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Zhang W, Xie T, Xie M, Lei N. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Combined Left Atrial Posterior Wall Linear Ablation and Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Reducing Long-Term Recurrence Rates After Surgery in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2025:10.1007/s10557-025-07700-6. [PMID: 40304958 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-025-07700-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate whether combining left atrial posterior wall linear ablation with PVI (LAPVI) improves long-term outcomes in patients with persistent AF. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial, 228 patients with persistent AF underwent PVI and were randomly assigned to either receive additional LAPVI or not. Procedures used a standardized protocol under general anesthesia. Outcomes, including sinus rhythm maintenance and recurrence rates of AF, were assessed at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. RESULTS At 2 years, 74.77% of the LAPVI group maintained sinus rhythm compared to 54.7% in the PVI group (P = 0.002). Recurrence rates of paroxysmal and persistent AF were significantly lower in the LAPVI group at 11.71% and 9.01%, respectively, versus 24.79% and 20.51% in the PVI group (P < 0.05). Antiarrhythmic drug use was significantly reduced in the LAPVI group at each follow-up interval (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION LAPVI significantly enhances long-term rhythm control and reduces dependence on antiarrhythmic drugs compared to PVI alone in patients with persistent AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Tianhua Xie
- Seven Wards of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hen Provincial Chest Hospital, He'nan Province, China
| | - Mingjie Xie
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Ningjing Lei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, He'nan Province, China
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2
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Kotake Y, Hirano F, Kawatani S, Takami A, Tomomori T, Okamura A, Kato M, Yamamoto K. Impact of atrial functional substrate in patients with atrial fibrillation: The potential utility of decremental evoked potential mapping in the atrium. Heart Rhythm O2 2025; 6:159-165. [PMID: 40231103 PMCID: PMC11993794 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2024.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Decremental evoked potential (DEEP) is one of the functional substrates mainly used in the field of ventricular arrhythmias, which is suggested to be a critical target of reentrant ventricular tachycardia. Objective The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of patients with atrial functional substrates expressed by DEEP and their clinical significance. Methods Patients presenting for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation from April 2023 to March 2024 at Tottori University Hospital were analyzed. After cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation, DEEP was evaluated at the left atrial roof and posterior wall by extrastimulus pacing maneuvers. To verify the clinical significance of atrial DEEP, the relationship between atrial DEEP and various clinical valuables including the pericardial fat volume and clinical outcomes was assessed. Results A total of 102 patients were included and 45% had persistent AF. Fifty-three percent of patients exhibited DEEP properties. DEEP was more prevalent in patients with persistent AF (61% vs 39%, P < .001), higher brain natriuretic peptide levels (194 [interquartile range (IQR) 106-270] pg/mL vs 90 [IQR 23-174] pg/mL, P = .01), and a greater pericardiac fat volume (112 [IQR 63-76] cm3 vs 75 [IQR 53-95] cm3, P = .001). The patients with atrial DEEP had more early AF recurrence after ablation procedure (P < .001). Conclusion This study demonstrated a correlation between atrial DEEP and longer duration of AF, higher brain natriuretic peptide levels, greater pericardial fat volume, and more early AF recurrence, suggesting that DEEP reflects a certain aspect of atrial electrophysiological remodeling and is a potential ablation target for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhito Kotake
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Fumiyasu Hirano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kawatani
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Aiko Takami
- Department of Cardiology, Tottori Prefectural Central Hospital, Tottori, Japan
| | - Takuya Tomomori
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Akihiro Okamura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Masaru Kato
