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Ioannidis P, Katsaras D, Zografos T, Charalambopoulos P, Kouvelas K, Tsitsinakis G, Raitsos-Exarchopoulos I, Kappou T, Zagoraios A, Ganas P, Vassilopoulos A, Xylakis E, Christoforatou E. Box Lesion Isolation of the Left Atrial Posterior Wall with Radiofrequency Ablation Restricted in Predetermined Lines for the Treatment of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: The Prognostic Role of Acute Interventional Outcome and Trigger Identification. J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2023; 14:5642-5653. [PMID: 38058389 PMCID: PMC10697114 DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2023.14115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The left atrial posterior wall (PW) is known to be a critical substrate for the initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF) and has been explored as a target for catheter ablation, particularly in persistent AF (PerAF). In this retrospective study, we investigate the clinical outcome of patients with PerAF who underwent PW isolation (PWI) restricted in predetermined lines in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). One hundred consecutive patients (64 ± 9.1 years, 66% male, 20% with previous PVI ablation) underwent PWI in a box lesion setting for PerAF lasting >3 months (34% long-standing PerAF). PW triggers were defined as either foci from the PW that repeatedly induced AF or as isolated AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) within the PW. After a mean follow-up period of 25.6 ± 6.7 months, 61% of the patients remained in sinus rhythm after the last procedure. In 79 patients, the PW was successfully isolated, while, in 21 patients, complete isolation was not possible due to failure in completion of the roof line (n = 16), the floor line (n = 7), or both (n = 2). Patients with incomplete isolation had similar AF/AT recurrence rates compared to those with complete PWI. In 12 patients, PW triggers were identified, and PWI in these patients was shown to have a significantly better prognosis in terms of sinus rhythm maintenance (P = .031). Failure of complete PWI does not predispose a patient to an inferior outcome nor is it responsible for iatrogenic ATs. The presence of AF triggers within the PW leads to a particularly favorable result after box lesion isolation.
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Assaf AY, Noujaim C, Mekhael M, Younes H, Chouman N, Dhore-Patil A, Donnellan E, Feng H, Shan B, Kholmovski EG, Marrouche NF, Kreidieh O. Early Remodeling of the Left Atrium Following Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From DECAAFII. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:2253-2262. [PMID: 37737783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left atrial (LA) enlargement is prevalent among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and constitutes an important marker of atrial myopathy. Several studies have described reduction in LA volume post-catheter ablation (CA) of AF, however, none have investigated differences related to additional ablation outside the pulmonary veins (PVs). OBJECTIVES The authors sought to study early LA remodeling following CA of persistent AF and the impact of additional, fibrosis-guided extra-PV ablation. METHODS In this DECAAF II (Effect of MRI-Guided Fibrosis Ablation vs Conventional Catheter Ablation on Atrial Arrhythmia Recurrence in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation) trial subanalysis, patients with persistent AF were randomized to receive pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) only or PVI + fibrosis-guided ablation. Late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-MRI) was performed before and 3 months after CA. Patients were followed up with single-lead electrocardiogram devices for 12 to18 months. AF burden was calculated as days with AF divided by days monitored. RESULTS This analysis included 733 patients. The mean LA volume index (LAVI) before ablation was 62.0 mm3/m2 and after ablation was 51.3 mm3/m2, with a mean reduction of 10.7 mm3/m2 (P < 0.001). Patients in the fibrosis-guided ablation arm had more volume reduction than did those in the PVI-only group (12.1 mm3/m2 vs 9.3 mm3/m2; P = 0.02). LAVI reduction was greater in patients with heart failure (15.7 vs 8.9; P = 0.001) and was associated with improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = 0.23; P < 0.001), reduced AF burden (r = -0.173; P < 0.001), improved LVEF, and improved quality of life (r = 0.146; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We confirmed the presence of LA remodeling within 3 months after ablation for persistent AF. Importantly, we saw more LA volume reductions in patients in the PVI + fibrosis-guided ablation arm in comparison with PVI only, and in patients with LV dysfunction. LA volume reduction in response to CA is associated with decreased arrhythmia recurrence, reduced AF burden, and improved LVEF and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala Y Assaf
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Charbel Noujaim
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Mario Mekhael
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Hadi Younes
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Nour Chouman
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Aneesh Dhore-Patil
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Eoin Donnellan
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Han Feng
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Botao Shan
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Eugene G Kholmovski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nassir F Marrouche
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Omar Kreidieh
- Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
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Parra-Lucares A, Villa E, Romero-Hernández E, Méndez-Valdés G, Retamal C, Vizcarra G, Henríquez I, Maldonado-Morales EAJ, Grant-Palza JH, Ruíz-Tagle S, Estrada-Bobadilla V, Toro L. Tic-Tac: A Translational Approach in Mechanisms Associated with Irregular Heartbeat and Sinus Rhythm Restoration in Atrial Fibrillation Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12859. [PMID: 37629037 PMCID: PMC10454641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac condition predominantly affecting older adults, characterized by irregular heartbeat rhythm. The condition often leads to significant disability and increased mortality rates. Traditionally, two therapeutic strategies have been employed for its treatment: heart rate control and rhythm control. Recent clinical studies have emphasized the critical role of early restoration of sinus rhythm in improving patient outcomes. The persistence of the irregular rhythm allows for the progression and structural remodeling of the atria, eventually leading to irreversible stages, as observed clinically when AF becomes permanent. Cardioversion to sinus rhythm alters this progression pattern through mechanisms that are still being studied. In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for maintaining AF and how they are modified during sinus rhythm restoration using existing therapeutic strategies at different stages of clinical investigation. Moreover, we explore potential future therapeutic approaches, including the promising prospect of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Parra-Lucares
