1
|
Winters J, Isaacs A, Zeemering S, Kawczynski M, Maesen B, Maessen J, Bidar E, Boukens B, Hermans B, van Hunnik A, Casadei B, Fabritz L, Chua W, Sommerfeld L, Guasch E, Mont L, Batlle M, Hatem S, Kirchhof P, Wakili R, Sinner M, Stoll M, Goette A, Verheule S, Schotten U. Heart Failure, Female Sex, and Atrial Fibrillation Are the Main Drivers of Human Atrial Cardiomyopathy: Results From the CATCH ME Consortium. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e031220. [PMID: 37982389 PMCID: PMC10727294 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial cardiomyopathy (atCM) is an emerging prognostic factor in cardiovascular disease. Fibrotic remodeling, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and capillary density are hallmarks of atCM. The contribution of etiological factors and atrial fibrillation (AF) to the development of differential atCM phenotypes has not been quantified. This study aimed to evaluate the association between histological features of atCM and the clinical phenotype. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined left atrial (LA, n=95) and right atrial (RA, n=76) appendages from a European cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Quantification of histological atCM features was performed following wheat germ agglutinin/CD31/vimentin staining. The contributions of AF, heart failure, sex, and age to histological characteristics were determined with multiple linear regression models. Persistent AF was associated with increased endomysial fibrosis (LA: +1.13±0.47 μm, P=0.038; RA: +0.94±0.38 μm, P=0.041), whereas total extracellular matrix content was not. Men had larger cardiomyocytes (LA: +1.92±0.72 μm, P<0.001), while women had more endomysial fibrosis (LA: +0.99±0.56 μm, P=0.003). Patients with heart failure showed more endomysial fibrosis (LA: +1.85±0.48 μm, P<0.001) and extracellular matrix content (LA: +3.07±1.29%, P=0.016), and a higher capillary density (LA: +0.13±0.06, P=0.007) and size (LA: +0.46±0.22 μm, P=0.044). Fuzzy k-means clustering of histological features identified 2 subtypes of atCM: 1 characterized by enhanced endomysial fibrosis (LA: +3.17 μm, P<0.001; RA: +2.86 μm, P<0.001), extracellular matrix content (LA: +3.53%, P<0.001; RA: +6.40%, P<0.001) and fibroblast density (LA: +4.38%, P<0.001), and 1 characterized by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (LA: +1.16 μm, P=0.008; RA: +2.58 μm, P<0.001). Patients with fibrotic atCM were more frequently female (LA: odds ratio [OR], 1.33, P=0.002; RA: OR, 1.54, P=0.004), with persistent AF (LA: OR, 1.22, P=0.036) or heart failure (LA: OR, 1.62, P<0.001). Hypertrophic features were more common in men (LA: OR=1.33, P=0.002; RA: OR, 1.54, P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS Fibrotic atCM is associated with female sex, persistent AF, and heart failure, while hypertrophic features are more common in men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joris Winters
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Aaron Isaacs
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Michal Kawczynski
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Jos Maessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Bas Boukens
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Ben Hermans
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Casadei
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, BHF Centre of Research Excellence University of Oxford Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science UKE Hamburg Hamburg Germany
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Winnie Chua
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
| | - Laura Sommerfeld
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science UKE Hamburg Hamburg Germany
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Eduard Guasch
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS) Barcelona Spain
| | - Luis Mont
- Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Montserrat Batlle
- Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS) Barcelona Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Cardiovascular (CIBERCV) Madrid Spain
| | | | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Birmingham United Kingdom
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Reza Wakili
- Department of Medicine and Cardiology Goethe University Frankfurt Germany
| | - Mortiz Sinner
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK, Standort Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Lübeck Germany
- Department of Cardiology University Hospital of Munich Munich Germany
| | - Monica Stoll
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Andreas Goette
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn Paderborn Germany
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van Schie MS, Liao R, Ramdat Misier NL, Knops P, Heida A, Taverne YJHJ, de Groot NMS. Atrial extrasystoles enhance low-voltage fractionation electrograms in patients with atrial fibrillation. Europace 2023; 25:euad223. [PMID: 37477953 PMCID: PMC10401323 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad223] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Atrial extrasystoles (AES) provoke conduction disorders and may trigger episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the direction- and rate-dependency of electrophysiological tissue properties on epicardial unipolar electrogram (EGM) morphology is unknown. Therefore, this study examined the impact of spontaneous AES on potential amplitude, -fractionation, -duration, and low-voltage areas (LVAs), and correlated these differences with various degrees of prematurity and aberrancy. METHODS AND RESULTS Intra-operative high-resolution epicardial mapping of the right and left atrium, Bachmann's Bundle, and pulmonary vein area was performed during sinus rhythm (SR) in 287 patients (60 with AF). AES were categorized according to their prematurity index (>25% shortening) and degree of aberrancy (none, mild/opposite, moderate and severe). In total, 837 unique AES (457 premature; 58 mild/opposite, 355 moderate, and 154 severe aberrant) were included. The average prematurity index was 28% [12-45]. Comparing SR and AES, average voltage decreased (-1.1 [-1.2, -0.9] mV, P < 0.001) at all atrial regions, whereas the amount of LVAs and fractionation increased (respectively, +3.4 [2.7, 4.1] % and +3.2 [2.6, 3.7] %, P < 0.001). Only weak or moderate correlations were found between EGM morphology parameters and prematurity indices (R2 < 0.299, P < 0.001). All parameters were, however, most severely affected by either mild/opposite or severely aberrant AES, in which the effect was more pronounced in AF patients. Also, there were considerable regional differences in effects provoked by AES. CONCLUSION Unipolar EGM characteristics during spontaneous AES are mainly directional-dependent and not rate-dependent. AF patients have more direction-dependent conduction disorders, indicating enhanced non-uniform anisotropy that is uncovered by spontaneous AES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs S van Schie
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rongheng Liao
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nawin L Ramdat Misier
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Knops
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annejet Heida
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Microelectronics, Signal Processing Systems, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 4, 2628CD Delft, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Oancea AF, Jigoranu RA, Morariu PC, Miftode RS, Trandabat BA, Iov DE, Cojocaru E, Costache II, Baroi LG, Timofte DV, Tanase DM, Floria M. Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Coronary Ischemia: A Challenging Vicious Circle. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1370. [PMID: 37374152 DOI: 10.3390/life13061370] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation, the most frequent arrhythmia in clinical practice and chronic coronary syndrome, is one of the forms of coronary ischemia to have a strong dual relationship. Atrial fibrillation may accelerate atherosclerosis and may increase oxygen consumption in the myocardium, creating a mismatch between supply and demand, thus promoting the development or worsening of coronary ischemia. Chronic coronary syndrome alters the structure and function of gap junction proteins, affecting the conduction of action potential and leading to ischemic necrosis of cardiomyocytes and their replacement with fibrous tissue, in this way sustaining the focal ectopic activity in atrial myocardium. They have many risk factors in common, such as hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. It is vital for the prognosis of patients to break this vicious circle by controlling risk factors, drug therapies, of which antithrombotic therapy may sometimes be challenging in terms of prothrombotic and bleeding risk, and interventional therapies (revascularization and catheter ablation).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Florinel Oancea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Cardiology Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Raul Alexandru Jigoranu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Cardiology Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Paula Cristina Morariu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Internal Medicine Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Radu-Stefan Miftode
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Cardiology Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Andrei Trandabat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Cardiology Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Diana Elena Iov
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Internal Medicine Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Cojocaru
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Morphofunctional Sciences-Pathology, Pediatric Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina Iuliana Costache
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Cardiology Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Livia Genoveva Baroi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Surgery Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniel Vasile Timofte
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Surgery Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniela Maria Tanase
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Internal Medicine Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mariana Floria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Internal Medicine Clinic, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pozios I, Vouliotis AI, Dilaveris P, Tsioufis C. Electro-Mechanical Alterations in Atrial Fibrillation: Structural, Electrical, and Functional Correlates. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10040149. [PMID: 37103028 PMCID: PMC10141162 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10040149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice affecting both patients’ survival and well-being. Apart from aging, many cardiovascular risk factors may cause structural remodeling of the atrial myocardium leading to atrial fibrillation development. Structural remodelling refers to the development of atrial fibrosis, as well as to alterations in atrial size and cellular ultrastructure. The latter includes myolysis, the development of glycogen accumulation, altered Connexin expression, subcellular changes, and sinus rhythm alterations. The structural remodeling of the atrial myocardium is commonly associated with the presence of interatrial block. On the other hand, prolongation of the interatrial conduction time is encountered when atrial pressure is acutely increased. Electrical correlates of conduction disturbances include alterations in P wave parameters, such as partial or advanced interatrial block, alterations in P wave axis, voltage, area, morphology, or abnormal electrophysiological characteristics, such as alterations in bipolar or unipolar voltage mapping, electrogram fractionation, endo-epicardial asynchrony of the atrial wall, or slower cardiac conduction velocity. Functional correlates of conduction disturbances may incorporate alterations in left atrial diameter, volume, or strain. Echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to assess these parameters. Finally, the echocardiography-derived total atrial conduction time (PA-TDI duration) may reflect both atrial electrical and structural alterations.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kalyanasundaram A, Li N, Augostini RS, Weiss R, Hummel JD, Fedorov VV. Three-dimensional functional anatomy of the human sinoatrial node for epicardial and endocardial mapping and ablation. Heart Rhythm 2023; 20:122-133. [PMID: 36113768 PMCID: PMC9897959 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the primary pacemaker of the human heart. It is a single, elongated, 3-dimensional (3D) intramural fibrotic structure located at the junction of the superior vena cava intercaval region bordering the crista terminalis (CT). SAN activation originates in the intranodal pacemakers and is conducted to the atria through 1 or more discrete sinoatrial conduction pathways. The complexity of the 3D SAN pacemaker structure and intramural conduction are underappreciated during clinical multielectrode mapping and ablation procedures of SAN and atrial arrhythmias. In fact, defining and targeting SAN is extremely challenging because, even during sinus rhythm, surface-only multielectrode mapping may not define the leading pacemaker sites in intramural SAN but instead misinterpret them as epicardial or endocardial exit sites through sinoatrial conduction pathways. These SAN exit sites may be distributed up to 50 mm along the CT beyond the ∼20-mm-long anatomic SAN structure. Moreover, because SAN reentrant tachycardia beats may exit through the same sinoatrial conduction pathway as during sinus rhythm, many SAN arrhythmias are underdiagnosed. Misinterpretation of arrhythmia sources and/or mechanisms (eg, enhanced automaticity, intranodal vs CT reentry) limits diagnosis and success of catheter ablation treatments for poorly understood SAN arrhythmias. The aim of this review is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the 3D structure and function of the human SAN complex, mechanisms of SAN arrhythmias and available approaches for electrophysiological mapping, 3D structural imaging, pharmacologic interventions, and ablation to improve diagnosis and mechanistic treatment of SAN and atrial arrhythmias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Kalyanasundaram
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ralph S Augostini
- Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Raul Weiss
- Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John D Hummel
- Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Saadeh K, Nantha Kumar N, Fazmin IT, Edling CE, Jeevaratnam K. Anti-malarial drugs: Mechanisms underlying their proarrhythmic effects. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:5237-5258. [PMID: 36165125 PMCID: PMC9828855 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15959] [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: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains the leading cause of parasitic death in the world. Artemisinin resistance is an emerging threat indicating an imminent need for novel combination therapy. Given the key role of mass drug administration, it is pivotal that the safety of anti-malarial drugs is investigated thoroughly prior to widespread use. Cardiotoxicity, most prominently arrhythmic risk, has been a concern for anti-malarial drugs. We clarify the likely underlying mechanisms by which anti-malarial drugs predispose to arrhythmias. These relate to disruption of (1) action potential upstroke due to effects on the sodium currents, (2) action potential repolarisation due to effects on the potassium currents, (3) cellular calcium homeostasis, (4) mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species production and (5) cardiac fibrosis. Together, these alterations promote arrhythmic triggers and substrates. Understanding these mechanisms is essential to assess the safety of these drugs, stratify patients based on arrhythmic risk and guide future anti-malarial drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Saadeh
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK,School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's HospitalUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Ibrahim Talal Fazmin
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK,School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's HospitalUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Egbe AC, Miranda WR, Anderson JH, DeSimone CV, Andi K, Goda AY, Stephens EH, Dearani JA, Crestanello J, Connolly HM, Deshmukh AJ. Outcome of New-Onset Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2022; 8:1407-1416. [PMID: 36424678 PMCID: PMC9991111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2022.08.033] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most common complications after cardiac surgery. POAF is associated with a longer hospital stay, higher healthcare resource utilization, and higher risk of morbidity and mortality. As a result, the American and European guidelines recommend the use of beta-blockers and amiodarone for the prevention of POAF, and in turn, avoid the complications associated with POAF. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic implications of new-onset POAF after cardiac surgery in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS A retrospective study was conducted among adults with CHD who underwent cardiac surgery (2003-2019). POAF and late-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) were defined as AF occurring within and after 30 days postoperatively, respectively. RESULTS Of 1,598 patients (mean age 39 ± 13 years, 51% men), 335 (21%) developed POAF. Risk factors associated with POAF were older age, hypertension, left atrial (LA) reservoir strain and right atrial (RA) dysfunction, and nonsystemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Of 1,291 patients (81%) with follow-up ≥12 months, the annual incidence of late-onset AF was 1.5% and was higher in patients with POAF compared with those without POAF (5.9% vs 0.4%; P < 0.001). Risk factors associated with late-onset AF were POAF, older age, severe CHD, and LA and RA dysfunction. Of the 1,291 patients, 63 (5%) died during follow-up, and the risk factors associated with all-cause mortality were older age, severe CHD, hypertension, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and LA and RA dysfunction. POAF was not associated with all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS POAF was common in adults with CHD and was associated with late-onset AF but not all-cause mortality. Atrial dysfunction was independently associated with POAF, late-onset AF, and all-cause mortality. These risk factors can be used to identify patients at risk for POAF and provide a foundation for prospective studies assessing the efficacy of prophylactic therapies in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Egbe
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
| | - William R Miranda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jason H Anderson
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Kartik Andi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ahmed Y Goda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Joseph A Dearani
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Juan Crestanello
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Heidi M Connolly
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Abhishek J Deshmukh
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
van Schie MS, de Groot NMS. Clinical Relevance of Sinus Rhythm Mapping to Quantify Electropathology Related to Atrial Fibrillation. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2022; 11:e11. [PMID: 35846426 PMCID: PMC9277615 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2022.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Progression of AF is accompanied by structural and electrical remodelling, resulting in complex electrical conduction disorders. This is defined as electropathology and it increases with the progression of AF. The severity of electropathology, thus, defines the stage of AF and is a major determinant of effectiveness of AF therapy. As specific features of AF-related electropathology are still unknown, it is essential to first quantify the electrophysiological properties of atrial tissue and then to examine the inter- and intra-individual variation during normal sinus rhythm. Comparison of these parameters between patients with and without a history of AF unravels quantified electrophysiological features that are specific to AF patients. This can help to identify patients at risk for early onset or progression of AF. This review summarises current knowledge on quantified features of atrial electrophysiological properties during sinus rhythm and discusses its relevance in identifying AF-related electropathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs S van Schie
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Natasja MS de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Falkenberg M, Coleman JA, Dobson S, Hickey DJ, Terrill L, Ciacci A, Thomas B, Sau A, Ng FS, Zhao J, Peters NS, Christensen K. Identifying locations susceptible to micro-anatomical reentry using a spatial network representation of atrial fibre maps. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267166. [PMID: 35737662 PMCID: PMC9223322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-anatomical reentry has been identified as a potential driver of atrial fibrillation (AF). In this paper, we introduce a novel computational method which aims to identify which atrial regions are most susceptible to micro-reentry. The approach, which considers the structural basis for micro-reentry only, is based on the premise that the accumulation of electrically insulating interstitial fibrosis can be modelled by simulating percolation-like phenomena on spatial networks. Our results suggest that at high coupling, where micro-reentry is rare, the micro-reentrant substrate is highly clustered in areas where the atrial walls are thin and have convex wall morphology, likely facilitating localised treatment via ablation. However, as transverse connections between fibres are removed, mimicking the accumulation of interstitial fibrosis, the substrate becomes less spatially clustered, and the bias to forming in thin, convex regions of the atria is reduced, possibly restricting the efficacy of localised ablation. Comparing our algorithm on image-based models with and without atrial fibre structure, we find that strong longitudinal fibre coupling can suppress the micro-reentrant substrate, whereas regions with disordered fibre orientations have an enhanced risk of micro-reentry. With further development, these methods may be useful for modelling the temporal development of the fibrotic substrate on an individualised basis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Falkenberg
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- ElectroCardioMaths Programme, Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Coleman
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Dobson
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Hickey
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louie Terrill
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Ciacci
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- ElectroCardioMaths Programme, Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Belvin Thomas
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Arunashis Sau
- ElectroCardioMaths Programme, Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fu Siong Ng
- ElectroCardioMaths Programme, Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jichao Zhao
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas S. Peters
- ElectroCardioMaths Programme, Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kim Christensen
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- ElectroCardioMaths Programme, Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lin J, Abraham A, George SA, Greer-Short A, Blair GA, Moreno A, Alber BR, Kay MW, Poelzing S. Ephaptic Coupling Is a Mechanism of Conduction Reserve During Reduced Gap Junction Coupling. Front Physiol 2022; 13:848019. [PMID: 35600295 PMCID: PMC9117633 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.848019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cardiac pathologies are associated with reduced gap junction (GJ) coupling, an important modulator of cardiac conduction velocity (CV). However, the relationship between phenotype and functional expression of the connexin GJ family of proteins is controversial. For example, a 50% reduction of GJ coupling has been shown to have little impact on myocardial CV due to a concept known as conduction reserve. This can be explained by the ephaptic coupling (EpC) theory whereby conduction is maintained by a combination of low GJ coupling and increased electrical fields generated in the sodium channel rich clefts between neighboring myocytes. At the same time, low GJ coupling may also increase intracellular charge accumulation within myocytes, resulting in a faster transmembrane potential rate of change during depolarization (dV/dt_max) that maintains macroscopic conduction. To provide insight into the prevalence of these two phenomena during pathological conditions, we investigated the relationship between EpC and charge accumulation within the setting of GJ remodeling using multicellular simulations and companion perfused mouse heart experiments. Conduction along a fiber of myocardial cells was simulated for a range of GJ conditions. The model incorporated intercellular variations, including GJ coupling conductance and distribution, cell-to-cell separation in the intercalated disc (perinexal width—WP), and variations in sodium channel distribution. Perfused heart studies having conditions analogous to those of the simulations were performed using wild type mice and mice heterozygous null for the connexin gene Gja1. With insight from simulations, the relative contributions of EpC and charge accumulation on action potential parameters and conduction velocities were analyzed. Both simulation and experimental results support a common conclusion that low GJ coupling decreases and narrowing WP increases the rate of the AP upstroke when sodium channels are densely expressed at the ends of myocytes, indicating that conduction reserve is more dependent on EpC than charge accumulation during GJ uncoupling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Lin
- Department of Mathematics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Joyce Lin, ; Steven Poelzing,
| | - Anand Abraham
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Sharon A. George
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Amara Greer-Short
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Grace A. Blair
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Angel Moreno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Bridget R. Alber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Matthew W. Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Steven Poelzing
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Joyce Lin, ; Steven Poelzing,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ramirez FD, Winterfield JR, Shi X, Chou D, Robinson D, Angel N, Shah P, Sorrell T, Ghafoori E, Vanderper A, Mariappan L, Soré B, Peyrat JM, Loyer V, Nakatani Y, Cochet H, Jaïs P. Non-contact whole-chamber charge density mapping of the left ventricle: preclinical evaluation in a sheep model. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:828-836. [PMID: 35032670 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.01.009] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional contact-based electroanatomic mapping is poorly suited for rapid or dynamic ventricular arrhythmias. Whole-chamber charge density (CD) mapping could efficiently characterize complex ventricular tachyarrhythmias and yield insights into their underlying mechanisms. OBJECTIVE This study sought to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of non-contact whole-chamber left ventricular (LV) CD mapping, and to characterize CD activation patterns during sinus rhythm, ventricular pacing, and ventricular fibrillation (VF). METHODS Ischemic scar as defined by CD amplitude thresholds was compared to late gadolinium enhancement criteria on magnetic resonance imaging using an iterative closest point algorithm. Electrograms recorded at sites of tissue contact were compared to the nearest non-contact CD-derived electrograms to calculate signal morphology cross-correlations and time differences. Regions of consistently slow conduction were examined relative to areas of scar and to localized irregular activation (LIA) during VF. RESULTS Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of CD-defined dense and total LV scar were 0.92 ± 0.03 and 0.87 ± 0.06, with accuracies of 0.86±0.03 and 0.80±0.05, respectively. Morphology cross-correlation between 8,677 contact and corresponding non-contact electrograms was 0.93±0.10, with a mean time difference of 2.5±5.6 msec. Areas of consistently slow conduction tended to occur at scar borders and exhibited spatial agreement with LIA during VF (AUC 0.90±0.02). CONCLUSION Non-contact LV CD mapping can accurately delineate ischemic scar. CD-derived ventricular electrograms correlate strongly with conventional contact-based electrograms. Regions with consistently slow conduction are often at scar borders and tend to harbor LIA during VF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Daniel Ramirez