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamamoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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Novaes JVLC, Brasil DDP, Faria FMDF, Garcia ISB, Pimenta CR, Guimarães NS, Malachias MVB. Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive Posterior Wall Isolation in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arq Bras Cardiol 2025; 122:e20240472. [PMID: 39907380 PMCID: PMC11805571 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20240472] [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: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), addition of posterior wall isolation (PWI) to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is controversial. OBJECTIVE Compare PVI plus PWI versus PVI alone in patients with persistent AF. METHODS We searched PubMed (by MEDLINE), Embase, LILACS, CENTRAL (by Cochrane Library), and Clinicaltrials.gov databases for randomized trials comparing PVI + PWI and PVI alone in persistent AF. The outcomes were: (i) AF recurrence; (ii) composite of recurrent atrial arrhythmias (i.e., AF, atrial tachycardia, or atrial flutter); (iii) major clinical complications (i.e., pericardial effusion or tamponade, sinus node dysfunction, or atrioesophageal fistula); (iv) mean ablation time. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and GRADE, respectively. Statistical significance was set at 5%, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS We included eight studies and 1119 patients, of which 561 underwent PVI + PWI. During follow-up (12 - 24 months), recurrence of AF was significantly reduced with adjunctive PWI (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.44-0.98). Composite of recurrent atrial arrhythmias did not differ significantly (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.65-1.06). Major clinical complications (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.42-1.58) were similar, with PVI alone having a shorter mean procedure time (mean difference -23.37 minutes, 95% CI -30.23, -16.50). CONCLUSION Adjunctive PWI appears to be effective in improving recurrent AF, but not recurrence of all atrial arrhythmias. Procedure time was longer with PVI + PWI without significant change in overall safety. Further studies should focus on long-term benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David de Pádua Brasil
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde - Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, MG - Brasil
| | | | | | - Camila Ribeiro Pimenta
- Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais - Fundação Educacional Lucas Machado, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brasil
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Anter E, Mansour M, Nair DG, Sharma D, Taigen TL, Neuzil P, Kiehl EL, Kautzner J, Osorio J, Mountantonakis S, Natale A, Hummel JD, Amin AK, Siddiqui UR, Harlev D, Hultz P, Liu S, Onal B, Tarakji KG, Reddy VY. Dual-energy lattice-tip ablation system for persistent atrial fibrillation: a randomized trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:2303-2310. [PMID: 38760584 PMCID: PMC11333282 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03022-6] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Clinical outcomes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are suboptimal due, in part, to challenges in achieving durable lesions. Although focal point-by-point ablation allows for the creation of any required lesion set, this strategy necessitates the generation of contiguous lesions without gaps. A large-tip catheter, capable of creating wide-footprint ablation lesions, may increase ablation effectiveness and efficiency. In a randomized, single-blind, non-inferiority trial, 420 patients with persistent AF underwent ablation using a large-tip catheter with dual pulsed field and radiofrequency energies versus ablation using a conventional radiofrequency ablation system. The primary composite effectiveness endpoint was evaluated through 1 year and included freedom from acute procedural failure and repeat ablation at any time, plus arrhythmia recurrence, drug initiation or escalation or cardioversion after a 3-month blanking period. The primary safety endpoint was freedom from a composite of serious procedure-related or device-related adverse events. The primary effectiveness endpoint was observed for 73.8% and 65.8% of patients in the investigational and control arms, respectively (P < 0.0001 for non-inferiority). Major procedural or device-related complications occurred in three patients in the investigational arm and in two patients in the control arm (P < 0.0001 for non-inferiority). In a secondary analysis, procedural times were shorter in the investigational arm as compared to the control arm (P < 0.0001). These results demonstrate non-inferior safety and effectiveness of the dual-energy catheter for the treatment of persistent AF. Future large-scale studies are needed to gather real-world evidence on the impact of the focal dual-energy lattice catheter on the broader population of patients with AF. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05120193 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Anter
- Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Ya'Akov, Israel.
