 1,155 deaths and 715 stroke and/thromboembolic (TE) events were recorded. Patients with atrial flutter undergoing cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (n = 875, 37% with a history of AF) had a better survival rate than other patients (hazard ratio [HR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25 to 0.49, p <0.0001). Using Cox proportional hazards model and propensity score model, after adjustment for main other confounders, ablation for atrial flutter was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.84, p = 0.006) and stroke and/or TE events (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.92, p = 0.02). After ablation, there was no significant difference in the risk of TE between patients with a history of AF and those with atrial flutter alone (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.67, p = 0.59). In conclusion, in patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias, those with atrial flutter with contemporary management who undergo cavotricuspid isthmus radiofrequency ablation independently have a lower risk of stroke and/or TE events and death of any cause, whether a history of AF is present or not.
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5
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Prognostic value of atrial fibrillation inducibility after right atrial flutter ablation. Heart Rhythm 2014; 11:1870-6. [PMID: 24981869 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2014.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with typical right atrial flutter (AFL) may also have underlying atrial fibrillation (AF) or be at high risk of developing AF. Inducibility of AF among patients undergoing AFL ablation may be an important predictor of future occurrence of AF and may be useful in guiding management of this patient population. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether inducibility of AF at the time of AFL ablation is independently associated with the risk of future AF. METHODS Attempt at induction of AF by burst pacing was performed in consecutive patients who underwent AFL ablation. Time to incidence of AF after AFL ablation was examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. All analyses were stratified by a history of AF. RESULTS A total of 175 patients were retrospectively evaluated over a median follow-up period of 482 days. In patients without a documented history of AF (n = 93), the incidence of AF after AFL ablation was 18.7 per 100 person-years. In these patients, inducible AF was strongly associated with the future development of AF (adjusted hazard ratio 15.99; 95% confidence interval 5.10-50.12). In contrast, in patients with a documented history of AF (n = 82), the incidence of AF after AFL ablation was 59.3 per 100 person-years and inducible AF was not associated with the future development of AF (adjusted hazard ratio 1.26; 95% confidence interval 0.74-2.14). CONCLUSION Inducibility of AF after AFL ablation is strongly and independently associated with the risk of future AF among patients without a history of AF but not among patients with a history of AF.
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6
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Jang JK, Park JS, Kim YH, Choi JI, Lim HE, Pak HN, Kim YH. Coexisting sustained tachyarrthymia in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation. Korean Circ J 2010; 40:235-8. [PMID: 20514334 PMCID: PMC2877788 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2010.40.5.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Revised: 09/24/2009] [Accepted: 09/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives During the index procedure of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF), it is important to assess whether other atrial or ventricular tachyarrhythmia coexist. Their symptoms are often attributed to residual tachycardia after successful elimination of AF by CA. This tachycardia could also be non-pulmonary vein (PV) foci initiated AF. This study examined the coexistence of other sustained tachyarrhythmia of patients who underwent radiofrequency CA (RFCA) for AF. Subjects and Methods Four hundred fifty-nine consecutive patients (375 males, aged 53.4±11.4 years) who underwent RFCA for AF were investigated. Atrial and ventricular programmed stimulation (PS) with or without isoproterenol infusion were performed, and spontaneously developed tachycardias were analyzed. Results Fifteen patients (3.3% of total) were diagnosed to have other sustained arrhythmias that included slow-fast type atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT, n=6), atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT, n=5) that utilized left posteroseptal (n=4) and parahisian bypass tract (n=1), atrial tachycardia (AT, n=2) originating from the foramen ovale (n=1) and the ostium of coronary sinus (n=1), sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT, n=2) involving one from the apical posterolateral wall of left ventricule in a normal heart and one from an anterolateral wall in an underlying myocardial infarction (MI). These sustained tachycardias were neither clinically documented nor had structural heart diseases, with the exception of one patient with MI associated VT. Two patients had the triple tachycardia; one involved AVNRT, AVRT, and AF, and the other involved VT, AT, and AF. All associated tachycardias were successfully eliminated by RFCA. Conclusion Fifteen (3.3%) patients with AF had coexisting sustained tachycardia. RFCA was successful in these patients. Identification of tachycardia by PS before RFCA for AF should be done to maximize the efficacy of the first ablation session.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Kun Jang
