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Burg S, Levi O, Elyagon S, Shapiro S, Murninkas M, Etzion S, Gradwohl G, Makarovsky D, Lichtenstein A, Gordon Y, Attali B, Etzion Y. The SK4 channel allosteric blocker, BA6b9, reduces atrial fibrillation substrate in rats with reduced ejection fraction. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae192. [PMID: 38783894 PMCID: PMC11114471 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is strongly associated with several comorbidities including heart failure (HF). AF in general, and specifically in the context of HF, is progressive in nature and associated with poor clinical outcomes. Current therapies for AF are limited in number and efficacy and do not target the underlying causes of atrial remodeling such as inflammation or fibrosis. We previously identified the calcium-activated SK4 K+ channels, which are preferentially expressed in the atria relative to the ventricles in both rat and human hearts, as attractive druggable target for AF treatment. Here, we examined the ability of BA6b9, a novel allosteric inhibitor of SK4 channels that targets the specific calmodulin-PIP2 binding domain, to alter AF susceptibility and atrial remodeling in a systolic HF rat postmyocardial infarction (post-MI) model. Daily BA6b9 injection (20 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks starting 1-week post-MI prolonged the atrial effective refractory period, reduced AF induction and duration, and dramatically prevented atrial structural remodeling. In the post-MI left atrium (LA), pronounced upregulation of the SK4 K+ channel was observed, with corresponding increases in collagen deposition, α-SMA levels, and NLRP3 inflammasome expression. Strikingly, BA6b9 treatment reversed these changes while also significantly reducing the lateralization of the atrial connexin Cx43 in the LA of post-MI rats. Our findings indicate that the blockade of SK4 K+ channels using BA6b9 not only favors rhythm control but also remarkably reduces atrial structural remodeling, a property that is highly desirable for novel AF therapies, particularly in patients with comorbid HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Burg
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Or Levi
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Sigal Elyagon
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Shir Shapiro
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Michael Murninkas
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Sharon Etzion
- Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Gideon Gradwohl
- Medical Engineering Unit, The Jerusalem College of Technology, Jerusalem 9116001, Israel
| | - Daria Makarovsky
- Inter-Departmental Core Facility, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Alexandra Lichtenstein
- Inter-Departmental Core Facility, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yaara Gordon
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Bernard Attali
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yoram Etzion
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
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Allessie MA. Atrial fibrillation begets atrial fibrillation: The role of electroanatomic remodeling. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:248-249. [PMID: 38418063 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Maurits A Allessie
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Zhang L, van Schie MS, Xiang H, Liao R, Zheng J, Knops P, Taverne YJHJ, de Groot NMS. Identification of Atrial Transmural Conduction Inhomogeneity Using Unipolar Electrogram Morphology. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1015. [PMID: 38398329 PMCID: PMC10889286 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Structural remodeling plays an important role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). It is likely that structural remodeling occurs transmurally, giving rise to electrical endo-epicardial asynchrony (EEA). Recent studies have suggested that areas of EEA may be suitable targets for ablation therapy of AF. We hypothesized that the degree of EEA is more pronounced in areas of transmural conduction block (T-CB) than single-sided CB (SS-CB). This study examined the degree to which SS-CB and T-CB enhance EEA and which specific unipolar potential morphology parameters are predictive for SS-CB or T-CB. (2) Methods: Simultaneous endo-epicardial mapping in the human right atrium was performed in 86 patients. Potential morphology parameters included unipolar potential voltages, low-voltage areas, potential complexity (long double and fractionated potentials: LDPs and FPs), and the duration of fractionation. (3) Results: EEA was mostly affected by the presence of T-CB areas. Lower potential voltages and more LDPs and FPs were observed in T-CB areas compared to SS-CB areas. (4) Conclusion: Areas of T-CB could be most accurately predicted by combining epicardial unipolar potential morphology parameters, including voltages, fractionation, and fractionation duration (AUC = 0.91). If transmural areas of CB indeed play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of AF, they could theoretically be used as target sites for ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (J.Z.); (N.M.S.d.G.)
| | - Mathijs S. van Schie
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (J.Z.); (N.M.S.d.G.)
| | - Hongxian Xiang
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (J.Z.); (N.M.S.d.G.)
| | - Rongheng Liao
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (J.Z.); (N.M.S.d.G.)
| | - Jiahao Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (J.Z.); (N.M.S.d.G.)
| | - Paul Knops
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (J.Z.); (N.M.S.d.G.)
| | - Yannick J. H. J. Taverne
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M. S. de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (J.Z.); (N.M.S.d.G.)
- Signal Processing Systems, Department of Microelectronics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Delft University of Technology, 2628CD Delft, The Netherlands
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Carpenter A, Pannell LMK, Rizvi SIA, Maciver K, Rajakaruna C, Ciulli F, Duncan ER, Thomas G, Barman P, Bond R, Nisbet AM. Convergent approach to persistent atrial fibrillation ablation: long-term single-centre safety and efficacy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 10:1336801. [PMID: 38390303 PMCID: PMC10881669 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1336801] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Efforts to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF) remain challenging, with suboptimal long-term outcomes. Methods All patients undergoing convergent PsAF ablation at our centre were retrospectively analysed. The Atricure Epi-Sense® system was used to perform surgical radiofrequency ablation of the LA posterior wall followed by endocardial ablation. Results A total of 24 patients underwent convergent PsAF ablation, and 21 (84%) of them were male with a median age of 63. Twelve (50%) patients were obese. In total, 71% of patients had a severely dilated left atrium, and the majority (63%) had preserved left ventricular function. All were longstanding persistent. Eighteen (75%) patients had an AF duration of >2 years. There were no endocardial procedure complications. At 36 months, all patients were alive with no new stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Freedom from documented AF at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months was 83%, 78%, 74%, 74%, 74%, and 61%, respectively. There were no major surgical complications, with five minor complications recorded comprising minor wound infection, pericarditic pain, and hernia. Conclusions Our data suggest that convergent AF ablation is effective with excellent immediate and long-term safety outcomes in a real-world cohort of patients with a significant duration of AF and evidence of established atrial remodelling. Convergent AF ablation appears to offer a safe and effective option for those who are unlikely to benefit from existing therapeutic strategies for maintaining sinus rhythm, and further evaluation of this exciting technique is warranted. Our cohort is unique within the published literature both in terms of length of follow-up and very low rate of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Carpenter
- Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Departments of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Laura M K Pannell
- Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Departments of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Glyn Thomas
- Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Richard Bond
- Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Zhang L, van Schie MS, Knops P, Taverne YJHJ, de Groot NMS. A novel diagnostic tool to identify atrial endo-epicardial asynchrony using signal fingerprinting. Hellenic J Cardiol 2024; 75:9-20. [PMID: 37482189 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) have more electrical endo-epicardial asynchrony (EEA) during sinus rhythm (SR) than patients without AF. Prior mapping studies indicated that particularly unipolar, endo- and/or epicardial electrogram (EGM) morphology may be indicators of EEA. This study aim to develop a novel method for estimating the degree of EEA by using unipolar EGM characteristics recorded from either the endo- and/or epicardium. METHODS Simultaneous endo-epicardial mapping during sinus rhythm was performed in 86 patients. EGM characteristics, including unipolar voltages, low-voltage areas (LVAs), potential types (single, short/long double and fractionated potentials: SP, SDP, LDP and FP) and fractionation duration (FD) of double potentials (DP) and FP were compared between EEA and non-EEA areas. Asynchrony Fingerprinting Scores (AFS) containing quantified EGM characteristics were constructed to estimate the degree of EEA. RESULTS Endo- and epicardial sites of EEA areas are characterized by lower unipolar voltages, a higher number of LDPs and FPs and longer DP and FP durations. Patients with AF have lower potential voltages in EEA areas, along with alterations in the potential types. The EE-AFS, containing the proportion of endocardial LVAs and FD of epicardial DPs, had the highest predictive value for determining the degree of EEA (AUC: 0.913). Endo- and epi-AFS separately also showed good predictive values (AUC: 0.901 and 0.830 respectively). CONCLUSIONS EGM characteristics can be used to identify EEA areas. AFS can be utilized as a novel diagnostic tool for accurately estimating the degree of EEA. These characteristics potentially indicate AF related arrhythmogenic substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mathijs S van Schie
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Knops
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Microelectronics, Signal Processing Systems, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.
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Vlachos K, Jais P. Advances in understanding atrial arrhythmogenesis: Insights from sophisticated mapping techniques and histopathological correlations. Hellenic J Cardiol 2024; 75:96-98. [PMID: 37748646 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Vlachos
- IHU LIRYC ANR-10-IAHU-04, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bordeaux, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Pierre Jais
- IHU LIRYC ANR-10-IAHU-04, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bordeaux, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France.