| | | | - Devi G Nair
- St. Bernards Medical Center & Arrhythmia Research Group, Jonesboro, AR, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Division of Cardiology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - John D Hummel
- Division of Cardiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anish K Amin
- Riverside Methodist Hospital, Upper Arlington, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vivek Y Reddy
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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5
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Peigh G, Zhou J, Rosemas SC, Roberts AI, Longacre C, Nayak T, Schwab G, Soderlund D, Passman RS. Impact of Atrial Fibrillation Burden on Health Care Costs and Utilization. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:718-730. [PMID: 38430088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.12.011] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrating patient-specific cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-detected atrial fibrillation (AF) burden with measures of health care cost and utilization allows for an accurate assessment of the AF-related impact on health care use. OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to assess the incremental cost of device-recognized AF vs no AF; compare relative costs of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF), persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF), and permanent atrial fibrillation (PermAF) AF; and evaluate rates and sources of health care utilization between cohorts. METHODS Using the de-identified Optum Clinformatics U.S. claims database (2015-2020) linked with the Medtronic CareLink database, CIED patients were identified who transmitted data ≥6 months postimplantation. Annualized per-patient costs in follow-up were analyzed from insurance claims and adjusted to 2020 U.S. dollars. Costs and rates of health care utilization were compared between patients with no AF and those with device-recognized pAF, PeAF, and PermAF. Analyses were adjusted for geographical region, insurance type, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and implantation year. RESULTS Of 21,391 patients (mean age 72.9 ± 10.9 years; 56.3% male) analyzed, 7,798 (36.5%) had device-recognized AF. The incremental annualized increased cost in those with AF was $12,789 ± $161,749 per patient, driven by increased rates of health care encounters, adverse clinical events associated with AF, and AF-specific interventions. Among those with AF, PeAF was associated with the highest cost, driven by increased rates of inpatient and outpatient hospitalization encounters, heart failure hospitalizations, and AF-specific interventions. CONCLUSIONS Presence of device-recognized AF was associated with increased health care cost. Among those with AF, patients with PeAF had the highest health care costs. Mechanisms for cost differentials include both disease-specific consequences and physician-directed interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Peigh
- Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jiani Zhou
- Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Anthony I Roberts
- Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Tanvi Nayak
- Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gabrielle Schwab
- Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Rod S Passman
- Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Veenhuyzen G, Mitchell LB. Selecting Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Patients for Adjunctive Right Atrial Ablation: When You're Right, You're Right. Can J Cardiol 2024; 40:573-575. [PMID: 38145869 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- George Veenhuyzen
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Health Services, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - L Brent Mitchell
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Health Services, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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7
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Yang SY, Cha MJ, Oh HJ, Cho MS, Kim J, Nam GB, Choi KJ. Role of non-pulmonary vein triggers in persistent atrial fibrillation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARRHYTHMIA 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s42444-023-00088-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractPulmonary vein isolation is an well-established treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF), and it is especially effective for patients with paroxysmal AF. However, the success rate is limited for patients with persistent AF, because non-pulmonary vein triggers which increase AF recurrence are frequently found in these patients. The major non-pulmonary vein triggers are from the left atrial posterior wall, left atrial appendage, ligament of Marshall, coronary sinus, superior vena cava, and crista terminalis, but other atrial sites can also generate AF triggers. All these sites have been known to contain atrial myocytes with potential arrhythmogenic electrical activity. The prevalence and clinical characteristics of these non-pulmonary vein triggers are well studied; however, the clinical outcome of catheter ablation for persistent AF is still unclear. Here, we reviewed the current ablation strategies for persistent AF and the clinical implications of major non-pulmonary vein triggers.