- Korea University Cardiovascular Center, Seoul, Korea
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7
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Govindan M, Catanchin A, Camm AJ. The place of hybrid therapies with drugs to supplement nonpharmacological therapies in atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2008; 52:210-21. [PMID: 18806601 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0b013e3181799677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias, and its prevalence continues to rise as the aged population increases. Comparative studies of rhythm control and rate control have been equivocal; however, the benefits of rhythm control may have been offset by the limitations of antiarrhythmic drugs. More recently, nonpharmacological therapies have emerged that provide hope of more effective rhythm control. Catheter ablation techniques have gained favour with high success rates in specialized centers, although these techniques are not without complications and require considerable expertise. Pacing therapies designed to reduce harmful right ventricular pacing and increase physiological pacing have shown benefit in AF patients with bradycardia. Despite this progress, no single modality confers benefit for all patients. Strategies to combine these treatment modalities in a hybrid approach has shown increasing promise for subgroups of AF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malini Govindan
- Division of Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, St Georges Hospital University of London, London, UK.
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8
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Advances in mechanisms of atrial fibrillation: structural remodeling, high-frequency fractionated electrograms, and reentrant AF drivers. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2008; 23:45-9. [PMID: 18465217 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-008-9256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2007] [Accepted: 03/25/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms to explain atrial fibrillation (AF) have been widely debated. Although contemporary experimental techniques have provided more insight, hypotheses regarding AF propagation conceived in the early half of the century remain minimally altered and relevant today. Modern mapping technologies have implicated multiwavelet reentry as the electrophysiologic basis to explain AF propagation within the atrial myocardium; however, reentry has also been observed within pulmonary veins and may behave as a focal trigger. The ability to terminate AF by catheter ablation has provided additional clues to explain AF induction and sustenance. The presence of complex fractionated electrograms (CFAE) and subsequent successful CFAE-directed ablation suggest that diseased atrial myocardium is a necessary substrate for AF maintenance. Atrial remodeling creates differential areas of refractory periods and conduction velocity, which, in turn, creates a suitable environment for AF. This review addresses the complex relationship between remodeled atrial myocardium and reentry and explores the role of CFAEs in AF maintenance.
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9
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Meissner A, Christ M, Maagh P, Borchard R, van Bracht M, Wickenbrock I, Trappe HJ, Plehn G. Quality of life and occurrence of atrial fibrillation in long-term follow-up of common type atrial flutter ablation: ablation with irrigated 5 mm tip and conventional 8 mm tip electrodes. Clin Res Cardiol 2007; 96:794-802. [PMID: 17721735 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-007-0559-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2007] [Accepted: 05/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The ablation of common type atrial flutter is mainly performed by two approved techniques, whose efficacy and outcome in terms of quality of life have not been evaluated so far in a long-term follow-up study over years. A high proportion of patients suffer from coexistent atrial fibrillation, which may worsen the ablation result. The question arises whether one technique is more effective than the other when immediate ablation results, the occurrence of atrial fibrillation and the quality of life are compared. Considering these facts, it is reasonable to think about new ablation strategies for common type atrial flutter in the era of new concepts in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. METHODS In a retrospective study we evaluated a detailed questionnaire in 132 patients who underwent ablation of common type between 1999 and 2004. Radiofrequency ablation was performed irrespective of coexistent atrial fibrillation either with an irrigated tip or the 8 mm tip electrode. Acute and long-term ablation outcome, and the associated