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Kueffer T, Tanner H, Madaffari A, Seiler J, Haeberlin A, Maurhofer J, Noti F, Herrera C, Thalmann G, Kozhuharov NA, Reichlin T, Roten L. Posterior wall ablation by pulsed-field ablation: procedural safety, efficacy, and findings on redo procedures. Europace 2023; 26:euae006. [PMID: 38225174 PMCID: PMC10803044 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The left atrial posterior wall is a potential ablation target in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation despite durable pulmonary vein isolation or in patients with roof-dependent atrial tachycardia (AT). Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) offers efficient and safe posterior wall ablation (PWA), but available data are scarce. METHODS AND RESULTS Consecutive patients undergoing PWA using PFA were included. Posterior wall ablation was performed using a pentaspline PFA catheter and verified by 3D-electroanatomical mapping. Follow-up was performed using 7-day Holter ECGs 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation. Recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia lasting more than 30 s was defined as failure. Lesion durability was assessed during redo procedures. Posterior wall ablation was performed in 215 patients (70% males, median age 70 [IQR 61-75] years, 67% redo procedures) and was successful in all patients (100%) by applying a median of 36 (IQR 32-44) PFA lesions. Severe adverse events were cardiac tamponade and vascular access complication in one patient each (0.9%). Median follow-up was 7.3 (IQR 5.0-11.8) months. One-year arrhythmia-free outcome in Kaplan-Meier analysis was 53%. A redo procedure was performed in 26 patients (12%) after a median of 6.9 (IQR 2.4-11) months and showed durable PWA in 22 patients (85%) with only minor lesion regression. Among four patients with posterior wall reconnection, three (75%) presented with roof-dependent AT. CONCLUSION Posterior wall ablation with this pentaspline PFA catheter can be safely and efficiently performed with a high durability observed during redo procedures. The added value of durable PWA for the treatment of atrial fibrillation remains to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kueffer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hildegard Tanner
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Madaffari
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Seiler
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Haeberlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Maurhofer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Noti
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Thalmann
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikola A Kozhuharov
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Roten
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Kujiraoka H, Hojo R, Arai T, Takahashi M, Fukamizu S. Association between residual unipolar voltage and arrhythmia recurrence after left atrial posterior wall isolation for persistent atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:1622-1629. [PMID: 37393602 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15990] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Posterior wall isolation (PWI) combined with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has proven effective for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, when performing PWI, creating transmural lesions with subendocardial ablation is sometimes difficult. Endocardial unipolar voltage amplitude had a higher sensitivity than bipolar voltage mapping for identifying intramural viable myocardium in the atria. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively investigate the correlation between the residual potential in the posterior wall (PW) following PWI for persistent AF and atrial arrhythmia recurrence using endocardial unipolar voltage. METHODS This was a single-center observational study. Patients who underwent PVI and PWI for persistent AF in the first procedure between March 2018 and December 2021 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of residual unipolar PW potentials after PWI with a cutoff of 1.08 mV and the recurrence of atrial arrhythmias was compared. RESULTS In total, 109 patients were included in the analysis. Forty-three patients had residual unipolar potentials after PWI and 66 patients had no residual unipolar potentials. The atrial arrhythmia recurrence rate was significantly higher in the group with residual unipolar potential (41.8% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.003). The residual unipolar potential was an independent predictor of recurrence (odds ratio: 4.53; confidence interval: 1.67-12.3, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Residual unipolar potential after PWI for persistent AF is associated with recurrent atrial arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Kujiraoka
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rintaro Hojo
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Arai
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masao Takahashi
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Fukamizu
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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van Staveren LN, Hendriks RC, Taverne YJHJ, de Groot NMS. High Dominant Frequencies and Fractionated Potentials Do Not Indicate Focal or Rotational Activation During AF. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:1082-1096. [PMID: 37495319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dominant frequencies (DFs) or complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs), indicative of focal sources or rotational activation, are used to identify target sites for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in clinical studies, although the relationship among DF, CFAE, and activation patterns remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study sought to investigate the relationship between patterns of activation underlying DF and CFAE sites during AF. METHODS Epicardial high-resolution mapping of the right and left atrium including Bachmann's bundle was performed in 71 participants. We identified the highest dominant frequency (DFmax) and highest degree of CFAE (CFAEmax) with the use of existing clinical criteria and classified patterns of activation as focal or rotational activation and smooth propagation, conduction block (CB), collision and remnant activity, and fibrillation potentials as single, double, or fractionated potentials containing, respectively, 1, 2, or 3 or more negative deflections. Relationships among activation patterns, DFmax, and potential types were investigated. RESULTS DFmax were primarily located at the left atrioventricular groove and did not harbor focal activation (proportion focal waves: 0% [IQR: 0%-2%]). Compared with non-DFmax sites, DFmax were characterized by more frequent smooth propagation (22% [IQR: 7%-48%] vs 17% [IQR: 11%-24%]; P = 0.001), less frequent conduction block (69% [IQR: 51%-81%] vs 74% [IQR: 69%-78%]; P = 0.006), a higher proportion of single potentials (72% [IQR: 55%-84%] vs 6%1 [IQR: 55%-65%]; P = 0.003), and a lower proportion of fractionated potentials (4% [IQR: 1%-11%] vs 12% [IQR: 9%-15%]; P = 0.004). CFAEmax were mainly found at the pulmonary veins area, and only 1% [IQR: 0%-2%] of all CFAEmax contained focal activation. Compared with non-CFAEmax sites, CFAEmax sites were characterized by less frequent smooth propagation (1% [IQR: 0%-1%] vs 17% [IQR: 12%-24%]; P < 0.001) and more frequent remnant activity (20% [IQR: 12%-29%] vs 8% [IQR: 5%-10%]; P < 0.001), and harbored predominantly fractionated potentials (52% [IQR: 43%-66%] vs 12% [IQR: 9%-14%]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Focal or rotational patterns of activation were not consistently detected at DFmax domains and CFAEmax sites. These findings do not support the concept of targeting DFmax or CFAEmax according to existing criteria for AF ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Haines DE, Kong MH, Ruppersberg P, Haeusser P, Avitall B, Szili-Torok T, Verma A. Electrographic flow mapping for atrial fibrillation: theoretical basis and preliminary observations. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:1015-1028. [PMID: 35969338 PMCID: PMC10172240 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01308-8] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Ablation strategies remain poorly defined for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with recurrence despite intact pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). As the ability to perform durable PVI improves, the need for advanced mapping to identify extra-PV sources of AF becomes increasingly evident. Multiple mapping technologies attempt to localize these self-sustained triggers and/or drivers responsible for initiating and/or maintaining AF; however, current approaches suffer from technical limitations. Electrographic flow (EGF) mapping is a novel mapping method based on well-established principles of optical flow and fluid dynamics. It enables the full spatiotemporal reconstruction of organized wavefront propagation within the otherwise chaotic and disorganized electrical conduction of AF. Given the novelty of EGF mapping and relative unfamiliarity of most clinical electrophysiologists with the mathematical principles powering the EGF algorithm, this paper provides an in-depth explanation of the technical/mathematical foundations of EGF mapping and demonstrates clinical applications of EGF mapping data and analyses. Starting with a 64-electrode basket catheter, unipolar EGMs are recorded and processed using an algorithm to visualize the electrographic flow and highlight the location of high prevalence AF "source" activity. The AF sources are agnostic to the specific mechanisms of source signal generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Haines
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, 3601 West 13 Mile Rd., Royal Oaks, MI, 48973, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Boaz Avitall
- Department of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tamas Szili-Torok
- Department of Cardiology, Electrophysiology, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Atul Verma
- Southlake Regional Health Centre, Division of Cardiology, University of Toronto, 602-581 Davis Drive, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 2P6, Canada.
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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.
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Xu CH, Xiong F, Jiang WF, Liu X, Liu T, Qin M. Rotor mechanism and its mapping in atrial fibrillation. Europace 2023; 25:783-792. [PMID: 36734272 PMCID: PMC10062333 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains challenging despite significant progress in understanding its underlying mechanisms. The first detailed, quantitative theory of functional re-entry, the 'leading circle' model, was developed more than 40 years ago. Subsequently, in decades of study, an alternative paradigm based on spiral waves has long been postulated to drive AF. The rotor as a 'spiral wave generator' is a curved 'vortex' formed by spin motion in the two-dimensional plane, identified using advanced mapping methods in experimental and clinical AF. However, it is challenging to achieve complementary results between experimental results and clinical studies due to the limitation in research methods and the complexity of the rotor mechanism. Here, we review knowledge garnered over decades on generation, electrophysiological properties, and three-dimensional (3D) structure diversity of the rotor mechanism and make a comparison among recent clinical approaches to identify rotors. Although initial studies of rotor ablation at many independent centres have achieved promising results, some inconclusive outcomes exist in others. We propose that the clinical rotor identification might be substantially influenced by (i) non-identical surface activation patterns, which resulted from a diverse 3D form of scroll wave, and (ii) inadequate resolution of mapping techniques. With rapidly advancing theoretical and technological developments, future work is required to resolve clinically relevant limitations in current basic and clinical research methodology, translate from one to the other, and resolve available mapping techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hao Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 Huaihai West Road, Xuhui
District, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Feng Xiong
- Montreal Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of
Montreal, 5000, Bélanger street, Montréal, Québec H1T
1C8, Canada
| | - Wei-Feng Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 Huaihai West Road, Xuhui
District, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 Huaihai West Road, Xuhui
District, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Corresponding authors. Tao Liu, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang
District, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China. Tel: +86 (027) 8804 1911, Fax:+86-(027)-8804-2292.