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8
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Uemura T, Kondo H, Sato H, Takahashi M, Shinohara T, Mitarai K, Fukui A, Hirota K, Fukuda T, Kodama N, Miyoshi M, Ogawa N, Wada M, Yamasaki H, Iwanaga K, Uno A, Tawara K, Yonezu K, Akioka H, Teshima Y, Yufu K, Nakagawa M, Takahashi N. Predictors of outcome after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: Group analysis categorized by age and type of atrial fibrillation. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2023; 28:e13020. [PMID: 36527236 PMCID: PMC10023880 DOI: 10.1111/anec.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outcome of catheter ablation could probably differ among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), depending on age and AF type. We aimed to investigate the difference in predictors of outcome after catheter ablation for AF among the patient categories divided by age and AF type. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 396 patients with AF (mean age 65.69 ± 11.05 years, 111 women [28.0%]) who underwent catheter ablation from January 2018 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. We divided the patients into four categories: patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) or persistent AF (PeAF) who were 75 years or younger (≤75 years) or older than 75 years (>75 years). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients with PAF aged ≤75 years had the lowest AF recurrence among the four groups (log-rank test, p = .0103). In the patients with PAF aged ≤75 years (N = 186, 46.7%), significant factors associated with recurrence were female sex (p = .008) and diabetes (p = .042). In the patients with PeAF aged ≤75 years (N = 142, 35.9%), the only significant factor associated with no recurrence was medication with a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (p = .044). In the patients with PAF aged >75 years (N = 53, 14.4%), diabetes was significantly associated with AF recurrence (p = .021). No significant parameters were found in the patients with PeAF aged >75 years (N = 15, 4.1%). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the risk factors for AF recurrence after catheter ablation differed by age and AF type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Uemura
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Hidekazu Kondo
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Hiroki Sato
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Masaki Takahashi
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Tetsuji Shinohara
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Kazuki Mitarai
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Akira Fukui
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Kei Hirota
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Tomoko Fukuda
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Nozomi Kodama
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Miho Miyoshi
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Naoko Ogawa
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Masato Wada
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Hirochika Yamasaki
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Kenzo Iwanaga
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Akihiro Uno
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Katsunori Tawara
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Keisuke Yonezu
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Hidefumi Akioka
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Yasushi Teshima
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Kunio Yufu
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Mikiko Nakagawa
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
| | - Naohiko Takahashi
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityYufuOitaJapan
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Tang S, Razeghi O, Kapoor R, Alhusseini MI, Fazal M, Rogers AJ, Bort MR, Clopton P, Wang P, Rubin D, Narayan SM, Baykaner T. Machine Learning-Enabled Multimodal Fusion of Intra-Atrial and Body Surface Signals in Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Outcomes. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2022; 15:e010850. [PMID: 35867397 PMCID: PMC9972736 DOI: 10.1161/circep.122.010850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Machine learning is a promising approach to personalize atrial fibrillation management strategies for patients after catheter ablation. Prior atrial fibrillation ablation outcome prediction studies applied classical machine learning methods to hand-crafted clinical scores, and none have leveraged intracardiac electrograms or 12-lead surface electrocardiograms for outcome prediction. We hypothesized that (1) machine learning models trained on electrograms or electrocardiogram (ECG) signals can perform better at predicting patient outcomes after atrial fibrillation ablation than existing clinical scores and (2) multimodal fusion of electrogram, ECG, and clinical features can further improve the prediction of patient outcomes. METHODS Consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation between 2015 and 2017 with panoramic left atrial electrogram before ablation and clinical follow-up for at least 1 year following ablation were included. Convolutional neural network and a novel multimodal fusion framework were developed for predicting 1-year atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation from electrogram, ECG signals, and clinical features. The models were trained and validated using 10-fold cross-validation on patient-level splits. RESULTS One hundred fifty-six patients (64.5±10.5 years, 74% male, 42% paroxysmal) were analyzed. Using electrogram signals alone, the convolutional neural network achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.731, outperforming the existing APPLE scores (AUROC=0.644) and CHA2DS2-VASc scores (AUROC=0.650). Similarly using 12-lead ECG alone, the convolutional neural network achieved an AUROC of 0.767. Combining electrogram, ECG, and clinical features, the fusion model achieved an AUROC of 0.859, outperforming single and dual modality models. CONCLUSIONS Deep neural networks trained on electrogram or ECG signals improved the prediction of catheter ablation outcome compared with existing clinical scores, and fusion of electrogram, ECG, and clinical features further improved the prediction. This suggests the promise of using machine learning to help treatment planning for patients after catheter ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Orod Razeghi