quality of life, pre-, under- and post-ablation was compared in the two different ablation groups. Recurrent tachycardia were re-evaluated by 12 lead ECG analysis and assessed for both ablation groups. RESULTS 88 (67%) of the 132 patients contacted answered the questionnaire polling the perceived benefits of the procedure. Of the other 44 patients (33%); 4 (3%) had died, 7 (5.3%) had moved, 33 patients (25%) could not be included due to missing or incoherent answers. Independent of the ablation technique there was a high acute and long-term ablation success rate at about 95%. After a mean of 3 years of follow-up this benefit persists in spite of a high proportion of recurrent tachycardia, mainly atrial fibrillation (55/88 patients, 59.1%). Despite the occurrence of secondary tachycardia, there was a high significant long-term symptomatic benefit in the state of healthy and daily practice work, evaluated with a p-value of < 0.0005. The frequency of episodes and the symptom "tachycardia" were significantly reduced after effective ablation of common type atrial flutter, p-values of 0.003 and 0.002, respectively. Therefore the need for hospitalization was significant reduced (p = 0.001). Comparison of both approaches revealed that there was no significant difference related to the incidence and occurrence of atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS The two mainly accepted and applied techniques for the ablation of common type atrial flutter show an excellent outcome under the aspect of ablation efficacy and quality of life in longterm follow-up. Three years after the ablation procedure the majority of patients consider the intervention beneficial. Despite the relatively high appearance of atrial fibrillation in the long-term follow-up this effect is still traceable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Meissner
- Medizinische Klinik II, Schwerpunkte Kardiologie und Angiologie Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625, Herne, Germany.
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10
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Abstract
Following the advent of the surgical maze procedure, several catheter techniques have been developed to provide permanent prophylaxis against atrial fibrillation. These noninvasive techniques work by compartmentalizing the atria, by ablating the arrhythmogenic foci, or by isolating the atria from these foci. Although still at an early stage of development, preliminary results using focal ablation and circumferential ablation show extreme promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Siong Ng
- Department of Cardiological Sciences, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, U.K
| | - Ajohn Camm
- Department of Cardiological Sciences, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, U.K
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11
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Katritsis D, Wood MA, Shepard RK, Giazitzoglou E, Kourlaba G, Ellenbogen KA. Atrial arrhythmias following ostial or circumferential pulmonary vein ablation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2006; 16:123-30. [PMID: 17103316 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-006-9036-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2006] [Accepted: 07/18/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The incidence, clinical significance and optimum treatment of AF ablation-induced proarrhythmia is not entirely known. This report describes the incidence and management of atrial arrhythmias occurring after various techniques for the ablative therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS Five hundred and forty-four patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were subjected to ostial pulmonary vein (PV) (n = 204), antral (n = 300), or circumferential (n = 40) ablation around the PV ostia. RESULTS Atrial tachycardia or flutter during the first 6 months after AF ablation was detected in 14 patients and was more common among patients subjected to circumferential or circumferential and linear ablation (18% and 22%, respectively) than to other techniques (p < 0.001). The risk of atrial tachycardia or flutter among patients who underwent ostial, ostial with lines and antral ablation was 1%, 8% and 1%, respectively. No difference was observed in the risk of atrial arrhythmia between patients who underwent ablation with or without additional lines, either ostial (p = 0.17) or circumferential (p = 0.99). Re-ablation was performed in patients with sustained atrial arrhythmia (11 out of 14 patients). At 6 months, no recurrence was seen in 10 of these patients as well as in 3 patients with non-sustained atrial tachycardia or flutter. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of atrial tachycardia or flutter following AF ablation is lower for ostial than circumferential ablation. The addition of lines along the mitral isthmus and between the superior PVs does not significantly affect the risk of ablation-induced arrhythmia. Non-sustained atrial tachycardia or flutter following AF ablation procedures does not always require additional ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demosthenes Katritsis
- Department of Cardiology, Athens Euroclinic, 9 Athanassiadou St, Athens, 11521 Greece.