E-mail address:; Mu Qin, 241 Huaihai
West Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China. Tel: +8621628219902603, Fax:
+862162821105. E-mail address:
| | - Mu Qin
- Corresponding authors. Tao Liu, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang
District, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China. Tel: +86 (027) 8804 1911, Fax:+86-(027)-8804-2292.
E-mail address:; Mu Qin, 241 Huaihai
West Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China. Tel: +8621628219902603, Fax:
+862162821105. E-mail address:
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13
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Transmural lesion formation after left atrial roof cryoballoon ablation: Insight from simultaneous high-density epicardial mapping. Heart Rhythm O2 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
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14
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Yavin H, Younis A, Zilberman I, Krywanczyk A, Bubar ZP, Higuchi K, Barkagan M, Anter E. Atrial Endocardial Unipolar Voltage Mapping for Detection of Viable Intramural Myocardium: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2023; 16:e011321. [PMID: 36595639 DOI: 10.1161/circep.122.011321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocardial bipolar voltage amplitude is largely derived from endocardial and subendocardial wall layers. This may result in situations of low bipolar voltage amplitude despite the presence of mid-myocardial including epicardial (ie, intramural-epicardial) viable myocardium. This study examined the utility of endocardial unipolar voltage mapping for detection of viable intramural-epicardial atrial myocardium. METHODS In 15 swine, an atrial intercaval ablation line with an intentional gap was created. Animals survived for 6 to 8 weeks before electroanatomical mapping followed by sacrifice. Gaps were determined by the presence of electrical conduction and classified based on the histopathologiclly layer(s) of viable myocardium into the following: (1) transmural, (2) endocardial, and (3) intramural-epicardial. Voltage data from healthy, scar, and gap points were exported into excel. The sensitivity and specificity of bipolar and unipolar voltage amplitude to detect intramural-epicardial gaps were compared using receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS In 9 of 15 (60%) swine, a focal ablation gap was detected in the intercaval line, while in the remainder 6 of 15 (40%), the line was complete without gaps. Gaps were classified into transmural (n=3), endocardial (n=3), or intramural-epicardial (n=3). Intramural-epicardial gaps were characterized by very low bipolar voltage amplitude that was similar to areas with transmural scar (P=0.91). In comparison, unipolar voltage amplitude in intramural-epicardial gaps was significantly higher compared to transmural scar (P<0.001). Unipolar voltage amplitude had higher sensitivity (93% versus 14%, respectively) and similar specificity (95% versus 98%, respectively) to bipolar voltage for detection of intramural-epicardial gaps. CONCLUSIONS Atrial unipolar voltage mapping may be a useful technique for identifying viable intramural-epicardial myocardium in patients with endocardial scar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagai Yavin
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (H.Y., A.Y., I.Z., K.H., E.A.), Cleveland Clinic, OH
| | - Arwa Younis
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (H.Y., A.Y., I.Z., K.H., E.A.), Cleveland Clinic, OH
| | - Israel Zilberman
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (H.Y., A.Y., I.Z., K.H., E.A.), Cleveland Clinic, OH
| | - Alison Krywanczyk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (A.K.), Cleveland Clinic, OH
| | | | - Koji Higuchi
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (H.Y., A.Y., I.Z., K.H., E.A.), Cleveland Clinic, OH
| | - Michael Barkagan
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Ya'akov, Israel (M.B., E.A.)
| | - Elad Anter
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (H.Y., A.Y., I.Z., K.H., E.A.), Cleveland Clinic, OH.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Ya'akov, Israel (M.B., E.A.)
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15
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Lebert J, Mittal M, Christoph J. Reconstruction of three-dimensional scroll waves in excitable media from two-dimensional observations using deep neural networks. Phys Rev E 2023; 107:014221. [PMID: 36797900 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.107.014221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Scroll wave dynamics are thought to underlie life-threatening ventricular fibrillation. However, direct observations of three-dimensional electrical scroll waves remain elusive, as there is no direct way to measure action potential wave patterns transmurally throughout the thick ventricular heart muscle. Here we study whether it is possible to reconstruct simulated scroll waves and scroll wave chaos using deep learning. We trained encoding-decoding convolutional neural networks to predict three-dimensional scroll wave dynamics inside bulk-shaped excitable media from two-dimensional observations of the wave dynamics on the bulk's surface. We tested whether observations from one or two opposing surfaces would be sufficient and whether transparency or measurements of surface deformations enhances the reconstruction. Further, we evaluated the approach's robustness against noise and tested the feasibility of predicting the bulk's thickness. We distinguished isotropic and anisotropic, as well as opaque and transparent, excitable media as models for cardiac tissue and the Belousov-Zhabotinsky chemical reaction, respectively. While we demonstrate that it is possible to reconstruct three-dimensional scroll wave dynamics, we also show that it is challenging to reconstruct complicated scroll wave chaos and that prediction outcomes depend on various factors such as transparency, anisotropy, and ultimately the thickness of the medium compared to the size of the scroll waves. In particular, we found that anisotropy provides crucial information for neural networks to decode depth, which facilitates the reconstructions. In the future, deep neural networks could be used to visualize intramural action potential wave patterns from epi- or endocardial measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lebert
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Meenakshi Mittal
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Jan Christoph
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
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16
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Ravelli F, Masè M, Cristoforetti A, Avogaro L, D’Amato E, Tessarolo F, Piccoli F, Graffigna A. Quantitative assessment of transmural fibrosis profile in the human atrium: evidence for a three-dimensional arrhythmic substrate by slice-to-slice histology. Europace 2022; 25:739-747. [PMID: 36349600 PMCID: PMC9935010 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Intramural fibrosis represents a crucial factor in the formation of a three-dimensional (3D) substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the transmural distribution of fibrosis and its relationship with atrial overload remain largely unknown. The aim of this study is to quantify the transmural profile of atrial fibrosis in patients with different degrees of atrial dilatation and arrhythmic profiles by a high-resolution 3D histology method. METHODS AND RESULTS Serial microtome-cut tissue slices, sampling the entire atrial wall thickness at 5 µm spatial resolution, were obtained from right atrial appendage specimens in 23 cardiac surgery patients. Atrial slices were picrosirius red stained, imaged by polarized light microscopy, and analysed by a custom-made segmentation algorithm. In all patients, the intramural fibrosis content displayed a progressive decrease alongside tissue depth, passing from 68.6 ± 11.6% in the subepicardium to 10-13% in the subendocardium. Distinct transmural fibrotic profiles were observed in patients with atrial dilatation with respect to control patients, where the first showed a slower decrease of fibrosis along tissue depth (exponential decay constant: 171.2 ± 54.5 vs. 80.9 ± 24.4 µm, P < 0.005). Similar slow fibrotic profiles were observed in patients with AF (142.8 ± 41.7 µm). Subepicardial and midwall levels of fibrosis correlated with the degree of atrial dilatation (ρ = 0.72, P < 0.001), while no correlation was found in subendocardial layers. CONCLUSIONS Quantification of fibrosis transmural profile at high resolution is feasible by slice-to-slice histology. Deeper penetration of fibrosis in subepicardial and midwall layers in dilated atria may concur to the formation of a 3D arrhythmic substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Ravelli
- Corresponding author. Tel: +39 0461 882776. E-mail address:
| | | | - Alessandro Cristoforetti
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Translational Cardiology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Laura Avogaro
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Translational Cardiology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Elvira D’Amato
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Francesco Tessarolo
- Department of Industrial Engineering and BIOtech, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Federico Piccoli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Angelo Graffigna
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
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17
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Van Schie MS, Knops P, Zhang L, Van Schaagen FRN, Taverne YJHJ, De Groot NMS. Detection of endo-epicardial atrial low-voltage areas using unipolar and omnipolar voltage mapping. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1030025. [PMID: 36277177 PMCID: PMC9582746 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1030025] [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: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Low-voltage areas (LVA) can be located exclusively at either the endocardium or epicardium. This has only been demonstrated for bipolar voltages, but the value of unipolar and omnipolar voltages recorded from either the endocardium and epicardium in predicting LVAs at the opposite layer remains unknown. The goal of this study was therefore to compare simultaneously recorded endo-epicardial unipolar and omnipolar potentials and to determine whether their voltage characteristics are predictive for opposite LVAs.Methods: Intra-operative simultaneous endo-epicardial mapping (256 electrodes, interelectrode distances 2 mm) was performed during sinus rhythm at the right atrium in 93 patients (67 ± 9 years, 73 male). Cliques of four electrodes (2 × 2 mm) were used to define maximal omnipolar (Vomni,max) and unipolar (Vuni,max) voltages. LVAs were defined as Vomni,max ≤0.5 mV or Vuni,max ≤1.0 mV.Results: The majority of both unipolar and omnipolar LVAs were located at only the endocardium (74.2% and 82.0% respectively) or epicardium (52.7% and 47.6% respectively). Of the endocardial unipolar LVAs, 25.8% were also located at the opposite layer and 47.3% vice-versa. In omnipolar LVAs, 18.0% of the endocardial LVAs were also located at the epicardium and 52.4% vice-versa. The combination of epicardial Vuni,max and Vomni,max was most accurate in identifying dual-layer LVAs (50.4%).Conclusion: Unipolar and omnipolar LVAs are frequently located exclusively at either the endocardium or epicardium. Endo-epicardial LVAs are most accurately identified using combined epicardial unipolar and omnipolar voltages. Therefore, a combined endo-epicardial unipolar and omnipolar mapping approach is favoured as it may be more indicative of possible arrhythmogenic substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Knops