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modelling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux-Pessac, France; Department of Electrophysiology and Cardiac Stimulation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux-Pessac, France; Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - Jeffrey R Winterfield
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | | | | | - Dave Robinson
- Acutus Medical, Carlsbad, California; inHEART, Bordeaux-Pessac, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Virginie Loyer
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modelling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux-Pessac, France
| | - Yosuke Nakatani
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modelling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux-Pessac, France; Department of Electrophysiology and Cardiac Stimulation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux-Pessac, France
| | - Hubert Cochet
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modelling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux-Pessac, France; Department of Electrophysiology and Cardiac Stimulation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux-Pessac, France; inHEART, Bordeaux-Pessac, France
| | - Pierre Jaïs
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modelling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux-Pessac, France; Department of Electrophysiology and Cardiac Stimulation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux-Pessac, France; inHEART, Bordeaux-Pessac, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ciaccio EJ, Anter E, Coromilas J, Wan EY, Yarmohammadi H, Wit AL, Peters NS, Garan H. Structure and function of the ventricular tachycardia isthmus. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:137-153. [PMID: 34371192 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Catheter ablation of postinfarction reentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT) has received renewed interest owing to the increased availability of high-resolution electroanatomic mapping systems that can describe the VT circuits in greater detail, and the emergence and need to target noninvasive external beam radioablation. These recent advancements provide optimism for improving the clinical outcome of VT ablation in patients with postinfarction and potentially other scar-related VTs. The combination of analyses gleaned from studies in swine and canine models of postinfarction reentrant VT, and in human studies, suggests the existence of common electroanatomic properties for reentrant VT circuits. Characterizing these properties may be useful for increasing the specificity of substrate mapping techniques and for noninvasive identification to guide ablation. Herein, we describe properties of reentrant VT circuits that may assist in elucidating the mechanisms of onset and maintenance, as well as a means to localize and delineate optimal catheter ablation targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Ciaccio
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York; ElectroCardioMaths Programme, Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Elad Anter
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - James Coromilas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Elaine Y Wan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Hirad Yarmohammadi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Andrew L Wit
- Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Nicholas S Peters
- ElectroCardioMaths Programme, Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hasan Garan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gottlieb LA, Belterman C, van Amersfoorth S, Loyer V, Constantin M, Hocini M, Dekker LRC, Coronel R. Profibrillatory Structural and Functional Properties of the Atrial-Pulmonary Junction in the Absence of Remodeling. Front Physiol 2021; 12:748203. [PMID: 34899379 PMCID: PMC8654241 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.748203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sole pulmonary vein (PV) isolation by ablation therapy prevents atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with short episodes of AF and without comorbidities. Since incomplete PV isolation can be curative, we tested the hypothesis that the PV in the absence of remodeling and comorbidities contains structural and functional properties that are proarrhythmic for AF initiation by reentry. Methods: We performed percutaneous transvenous in vivo endocardial electrophysiological studies and quantitative histological analysis of PV from healthy sheep. Results: The proximal PV contained more myocytes than the distal PV and a higher percentage of collagen and fat tissue relative to myocytes than the left atrium. Local fractionated electrograms occurred in both the distal and proximal PVs, but a large local activation (>0.75 mV) was more often present in the proximal PV than in the distal PV (86 vs. 50% of electrograms, respectively, p = 0.017). Atrial arrhythmias (run of premature atrial complexes) occurred more often following the premature stimulation in the proximal PV than in the distal PV (p = 0.004). The diastolic stimulation threshold was higher in the proximal PV than in the distal PV (0.7 [0.3] vs. 0.4 [0.2] mA, (median [interquartile range]), p = 0.004). The refractory period was shorter in the proximal PV than in the distal PV (170 [50] vs. 248 [52] ms, p < 0.001). A linear relation existed between the gradient in refractoriness (distal-proximal) and atrial arrhythmia inducibility in the proximal PV. Conclusion: The structural and functional properties of the native atrial-PV junction differ from those of the distal PV. Atrial arrhythmias in the absence of arrhythmia-induced remodeling are caused by reentry in the atrial-PV junction. Ablative treatment of early paroxysmal AF, rather than complete isolation of focal arrhythmia, may be limited to inhibition of reentry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Gottlieb
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Location Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,IHU Liryc, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Charly Belterman
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Location Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Shirley van Amersfoorth
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Location Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Lukas R C Dekker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Ruben Coronel
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Location Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,IHU Liryc, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Towards Intraoperative Quantification of Atrial Fibrosis Using Light-Scattering Spectroscopy and Convolutional Neural Networks. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21186033. [PMID: 34577240 PMCID: PMC8471003 DOI: 10.3390/s21186033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Light-scattering spectroscopy (LSS) is an established optical approach for characterization of biological tissues. Here, we investigated the capabilities of LSS and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to quantitatively characterize the composition and arrangement of cardiac tissues. We assembled tissue constructs from fixed myocardium and the aortic wall with a thickness similar to that of the atrial free wall. The aortic sections represented fibrotic tissue. Depth, volume fraction, and arrangement of these fibrotic insets were varied. We gathered spectra with wavelengths from 500–1100 nm from the constructs at multiple locations relative to a light source. We used single and combinations of two spectra for training of CNNs. With independently measured spectra, we assessed the accuracy of the CNNs for the classification of tissue constructs from single spectra and combined spectra. Combined spectra, including the spectra from fibers distal from the illumination fiber, typically yielded the highest accuracy. The maximal classification accuracy of the depth detection, volume fraction, and permutated arrangements was (mean ± standard deviation (stddev)) 88.97 ± 2.49%, 76.33 ± 1.51%, and 84.25 ± 1.88%, respectively. Our studies demonstrate the reliability of quantitative characterization of tissue composition and arrangements using a combination of LSS and CNNs. The potential clinical applications of the developed approach include intraoperative quantification and mapping of atrial fibrosis, as well as the assessment of ablation lesions.
Collapse
|
15
|
Gottlieb LA, Dekker LRC, Coronel R. The Blinding Period Following Ablation Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: Proarrhythmic and Antiarrhythmic Pathophysiological Mechanisms. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2021; 7:416-430. [PMID: 33736761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes heart failure, ischemic strokes, and poor quality of life. The number of patients with AF is estimated to increase to 18 million in Europe in 2050. Pharmacological therapy does not cure AF in all patients. Ablative pulmonary vein isolation is recommended for patients with drug-resistant symptomatic paroxysmal AF but is successful in only about 60%. In patients in whom ablative therapy is successful on the long term, recurrence of AF may occur in the first weeks to months after pulmonary vein ablation. The early recurrence (or delayed cure) of AF is not understood but forms the basis for the generally accepted 3-month blinding (or blanking) period after ablation therapy, which is not included in the evaluation of the eventual success rate of the procedures. The underlying pathophysiological processes responsible for early recurrence and the delayed cure are unknown. The implicit assumption of the blinding period is that the AF mechanism in this period is different from the ablation-targeted AF mechanism (ectopy from the pulmonary veins). In this review, we evaluate the temporary and long-lasting pro- and antiarrhythmic effects of each of the pathophysiological processes and interventions (necrosis, ischemia, oxidative stress, edema, inflammation, autonomic nervous activity, tissue repair, mechanical remodeling, and use of antiarrhythmic drugs) occurring in the blinding period that can modulate AF mechanisms. We propose that stretch-reducing ablation scar is a permanent antiarrhythmic mechanism that develops during the blinding period and is the reason for delayed cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Gottlieb
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modelling Institute, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France; Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lukas R C Dekker
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Cardiology Department, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Ruben Coronel
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modelling Institute, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France; Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xintarakou A, Tzeis S, Psarras S, Asvestas D, Vardas P. Atrial fibrosis as a dominant factor for the development of atrial fibrillation: facts and gaps. Europace 2021; 22:342-351. [PMID: 31998939 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most commonly diagnosed arrhythmia, affects a notable percentage of the population and constitutes a major risk factor for thromboembolic events and other heart-related conditions. Fibrosis plays an important role in the onset and perpetuation of AF through structural and electrical remodelling processes. Multiple molecular pathways are involved in atrial substrate modification and the subsequent maintenance of AF. In this review, we aim to recapitulate underlying molecular pathways leading to atrial fibrosis and to indicate existing gaps in the complex interplay of atrial fibrosis and AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stylianos Tzeis
- Cardiology Department, Mitera General Hospital, Hygeia Group, Athens, Greece
| | - Stelios Psarras
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Asvestas
- Cardiology Department, Mitera General Hospital, Hygeia Group, Athens, Greece
| | - Panos Vardas
- Heart Sector, Hygeia Hospitals Group, 5, Erithrou Stavrou, Marousi, Athens 15123, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nothstein M, Luik A, Jadidi A, Sánchez J, Unger LA, Wülfers EM, Dössel O, Seemann G, Schmitt C, Loewe A. CVAR-Seg: An Automated Signal Segmentation Pipeline for Conduction Velocity and Amplitude Restitution. Front Physiol 2021; 12:673047. [PMID: 34108887 PMCID: PMC8181407 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.673047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rate-varying S1S2 stimulation protocols can be used for restitution studies to characterize atrial substrate, ionic remodeling, and atrial fibrillation risk. Clinical restitution studies with numerous patients create large amounts of these data. Thus, an automated pipeline to evaluate clinically acquired S1S2 stimulation protocol data necessitates consistent, robust, reproducible, and precise evaluation of local activation times, electrogram amplitude, and conduction velocity. Here, we present the CVAR-Seg pipeline, developed focusing on three challenges: (i) No previous knowledge of the stimulation parameters is available, thus, arbitrary protocols are supported. (ii) The pipeline remains robust under different noise conditions. (iii) The pipeline supports segmentation of atrial activities in close temporal proximity to the stimulation artifact, which is challenging due to larger amplitude and slope of the stimulus compared to the atrial activity. METHODS AND RESULTS The S1 basic cycle length was estimated by time interval detection. Stimulation time windows were segmented by detecting synchronous peaks in different channels surpassing an amplitude threshold and identifying time intervals between detected stimuli. Elimination of the stimulation artifact by a matched filter allowed detection of local activation times in temporal proximity. A non-linear signal energy operator was used to segment periods of atrial activity. Geodesic and Euclidean inter electrode distances allowed approximation of conduction velocity. The automatic segmentation performance of the CVAR-Seg pipeline was evaluated on 37 synthetic datasets with decreasing signal-to-noise ratios. Noise was modeled by reconstructing the frequency spectrum of clinical noise. The pipeline retained a median local activation time error below a single sample (1 ms) for signal-to-noise ratios as low as 0 dB representing a high clinical noise level. As a proof of concept, the pipeline was tested on a CARTO case of a paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patient and yielded plausible restitution curves for conduction speed and amplitude. CONCLUSION The proposed openly available CVAR-Seg pipeline promises fast, fully automated, robust, and accurate evaluations of atrial signals even with low signal-to-noise ratios. This is achieved by solving the proximity problem of stimulation and atrial activity to enable standardized evaluation without introducing human bias for large data sets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Nothstein