- University College London, Centre for Advanced Research Computing, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Miguel Rodrigo Bort
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA,CoMMLab, Universitat de Valencia, VA, Spain
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10
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Azul Freitas A, Sousa PA, Elvas L, Gonçalves L. Outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation for persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. Rev Port Cardiol 2022; 41:637-645. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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11
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The hunt for extra-pulmonary vein targets in persistent atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2022; 65:333-335. [PMID: 35381931 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01201-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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12
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Di Monaco A, Vitulano N, Troisi F, Quadrini F, Romanazzi I, Calvi V, Grimaldi M. Pulsed Field Ablation to Treat Atrial Fibrillation: A Review of the Literature. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9040094. [PMID: 35448070 PMCID: PMC9030965 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9040094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and catheter ablation, which can be used in symptomatic patients refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains the cornerstone of any ablation procedure. A major limitation of current catheter ablation procedures is important to recognize because even when the PVI is performed in highly experienced centers, PVI reconnection was documented in about 20% of patients. Therefore, better technology is needed to improve ablation lesions. One of the novelties in recent years is pulsed filed ablation (PFA), a non-thermal energy that uses trains of high-voltage, very-short-duration pulses to kill the cells. The mechanism of action of this energy consists of creating pores in the myocardiocyte cell membrane in a highly selective and tissue-specific way; this leads to death of the target cells reducing the risk of damage to surrounding non-cardiac tissues. In particular during the animal studies, PVI and atrial lines were performed effectively without PV stenosis. Using PFA directly on coronary arteries, there was no luminal narrowing, there has been no evidence of incidental phrenic nerve injury, and finally, PFA has been shown not to injure esophageal tissue when directly applied to the esophagus or indirectly through ablation in the left atrium. The aim of this review is to report all published animal and clinical studies regarding this new technology to treat paroxysmal and persistent AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Di Monaco
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-33-9735-1594
| | - Nicola Vitulano
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
| | - Federica Troisi
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
| | - Federico Quadrini
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
| | - Imma Romanazzi
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—Azienda O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—San Marco, 95125 Catania, Italy; (I.R.); (V.C.)
| | - Valeria Calvi
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—Azienda O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—San Marco, 95125 Catania, Italy; (I.R.); (V.C.)
| | - Massimo Grimaldi
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
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Kotb A, Chin SH, Ng GA. Recent advances in the tools available for atrial fibrillation ablation. Expert Rev Med Devices 2022; 19:141-154. [PMID: 35188431 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2022.2038564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest arrhythmia in clinical practice with significant detrimental health impacts. Much effort has been spent in mapping AF, determine its triggers and drivers, and how to develop tools to eliminate these triggers. AREAS COVERED In this state of-the-art review article, we aim to highlight the recent techniques in catheter-based management of Atrial Fibrillation; including new advancements either in the catheter design or the software used. This includes a comprehensive summary of the most recent tools used in AF mapping and subsequent ablation. EXPERT OPINION Electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins has been developed and established as the cornerstone in AF ablation with good results in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) whilst new ablation tools are aimed at streamlining the procedure. However, the quest for persistent AF (PeAF) remains. The future of AF ablation, we believe, lies in identifying AF drivers by means of the new developing mapping tools and altering their electrical properties in a safe, reproducible, and effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Kotb
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Shui Hao Chin
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - G Andre Ng