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Natasja M. S. De Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Natasja M. S. De Groot,
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18
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Osorio-Jaramillo E, Cox JL, Klenk S, Kaider A, Angleitner P, Werner P, Strassl A, Mach M, Laufer G, Ehrlich MP, Ad N. Dynamic electrophysiological mechanism in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:953622. [PMID: 36247427 PMCID: PMC9556291 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.953622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improved understanding of the mechanisms that sustain persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSpAF) is essential for providing better ablation solutions. The findings of traditional catheter-based electrophysiological studies can be impacted by the sedation required for these procedures. This is not required in non-invasive body-surface mapping (ECGI). ECGI allows for multiple mappings in the same patient at different times. This would expose potential electrophysiological changes over time, such as the location and stability of extra-pulmonary vein drivers and activation patterns in sustained AF. Materials and methods In this electrophysiological study, 10 open-heart surgery candidates with LSpAF, without previous ablation procedures (6 male, median age 73 years), were mapped on two occasions with a median interval of 11 days (IQR: 8–19) between mappings. Bi-atrial epicardial activation sequences were acquired using ECGI (CardioInsight™, Minneapolis, MN, United States). Results Bi-atrial electrophysiological abnormalities were documented in all 20 mappings. Interestingly, the anatomic location of focal and rotor activities changed between the mappings in all patients [100% showed changes, 95%CI (69.2–100%), p < 0.001]. Neither AF driver type nor their number varied significantly between the mappings in any patient (median total number of focal activities 8 (IQR: 1–16) versus 6 (IQR: 2–12), p = 0.68; median total number of rotor activities 48 (IQR: 44–67) versus 55 (IQR: 44–61), p = 0.30). However, individual zones showed a high number of quantitative changes (increase/decrease) of driver activity. Most changes of focal activity were found in the left atrial appendage, the region of the left lower pulmonary vein and the right atrial appendage. Most changes in rotor activity were found also at the left lower pulmonary vein region, the upper half of the right atrium and the right atrial appendage. Conclusion This clinical study documented that driver location and activation patterns in patients with LSpAF changes constantly. Furthermore, bi-atrial pathophysiology was demonstrated, which underscores the importance of treating both atria in LSpAF and the significant role that arrhythmogenic drivers outside the pulmonary veins seem to have in maintaining this complex arrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Osorio-Jaramillo
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Emilio Osorio-Jaramillo,
| | - James L. Cox
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sarah Klenk
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Cardiology, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Kaider
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Angleitner
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Werner
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Strassl
- Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Mach
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Guenther Laufer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marek P. Ehrlich
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Niv Ad
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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19
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Marini M, Pannone L, Della Rocca DG, Branzoli S, Bisignani A, Mouram S, Del Monte A, Monaco C, Gauthey A, Eltsov I, Overeinder I, Bala G, Almorad A, Ströker E, Sieira J, Brugada P, La Meir M, Chierchia GB, De Asmundis C, Guarracini F. Hybrid Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: A Contemporary Overview. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9090302. [PMID: 36135447 PMCID: PMC9504578 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9090302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical isolation of pulmonary veins (PVI) is the cornerstone of invasive treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, arrhythmia-free survival of a PVI only approach is suboptimal in patients with persistent and long-term persistent AF. Hybrid AF ablation has been developed with the aim of combining the advantages of a thoracoscopic surgical ablation (direct visualization of anatomical structures to be spared and the possibility to perform epicardial lesions) and endocardial ablation (possibility to check line block, confirm PVI, and possibility to perform cavotricuspid isthmus ablation). Patient selection is of utmost importance. In persistent and long-term persistent AF, hybrid AF ablation demonstrated promising results in terms of AF free survival. It has been associated with a relatively low complication rate if performed in centers with expertise in hybrid procedures and experience with both surgical and endocardial ablation. Different techniques have been described, with different approaches and lesion sets. The aim of this review is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of hybrid AF ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Marini
- Department of Cardiology, S. Chiara Hospital, 38122 Trento, Italy
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luigi Pannone
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Domenico G. Della Rocca
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefano Branzoli
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, S. Chiara Hospital, 38122 Trento, Italy
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonio Bisignani
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sahar Mouram
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alvise Del Monte
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cinzia Monaco
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anaïs Gauthey
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ivan Eltsov
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Overeinder
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gezim Bala
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Almorad
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erwin Ströker
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Juan Sieira
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pedro Brugada
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mark La Meir
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gian-Battista Chierchia
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo De Asmundis
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fabrizio Guarracini
- Department of Cardiology, S. Chiara Hospital, 38122 Trento, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-(0)461-903121; Fax: +39-(0)461-903122
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20
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Atrial conduction velocity mapping: clinical tools, algorithms and approaches for understanding the arrhythmogenic substrate. Med Biol Eng Comput 2022; 60:2463-2478. [PMID: 35867323 PMCID: PMC9365755 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-022-02621-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Characterizing patient-specific atrial conduction properties is important for understanding arrhythmia drivers, for predicting potential arrhythmia pathways, and for personalising treatment approaches. One metric that characterizes the health of the myocardial substrate is atrial conduction velocity, which describes the speed and direction of propagation of the electrical wavefront through the myocardium. Atrial conduction velocity mapping algorithms are under continuous development in research laboratories and in industry. In this review article, we give a broad overview of different categories of currently published methods for calculating CV, and give insight into their different advantages and disadvantages overall. We classify techniques into local, global, and inverse methods, and discuss these techniques with respect to their faithfulness to the biophysics, incorporation of uncertainty quantification, and their ability to take account of the atrial manifold.
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21
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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.
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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
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22
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Saraf K, Black N, Garratt CJ, Muhyaldeen SA, Morris GM. Local impedance-guided ablation and ultra-high density mapping versus conventional or contact force-guided ablation with mapping for treatment of cavotricuspid isthmus dependent atrial flutter. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J 2022; 22:188-194. [PMID: 35427782 PMCID: PMC9263660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ipej.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION - Local impedance (LI) guided ablation as a method of judging lesion effectiveness for cavotricuspid isthmus dependent atrial flutter (CTI-AFL), and ultra-high density (UHD) mapping when breakthrough occurred across an ablation line has not previously been assessed. METHODS This retrospective observational study evaluated patients undergoing CTI-AFL ablation using conventional, contact force (CF) and LI guided strategies. Ablation metrics were collected, and in the LI cohort, the use of UHD mapping for breakthrough evaluated. RESULTS 30 patients were included, 10 per group. Mean total ablation time was significantly shorter with LI (3.2 ± 1.3min) vs conventional (5.6 ± 2.7min) and CF (5.7 ± 2.0min, p = 0.0042). Time from start of ablation to CTI block was numerically shorter with LI (14.2 ± 8.0min) vs conventional and CF (19.7 ± 14.1 and 22.5 ± 19.1min, p = 0.4408). Mean lesion duration was significantly shorter with LI, but there were no differences in the number of lesions required to achieve block, procedural success, complication rates or recurrence. 15/30 patients did not achieve block following first-pass ablation. UHD mapping rapidly identified breakthrough in the five LI patients, including epicardial-endocardial breakthrough (EEB). CONCLUSION - The use of LI during ablation for real-time lesion assessment was as efficacious as the conventional and CF methods. UHD mapping rapidly identified breakthrough, including EEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan Saraf
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139PL, UK; Manchester Heart Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139WL, UK
| | - Nicholas Black
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139PL, UK; Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JH, UK
| | - Clifford J Garratt
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139PL, UK; Manchester Heart Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139WL, UK
| | - Sahrkaw A Muhyaldeen
- Manchester Heart Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139WL, UK
| | - Gwilym M Morris
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139PL, UK; Manchester Heart Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139WL, UK.