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12
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice, and its management remains challenging. A solid understanding of the scientific basis for atrial fibrillation therapy requires insight into the mechanisms underlying the arrhythmia, about which an enormous amount has been learned over the past 10 years. The basic information presently available about atrial fibrillation mechanisms is reviewed. The particular properties of normal atrial electrophysiology are discussed, including salient ionic determinants of the atrial action potential and key anatomic features. Reviewed are three crucial arrhythmia mechanisms long held to be involved in atrial fibrillation: 1) rapid ectopic activity, 2) single-circuit reentry with fibrillatory conduction, and 3) multiple-circuit reentry. The determinants of each and the evidence for their involvement in clinical and/or experimental atrial fibrillation are noted. The physiological consequences, various contributing mechanisms, and clinical implications of the role of atrial-tachycardia remodeling are analyzed. Atrial-tachycardia remodeling links the potential mechanisms of atrial fibrillation, since atrial fibrillation beginning by any mechanism is likely to cause tachycardia-remodeling and thus promote the maintenance of atrial fibrillation by multiple-circuit reentry. Atrial structural remodeling is discussed as a paradigm of atrial fibrillation in which the classic features required for reentry (reduced refractory period and reentrant wavelength) may be lacking. Finally, the importance of recent insights into potential genetic determinants of atrial fibrillation is reviewed. The classic understanding of atrial fibrillation pathophysiology saw the different possible mechanisms as being alternative and opposing hypotheses. We now consider the multiple potential mechanisms as contributing to the pathophysiology of the arrhythmia to a different extent in different clinical settings and interacting with each other in a dynamic way at various stages of the natural history in many patients. It is hoped that this improved mechanistic understanding will lead to the development of improved therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Nattel
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada.
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Yang Y, Mangat I, Glatter KA, Cheng J, Scheinman MM. Mechanism of conversion of atypical right atrial flutter to atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 2003; 91:46-52. [PMID: 12505570 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9149(02)02996-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms of conversion from atypical atrial flutter (AFL) to atrial fibrillation (AF), and the long-term results of cavotricuspid isthmus ablation in these patients. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 221 patients with typical AFL referred to our hospital for ablation. A total of 25 patients had atypical AFL, and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation was performed in 23 with isthmus-dependent atypical AFL, as well as in 180 patients with typical counterclockwise and/or clockwise AFL. In all, 13 spontaneous transitions from atypical AFL to AF were documented in 11 of 17 patients. Before AF, a pattern of lower loop reentry was observed in 11 of 13 patients (85%) and upper loop reentry in 3 (1 had both). Multiple early breaks along the tricuspid annulus during AFL were noted in 6 of 13 patients (46%). Among the 13 transitions, discrete atrial premature complexes before AF were found in 5 patients with lower loop reentry and in 1 with upper loop reentry (46%). In the remaining patients, a more rapid atrial rhythm was involved in the development of AF with a pulmonary venous focus in 2. In some cases, additional "breaks" in the functional line of block occurred before the development of AF. There was a significant increased incidence of AF (68%) in those with atypical AFL compared with those with typical AFL (38%) (p = 0.004). After a mean follow-up of 28 +/- 9 months for the atypical group and 18 +/- 11 months for the typical group, the AF recurrence rate was similar (57% vs 48%, p = 0.4). Discrete atrial premature complexes or atrial tachycardia may initiate AF either directly or by producing further breaks in lines of functional block. Bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus block is associated with cure or control of AF in approximately 50% of patients with AFL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Yang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-1354, USA