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Armin Luik
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Amir Jadidi
- Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie II, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Bad Krozingen, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jorge Sánchez
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Laura A. Unger
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Eike M. Wülfers
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Dössel
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Gunnar Seemann
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claus Schmitt
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Axel Loewe
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Quah JX, Dharmaprani D, Tiver K, Lahiri A, Hecker T, Perry R, Selvanayagam JB, Joseph MX, McGavigan A, Ganesan A. Atrial fibrosis and substrate based characterization in atrial fibrillation: Time to move forwards. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:1147-1160. [PMID: 33682258 DOI: 10.1111/jce.14987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly encountered cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice. However, current therapeutic interventions for atrial fibrillation have limited clinical efficacy as a consequence of major knowledge gaps in the mechanisms sustaining atrial fibrillation. From a mechanistic perspective, there is increasing evidence that atrial fibrosis plays a central role in the maintenance and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation. Electrophysiologically, atrial fibrosis results in alterations in conduction velocity, cellular refractoriness, and produces conduction block promoting meandering, unstable wavelets and micro-reentrant circuits. Clinically, atrial fibrosis has also linked to poor clinical outcomes including AF-related thromboembolic complications and arrhythmia recurrences post catheter ablation. In this article, we review the pathophysiology behind the formation of fibrosis as AF progresses, the role of fibrosis in arrhythmogenesis, surrogate markers for detection of fibrosis using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography and electroanatomic mapping, along with their respective limitations. We then proceed to review the current evidence behind therapeutic interventions targeting atrial fibrosis, including drugs and substrate-based catheter ablation therapies followed by the potential future use of electro phenotyping for AF characterization to overcome the limitations of contemporary substrate-based methodologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing X Quah
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dhani Dharmaprani
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kathryn Tiver
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anandaroop Lahiri
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Teresa Hecker
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rebecca Perry
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia.,UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Majo X Joseph
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Anand Ganesan
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
van der Does WFB, Houck CA, Heida A, van Schie MS, van Schaagen FRN, Taverne YJHJ, Bogers AJJC, de Groot NMS. Atrial electrophysiological characteristics of aging. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:903-912. [PMID: 33650738 PMCID: PMC8048566 DOI: 10.1111/jce.14978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advancing age is a known risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation (AF), yet it is unknown which electrophysiological changes contribute to this increased susceptibility. The goal of this study is to investigate conduction disturbances and unipolar voltages (UV) related to aging. METHODS We included 216 patients (182 male, age: 36-83 years) without a history of AF undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery. Five seconds of sinus rhythm were recorded intraoperatively at the right atrium (RA), Bachmann's bundle (BB), the left atrium and the pulmonary vein area (PVA). Conduction delay (CD), -block (CB), -velocity (CV), length of longest CB lines and UV were assessed in all regions. RESULTS With aging, increasing conduction disturbances were found, particularly at RA and BB (RA: longest CB line rs = .158, p = .021; BB: CB prevalence rs = .206, p = .003; CV rs = -.239, p < .0005). Prevalence of low UV areas (UV <5th percentile) increased with aging at the BB and PVA (BB: rs = .237, p < .0005 and PVA: rs = .228, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS Aging is accompanied by an increase in conduction disturbances during sinus rhythm and a higher prevalence of low UV areas, particularly at BB and in the RA. These electrophysiological alterations could in part explain the increasing susceptibility to AF development associated with aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willemijn F B van der Does
- Unit Translational Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A Houck
- Unit Translational Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annejet Heida
- Unit Translational Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mathijs S van Schie
- Unit Translational Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank R N van Schaagen
- Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ad J J C Bogers
- Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Unit Translational Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhao Y, Iyer S, Tavanaei M, Nguyen NT, Lin A, Nguyen TP. Proarrhythmic Electrical Remodeling by Noncardiomyocytes at Interfaces With Cardiomyocytes Under Oxidative Stress. Front Physiol 2021; 11:622613. [PMID: 33603677 PMCID: PMC7884825 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.622613] [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: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, typically arising from interfaces between fibrosis and surviving cardiomyocytes, are feared sequelae of structurally remodeled hearts under oxidative stress. Incomplete understanding of the proarrhythmic electrical remodeling by fibrosis limits the development of novel antiarrhythmic strategies. To define the mechanistic determinants of the proarrhythmia in electrical crosstalk between cardiomyocytes and noncardiomyocytes, we developed a novel in vitro model of interface between neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs) and controls [NRVMs or connexin43 (Cx43)-deficient HeLa cells] vs. Cx43+ noncardiomyocytes [aged rat ventricular myofibroblasts (ARVFs) or HeLaCx43 cells]. We performed high-speed voltage-sensitive optical imaging at baseline and following acute H2O2 exposure. In NRVM-NRVM and NRVM-HeLa controls, no arrhythmias occurred under either experimental condition. In the NRVM-ARVF and NRVM-HeLaCx43 groups, Cx43+ noncardiomyocytes enabled passive decremental propagation of electrical impulses and impaired NRVM activation and repolarization, thereby slowing conduction and prolonging action potential duration. Following H2O2 exposure, arrhythmia triggers, automaticity, and non-reentrant and reentrant arrhythmias emerged. This study reveals that myofibroblasts (which generate cardiac fibrosis) and other noncardiomyocytes can induce not only structural remodeling but also electrical remodeling and that electrical remodeling by noncardiomyocytes can be particularly arrhythmogenic in the presence of an oxidative burst. Synergistic electrical remodeling between H2O2 and noncardiomyocytes may account for the clinical arrhythmogenicity of myofibroblasts at fibrotic interfaces with cardiomyocytes in ischemic/non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Understanding the enhanced arrhythmogenicity of synergistic electrical remodeling by H2O2 and noncardiomyocytes may guide novel safe-by-design antiarrhythmic strategies for next-generation iatrogenic interfaces between surviving native cardiomyocytes and exogenous stem cells or engineered tissues in cardiac regenerative therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yali Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shankar Iyer
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Maryam Tavanaei
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicole T Nguyen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrew Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thao P Nguyen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Saadeh K, Fazmin IT. Mitochondrial Dysfunction Increases Arrhythmic Triggers and Substrates; Potential Anti-arrhythmic Pharmacological Targets. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:646932. [PMID: 33659284 PMCID: PMC7917191 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.646932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidence of cardiac arrhythmias increases significantly with age. In order to effectively stratify arrhythmic risk in the aging population it is crucial to elucidate the relevant underlying molecular mechanisms. The changes underlying age-related electrophysiological disruption appear to be closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, the present review examines the mechanisms by which age-related mitochondrial dysfunction promotes arrhythmic triggers and substrate. Namely, via alterations in plasmalemmal ionic currents (both sodium and potassium), gap junctions, cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and cardiac fibrosis. Stratification of patients' mitochondrial function status permits application of appropriate anti-arrhythmic therapies. Here, we discuss novel potential anti-arrhythmic pharmacological interventions that specifically target upstream mitochondrial function and hence ameliorates the need for therapies targeting downstream changes which have constituted traditional antiarrhythmic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Saadeh
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim Talal Fazmin
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.,Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Khan MS, Lange M, Ranjan R, Sharma V, Glotzbach JP, Selzman C, Dosdall DJ. Premature atrial stimulation accentuates conduction abnormalities in cardiac surgery patients that develop postoperative atrial fibrillation. J Electrocardiol 2021; 69:36-43. [PMID: 34555557 PMCID: PMC9265137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common cardiac surgery complication that is associated with increased complications and negative outcomes, but the association between presurgical atrial conduction abnormalities and POAF has not been investigated clinically during premature atrial S1S2 stimulation. This clinical study sought to examine whether intraoperative premature atrial stimulation reveals increased areas of slowed and/or blocked conduction in patients that develop POAF. METHODS High-density intraoperative epicardial left atrial mapping was conducted in 20 cardiac surgery patients with no prior history of atrial fibrillation (AF). In 20 patients, 6 (30%) developed POAF. A flexible-array of 240-electrodes was placed on the posterior left atrial wall in between the pulmonary veins. Activation maps were generated for sinus and premature atrial S1S2 stimulated beats. The area of conduction block (CB), conduction delay (CD) and the combination of both (CDCB) for conduction velocity < 0.1, 0.1 ≤ x < 0.2 and < 0.2 m/s, respectively were quantified. RESULTS For a premature atrial S2 beat with shortest cycle length captured, conduction velocity maps revealed a significantly higher area for CD (13.19 ± 6.59 versus 6.06 ± 4.22 mm2, p = 0.028) and CDCB (17.36 ± 8.75 versus 7.41 ± 6.39 mm2, p = 0.034), and a trend toward a larger area for CB (4.17 ± 3.66 versus 1.34 ± 2.86 mm2, p = 0.063) in patients who developed POAF in comparison to those that remained in the sinus. Sinus and S1 paced beats did not show substantial differences in abnormal conduction areas between patients with and without POAF. CONCLUSION In comparison to sinus and S1 beats, premature atrial S2 beats accentuate conduction abnormalities in the posterior left atrial wall of cardiac surgery patients that developed POAF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad S. Khan
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Matthias Lange
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Ravi Ranjan
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Vikas Sharma
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jason P. Glotzbach
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Craig Selzman
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Derek J. Dosdall
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Address For Correspondence: Dr. Derek J. Dosdall, PhD, FHRS, FAHA, Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA, / Ph: (+1) 801-587-2036
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kotadia I, Whitaker J, Roney C, Niederer S, O’Neill M, Bishop M, Wright M. Anisotropic Cardiac Conduction. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2020; 9:202-210. [PMID: 33437488 PMCID: PMC7788398 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2020.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anisotropy is the property of directional dependence. In cardiac tissue, conduction velocity is anisotropic and its orientation is determined by myocyte direction. Cell shape and size, excitability, myocardial fibrosis, gap junction distribution and function are all considered to contribute to anisotropic conduction. In disease states, anisotropic conduction may be enhanced, and is implicated, in the genesis of pathological arrhythmias. The principal mechanism responsible for enhanced anisotropy in disease remains uncertain. Possible contributors include changes in cellular excitability, changes in gap junction distribution or function and cellular uncoupling through interstitial fibrosis. It has recently been demonstrated that myocyte orientation may be identified using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging in explanted hearts, and multisite pacing protocols have been proposed to estimate myocyte orientation and anisotropic conduction in vivo. These tools have the potential to contribute to the understanding of the role of myocyte disarray and anisotropic conduction in arrhythmic states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irum Kotadia
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College, London, UK
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - John Whitaker
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College, London, UK
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Caroline Roney
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Steven Niederer
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Mark O’Neill
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College, London, UK
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Martin Bishop