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23
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van Schie MS, Veen D, Kharbanda RK, Heida A, Starreveld R, van Schaagen FRN, Bogers AJJC, Taverne YJHJ, de Groot NMS. Characterization of pre-existing arrhythmogenic substrate associated with de novo early and late postoperative atrial fibrillation. Int J Cardiol 2022; 363:71-79. [PMID: 35705170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PoAF is the most common complication after cardiac surgery and may occur in patients with pre-existing arrhythmogenic substrate. Characterization of this substrate could aid in identifying patients at risk for PoAF. We therefore compared intra-atrial conduction parameters and electrogram morphology between patients without and with early- (≤5 days after surgery) and late- (up to 5 years) postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF). METHODS AND RESULTS Epicardial mapping of the right and left atrium and Bachmann's Bundle (BB) was performed during sinus rhythm (SR) in 263 patients (207male, 67 ± 11 years). Unipolar potentials were classified as single, short or long double and fractionated potentials. Unipolar voltage, fractionation delay (time difference between the first and last deflection), conduction velocity (CV) and conduction block (CB) prevalence were measured. Comparing patients without (N = 166) and with PoAF (N = 97), PoAF was associated with lower CV and more CB at BB. Unipolar voltages were lower and more low-voltage areas were found at the left and right atrium and BB in PoAF patients. These differences were more pronounced in patients with late-PoAF (6%), which could even occur up to 5 years after surgery. Although several electrophysiological parameters were related to PoAF, age was the only independent predictor. CONCLUSIONS Patients with de novo PoAF have more extensive arrhythmogenic substrate prior to cardiac surgery compared to those who remained in SR, which is even more pronounced in late-PoAF patients. Future studies should evaluate whether intra-operative electrophysiological examination enables identification of patients at risk for developing PoAF and hence (preventive) therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs S van Schie
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Danny Veen
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rohit K Kharbanda
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annejet Heida
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roeliene Starreveld
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frank R N van Schaagen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ad J J C Bogers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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24
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Steimle JD, Grisanti Canozo FJ, Park M, Kadow ZA, Samee MAH, Martin JF. Decoding the PITX2-controlled genetic network in atrial fibrillation. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e158895. [PMID: 35471998 PMCID: PMC9221021 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and a major risk factor for stroke, often arises through ectopic electrical impulses derived from the pulmonary veins (PVs). Sequence variants in enhancers controlling expression of the transcription factor PITX2, which is expressed in the cardiomyocytes (CMs) of the PV and left atrium (LA), have been implicated in AF predisposition. Single nuclei multiomic profiling of RNA and analysis of chromatin accessibility combined with spectral clustering uncovered distinct PV- and LA-enriched CM cell states. Pitx2-mutant PV and LA CMs exhibited gene expression changes consistent with cardiac dysfunction through cell type-distinct, PITX2-directed, cis-regulatory grammars controlling target gene expression. The perturbed network targets in each CM were enriched in distinct human AF predisposition genes, suggesting combinatorial risk for AF genesis. Our data further reveal that PV and LA Pitx2-mutant CMs signal to endothelial and endocardial cells through BMP10 signaling with pathogenic potential. This work provides a multiomic framework for interrogating the basis of AF predisposition in the PVs of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zachary A. Kadow
- Program in Developmental Biology, and
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - James F. Martin
- Department of Integrative Physiology
- Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Organ Repair and Renewal, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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25
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Insights From Simultaneous Left and Right Atrial Septal Mapping in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2022; 8:970-982. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Pope MTB, Kuklik P, Briosa E Gala A, Leo M, Mahmoudi M, Paisey J, Betts TR. Impact of Adenosine on Wavefront Propagation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From Global Noncontact Charge Density Mapping of the Left Atrium. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e021166. [PMID: 35621197 PMCID: PMC9238707 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.021166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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 Adenosine shortens action potential duration and refractoriness and provokes atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adenosine on mechanisms of wavefront propagation during atrial fibrillation. Methods and Results The study included 22 patients undergoing catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation. Left atrial mapping was performed using the AcQMap charge density system before and after administration of intravenous adenosine at 1 or more of 3 time points during the procedure (before pulmonary vein isolation, after pulmonary vein isolation, and after nonpulmonary vein isolation ablation). Wave‐front propagation patterns were evaluated allowing identification and quantification of localized rotational activation (LRA), localized irregular activation, and focal firing. Additional signal processing was performed to identify phase singularities and calculate global atrial fibrillation cycle length and dominant frequency. A total of 35 paired maps were analyzed. Adenosine shortened mean atrial fibrillation cycle length from 181.7±14.3 to 165.1±16.3, (mean difference 16.6 ms; 95% CI, 11.3–21.9, P<0.0005) and increased dominant frequency from 6.0±0.7 Hz to 6.6±0.8 Hz (95% CI, 0.4–0.9, P<0.0005). This was associated with a 50% increase in the number of LRA occurrences (16.1±7.6–24.2±8.1; mean difference 8.1, 95% CI, 4.1–12, P<0.0005) as well as a 20% increase in the number of phase singularities detected (30.1±7.8–36.6±9.3; mean difference 6.5; 95% CI, 2.6–10.0, P=0.002). The percentage of left atrial surface area with LRA increased with adenosine and 42 of 70 zones (60%) with highest density of LRA coincided with high density LRA zones at baseline with only 28% stable across multiple maps. Conclusions Adenosine accelerates atrial fibrillation and promotes rotational activation patterns with no impact on focal activation. There is little evidence that rotational activation seen with adenosine represents promising targets for ablation aimed at sites of stable arrhythmogenic sources in the left atrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T B Pope
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Oxford United Kingdom.,University of Southampton United Kingdom
| | - Pawel Kuklik
- Department of Cardiology Asklepios Clinic St. Georg Hamburg Germany
| | | | - Milena Leo
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Michael Mahmoudi
- University of Southampton United Kingdom.,Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Southampton United Kingdom
| | - John Paisey
- University of Southampton United Kingdom.,Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Southampton United Kingdom
| | - Timothy R Betts
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Oxford United Kingdom.,University of Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Oxford United Kingdom
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27
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Calvert P, Gupta D. Left Atrial Posterior Wall Isolation – The Conundrum of Safety versus Efficacy. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2022; 33:1675-1677. [DOI: 10.1111/jce.15557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Calvert
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest HospitalLiverpoolUK
| | - Dhiraj Gupta
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest HospitalLiverpoolUK
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28
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Quah JX, Jenkins E, Dharmaprani D, Tiver K, Smith C, Hecker T, Joseph MX, Selvanayagam JB, Tung M, Stanton T, Ahmad W, Stoyanov N, Lahiri A, Chahadi F, Singleton C, Ganesan A. Role of interatrial conduction in atrial fibrillation. Mechanistic insights from renewal theory-based fibrillatory dynamic analysis. Heart Rhythm O2 2022; 3:335-343. [PMID: 36097465 PMCID: PMC9463713 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interatrial conduction has been postulated to play an important role in atrial fibrillation (AF). The pathways involved in interatrial conduction during AF remain incompletely defined. Objective We recently showed physiological assessment of fibrillatory dynamics could be performed using renewal theory, which determines rates of phase singularity formation (λf) and destruction (λd). Using the renewal approach, we aimed to understand the role of the interatrial septum and other electrically coupled regions during AF. Method RENEWAL-AF is a prospective multicenter observational study recruiting AF ablation patients (ACTRN 12619001172190). We studied unipolar electrograms obtained from 16 biatrial locations prior to ablation using a 16-electrode Advisor HD Grid catheter. Renewal rate constants λf and λd were calculated, and the relationships between these rate constants in regions of interatrial connectivity were examined. Results Forty-one AF patients (28.5% female) were recruited. A positive linear correlation was observed between λf and λd (1) across the interatrial septum (λf r2 = 0.5, P < .001, λd r2 = 0.45, P < .001), (2) in regions connected by the Bachmann bundle (right atrial appendage–left atrial appendage λf r2 = 0.29, P = .001; λd r2 = 0.2, P = .008), and (3) across the inferior interatrial routes (cavotricuspid isthmus–left atrial septum λf r2 = 0.67, P < .001; λd r2 = 0.55, P < .001). Persistent AF status and left atrial volume were found to be important effect modifiers of the degree of interatrial renewal rate statistical correlation. Conclusion Our findings support the role of interseptal statistically determined electrical disrelation in sustaining AF. Additionally, renewal theory identified preferential conduction through specific interatrial pathways during fibrillation. These findings may be of importance in identifying clinically significant targets for ablation in AF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xian Quah
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Evan Jenkins
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University of South Australia, 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
| | - Corey Smith
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Teresa Hecker
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Majo X. Joseph
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Matthew Tung
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Australia
| | - Tony Stanton
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Australia
| | - Waheed Ahmad
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nik Stoyanov
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Anandaroop Lahiri
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Fahd Chahadi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Cameron Singleton
- 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
- Address reprint requests and correspondence: Dr Anand Ganesan, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Flinders Dr, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia.