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Hsieh MH, Tai CT, Chiang CE, Tsai CF, Yu WC, Chen YJ, Ding YA, Chen SA. Recurrent atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus: a very long-term follow-up of 333 patients. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2002; 7:225-31. [PMID: 12510133 DOI: 10.1023/a:1021392105994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiofrequency catheter ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus is an effective therapy for typical atrial flutter (AFL), however, the long-term recurrence of AFL and early or late occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) are not well defined. This study investigated the long-term (up to 68 months) outcome of patients with typical AFL after catheter ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus. METHODS This study included 380 patients with typical AFL, who received linear ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus. They were followed up at the outpatient clinic. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the symptoms suggestive of tachyarrhythmias, and 12-lead ECG, Holter monitoring and event recorders were used to confirm the diagnosis of tachyarrhythmias. RESULTS At the end of study, 47 patients lost follow-up, so that 333 patients were enrolled into final analysis. Ten (3%) patients had failed ablation of typical AFL. Univariate analysis showed that left atrial dimension was the only factor related to failed ablation. During the long-term follow-up period of 29 +/- 17 months (range 7 to 68 months), 29 (9%) patients had recurrent AFL, including 15 with typical and 14 with atypical AFL. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that incomplete isthmus block and inducible atypical AFL were the independent predictors of recurrent typical and atypical AFL, respectively. One hundred and two (31%) patients developed AF, including 48 with early occurrence of AF (within 3 months after ablation), and 54 with late occurrence of AF (greater than 3 months). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that prior history of AF and inducible AF were independent predictors of early occurrence of AF, and prior history of AF was the only independent predictor of late occurrence of AF. CONCLUSIONS Linear ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus is an effective therapy with low recurrence rate for patients with typical AFL. However, one-third patients had early or late occurrence of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hsiung Hsieh
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Taipei Medical University, and Wan-Fang Hospital, Taiwan, ROC
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15
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Loutrianakis E, Barakat T, Olshansky B. Early versus late atrial fibrillation after atrial flutter ablation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2002; 6:173-80. [PMID: 11992028 DOI: 10.1023/a:1015323818957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial flutter (AFl) has high initial success with a 10-15% recurrence. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) after radiofrequency catheter ablation of AFl can occur but may be transient (lasting no more than four weeks). METHODS Of one hundred seventeen consecutive patients studied, one hundred and four consecutive patients with sustained, symptomatic AFl, as the predominant rhythm disturbance (some of whom had transient pre-ablation AFib), referred for radiofrequency catheter ablation, had clinical follow-up. All had evidence for successful AFl ablation. Patients were followed prospectively. RESULTS Over a mean follow-up of 28 months, 28 patients developed AFib after ablation of AFl [12 early AFib (<2 months) and 16 late AFib (>2 months)]. Seven of 12 (58%) patients in the early onset group reverted to normal sinus rhythm; none required long-term antiarrhythmic therapy. Only one (8%) developed permanent AFib. No patient in the late onset group remained in sinus rhythm without an antiarrhythmic drug. Three (19%) developed permanent AFib despite therapy among those with late onset AFib. Two (17%) patients with early onset AFib reverted to normal sinus rhythm with treatment versus 5 (31%) in the late onset group. Finally, only 2 patients (17%) with paroxysmal/persistent episodes of Afib from the early onset group stayed in normal sinus rhythm despite therapy, while 8 patients (50%) with paroxysmal/persistent AFib episodes from the late onset group required therapy to maintain normal sinus rhythm. CONCLUSION Early onset AFib after ablation of AFl is likely to be transient and self-limited. Late onset AFib after ablation of AFl can persist and require chronic therapy.