- Critical Care Unit, Department of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
- Cardiovascular Department, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | - Eduardo Villa
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | | | - Gabriel Méndez-Valdés
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | - Catalina Retamal
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | - Geovana Vizcarra
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | - Ignacio Henríquez
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | | | - Juan H. Grant-Palza
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | - Sofía Ruíz-Tagle
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | | | - Luis Toro
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Clínica Avanzada, Hospital Clínico, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
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Boriani G, Auricchio A, Botto GL, Joseph JM, Roberts GJ, Grammatico A, Nabutovsky Y, Piccini JP. Insertable cardiac monitoring results in higher rates of atrial fibrillation diagnosis and oral anticoagulation prescription after ischaemic stroke. Europace 2023; 25:euad212. [PMID: 37490349 PMCID: PMC10403249 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS After an ischaemic stroke, atrial fibrillation (AF) detection allows for improved secondary prevention strategies. This study aimed to compare AF detection and oral anticoagulant (OAC) initiation in patients with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) vs. external cardiac monitor (ECM) after ischaemic stroke. METHODS AND RESULTS Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) insurance claims and Abbott Labs device registration data were used to identify patients hospitalized with an ischaemic stroke in 2017-2019 who received an ICM or ECM within 3 months. Patients with continuous Medicare FFS insurance and prescription drug enrolment in the prior year were included. Patients with prior AF, atrial flutter, cardiac devices, or OAC were excluded. Insertable cardiac monitor and ECM patients were propensity score matched 1:4 on demographics, comorbidities, and stroke hospitalization characteristics. The outcomes of interest were AF detection and OAC initiation evaluated with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. A total of 5702 Medicare beneficiaries (ICM, n = 444; ECM, n = 5258) met inclusion criteria. The matched cohort consisted of 2210 Medicare beneficiaries (ICM, n = 442; ECM, n = 1768) with 53% female, mean age 75 years, and mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 4.6 (1.6). Insertable cardiac monitor use was associated with a higher probability of AF detection [(hazard ratio (HR) 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.31, 3.59)] and OAC initiation [HR 2.91, CI (2.28, 3.72)] compared to patients monitored only with ECM. CONCLUSION Patients with an ischaemic stroke monitored with an ICM were almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with AF and to be prescribed OAC compared to patients who received ECM only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Boriani
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, Modena 41124, Italy
| | - Angelo Auricchio
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Luca Botto
- Department of Cardiology—Electrophysiology, ASST Rhodense, Civile Hospital Rho and Salvini Hospital Garbagnate Milanese Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Adenosine and Adenosine Receptors: Advances in Atrial Fibrillation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112963. [PMID: 36428533 PMCID: PMC9687155 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the world. Because the key to developing innovative therapies that limit the onset and the progression of AF is to fully understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of AF, the aim of the present narrative review is to report the most recent advances in the potential role of the adenosinergic system in the pathophysiology of AF. After a comprehensive approach describing adenosinergic system signaling and the mechanisms of the initiation and maintenance of AF, we address the interactions of the adenosinergic system's signaling with AF. Indeed, adenosine release can activate four G-coupled membrane receptors, named A1, A2A, A2B and A3. Activation of the A2A receptors can promote the occurrence of delayed depolarization, while activation of the A1 receptors can shorten the action potential's duration and induce the resting membrane's potential hyperpolarization, which promote pulmonary vein firing, stabilize the AF rotors and allow for functional reentry. Moreover, the A2B receptors have been associated with atrial fibrosis homeostasis. Finally, the adenosinergic system can modulate the autonomous nervous system and is associated with AF risk factors. A question remains regarding adenosine release and the adenosine receptors' activation and whether this would be a cause or consequence of AF.
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Trimethylamine N-oxide facilitates the progression of atrial fibrillation in rats with type 2 diabetes by aggravating cardiac inflammation and connexin remodeling. J Physiol Biochem 2022; 78:855-867. [PMID: 35962903 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00908-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to elucidate the pathophysiology of diabetes-related AF from the perspective of the gut microbial metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). In the present study, male rats received either a normal diet to serve as the control group or a high-fat diet/streptozotocin to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus. Then, diabetic rats were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB, a specific TMAO inhibitor) in drinking water: the diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) group and the DCM + DMB group. Eight weeks later, compared with control rats, rats in the DCM group exhibited gut microbiota dysbiosis and systemic TMAO elevation. The inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were markedly increased in the atria of rats in the DCM group. Downregulated expression of connexin 40 and lateralized distribution of connexin 43 were also observed in the atria of DCM rats. AF inducibility was significantly higher in DCM rats than in control rats. Furthermore, DMB treatment effectively ameliorated atrial inflammation and connexin remodeling while markedly reducing plasma TMAO levels. DMB treatment also decreased the vulnerability of diabetic rats to AF. In conclusion, TMAO might promote atrial inflammation and connexin remodeling in the development of diabetes, which may play a key role in mediating diabetes-related AF.
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