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29
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Tringides CM, Mooney DJ. Materials for Implantable Surface Electrode Arrays: Current Status and Future Directions. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107207. [PMID: 34716730 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Surface electrode arrays are mainly fabricated from rigid or elastic materials, and precisely manipulated ductile metal films, which offer limited stretchability. However, the living tissues to which they are applied are nonlinear viscoelastic materials, which can undergo significant mechanical deformation in dynamic biological environments. Further, the same arrays and compositions are often repurposed for vastly different tissues rather than optimizing the materials and mechanical properties of the implant for the target application. By first characterizing the desired biological environment, and then designing a technology for a particular organ, surface electrode arrays may be more conformable, and offer better interfaces to tissues while causing less damage. Here, the various materials used in each component of a surface electrode array are first reviewed, and then electrically active implants in three specific biological systems, the nervous system, the muscular system, and skin, are described. Finally, the fabrication of next-generation surface arrays that overcome current limitations is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Tringides
- Harvard Program in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - David J Mooney
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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30
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia despite substantial efforts to understand the pathophysiology of the condition and develop improved treatments. Identifying the underlying causative mechanisms of AF in individual patients is difficult and the efficacy of current therapies is suboptimal. Consequently, the incidence of AF is steadily rising and there is a pressing need for novel therapies. Research has revealed that defects in specific molecular pathways underlie AF pathogenesis, resulting in electrical conduction disorders that drive AF. The severity of this so-called electropathology correlates with the stage of AF disease progression and determines the response to AF treatment. Therefore, unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying electropathology is expected to fuel the development of innovative personalized diagnostic tools and mechanism-based therapies. Moreover, the co-creation of AF studies with patients to implement novel diagnostic tools and therapies is a prerequisite for successful personalized AF management. Currently, various treatment modalities targeting AF-related electropathology, including lifestyle changes, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical therapy, substrate-based ablative therapy, and neuromodulation, are available to maintain sinus rhythm and might offer a novel holistic strategy to treat AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca J J M Brundel
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU Universiteit, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Xun Ai
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine/Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Myrthe F Kuipers
- AFIPonline.org, Atrial Fibrillation Innovation Platform, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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31
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Zaman JAB, Grace AA, Narayan SM. Future Directions for Mapping Atrial Fibrillation. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2022; 11:e08. [PMID: 35734143 PMCID: PMC9194915 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2021.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mapping for AF focuses on the identification of regions of interest that may guide management and - in particular - ablation therapy. Mapping may point to specific mechanisms associated with localised scar or fibrosis, or electrical features, such as localised repetitive, rotational or focal activation. In patients in whom AF is caused by disorganised waves with no spatial predilection, as proposed in the multiwavelet theory for AF, mapping would be of less benefit. The role of AF mapping is controversial at the current time in view of the debate over the underlying mechanisms. However, recent clinical expansions of mapping technologies confirm the importance of understanding the state of the art, including limitations of current approaches and potential areas of future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid AB Zaman
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, US
| | - Andrew A Grace
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sanjiv M Narayan
- Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, Stanford University, CA, US
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32
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Maesen B, Verheule S, Zeemering S, La Meir M, Nijs J, Lumeij S, Lau DH, Granier M, Crijns HJ, Maessen JG, Dhein S, Schotten U. Endomysial fibrosis, rather than overall connective tissue content, is the main determinant of conduction disturbances in human atrial fibrillation. Europace 2022; 24:1015-1024. [PMID: 35348667 PMCID: PMC9282911 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Although in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) a complex AF substrate characterized by a high incidence of conduction block has been reported, relatively little is known about AF complexity in paroxysmal AF (pAF). Also, the relative contribution of various aspects of structural alterations to conduction disturbances is not clear. In particular, the contribution of endomysial fibrosis to conduction disturbances during progression of AF has not been studied yet. Methods and results During cardiac surgery, epicardial high-density mapping was performed in patients with acutely induced (aAF, n = 11), pAF (n = 12), and longstanding persistent AF (persAF, n = 9) on the right atrial (RA) wall, the posterior left atrial wall (pLA) and the LA appendage (LAA). In RA appendages, overall and endomysial (myocyte-to-myocyte distances) fibrosis and connexin 43 (Cx43) distribution were quantified. Unipolar AF electrogram analysis showed a more complex pattern with a larger number of narrower waves, more breakthroughs and a higher fractionation index (FI) in persAF compared with aAF and pAF, with no differences between aAF and pAF. The FI was consistently higher at the pLA compared with the RA. Structurally, Cx43 lateralization increased with AF progression (aAF = 7.5 ± 8.9%, pAF = 24.7 ± 11.1%, persAF = 35.1 ± 11.4%, P < 0.001). Endomysial but not overall fibrosis correlated with AF complexity (r = 0.57, P = 0.001; r = 0.23, P = 0.20; respectively). Conclusions Atrial fibrillation complexity is highly variable in patients with pAF, but not significantly higher than in patients with acutely induced AF, while in patients with persistent AF complexity is higher. Among the structural alterations studied, endomysial fibrosis, but not overall fibrosis, is the strongest determinant of AF complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Maesen
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Verheule
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark La Meir
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, UZ Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Nijs
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, UZ Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stijn Lumeij
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis H Lau
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mathieu Granier
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Harry Jgm Crijns
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos G Maessen
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Dhein
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Clinic for Cardiac Surgery, Heart Centre Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, PO Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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33
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Chu GS, Li X, Stafford PJ, Vanheusden FJ, Salinet JL, Almeida TP, Dastagir N, Sandilands AJ, Kirchhof P, Schlindwein FS, Ng GA. Simultaneous Whole-Chamber Non-contact Mapping of Highest Dominant Frequency Sites During Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Ablation Study. Front Physiol 2022; 13:826449. [PMID: 35370796 PMCID: PMC8966840 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.826449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sites of highest dominant frequency (HDF) are implicated by many proposed mechanisms underlying persistent atrial fibrillation (persAF). We hypothesized that prospectively identifying and ablating dynamic left atrial HDF sites would favorably impact the electrophysiological substrate of persAF. We aim to assess the feasibility of prospectively identifying HDF sites by global simultaneous left atrial mapping. Methods PersAF patients with no prior ablation history underwent global simultaneous left atrial non-contact mapping. 30 s of electrograms recorded during AF were exported into a bespoke MATLAB interface to identify HDF regions, which were then targeted for ablation, prior to pulmonary vein isolation. Following ablation of each region, change in AF cycle length (AFCL) was documented (≥ 10 ms considered significant). Baseline isopotential maps of ablated regions were retrospectively analyzed looking for rotors and focal activation or extinction events. Results A total of 51 HDF regions were identified and ablated in 10 patients (median DF 5.8Hz, range 4.4-7.1Hz). An increase in AFCL of was seen in 20 of the 51 regions (39%), including AF termination in 4 patients. 5 out of 10 patients (including the 4 patients where AF termination occurred with HDF-guided ablation) were free from AF recurrence at 1 year. The proportion of HDF occurrences in an ablated region was not associated with change in AFCL (τ = 0.11, p = 0.24). Regions where AFCL decreased by 10 ms or more (i.e., AF disorganization) after ablation also showed lowest baseline spectral organization (p < 0.033 for any comparison). Considering all ablated regions, the average proportion of HDF events which were also HRI events was 8.0 ± 13%. Focal activations predominated (537/1253 events) in the ablated regions on isopotential maps, were modestly associated with the proportion of HDF occurrences represented by the ablated region (Kendall's τ = 0.40, p < 0.0001), and very strongly associated with focal extinction events (τ = 0.79, p < 0.0001). Rotors were rare (4/1253 events). Conclusion Targeting dynamic HDF sites is feasible and can be efficacious, but lacks specificity in identifying relevant human persAF substrate. Spectral organization may have an adjunctive role in preventing unnecessary substrate ablation. Dynamic HDF sites are not associated with observable rotational activity on isopotential mapping, but epi-endocardial breakthroughs could be contributory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin S. Chu
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Lancashire Cardiac Centre, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, United Kingdom
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- School of Engineering, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Stafford
- National Institute for Health Research Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - João L. Salinet
- Center for Engineering, Modeling and Applied Social Sciences, University Federal of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Tiago P. Almeida
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- School of Engineering, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Nawshin Dastagir
- Department of International Foundation, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alastair J. Sandilands
- National Institute for Health Research Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- University Heart and Vascular Centre, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fernando S. Schlindwein
- School of Engineering, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - G. André Ng
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
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34
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Tung R, Burris R, Salazar P, Aziz Z. Human Recordings of Left Atrial Epicardial-Endocardial Asynchrony During Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2021; 15:e010605. [PMID: 34937391 DOI: 10.1161/circep.121.010605] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roderick Tung
- The University of Chicago Medicine, Center for Arrhythmia Care, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Ryan Burris
- The University of Chicago Medicine, Center for Arrhythmia Care, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Pablo Salazar
- The University of Chicago Medicine, Center for Arrhythmia Care, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Zaid Aziz
- The University of Chicago Medicine, Center for Arrhythmia Care, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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35