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Matthew Wright
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College, London, UK
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mikhailov AV, Kalyanasundaram A, Li N, Scott SS, Artiga EJ, Subr MM, Zhao J, Hansen BJ, Hummel JD, Fedorov VV. Comprehensive evaluation of electrophysiological and 3D structural features of human atrial myocardium with insights on atrial fibrillation maintenance mechanisms. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 151:56-71. [PMID: 33130148 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence and maintenance is associated with progressive remodeling of electrophysiological (repolarization and conduction) and 3D structural (fibrosis, fiber orientations, and wall thickness) features of the human atria. Significant diversity in AF etiology leads to heterogeneous arrhythmogenic electrophysiological and structural substrates within the 3D structure of the human atria. Since current clinical methods have yet to fully resolve the patient-specific arrhythmogenic substrates, mechanism-based AF treatments remain underdeveloped. Here, we review current knowledge from in-vivo, ex-vivo, and in-vitro human heart studies, and discuss how these studies may provide new insights on the synergy of atrial electrophysiological and 3D structural features in AF maintenance. In-vitro studies on surgically acquired human atrial samples provide a great opportunity to study a wide spectrum of AF pathology, including functional changes in single-cell action potentials, ion channels, and gene/protein expression. However, limited size of the samples prevents evaluation of heterogeneous AF substrates and reentrant mechanisms. In contrast, coronary-perfused ex-vivo human hearts can be studied with state-of-the-art functional and structural technologies, such as high-resolution near-infrared optical mapping and contrast-enhanced MRI. These imaging modalities can resolve atrial arrhythmogenic substrates and their role in reentrant mechanisms maintaining AF and validate clinical approaches. Nonetheless, longitudinal studies are not feasible in explanted human hearts. As no approach is perfect, we suggest that combining the strengths of direct human atrial studies with high fidelity approaches available in the laboratory and in realistic patient-specific computer models would elucidate deeper knowledge of AF mechanisms. We propose that a comprehensive translational pipeline from ex-vivo human heart studies to longitudinal clinically relevant AF animal studies and finally to clinical trials is necessary to identify patient-specific arrhythmogenic substrates and develop novel AF treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei V Mikhailov
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Arrhythmology Research Department, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anuradha Kalyanasundaram
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shane S Scott
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Esthela J Artiga
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Megan M Subr
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jichao Zhao
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brian J Hansen
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John D Hummel
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pfenniger A. Irregularly irregular-Nonuniform cardiac anisotropy as a substrate for atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2020; 31:2210-2212. [PMID: 32478448 DOI: 10.1111/jce.14596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pfenniger
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Starreveld R, de Groot NMS. Direction- and rate-dependent fractionation during atrial fibrillation persistence: Unmasking cardiac anisotropy? J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2020; 31:2206-2209. [PMID: 32478928 PMCID: PMC7496276 DOI: 10.1111/jce.14597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
This human case is the first to illustrate morphological manifestations of direction‐ and rate‐dependent anisotropic conduction in high‐resolution unipolar atrial potentials. Premature impulses induced low‐amplitude, fractionated extracellular potentials with exceptionally prolonged durations in a 76‐year old longstanding persistent patient with atrial fibrillation (AF), demonstrating direction‐dependency of anisotropic conduction. An increased pacing frequency induced presence of similar fractionated potentials, reflecting rate‐dependent anisotropy and inhomogeneous, slow conduction. Pacing with different rates and from different sites could aid in identifying nonuniform anisotropic tissue and thus the substrate of AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roeliene Starreveld
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
van der Does LJ, Kharbanda RK, Teuwen CP, Knops P, Kik C, Bogers AJ, de Groot NM. Atrial Ectopy Increases Asynchronous Activation of the Endo- and Epicardium at the Right Atrium. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020558. [PMID: 32085601 PMCID: PMC7074567 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The predisposition of atrial extrasystoles (AES) to trigger cardiac tachyarrhythmia may arise from intramural conduction disorders causing endo-epicardial asynchrony (EEA). This study aimed to determine whether spontaneous AES disturb endo-epicardial conduction. Simultaneous endo-epicardial mapping of the right atrium was performed in patients during cardiac surgery with two 128-electrode arrays. Sixty spontaneous AES were observed in 23 patients and were analyzed for incidence of conduction delay, conduction block and amount of EEA compared to the previous sinus rhythm beat. Both conduction delay and block occurred more often in AES compared to sinus rhythm. The difference in lines of conduction block between the epicardium and endocardium increased in AES causing a greater imbalance of conduction disorders between the layers. The incidence of EEA with differences ≥10 ms increased significantly in AES. AES caused delays between the epicardium and endocardium up to 130 ms and EEA to increase for up to half (47%) of the mapping area. Conduction disturbances between the epicardial and endocardial layer giving rise to EEA increase during AES. Asynchronous activation of the atrial layers increases during AES which may be a mechanism for triggering cardiac tachyarrhythmia under the right conditions but EEA cannot be recognized by current mapping tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisette J.M.E. van der Does
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.K.K.); (C.P.T.); (P.K.)
| | - Rohit K. Kharbanda
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.K.K.); (C.P.T.); (P.K.)
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.)
| | - Christophe P. Teuwen
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.K.K.); (C.P.T.); (P.K.)
| | - Paul Knops
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.K.K.); (C.P.T.); (P.K.)
| | - Charles Kik
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.)
| | - Ad J.J.C. Bogers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.)
| | - Natasja M.S. de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.K.K.); (C.P.T.); (P.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-10-7034479; Fax: +31-10-7035258
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Potapova KV, Nosov VP, Koroleva LY, Amineva NV. [Atrial Flutter: up-to-date Problem Evaluation with Clinical Positions]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 60:70-80. [PMID: 32245357 DOI: 10.18087/cardio.2020.1.n693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The review provides current ideas about the etiology and prevalence of atrial flutter (AF), mechanism and substrate of arrhythmogenesis, and principles of clinical and electrophysiological classification of this arrhythmia. Methods for conservative and surgical treatments of AF, including their comparative aspect, are described in detail. The review presented recent data on efficacy and potential risks of different approaches to reversing the arrhythmia. The authors indicated a need for early diagnosis and strict control of the sinus rhythm in AF, which would help a successful intervention not only to completely cure the existing arrhythmia but also to prevent other heart rhythm disorders, primarily atrial fibrillation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - V P Nosov
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
O'Shea C, Pavlovic D, Rajpoot K, Winter J. Examination of the Effects of Conduction Slowing on the Upstroke of Optically Recorded Action Potentials. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1295. [PMID: 31681008 PMCID: PMC6798176 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The upstroke of optical action potentials (APs) recorded from intact hearts are generally recognized to be slower than those recorded with microelectrodes. This is thought to reflect spatial signal averaging within the volume of tissue that makes up the optical signal. However, to date, there has been no direct experimental study on the relationship between conduction velocity (CV) and optical AP upstroke morphology in the intact heart. Notably, it is known that sodium channel block and gap junction inhibition, which both slow CV, exert differential effects on the upstroke velocity of microelectrode-recorded APs. Whether such differences are evident in optical APs is not known. The present study sought to determine the relationship between tissue CV and optical AP upstroke velocity in intact mouse hearts. Materials and Methods Isolated, perfused mouse hearts were stained with the potentiometric dye Rh-237. Fluorescent signals were recorded from across the anterior surface of the left and right ventricles during constant pacing. Maximum rate of change in fluorescence (dF/dtmax) and tissue CV were assessed in control conditions, during an acute period of low-flow ischemia, and following perfusion of flecainide (1–3 μmol/L), a sodium channel blocker, or carbenoxolone (10–50 μmol/L), a gap junction inhibitor. Results During epicardial pacing, an anisotropic pattern was observed in both activation and dF/dtmax maps, with more rapid optical AP upstroke velocities orientated along the fastest conduction paths (and vice versa). Low-flow ischemia resulted in a time-dependent slowing of ventricular CV, which was accompanied by a concomitant reduction in optical AP upstroke velocity. All values returned to baseline on tissue reperfusion. Both flecainide and carbenoxolone were associated with a concentration-dependent reduction in CV and decrease in optical AP upstroke velocity, despite distinct mechanisms of action. Similar responses to carbenoxolone were observed for low- (156 μm pixel with) and high- (20 μm pixel width) magnification recordings. Comparison of data from all interventions revealed a linear relationship between CV and upstroke dF/dt. Conclusion In intact mouse hearts, slowing of optical AP upstroke velocity is directly proportional to the change in CV associated with low-flow ischemia, sodium channel block, and gap junction inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher O'Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Physical Sciences for Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kashif Rajpoot
- School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - James Winter
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mouws EM, van der Does LJ, Kik C, Lanters EA, Teuwen CP, Knops P, Bogers AJ, de Groot NM. Impact of the arrhythmogenic potential of long lines of conduction slowing at the pulmonary vein area. Heart Rhythm 2019; 16:511-519. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2018.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
31
|
Grisanti LA. Diabetes and Arrhythmias: Pathophysiology, Mechanisms and Therapeutic Outcomes. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1669. [PMID: 30534081 PMCID: PMC6275303 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing and closely associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. While the major cardiovascular complication associated with diabetes is coronary artery disease, it is becoming increasingly apparent that diabetes impacts the electrical conduction system in the heart, resulting in atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmias. The relationship between diabetes and arrhythmias is complex and multifactorial including autonomic dysfunction, atrial and ventricular remodeling and molecular alterations. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the link between diabetes and arrhythmias with insight into the common molecular mechanisms, structural alterations and therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurel A Grisanti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ectopic beats arise from micro-reentries near infarct regions in simulations of a patient-specific heart model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16392. [PMID: 30401912 PMCID: PMC6219578 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34304-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectopic beats are known to be involved in the initiation of a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. Although their location may vary, ectopic excitations have been found to originate from infarct areas, regions of micro-fibrosis and other heterogeneous tissues. However, the underlying mechanisms that link ectopic foci to heterogeneous tissues have yet to be fully understood. In this work, we investigate the mechanism of micro-reentry that leads to the generation of ectopic beats near infarct areas using a patient-specific heart model. The patient-specific geometrical model of the heart, including scar and peri-infarct zones, is obtained through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The infarct region is composed of ischemic myocytes and non-conducting cells (fibrosis, for instance). Electrophysiology is captured using an established cardiac myocyte model of the human ventricle modified to describe ischemia. The simulation results clearly reveal that ectopic beats emerge from micro-reentries that are sustained by the heterogeneous structure of the infarct regions. Because microscopic information about the heterogeneous structure of the infarct regions is not available, Monte-Carlo simulations are used to identify the probabilities of an infarct region to behave as an ectopic focus for different levels of ischemia and different percentages of non-conducting cells. From the proposed model, it is observed that ectopic beats are generated when a percentage of non-conducting cells is near a topological metric known as the percolation threshold. Although the mechanism for micro-reentries was proposed half a century ago to be a source of ectopic beats or premature ventricular contractions during myocardial infarction, the present study is the first to reproduce this mechanism in-silico using patient-specific data.