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Prakash A, Saksena S, Krol RB, Filipecki A, Philip G. Catheter ablation of inducible atrial flutter, in combination with atrial pacing and antiarrhythmic drugs ("hybrid therapy") improves rhythm control in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2002; 6:165-72. [PMID: 11992027 DOI: 10.1023/a:1015319618049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Atrial flutter or tachycardia may coexist with atrial fibrillation [AF] and can be treated with ablation techniques in attempt to reduce the total AF burden. The role of ablation of latent atrial tachyarrhythmias elicited at electrophysiologic study in conjunction with atrial pacing and antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with refractory AF has not been evaluated. We evaluated the efficacy of catheter ablation of electrically induced atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia in improving rhythm control in patients with refractory AF. METHODS Consecutive patients with refractory AF, and spontaneous atrial flutter (Group 1) or without spontaneous atrial flutter (Group 2) underwent programmed stimulation in a baseline drug-free state. All patients had electrically induced atrial flutter or tachycardia. Radiofrequency ablation of the arrhythmia substrate was performed in all patients. Primary endpoints evaluated for patient outcome in both groups included maintenance of rhythm control and freedom from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias. RESULTS Forty-three patients, with a mean age of 66 +/- 13 years were studied. Group 1 consisted of 22 patients while Group 2 had 21 patients. Ablation of the tricuspid valve-inferior venacaval isthmus was performed in 41 patients who had common atrial flutter induced at electrophysiologic study. Ablation of other atrial sites was performed in 8 patients with induced atypical flutter and 4 patients with induced atrial tachycardia. Ten of these patients had ablation of more than one arrhythmia. 17 patients (40%) had atrial pacing instituted and 28 patients remained on a class 1/3 antiarrhythmic drug. During a mean follow-up of 26 +/- 14 months, 33 patients (82.5%) remained in rhythm control. Actuarial analysis showed 96% of patients in rhythm control at 6 months, 94% at 12 months, and 90% at 24 months. Freedom from symptomatic AF recurrence was 64% at 6 months, 58% at 12 months, and 42% at 24 months. The outcome for both of these endpoints was similar for Group 1 and Group 2 (p = NS). The AF free interval increased significantly from 7+/- 9 days to 172 +/- 121 days (p < 0.01) after ablation. This increase was again similar in both the groups. In the 14 patients were who did not receive atrial pacing and who remained on the same class 1/3 antiarrhythmic drug, the AF free interval increased from 18 +/- 17 days to 212+/- 102 days (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that electrophysiologic studies can elicit latent atrial flutter or tachycardia in patients with refractory AF without spontaneous monomorphic atrial tachyarrhythmias. Catheter ablation of electrically induced atrial flutter or tachycardia either alone, or with atrial pacing and with antiarrhythmic drug may improve rhythm control and reduce AF recurrences. This is similar in patients with and without spontaneous atrial flutter and refractory AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Prakash
- Arrhythmia & Pacemaker Service, Cardiovascular Institute, Atlantic Health System (East), Passaic, NJ, USA
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17
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O'Callaghan PA, Meara M, Kongsgaard E, Poloniecki J, Luddington L, Foran J, Camm AJ, Rowland E, Ward DE. Symptomatic improvement after radiofrequency catheter ablation for typical atrial flutter. Heart 2001; 86:167-71. [PMID: 11454833 PMCID: PMC1729856 DOI: 10.1136/heart.86.2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the changes in quality of life, arrhythmia symptoms, and hospital resource utilisation following catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter. DESIGN Patient questionnaire to compare the time interval following ablation with a similar time interval before ablation. SETTING Tertiary referral centre. PATIENTS 63 consecutive patients were studied. Four patients subsequently underwent an ablate and pace procedure, two died of co-morbid illnesses, and two were lost to follow up. The remaining 55 patients form the basis of the report. RESULTS Patients were followed for a mean (SD) of 12 (9.5) months. Atrial flutter ablation resulted in an improvement in quality of life (3.8 v 2.5, p < 0.001) and reductions in symptom frequency score (2.0 v 3.5, p < 0.001) and symptom severity score (2.0 v 3.8, p < 0.001) compared with preablation values. There was a reduction in the number of patients visiting accident and emergency departments (11% v 53%, p < 0.001), requiring cardioversion (7% v 51%, p < 0.001), or being admitted to hospital for a rhythm problem (11% v 56%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis confirmed that patients with atrial flutter and concomitant atrial fibrillation before ablation and those with atrial flutter alone both derived significant benefit from atrial flutter ablation. Patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation had an improvement in quality of life (3.5 v 2.5, p < 0.001) and reductions in symptom frequency score (2.3 v 3.5, p < 0.001) and symptom severity score (2.2 v 3.7, p < 0.001) compared with preablation values. CONCLUSIONS Ablation of atrial flutter is recommended both in patients with atrial flutter alone and in those with concomitant atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A O'Callaghan
- Department of Cardiological Sciences, St George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK.