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de Groot NMS, Shah D, Boyle PM, Anter E, Clifford GD, Deisenhofer I, Deneke T, van Dessel P, Doessel O, Dilaveris P, Heinzel FR, Kapa S, Lambiase PD, Lumens J, Platonov PG, Ngarmukos T, Martinez JP, Sanchez AO, Takahashi Y, Valdigem BP, van der Veen AJ, Vernooy K, Casado-Arroyo Co-Chair R. Critical appraisal of technologies to assess electrical activity during atrial fibrillation: a position paper from the European Heart Rhythm Association and European Society of Cardiology Working Group on eCardiology in collaboration with the Heart Rhythm Society, Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, Latin American Heart Rhythm Society and Computing in Cardiology. Europace 2021; 24:313-330. [PMID: 34878119 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We aim to provide a critical appraisal of basic concepts underlying signal recording and processing technologies applied for (i) atrial fibrillation (AF) mapping to unravel AF mechanisms and/or identifying target sites for AF therapy and (ii) AF detection, to optimize usage of technologies, stimulate research aimed at closing knowledge gaps, and developing ideal AF recording and processing technologies. Recording and processing techniques for assessment of electrical activity during AF essential for diagnosis and guiding ablative therapy including body surface electrocardiograms (ECG) and endo- or epicardial electrograms (EGM) are evaluated. Discussion of (i) differences in uni-, bi-, and multi-polar (omnipolar/Laplacian) recording modes, (ii) impact of recording technologies on EGM morphology, (iii) global or local mapping using various types of EGM involving signal processing techniques including isochronal-, voltage- fractionation-, dipole density-, and rotor mapping, enabling derivation of parameters like atrial rate, entropy, conduction velocity/direction, (iv) value of epicardial and optical mapping, (v) AF detection by cardiac implantable electronic devices containing various detection algorithms applicable to stored EGMs, (vi) contribution of machine learning (ML) to further improvement of signals processing technologies. Recording and processing of EGM (or ECG) are the cornerstones of (body surface) mapping of AF. Currently available AF recording and processing technologies are mainly restricted to specific applications or have technological limitations. Improvements in AF mapping by obtaining highest fidelity source signals (e.g. catheter-electrode combinations) for signal processing (e.g. filtering, digitization, and noise elimination) is of utmost importance. Novel acquisition instruments (multi-polar catheters combined with improved physical modelling and ML techniques) will enable enhanced and automated interpretation of EGM recordings in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasja M S de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Delft University of Technology, Delft the Netherlands
| | - Dipen Shah
- Cardiology Service, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick M Boyle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elad Anter
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Gari D Clifford
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Isabel Deisenhofer
- Department of Electrophysiology, German Heart Center Munich and Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Deneke
- Department of Cardiology, Rhon-klinikum Campus Bad Neustadt, Germany
| | - Pascal van Dessel
- Department of Cardiology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Olaf Doessel
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Polychronis Dilaveris
- 1st University Department of Cardiology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Frank R Heinzel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
| | - Suraj Kapa
- Department of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | | | - Joost Lumens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM) Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Pyotr G Platonov
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tachapong Ngarmukos
- Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Juan Pablo Martinez
- Aragon Institute of Engineering Research/IIS-Aragon and University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain, CIBER Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alejandro Olaya Sanchez
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital San José, Fundacion Universitaia de Ciencas de la Salud, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Yoshihide Takahashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bruno P Valdigem
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Rede D'or São Luiz, hospital Albert einstein and Dante pazzanese heart institute, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Alle-Jan van der Veen
- Department Circuits and Systems, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin Vernooy
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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36
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DeLurgio DB, Gill JS, Ahsan S, Kaba RA, Plasseraud KM, Halkos ME. Hybrid Convergent Procedure for the Treatment of Persistent and Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2021; 10:198-204. [PMID: 34777825 PMCID: PMC8576514 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2021.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances have been made in AF treatment, including the role of early rhythm control and landmark clinical trials using ablation therapy. However, some treatment gaps remain, including the creation of durable lesions outside the pulmonary veins and effective treatment of longstanding persistent AF. A novel epicardial-endocardial ablation approach - the hybrid convergent procedure - was developed to combine surgical and catheter ablation techniques into a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to managing AF. In this review, the authors discuss recently published data on hybrid convergent ablation, including results of the CONVERGE clinical trial, in the context of current challenges to treatment of persistent and long-standing persistent AF. The review also aims to provide perspective on outstanding questions and future directions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Riyaz A Kaba
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Li X, Shi X, Handa BS, Sau A, Zhang B, Qureshi NA, Whinnett ZI, Linton NWF, Lim PB, Kanagaratnam P, Peters NS, Ng FS. Classification of Fibrillation Organisation Using Electrocardiograms to Guide Mechanism-Directed Treatments. Front Physiol 2021; 12:712454. [PMID: 34858198 PMCID: PMC8632359 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.712454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are complex heart rhythm disorders and may be sustained by distinct electrophysiological mechanisms. Disorganised self-perpetuating multiple-wavelets and organised rotational drivers (RDs) localising to specific areas are both possible mechanisms by which fibrillation is sustained. Determining the underlying mechanisms of fibrillation may be helpful in tailoring treatment strategies. We investigated whether global fibrillation organisation, a surrogate for fibrillation mechanism, can be determined from electrocardiograms (ECGs) using band-power (BP) feature analysis and machine learning. Methods: In this study, we proposed a novel ECG classification framework to differentiate fibrillation organisation levels. BP features were derived from surface ECGs and fed to a linear discriminant analysis classifier to predict fibrillation organisation level. Two datasets, single-channel ECGs of rat VF (n = 9) and 12-lead ECGs of human AF (n = 17), were used for model evaluation in a leave-one-out (LOO) manner. Results: The proposed method correctly predicted the organisation level from rat VF ECG with the sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 80%, and accuracy of 78%, and from clinical AF ECG with the sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 92%, and accuracy of 88%. Conclusion: Our proposed method can distinguish between AF/VF of different global organisation levels non-invasively from the ECG alone. This may aid in patient selection and guiding mechanism-directed tailored treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xili Shi
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Balvinder S. Handa
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arunashis Sau
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bowen Zhang
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Norman A. Qureshi
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zachary I. Whinnett
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nick W. F. Linton
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Phang Boon Lim
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Prapa Kanagaratnam
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas S. Peters
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fu Siong Ng
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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38
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Quah JX, Dharmaprani D, Lahiri A, Tiver K, Ganesan AN. Reconceptualising Atrial Fibrillation Using Renewal Theory: A Novel Approach to the Assessment of Atrial Fibrillation Dynamics. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2021; 10:77-84. [PMID: 34401179 PMCID: PMC8335853 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2020.42] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a century of research, the mechanisms of AF remain unresolved. A universal motif within AF research has been unstable re-entry, but this remains poorly characterised, with competing key conceptual paradigms of multiple wavelets and more driving rotors. Understanding the mechanisms of AF is clinically relevant, especially with regard to treatment and ablation of the more persistent forms of AF. Here, the authors outline the surprising but reproducible finding that unstable re-entrant circuits are born and destroyed at quasi-stationary rates, a finding based on a branch of mathematics known as renewal theory. Renewal theory may be a way to potentially unify the multiple wavelet and rotor theories. The renewal rate constants are potentially attractive because they are temporally stable parameters of a defined probability distribution (the exponential distribution) and can be estimated with precision and accuracy due to the principles of renewal theory. In this perspective review, this new representational architecture for AF is explained and placed into context, and the clinical and mechanistic implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xian Quah
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dhani Dharmaprani
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anandaroop Lahiri
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kathryn Tiver
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anand N Ganesan
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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39
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Schotten U, Lee S, Zeemering S, Waldo AL. Paradigm shifts in electrophysiological mechanisms of atrial fibrillation. Europace 2021; 23:ii9-ii13. [PMID: 33837750 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the sequence of activation is a major source of information for understanding the electrophysiological mechanism(s) of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the complex morphology of the electrograms hampers their analysis, and has stimulated generations of electrophysiologists to develop a large variety of technologies for recording, pre-processing, and analysis of fibrillation electrograms. This variability of approaches is mirrored by a large variability in the interpretation of fibrillation electrograms and, thereby, opinions regarding the basic electrophysiological mechanism(s) of AF vary widely. Multiple wavelets, different types of re-entry including rotors, double layers, multiple focal activation patterns all have been advocated, and a comprehensive and commonly accepted paradigm for the fundamental mechanisms of AF is still lacking. Here, we summarize the Maastricht perspective and Cleveland perspective regarding AF mechanism(s). We also describe some of the key observations in mapping of AF reported over the past decades, and how they changed over the years, often as results of new techniques introduced in the experimental field of AF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Universiteitssingel 50 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Seungyup Lee
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Universiteitssingel 50 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Albert L Waldo
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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40
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Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: The Role of Left Atrial Posterior Wall Isolation and Ablation Strategies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10143129. [PMID: 34300301 PMCID: PMC8304563 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10143129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a global disease with rapidly rising incidence and prevalence. It is associated with a higher risk of stroke, dementia, cognitive decline, sudden and cardiovascular death, heart failure and impairment in quality of life. The disease is a major burden on the healthcare system. Paroxysmal AF is typically managed with medications or endocardial catheter ablation to good effect. However, a large proportion of patients with AF have persistent or long-standing persistent AF, which are more complex forms of the condition and thus more difficult to treat. This is in part due to the progressive electro-anatomical changes that occur with AF persistence and the spread of arrhythmogenic triggers and substrates outside of the pulmonary veins. The posterior wall of the left atrium is a common site for these changes and has become a target of ablation strategies to treat these more resistant forms of AF. In this review, we discuss the role of the posterior left atrial wall in persistent and long-standing persistent AF, the limitations of current endocardial-focused treatment strategies, and future perspectives on hybrid epicardial–endocardial approaches to posterior wall isolation or ablation.