Collapse
|
33
|
Cheniti G, Vlachos K, Pambrun T, Hooks D, Frontera A, Takigawa M, Bourier F, Kitamura T, Lam A, Martin C, Dumas-Pommier C, Puyo S, Pillois X, Duchateau J, Klotz N, Denis A, Derval N, Jais P, Cochet H, Hocini M, Haissaguerre M, Sacher F. Atrial Fibrillation Mechanisms and Implications for Catheter Ablation. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1458. [PMID: 30459630 PMCID: PMC6232922 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
AF is a heterogeneous rhythm disorder that is related to a wide spectrum of etiologies and has broad clinical presentations. Mechanisms underlying AF are complex and remain incompletely understood despite extensive research. They associate interactions between triggers, substrate and modulators including ionic and anatomic remodeling, genetic predisposition and neuro-humoral contributors. The pulmonary veins play a key role in the pathogenesis of AF and their isolation is associated to high rates of AF freedom in patients with paroxysmal AF. However, ablation of persistent AF remains less effective, mainly limited by the difficulty to identify the sources sustaining AF. Many theories were advanced to explain the perpetuation of this form of AF, ranging from a single localized focal and reentrant source to diffuse bi-atrial multiple wavelets. Translating these mechanisms to the clinical practice remains challenging and limited by the spatio-temporal resolution of the mapping techniques. AF is driven by focal or reentrant activities that are initially clustered in a relatively limited atrial surface then disseminate everywhere in both atria. Evidence for structural remodeling, mainly represented by atrial fibrosis suggests that reentrant activities using anatomical substrate are the key mechanism sustaining AF. These reentries can be endocardial, epicardial, and intramural which makes them less accessible for mapping and for ablation. Subsequently, early interventions before irreversible remodeling are of major importance. Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation remains the cornerstone of the treatment of AF, regardless of the AF form and of the AF duration. No ablation strategy consistently demonstrated superiority to pulmonary vein isolation in preventing long term recurrences of atrial arrhythmias. Further research that allows accurate identification of the mechanisms underlying AF and efficient ablation should improve the results of PsAF ablation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghassen Cheniti
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France.,Cardiology Department, Hopital Sahloul, Universite de Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Konstantinos Vlachos
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Thomas Pambrun
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Darren Hooks
- Cardiology Department, Wellington Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Antonio Frontera
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Masateru Takigawa
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Felix Bourier
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Takeshi Kitamura
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Anna Lam
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Claire Martin
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | | | - Stephane Puyo
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Xavier Pillois
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France
| | - Josselin Duchateau
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Nicolas Klotz
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Arnaud Denis
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Nicolas Derval
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Pierre Jais
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Hubert Cochet
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France.,Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France
| | - Meleze Hocini
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Michel Haissaguerre
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Frederic Sacher
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Hopital Haut Leveque, Bordeaux, France.,Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Saha M, Roney CH, Bayer JD, Meo M, Cochet H, Dubois R, Vigmond EJ. Wavelength and Fibrosis Affect Phase Singularity Locations During Atrial Fibrillation. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1207. [PMID: 30246796 PMCID: PMC6139329 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac rhythm disturbance, remain elusive. Atrial fibrosis plays an important role in the development of AF and rotor dynamics. Both electrical wavelength (WL) and the degree of atrial fibrosis change as AF progresses. However, their combined effect on rotor core location remains unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of WL change on rotor core location in both fibrotic and non-fibrotic atria. Three patient specific fibrosis distributions (total fibrosis content: 16.6, 22.8, and 19.2%) obtained from clinical imaging data of persistent AF patients were incorporated in a bilayer atrial computational model. Fibrotic effects were modeled as myocyte-fibroblast coupling + conductivity remodeling; structural remodeling; ionic current changes + conductivity remodeling; and combinations of these methods. To change WL, action potential duration (APD) was varied from 120 to 240ms, representing the range of clinically observed AF cycle length, by modifying the inward rectifier potassium current (IK1) conductance between 80 and 140% of the original value. Phase singularities (PSs) were computed to identify rotor core locations. Our results show that IK1 conductance variation resulted in a decrease of APD and WL across the atria. For large WL in the absence of fibrosis, PSs anchored to regions with high APD gradient at the center of the left atrium (LA) anterior wall and near the junctions of the inferior pulmonary veins (PVs) with the LA. Decreasing the WL induced more PSs, whose distribution became less clustered. With fibrosis, PS locations depended on the fibrosis distribution and the fibrosis implementation method. The proportion of PSs in fibrotic areas and along the borders varied with both WL and fibrosis modeling method: for patient one, this was 4.2-14.9% as IK1 varied for the structural remodeling representation, but 12.3-88.4% using the combination of structural remodeling with myocyte-fibroblast coupling. The degree and distribution of fibrosis and the choice of implementation technique had a larger effect on PS locations than the WL variation. Thus, distinguishing the fibrotic mechanisms present in a patient is important for interpreting clinical fibrosis maps to create personalized models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirabeau Saha
- IMB, UMR 5251, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Caroline H. Roney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jason D. Bayer
- IMB, UMR 5251, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Marianna Meo
- IMB, UMR 5251, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Hubert Cochet
- IMB, UMR 5251, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Remi Dubois
- IMB, UMR 5251, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| | - Edward J. Vigmond
- IMB, UMR 5251, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux University, Pessac, France
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hansen BJ, Csepe TA, Zhao J, Ignozzi AJ, Hummel JD, Fedorov VV. Maintenance of Atrial Fibrillation: Are Reentrant Drivers With Spatial Stability the Key? Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2018; 9:CIRCEP.116.004398. [PMID: 27729340 DOI: 10.1161/circep.116.004398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Hansen
- From the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus (B.J.H., T.A.C., A.J.I., J.D.H., V.V.F.); and Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.Z.)
| | - Thomas A Csepe
- From the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus (B.J.H., T.A.C., A.J.I., J.D.H., V.V.F.); and Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.Z.)
| | - Jichao Zhao
- From the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus (B.J.H., T.A.C., A.J.I., J.D.H., V.V.F.); and Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.Z.)
| | - Anthony J Ignozzi
- From the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus (B.J.H., T.A.C., A.J.I., J.D.H., V.V.F.); and Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.Z.)
| | - John D Hummel
- From the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus (B.J.H., T.A.C., A.J.I., J.D.H., V.V.F.); and Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.Z.)
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- From the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus (B.J.H., T.A.C., A.J.I., J.D.H., V.V.F.); and Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.Z.).