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
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Ifedili I, Mouksian K, Jones D, El Masri I, Heckle M, Jefferies J, Levine YC. Ablation Therapy for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Curr Cardiol Rev 2022; 18:e290721195115. [PMID: 34325644 PMCID: PMC9413731 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x17666210729101752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of electrical disturbance of the heart and contributes to significant patient morbidity and mortality. With a better understanding of the mechanisms of atrial fibrillation and improvements in mapping and ablation technologies, ablation has become a preferred therapy for patients with symptomatic AF. Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone for AF ablation therapy, but particularly in patients with AF occurring for longer than 7 days (persistent AF), identifying clinically significant nonpulmonary vein targets and achieving durability of ablation lesions remains an important challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikechukwu Ifedili
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - David Jones
- Methodist le Bonheur Cardiovascular Institute, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ibrahim El Masri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mark Heckle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - John Jefferies
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yehoshua C Levine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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O’Neill L, Wielandts JY, Gillis K, Hilfiker G, Le Polain De Waroux JB, Tavernier R, Duytschaever M, Knecht S. Catheter Ablation in Persistent AF, the Evolution towards a More Pragmatic Strategy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184060. [PMID: 34575173 PMCID: PMC8467025 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and represents a heterogeneous disorder with a complex pathological basis. While significant technological advances have taken place over the last decade in the field of catheter ablation of AF, response to ablation varies and long-term success rates in those with persistent AF remain modest. Mechanistic studies have highlighted potentially different sustaining factors for AF in the persistent AF population with substrate-driven focal and re-entrant sources in the body of the atria identified on invasive and non-invasive mapping studies. Translation to clinical practice, however, remains challenging and the application of such mapping techniques to clinical ablation has yet to demonstrate a significant benefit beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone in the persistent AF cohort. Recent advances in catheter and ablation technology have centered on improving the durability of ablation lesions at index procedure and although encouraging results have been demonstrated with early studies, large-scale trials are awaited. Further meaningful improvement in clinical outcomes in the persistent AF population requires ongoing advancement in the understanding of AF mechanisms, coupled with continuing progress in catheter technology capable of delivering durable transmural lesions.
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Raman J, Saxena P, Lim H. Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: We Are Not There Yet! Heart Lung Circ 2021; 30:1274-1276. [PMID: 34246561 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2021.06.445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaishankar Raman
- Austin & St Vincent's Hospitals, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Deakin University, Geelong & Melbourne, Vic, Australia; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.
| | - Pankaj Saxena
- Austin & St Vincent's Hospitals, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Han Lim
- Austin & St Vincent's Hospitals, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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Heijman J, Sutanto H, Crijns HJGM, Nattel S, Trayanova NA. Computational models of atrial fibrillation: achievements, challenges, and perspectives for improving clinical care. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:1682-1699. [PMID: 33890620 PMCID: PMC8208751 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in its detection, understanding and management, atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a highly prevalent cardiac arrhythmia with a major impact on morbidity and mortality of millions of patients. AF results from complex, dynamic interactions between risk factors and comorbidities that induce diverse atrial remodelling processes. Atrial remodelling increases AF vulnerability and persistence, while promoting disease progression. The variability in presentation and wide range of mechanisms involved in initiation, maintenance and progression of AF, as well as its associated adverse outcomes, make the early identification of causal factors modifiable with therapeutic interventions challenging, likely contributing to suboptimal efficacy of current AF management. Computational modelling facilitates the multilevel integration of multiple datasets and offers new opportunities for mechanistic understanding, risk prediction and personalized therapy. Mathematical simulations of cardiac electrophysiology have been around for 60 years and are being increasingly used to improve our understanding of AF mechanisms and guide AF therapy. This narrative review focuses on the emerging and future applications of computational modelling in AF management. We summarize clinical challenges that may benefit from computational modelling, provide an overview of the different in silico approaches that are available together with their notable achievements, and discuss the major limitations that hinder the routine clinical application of these approaches. Finally, future perspectives are addressed. With the rapid progress in electronic technologies including computing, clinical applications of computational modelling are advancing rapidly. We expect that their application will progressively increase in prominence, especially if their added value can be demonstrated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Henry Sutanto