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O'Callaghan PA, Meara M, Kongsgaard E, Poloniecki J, Luddington L, Foran J, Camm AJ, Rowland E, Ward DE. Symptomatic improvement after radiofrequency catheter ablation for typical atrial flutter. BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 2001. [DOI: 10.1136/hrt.86.2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVETo assess the changes in quality of life, arrhythmia symptoms, and hospital resource utilisation following catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter.DESIGNPatient questionnaire to compare the time interval following ablation with a similar time interval before ablation.SETTINGTertiary referral centre.PATIENTS63 consecutive patients were studied. Four patients subsequently underwent an ablate and pace procedure, two died of co-morbid illnesses, and two were lost to follow up. The remaining 55 patients form the basis of the report.RESULTSPatients were followed for a mean (SD) of 12 (9.5) months. Atrial flutter ablation resulted in an improvement in quality of life (3.8 v 2.5, p < 0.001) and reductions in symptom frequency score (2.0v 3.5, p < 0.001) and symptom severity score (2.0 v 3.8, p < 0.001) compared with preablation values. There was a reduction in the number of patients visiting accident and emergency departments (11%v 53%, p < 0.001), requiring cardioversion (7% v 51%, p < 0.001), or being admitted to hospital for a rhythm problem (11%v 56%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis confirmed that patients with atrial flutter and concomitant atrial fibrillation before ablation and those with atrial flutter alone both derived significant benefit from atrial flutter ablation. Patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation had an improvement in quality of life (3.5 v 2.5, p < 0.001) and reductions in symptom frequency score (2.3 v 3.5, p < 0.001) and symptom severity score (2.2v 3.7, p < 0.001) compared with preablation values.CONCLUSIONSAblation of atrial flutter is recommended both in patients with atrial flutter alone and in those with concomitant atrial fibrillation.
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Abstract
Various nonpharmacologic interventions are available for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are refractory to standard drug therapy. Atrioventricular junctional ablation and permanent pacing is a very effective therapy for patients with AF and a poorly controlled ventricular response. The surgical MAZE procedure has been performed on small numbers of patients but is remarkably successful in restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm. The role of permanent pacing as treatment for paroxysmal AF is undergoing evaluation and dual-site atrial pacing appears particularly promising in reducing the number of episodes of paroxysmal AF. Certainly the most exciting frontier in the treatment of AF is radiofrequency catheter ablation procedures. Our understanding of the mechanisms of paroxysmal AF and chronic AF has expanded enormously in the past 5 years. Radiofrequency lesions in pulmonary veins using standard technology will cure many cases of paroxysmal AF. However, catheter systems under development offer a great promise of treating most paroxysmal and chronic AF within the next few years. These developments will revolutionize our approach to this ever more prevalent clinical problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Cannom
- Division of Cardiology, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lau CP, Tse HF, Ayers GM. Defibrillation-guided radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation secondary to an atrial focus. J Am Coll Cardiol 1999; 33:1217-26. [PMID: 10193719 DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(98)00691-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aim was to evaluate a potential focal source of atrial fibrillation (AF) by unmasking spontaneous early reinitiation of AF after transvenous atrial defibrillation (TADF), and to describe a method of using repeated TADF to map and ablate the focus. BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation may develop secondary to a rapidly discharging atrial focus that the atria cannot follow synchronously, with suppression of the focus once AF establishes. Focus mapping and radiofrequency (RF) ablation may be curative but is limited if the patient is in AF or if the focus is quiescent. Early reinitiation of AF has been observed following defibrillation, which might have a focal mechanism. METHODS We performed TADF in patients with drug-refractory lone AF using electrodes in the right atrium (RA) and the coronary sinus. When reproducible early reinitiation of AF within 2 min after TADF was observed that exhibited a potential focal mechanism, both mapping and RF ablation were performed to suppress AF reinitiation. Clinical and ambulatory ECG monitoring was used to assess AF recurrence. RESULTS A total of 44 lone AF patients (40 men, 4 women; 32 persistent, 12 paroxysmal AF) with a mean age of 58+/-13 years underwent TADF. Sixteen patients had early reinitiation of AF after TADF, nine (20%; 5 paroxysmal) exhibited a pattern of focal reinitiation. Earliest atrial activation was mapped to the right superior (n = 4) and the left superior (n = 3) pulmonary vein, just inside the orifice, in the seven patients who underwent further study. At the onset of AF reinitiation, the site of earliest activation was 86+/-38 ms ahead of the RA reference electrogram. The atrial activities from this site were fragmented and exhibited progressive cycle-length shortening with decremental conduction to the rest of the atrium until AF reinitiated. Radiofrequency ablation at the earliest activation site resulted in suppression of AF reinitiation despite pace-inducibility. Improved clinical outcome was observed over 8+/-4 months' follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Transvenous atrial defibrillation can help to unmask, map, and ablate a potential atrial focus in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF. A consistent atrial focus is the cause of early reinitiation of AF in 20% of patients with lone AF, and these patients may benefit from this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Lau
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, China.