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Laredo M, Waldmann V, Khairy P, Nattel S. Age as a Critical Determinant of Atrial Fibrillation: A Two-sided Relationship. Can J Cardiol 2018; 34:1396-1406. [PMID: 30404745 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia and a major public health burden, increases exponentially with age. However, mechanisms underlying this long-recognized association remain incompletely understood. Experimental and human studies have demonstrated the involvement of aging in several arrhythmogenic processes, including atrial electrical and structural remodelling, disturbed calcium homeostasis, and enhanced atrial ectopic activity/increased vulnerability to re-entry induction. Given this wide range of putative mechanisms, the task of delineating the specific effects of aging responsible for AF promotion is not simple, as aging is itself associated with increasing prevalence of a host of AF-predisposing conditions, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. Although we usually think of old age promoting AF, there is also evidence that young age may actually have a protective effect against AF occurrence. For example, the low AF incidence among populations of young patients with significant structural congenital heart disease and substantial atrial enlargement/remodelling suggests that younger age might protect against fibrillation in the diseased atrium; efforts at understating how younger age may prevent AF might be helpful in elucidating missing mechanistic links between AF and age. The goal of this paper is to review the epidemiologic and pathophysiologic evidence regarding mechanisms underlying age-related AF. Although the therapeutic options for AF have recently improved, major gaps still remain and a better understanding of the special relationship between age and AF may be important for the identification of new targets for therapeutic innovation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Laredo
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada; AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Institut de Cardiologie, Paris, France
| | - Victor Waldmann
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Paul Khairy
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Stanley Nattel
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Institute of Pharmacology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; LIRYC Center, Bordeaux, France.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chanda A, Ruchti T, Unnikrishnan V. Computational Modeling of Wound Suture: A Review. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng 2018; 11:165-176. [DOI: 10.1109/rbme.2018.2804219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
38
|
Lanters EAH, Yaksh A, Teuwen CP, van der Does LJME, Kik C, Knops P, van Marion DMS, Brundel BJJM, Bogers AJJC, Allessie MA, de Groot NMS. Spatial distribution of conduction disorders during sinus rhythm. Int J Cardiol 2017; 249:220-225. [PMID: 28888481 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.08.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Length of lines of conduction block (CB) during sinus rhythm (SR) at Bachmann's bundle (BB) is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is unknown whether extensiveness of CB at BB represents CB elsewhere in the atria. We aim to investigate during SR 1) the spatial distribution and extensiveness of CB 2) whether there is a predilection site for CB and 3) the association between CB and incidence of post-operative AF. METHODS During SR, epicardial mapping of the right atrium (RA), BB and left atrium was performed in 209 patients with coronary artery disease. The amount of conduction delay (CD, Δlocal activation time ≥7ms) and CB (Δ≥12ms) was quantified as % of the mapping area. Atrial regions were compared to identify potential predilection sites for CD/CB. Correlations between CD/CB and clinical characteristics were tested. RESULTS Areas with CD or CB were present in all patients, overall prevalence was respectively 1.4(0.2-4.0) % and 1.3(0.1-4.3) %. Extensiveness and spatial distribution of CD/CB varied considerably, however occurred mainly at the superior intercaval RA. Of all clinicalcharacteristics, CD/CB only correlated weakly with age and diabetes (P<0.05). A 1% increase in CD or CB caused a 1.1-1.5ms prolongation of the activation time (P<0.001). There was no correlation between CD/CB and post-operative AF. CONCLUSION CD/CB during SR in CABG patients with electrically non-remodeled atria show considerable intra-atrial, but also inter-individual variation. Despite these differences, a predilection site is present at the superior intercaval RA. Extensiveness of CB at the superior intercaval RA or BB does not reflect CB elsewhere in the atria and is not associated with post-operative AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva A H Lanters
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ameeta Yaksh
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christophe P Teuwen
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Charles Kik
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Knops
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Denise M S van Marion
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, VU Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca J J M Brundel
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, VU Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ad J J C Bogers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurits A Allessie
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Gokhale TA, Medvescek E, Henriquez CS. Modeling dynamics in diseased cardiac tissue: Impact of model choice. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2017; 27:093909. [PMID: 28964161 PMCID: PMC5568867 DOI: 10.1063/1.4999605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias have been traditionally simulated using continuous models that assume tissue homogeneity and use a relatively large spatial discretization. However, it is believed that the tissue fibrosis and collagen deposition, which occur on a micron-level, are critical factors in arrhythmogenesis in diseased tissues. Consequently, it remains unclear how well continuous models, which use averaged electrical properties, are able to accurately capture complex conduction behaviors such as re-entry in fibrotic tissues. The objective of this study was to compare re-entrant behavior in discrete microstructural models of fibrosis and in two types of equivalent continuous models, a homogenous continuous model and a hybrid continuous model with distinct heterogeneities. In the discrete model, increasing levels of tissue fibrosis lead to a substantial increase in the re-entrant cycle length which is inadequately reflected in the homogenous continuous models. These cycle length increases appear to be primarily due to increases in the tip path length and to altered restitution behavior, and suggest that it is critical to consider the discrete effects of fibrosis on conduction when studying arrhythmogenesis in fibrotic myocardium. Hybrid models are able to accurately capture some aspects of re-entry and, if carefully tuned, may provide a framework for simulating conduction in diseased tissues with both accuracy and efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay A Gokhale
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0281, USA
| | - Eli Medvescek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0281, USA
| | - Craig S Henriquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0281, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhao J, Hansen BJ, Wang Y, Csepe TA, Sul LV, Tang A, Yuan Y, Li N, Bratasz A, Powell KA, Kilic A, Mohler PJ, Janssen PML, Weiss R, Simonetti OP, Hummel JD, Fedorov VV. Three-dimensional Integrated Functional, Structural, and Computational Mapping to Define the Structural "Fingerprints" of Heart-Specific Atrial Fibrillation Drivers in Human Heart Ex Vivo. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:JAHA.117.005922. [PMID: 28862969 PMCID: PMC5586436 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.005922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural remodeling of human atria plays a key role in sustaining atrial fibrillation (AF), but insufficient quantitative analysis of human atrial structure impedes the treatment of AF. We aimed to develop a novel 3-dimensional (3D) structural and computational simulation analysis tool that could reveal the structural contributors to human reentrant AF drivers. METHODS AND RESULTS High-resolution panoramic epicardial optical mapping of the coronary-perfused explanted intact human atria (63-year-old woman, chronic hypertension, heart weight 608 g) was conducted during sinus rhythm and sustained AF maintained by spatially stable reentrant AF drivers in the left and right atrium. The whole atria (107×61×85 mm3) were then imaged with contrast-enhancement MRI (9.4 T, 180×180×360-μm3 resolution). The entire 3D human atria were analyzed for wall thickness (0.4-11.7 mm), myofiber orientations, and transmural fibrosis (36.9% subendocardium; 14.2% midwall; 3.4% subepicardium). The 3D computational analysis revealed that a specific combination of wall thickness and fibrosis ranges were primarily present in the optically defined AF driver regions versus nondriver tissue. Finally, a 3D human heart-specific atrial computer model was developed by integrating 3D structural and functional mapping data to test AF induction, maintenance, and ablation strategies. This 3D model reproduced the optically defined reentrant AF drivers, which were uninducible when fibrosis and myofiber anisotropy were removed from the model. CONCLUSIONS Our novel 3D computational high-resolution framework may be used to quantitatively analyze structural substrates, such as wall thickness, myofiber orientation, and fibrosis, underlying localized AF drivers, and aid the development of new patient-specific treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jichao Zhao
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brian J Hansen
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thomas A Csepe
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Lidiya V Sul
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Alan Tang
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yiming Yuan
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Anna Bratasz
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Kimerly A Powell
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Ahmet Kilic
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Peter J Mohler
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Paul M L Janssen
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Raul Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Orlando P Simonetti
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - John D Hummel
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH .,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Seitz J, Bars C, Théodore G, Beurtheret S, Lellouche N, Bremondy M, Ferracci A, Faure J, Penaranda G, Yamazaki M, Avula UMR, Curel L, Siame S, Berenfeld O, Pisapia A, Kalifa J. AF Ablation Guided by Spatiotemporal Electrogram Dispersion Without Pulmonary Vein Isolation: A Wholly Patient-Tailored Approach. J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 69:303-321. [PMID: 28104073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.10.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of intracardiac electrograms to guide atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation has yielded conflicting results. OBJECTIVES The authors evaluated the usefulness of spatiotemporal dispersion, a visually recognizable electric footprint of AF drivers, for the ablation of all forms of AF. METHODS The authors prospectively enrolled 105 patients admitted for AF ablation. AF was sequentially mapped in both atria with a 20-pole PentaRay catheter. The authors tagged and ablated only regions displaying electrogram dispersion during AF. Results were compared to a validation set in which a conventional ablation approach was used (pulmonary vein isolation/stepwise approach). To establish the mechanism underlying spatiotemporal dispersion of AF electrograms, the authors conducted realistic numerical simulations of AF drivers in a 2-dimensional model and optical mapping of ovine atrial scar-related AF. RESULTS Ablation at dispersion areas terminated AF in 95% of the 105 patients. After ablation of 17 ± 10% of the left atrial surface and 18 months of follow-up, the atrial arrhythmia recurrence rate was 15% after 1.4 ± 0.5 procedures per patient versus 41% in the validation set after 1.5 ± 0.5 procedures per patient (arrhythmia free-survival: 85% vs. 59%; log-rank p < 0.001). Compared with the validation set, radiofrequency times (49 ± 21 min vs. 85 ± 34.5 min; p = 0.001) and procedure times (168 ± 42 min vs. 230 ± 67 min; p < 0.0001) were shorter. In simulations and optical mapping experiments, virtual PentaRay recordings demonstrated that electrogram dispersion is mostly recorded in the vicinity of a driver. CONCLUSIONS The clustering of intracardiac electrograms exhibiting spatiotemporal dispersion is indicative of AF drivers. Their ablation allows for a nonextensive and patient-tailored approach to AF ablation. (Substrate Ablation Guided by High Density Mapping in Atrial Fibrillation [SUBSTRATE HD]; NCT02093949).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Seitz
- Unité de Rythmologie Interventionnelle, Hôpital Saint Joseph Marseille, France.
| | - Clément Bars
- Unité de Rythmologie Interventionnelle, Hôpital Saint Joseph Marseille, France; Service de Cardiologie, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | | | - Sylvain Beurtheret
- Unité de Rythmologie Interventionnelle, Hôpital Saint Joseph Marseille, France
| | | | - Michel Bremondy
- Unité de Rythmologie Interventionnelle, Hôpital Saint Joseph Marseille, France
| | - Ange Ferracci
- Unité de Rythmologie Interventionnelle, Hôpital Saint Joseph Marseille, France
| | - Jacques Faure
- Unité de Rythmologie Interventionnelle, Hôpital Saint Joseph Marseille, France
| | | | - Masatoshi Yamazaki
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Uma Mahesh R Avula
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Laurence Curel
- Unité de Rythmologie Interventionnelle, Hôpital Saint Joseph Marseille, France
| | - Sabrina Siame
- Unité de Rythmologie Interventionnelle, Hôpital Saint Joseph Marseille, France
| | - Omer Berenfeld
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - André Pisapia
- Unité de Rythmologie Interventionnelle, Hôpital Saint Joseph Marseille, France
| | - Jérôme Kalifa
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation: Computerized and Optical Mapping; A View into the Human Atria at Submillimeter Resolution. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2017; 3:531-546. [PMID: 29159313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies strongly suggest that the majority of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with diagnosed or subclinical cardiac diseases have established or even pre-existing fibrotic structural remodeling, which may lead to conduction abnormalities and reentrant activity that sustain AF. As conventional treatments fail to treat AF in far too many cases, an urgent need exists to identify specific structural arrhythmogenic fibrosis patterns, which may maintain AF, in order to identify effective ablation targets for AF treatment. However, the existing challenge is to define what exact structural remodeling within the complex 3D human atrial wall is arrhythmogenic, as well as linking arrhythmogenic fibrosis to an underlying mechanism of AF maintenance in the clinical setting. This review is focused on the role of 3D fibrosis architecture in the mechanisms of AF maintenance revealed by submillimeter, high-resolution ex-vivo imaging modalities directly of human atria, as well as from in-silico 3D computational techniques that can be able to overcome in-vivo clinical limitations. The systematic integration of functional and structural imaging ex-vivo may inform the necessary integration of electrode and structural mapping in-vivo. A holistic view of AF driver mechanisms may begin to identify the defining characteristics or "fingerprints" of reentrant AF drivers, such as 3D fibrotic architecture, in order to design optimal patient-specific ablation strategies.