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Harry J G M Crijns
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stanley Nattel
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
- IHU Liryc and Fondation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France
| | - Natalia A Trayanova
- Alliance for Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Innovation, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Sulke N, Dulai R, Freemantle N, Sugihara C, Podd S, Eysenck W, Lewis M, Hyde J, Veasey RA, Furniss SS. Long Term outcomes of percutaneous atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with continuous monitoring. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2021; 44:1176-1184. [PMID: 34028066 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is limited data using continuous monitoring to assess outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. This study assessed long-term outcomes of AF ablation in patients with implantable cardiac devices. METHODS 207 patients (mean age 68.1 ± 9.5, 50.3% men) undergoing ablation for symptomatic AF were followed up for a mean period of 924.5 ± 636.7 days. Techniques included The Pulmonary Vein Ablation Catheter (PVAC) (59.4%), cryoablation (17.4%), point by point (14.0%) and The Novel Irrigated Multipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter (nMARQ) (9.2%). RESULTS 130 (62.8%) patients had paroxysmal AF (PAF) and 77 (37.2%) persistent AF. First ablation and repeat ablation reduced AF burden significantly (relative risk 0.91, [95% CI 0.89 to 0.94]; P <0.0001 and 0.90, [95% CI, 0.86-0.94]; P <0.0001). Median AF burden in PAF patients reduced from 1.05% (interquartile range [IQR], 0.1%-8.70%) to 0.10% ([IQR], 0%-2.28%) at one year and this was maintained out to four-years. Persistent AF burden reduced from 99.9% ([IQR], 51.53%-100%) to 0.30% ([IQR], 0%-77.25%) at one year increasing to 87.3% ([IQR], 4.25%-100%) after four years. If a second ablation was required, point-by-point ablation achieved greater reduction in AF burden (relative risk, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.65-0.91]; P <0.01). CONCLUSION Ablation reduces AF burden both acutely and in the long-term. If a second ablation was required the point-by-point technique achieved greater reductions in AF burden than "single-shot" technologies. Persistent AF burden increased to near pre ablation levels by year 4 suggesting a different mechanism from PAF patients where this increase did not occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Sulke
- Cardiology Research Department, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
| | - Rajdip Dulai
- Cardiology Research Department, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Freemantle
- Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Conn Sugihara
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Podd
- The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - William Eysenck
- Cardiology Research Department, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Lewis
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Hyde
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Rick A Veasey
- Cardiology Research Department, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen S Furniss
- Cardiology Research Department, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
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Mohanty S, Della Rocca DG, Gianni C, Trivedi C, Mayedo AQ, MacDonald B, Natale A. Predictors of recurrent atrial fibrillation following catheter ablation. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2021; 19:237-246. [PMID: 33678103 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2021.1892490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex and multi-factorial rhythm disorder. Catheter ablation is widely used for the management of AF. However, it is limited by relapse of the arrhythmia necessitating repeat procedures. AREAS COVERED This review aims to discuss the predictors of post-ablation recurrent AF including age, gender, genetic predisposition, AF type and duration, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, echocardiographic parameters of heart chambers, left atrial fibrosis and ablation strategies and targets. An extensive literature search was undertaken on PubMed and Google Scholar to obtain full texts of relevant AF-related articles. EXPERT OPINION Maintenance of stable sinus rhythm is the main intended outcome of AF ablation. Therefore, it is very crucial to identify the risk factors that may influence the ablation success. Most of these predictors such as comorbidities, ablation strategy and targets and lifestyle factors are either reversible or modifiable. Thus, not only the awareness of these known risk factors by both patients and their physicians but also future research to identify the unknown predictors are critical to optimize care in this multi-faceted morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghamitra Mohanty
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Carola Gianni
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Chintan Trivedi
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Bryan MacDonald
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA.,Department of electrophysiology, Interventional Electrophysiology, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, CA, USA.,Metro Health Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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