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Mecca AL, Guo H, Telfer A, Olshansky B. Atrial tachycardia originating from a single site with exit block mimicking atrial fibrillation eliminated with radiofrequency applications. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 1998; 9:1100-8. [PMID: 9817561 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.1998.tb00887.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We describe the case of a patient who has a right atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation who was found to have a single site responsible for both. We recorded a tachycardia from this site with exit block into the remainder of the atria.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Mecca
- Division of Cardiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA
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22
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Abstract
Ablation has become an important and, in some cases, the first-line therapy for a number of tachyarrhythmias. The feasibility of treating arrhythmias with ablation was initially demonstrated with surgical ablation techniques. Recently, catheter ablation techniques have replaced the surgical approach in nearly all cases. Catheter ablation is highly effective for the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, atrioventricular nodal reentry, and atrial ectopic tachycardia. It is effective for atrial flutter, although approximately one quarter of patients treated with catheter ablation continue to require therapy for concomitant atrial fibrillation. The surgical maze procedure has proved to be feasible for preventing atrial fibrillation. The risks and long-term efficacy of catheter ablation maze procedures for atrial fibrillation need to be defined. The efficacy of ablation for ventricular tachycardia varies with the type of tachycardia. Catheter ablation is very effective for the rare idiopathic ventricular tachycardias that occur in structurally normal hearts and for bundle-branch reentry ventricular tachycardia, which occurs most frequently in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. When performed at an experienced center, surgical ablation is an excellent option for selected patients with ventricular tachycardia due to prior myocardial infarction who have a discrete aneurysm but otherwise well-preserved ventricular function. Catheter ablation shows promise for this arrhythmia, but it can be offered only to those patients who have relatively slow tachycardias that allow catheter mapping. Substantial advances in mapping and ablation technology will continue to occur, allowing nonpharmacologic control of cardiac arrhythmias to be achieved in an ever greater number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- W G Stevenson
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Iskos D, Fahy GJ, Lurie KG, Sakaguchi S, Adkisson WO, Benditt DG. Nonpharmacologic treatment of atrial fibrillation: current and evolving strategies. Chest 1997; 112:1079-90. [PMID: 9377921 DOI: 10.1378/chest.112.4.1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia requiring treatment. Limitations of medical treatment have prompted development of nonpharmacologic therapies for this arrhythmia. These are aimed at ventricular rate control during atrial fibrillation, termination of the arrhythmia, and/or prevention of recurrences. Ventricular rate control can be achieved with transcatheter ablation or modification of the atrioventricular node. The MAZE operation is effective in preventing arrhythmia recurrence, but because it requires cardiac surgery, its appeal is limited. Development of the technique for direct transcatheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is eagerly anticipated and may represent the standard curative treatment of the future. In appropriately selected patients, implantable device therapy may play an important role in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Iskos
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA
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