Collapse
|
43
|
Karaca M, Aytekin D. Predicting Intermittent Atrial Fibrillation in Outpatient Clinics. Korean Circ J 2017; 47:361-365. [PMID: 28567086 PMCID: PMC5449530 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2016.0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Palpitations are the most common complaint in cardiology outpatient clinics. These palpitations may be derived from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and can be easily overlooked. It is unclear whether inter-atrial conduction time (ICT) may predict the paroxysmal AF in out-patients that present with palpitations. We evaluated the ability of the ICT to predict paroxysmal AF in these patients. Subjects and Methods The study group consisted of 199 patients (110 female). All patients underwent 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring (total of 327 Holter ECG monitorings, mean: 1.64 times per patient). Brief episodes of AF were documented in 35 patients (20 female, Group 1). The remaining patients without AF were designated as Group 2 (90 female). All patients underwent routine transthoracic echocardiographic examination. ICT was also measured by echocardiography. Results The mean age in Group 1 was greater than in Group 2 (63.02±14 vs. 51.27±16 years, p<0.001). The left atrium was larger in Group 1 than in Group 2 (39.7±3.4 vs. 37.29±4.3 mm, p<0.001). The other echocardiographic variables were comparable between the two groups. The mean ICT was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (138±14 vs. 114±12 msn, p<0.001). The ICT of 127 ms was predictive for AF with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 87% (p<0.001). Conclusion Our findings show that ICT was prolonged in patients with palpitations who developed a brief episode of AF in Holter ECG monitoring. ICT prolongation may be used to identify patients with palpitation that are at risk of an AF episode. Holter ECG monitoring should be repeated to detect AF episodes in patients with prolonged ICT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Karaca
- Department of Cardiology, Katip Celebi University IAEH, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Deniz Aytekin
- Department of Cardiology, Medikalp Heart Disease Clinic, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Li H, Lee WN. Effects of tissue mechanical and acoustic anisotropies on the performance of a cross-correlation-based ultrasound strain imaging method. Phys Med Biol 2017; 62:1456-1479. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aa530b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
45
|
Reentry and Ectopic Pacemakers Emerge in a Three-Dimensional Model for a Slab of Cardiac Tissue with Diffuse Microfibrosis near the Percolation Threshold. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166972. [PMID: 27875591 PMCID: PMC5119821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmias in cardiac tissue are generally associated with irregular electrical wave propagation in the heart. Cardiac tissue is formed by a discrete cell network, which is often heterogeneous. Recently, it was shown in simulations of two-dimensional (2D) discrete models of cardiac tissue that a wave crossing a fibrotic, heterogeneous region may produce reentry and transient or persistent ectopic activity provided the fraction of conducting connections is just above the percolation threshold. Here, we investigate the occurrence of these phenomena in three-dimensions by simulations of a discrete model representing a thin slab of cardiac tissue. This is motivated (i) by the necessity to study the relevance and properties of the percolation-related mechanism for the emergence of microreentries in three dimensions and (ii) by the fact that atrial tissue is quite thin in comparison with ventricular tissue. Here, we simplify the model by neglecting details of tissue anatomy, e. g. geometries of atria or ventricles and the anisotropy in the conductivity. Hence, our modeling study is confined to the investigation of the effect of the tissue thickness as well as to the comparison of the dynamics of electrical excitation in a 2D layer with the one in a 3D slab. Our results indicate a strong and non-trivial effect of the thickness even for thin tissue slabs on the probability of microreentries and ectopic beat generation. The strong correlation of the occurrence of microreentry with the percolation threshold reported earlier in 2D layers persists in 3D slabs. Finally, a qualitative agreement of 3D simulated electrograms in the fibrotic region with the experimentally observed complex fractional atrial electrograms (CFAE) as well as strong difference between simulated electrograms in 2D and 3D were found for the cases where reentry and ectopic activity were triggered by the micro-fibrotic region.
Collapse
|
46
|
Omer S, Cornwell LD, Bakshi A, Rachlin E, Preventza O, Rosengart TK, Coselli JS, LeMaire SA, Petersen NJ, Pattakos G, Bakaeen FG. Incidence, Predictors, and Impact of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Military Veterans. Tex Heart Inst J 2016; 43:397-403. [PMID: 27777519 DOI: 10.14503/thij-15-5532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the frequency and clinical implications of postoperative atrial fibrillation in military veterans who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We examined long-term survival data, clinical outcomes, and associated risk factors in this population. We retrospectively reviewed baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative data from 1,248 consecutive patients with similar baseline risk profiles who underwent primary isolated CABG at a Veterans Affairs hospital from October 2006 through March 2013. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate long-term survival (the primary outcome measure), morbidity, and length of hospital stay. Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 215 patients (17.2%). Independent predictors of this sequela were age ≥65 years (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals], 1.7 [1.3-2.4] for patients of age 65-75 yr and 2.6 [1.4-4.8] for patients >75 yr) and body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (2.0 [1.2-3.2]). Length of stay was longer for patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation than for those without (12.7 ± 6.6 vs 10.3 ± 8.9 d; P ≤0.0001), and the respective 30-day mortality rate was higher (1.9% vs 0.4%; P=0.014). Seven-year survival rates did not differ significantly. Older and obese patients are particularly at risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation after CABG. Patients who develop the sequela have longer hospital stays than, but similar long-term survival rates to, patients who do not.
Collapse
|
47
|
Özkan S, Özdemir F, Uğur O, Demirtunç R, Balci AY, Kizilay M, Vural Ü, Kaplan M, Yekeler I. The effects of the metabolic syndrome on coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Cardiovasc J Afr 2016; 28:48-53. [PMID: 27701481 PMCID: PMC5423427 DOI: 10.5830/cvja-2016-056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clustering of factors that are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. A low-grade inflammatory process acts as the underlying pathophysiology, which suggests that the MS may have a detrimental effect on coronary interventions, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery performed with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We aimed to evaluate the effect of the MS on morbidity and mortality rates in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing CABG. Methods We prospectively included 152 patients (109 males and 43 females; mean age 60.1 ± 8.6 years) who underwent elective CABG on CPB between January and September 2011. Early postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were compared between subjects with and without the MS. Diagnosis of the MS was based on the American National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Results Of the study group, 64 patients (42%) had the MS. The two groups were similar in age and gender. In the postoperative period, rates of atrial fibrillation, wound infection, pulmonary complications, and lengths of intubation, hospitalisation and intensive care unit stay were significantly higher in MS patients (p < 0.01). The MS was significantly associated with wound infection (OR 6.64, 95% CI: 1.72–25.75), pulmonary complications (OR 6.44, 95% CI: 1.58–26.33), arrhythmia (OR 5.47, 95% CI: 1.50–19.97) and prolonged intubation (OR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05–1.32). The mortality rate was 3.1% in the MS group and 1.1% in the non-MS group, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion The MS was associated with a higher rate of early postoperative morbidity following CABG, without having a significant effect on the mortality rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sevil Özkan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Fatih Özdemir
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dr Siyami Ersek Training and Research Hospital on Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oğuz Uğur
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dr Siyami Ersek Training and Research Hospital on Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Refik Demirtunç
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Yavuz Balci
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dr Siyami Ersek Training and Research Hospital on Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Kizilay
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dr Siyami Ersek Training and Research Hospital on Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ünsal Vural
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dr Siyami Ersek Training and Research Hospital on Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Kaplan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dr Siyami Ersek Training and Research Hospital on Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Yekeler
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dr Siyami Ersek Training and Research Hospital on Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Weiss JN, Qu Z, Shivkumar K. Ablating atrial fibrillation: A translational science perspective for clinicians. Heart Rhythm 2016; 13:1868-77. [PMID: 27241354 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although considerable progress has been made in developing ablation approaches to cure atrial fibrillation (AF), outcomes are still suboptimal, especially for persistent and long-lasting persistent AF. In this topical review, we review the arrhythmia mechanisms, both reentrant and nonreentrant, that are potentially relevant to human AF at various stages/settings. We describe arrhythmia mapping techniques used to distinguish between the different mechanisms, with a particular focus on the detection of rotors. We discuss which arrhythmia mechanisms are likely to respond to ablation, and the challenges and prospects for improving upon current ablation strategies to achieve better outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhilin Qu
- UCLA Cardiovascular Research Laboratory
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center & Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Departments of Medicine (Cardiology) and Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Csepe TA, Hansen BJ, Fedorov VV. Atrial fibrillation driver mechanisms: Insight from the isolated human heart. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2016; 27:1-11. [PMID: 27492815 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although there have been great technological advances in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), current therapies remain limited due to a narrow understanding of AF mechanisms in the human heart. This review will highlight our recent studies on explanted human hearts where we developed and employed a novel functional-structural mapping approach by integrating high-resolution simultaneous endo-epicardial and panoramic optical mapping with 3D gadolinium-enhanced MRI to define the spatiotemporal characteristics of AF drivers and their structural substrates. The results allow us to postulate that the primary mechanism of AF maintenance in human hearts is a limited number of localized intramural microanatomic reentrant AF drivers anchored to heart-specific 3D fibrotically insulated myobundle tracks, which may remain hidden to clinical single-surface electrode mapping. We suggest that ex vivo human heart studies, by using an integrated 3D functional and structural mapping approach, will help to reveal defining features of AF drivers as well as validate and improve clinical approaches to detect and target these AF drivers in patients with cardiac diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Csepe
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 300 Hamilton Hall, 1645 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210-1218
| | - Brian J Hansen
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 300 Hamilton Hall, 1645 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210-1218
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 300 Hamilton Hall, 1645 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210-1218.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ferrer A, Sebastián R, Sánchez-Quintana D, Rodríguez JF, Godoy EJ, Martínez L, Saiz J. Detailed Anatomical and Electrophysiological Models of Human Atria and Torso for the Simulation of Atrial Activation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141573. [PMID: 26523732 PMCID: PMC4629897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial arrhythmias, and specifically atrial fibrillation (AF), induce rapid and irregular activation patterns that appear on the torso surface as abnormal P-waves in electrocardiograms and body surface potential maps (BSPM). In recent years both P-waves and the BSPM have been used to identify the mechanisms underlying AF, such as localizing ectopic foci or high-frequency rotors. However, the relationship between the activation of the different areas of the atria and the characteristics of the BSPM and P-wave signals are still far from being completely understood. In this work we developed a multi-scale framework, which combines a highly-detailed 3D atrial model and a torso model to study the relationship between atrial activation and surface signals in sinus rhythm. Using this multi scale model, it was revealed that the best places for recording P-waves are the frontal upper right and the frontal and rear left quadrants of the torso. Our results also suggest that only nine regions (of the twenty-one structures in which the atrial surface was divided) make a significant contribution to the BSPM and determine the main P-wave characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ferrer
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Rafael Sebastián
- Computational Multiscale Physiology Lab (CoMMLab), Department of Computer Science, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Damián Sánchez-Quintana
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - José F. Rodríguez
- Applied Mechanics and Bioengineering Group (AMB), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain, and Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Eduardo J. Godoy
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Saiz
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|