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41
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Pope MT, Kuklik P, Briosa E Gala A, Leo M, Mahmoudi M, Paisey J, Betts TR. Spatial and temporal variability of rotational, focal, and irregular activity: Practical implications for mapping of atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:2393-2403. [PMID: 34260134 PMCID: PMC9290790 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Charge density mapping of atrial fibrillation (AF) reveals dynamic localized rotational activation (LRA), irregular activation (LIA) and focal firing (FF). Their spatial stability, conduction characteristics and the optimal duration of mapping required to reveal these phenomena and has not been explored. METHODS Bi-atrial mapping of AF propagation was undertaken using AcQMap (Acutus Medical) and variability of activation patterns quantified up to a duration of 30 s. The frequency of each pattern was quantified at each unique point of the chamber over two separate 30-s recordings before ablation and R2 calculated to quantify spatial stability. Regions with the highest frequency were identified at increasing time durations and compared to the result over 30 s using Cohen's kappa. Properties of regions with the most stable patterns were assessed during sinus rhythm and extrastimulus pacing. RESULTS In 21 patients, 62 paired LA and RA maps were obtained. LIA was highly spatially stable with R2 between maps of 0.83 (0.71-0.88) compared to 0.39 (0.24-0.57), and 0.64 (0.54-0.73) for LRA and FF, respectively. LIA was most temporally stable with a kappa of >0.8 reached by 12 s. LRA showed greatest variability with kappa >0.8 only after 22 s. Regions of LIA were of normal voltage amplitude (1.09 mv) but showed increased conduction heterogeneity during extrastimulus pacing (p = .0480). CONCLUSION Irregular activation patterns characterized by changing wavefront direction are temporally and spatially stable in contrast with LRA that is transient with least spatial stability. Focal activation appears of intermediate stability. Regions of LIA show increased heterogeneity following extrastimulus pacing and may represent fixed anatomical substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tb Pope
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Pawel Kuklik
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Clinic St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andre Briosa E Gala
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Milena Leo
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | - John Paisey
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Timothy R Betts
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,University of Oxford Biomedical Research Center, Oxford, UK
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42
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Clarke JRD, Piccini JP, Friedman DJ. The role of posterior wall isolation in catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:2567-2576. [PMID: 34258794 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The left atrial posterior wall has many embryologic, anatomic, and electrophysiologic characteristics, that are important for the initiation and maintenance of persistent atrial fibrillation. The left atrial posterior wall is a potential target for ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, a population in whom pulmonary vein isolation alone has resulted in unsatisfactory recurrence rates. Published clinical studies report conflicting results on the safety and efficacy of posterior wall isolation. Emerging technologies including optimized use of radiofrequency ablation, pulse field ablation, and combined endocardial/epicardial ablation may optimize approaches to posterior wall isolation and reduce the risk of injury to nearby structures such as the esophagus. Critical evaluation of future and ongoing clinical studies of posterior wall isolation requires careful scrutiny of many characteristics, including intraprocedural definition of posterior wall isolation, concomitant extrapulmonary vein ablation, and study endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- John-Ross D Clarke
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan P Piccini
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center & Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel J Friedman
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center & Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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43
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De Martino G, Compagnucci P, Mancusi C, Vassallo E, Calvanese C, Della Ratta G, Librera M, Franciulli M, Marino L, Russo AD, Casella M. Stepwise endo-/epicardial catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: The Mediterranea approach. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:2107-2115. [PMID: 34216076 PMCID: PMC8457187 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) among patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) are largely disappointing. Objective We sought to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of a single‐stage stepwise endo‐/epicardial approach in patients with persistent/longstanding‐persistent AF. Methods We enrolled 25 consecutive patients with symptomatic persistent (n = 4) or longstanding‐persistent (n = 21) AF and at least one prior endocardial procedure, who underwent CA using an endo‐/epicardial approach. Our anatomical stepwise protocol included multiple endocardial as well as epicardial (Bachmann's bundle [BB] and ligament of Marshall ablations) components, and entailed ablation of atrial tachycardias emerging during the procedure. The primary outcome was freedom from any AF/atrial tachycardia episode after a 3‐month blanking period. The secondary outcome was patients' symptom status during follow‐up. Results The stepwise endo‐/epicardial approach allowed sinus rhythm restoration in 72% of patients, either directly (n = 6, 24%) or after AF organization into atrial tachycardia (n = 12, 48%). BB's ablation was commonly implicated in arrhythmia termination. After a median follow‐up of 266 days (interquartile range, 96 days), survival free from AF/atrial tachycardia was 88%. Antiarrhythmic drugs could be discontinued in 22 patients (88%). As compared to baseline, more patients were asymptomatic at 9‐month follow‐up (0% vs. 56%, p = .02). Five patients (20%) developed mild medical complications, whereas one subject (4%) had severe kidney injury requiring dialysis. Conclusion A single‐stage endo‐/epicardial CA resulted in favorable rhythm and symptom outcomes in a cohort of patients with symptomatic persistent/longstanding‐persistent AF and one or more prior endocardial procedures. Epicardial ablation of BB was commonly implicated in procedural success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Compagnucci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Cardiology and Arrhythmology Clinic, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti", Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carmine Mancusi
- Arrhythmology and Heart Failure Unit, Mediterranea Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Vassallo
- Arrhythmology and Heart Failure Unit, Mediterranea Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Calvanese
- Arrhythmology and Heart Failure Unit, Mediterranea Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Luigi Marino
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Mediterranea Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Dello Russo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Cardiology and Arrhythmology Clinic, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti", Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michela Casella
- Department of Clinical, Special, and Dental Sciences, Cardiology and Arrhythmology Clinic, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti", Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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44
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Investigational Anti-Atrial Fibrillation Pharmacology and Mechanisms by Which Antiarrhythmics Terminate the Arrhythmia: Where Are We in 2020? J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 76:492-505. [PMID: 33165131 PMCID: PMC7641178 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antiarrhythmic drugs remain the mainstay therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A major disadvantage of the currently available anti-AF agents is the risk of induction of ventricular proarrhythmias. Aiming to reduce this risk, several atrial-specific or -selective ion channel block approaches have been introduced for AF suppression, but only the atrial-selective inhibition of the sodium channel has been demonstrated to be valid in both experimental and clinical studies. Among the other pharmacological anti-AF approaches, “upstream therapy” has been prominent but largely disappointing, and pulmonary delivery of anti-AF drugs seems to be promising. Major contradictions exist in the literature about the electrophysiological mechanisms of AF (ie, reentry or focal?) and the mechanisms by which anti-AF drugs terminate AF, making the search for novel anti-AF approaches largely empirical. Drug-induced termination of AF may or may not be associated with prolongation of the atrial effective refractory period. Anti-AF drug research has been largely based on the “suppress reentry” ideology; however, results of the AF mapping studies increasingly indicate that nonreentrant mechanism(s) plays an important role in the maintenance of AF. Also, the analysis of anti-AF drug-induced electrophysiological alterations during AF, conducted in the current study, leans toward the focal source as the prime mechanism of AF maintenance. More effort should be placed on the investigation of pharmacological suppression of the focal mechanisms.
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45
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Szilágyi J, Sághy L. Atrial Remodeling in Atrial Fibrillation. Comorbidities and Markers of Disease Progression Predict Catheter Ablation Outcome. Curr Cardiol Rev 2021; 17:217-229. [PMID: 32693769 PMCID: PMC8226201 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x16666200721153620] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia affecting an increasing proportion of the population in which mainstream therapy, i.e. catheter ablation, provides freedom from arrhythmia in only a limited number of patients. Understanding the mechanism is key in order to find more effective therapies and to improve patient selection. In this review, the structural and electrophysiological changes of the atrial musculature that constitute atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillaton and how risk factors and markers of disease progression can predict catheter ablation outcome will be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Szilágyi
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Sághy
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Chaumont C, Suffee N, Gandjbakhch E, Balse E, Anselme F, Hatem SN. Epicardial origin of cardiac arrhythmias: clinical evidences and pathophysiology. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:1693-1702. [PMID: 34152392 PMCID: PMC9215195 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in imaging, mapping, and ablation techniques have shown that the epicardial region of the heart is a key player in the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmic events in several cardiac diseases, such as Brugada syndrome, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, or dilated cardiomyopathy. At the atrial level as well, the epicardial region has emerged as an important determinant of the substrate of atrial fibrillation, pointing to common underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Alteration in the gradient of repolarization between myocardial layers favouring the occurrence of re-entry circuits has largely been described. The fibro-fatty infiltration of the subepicardium is another shared substrate between ventricular and atrial arrhythmias. Recent data have emphasized the role of the epicardial reactivation in the formation of this arrhythmogenic substrate. There are new evidences supporting this structural remodelling process to be regulated by the recruitment of epicardial progenitor cells that can differentiate into adipocytes or fibroblasts under various stimuli. In addition, immune-inflammatory processes can also contribute to fibrosis of the subepicardial layer. A better understanding of such ‘electrical fragility’ of the epicardial area will open perspectives for novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. In this review article, a pathophysiological scheme of epicardial-driven arrhythmias will be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corentin Chaumont
- Cardiology Department, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,FHU REMOD-VHF, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1096, F76000, France
| | - Nadine Suffee
- INSERM UMRS1166, ICAN-Institute of CardioMetabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne University, Institute of Cardiology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Estelle Gandjbakhch
- INSERM UMRS1166, ICAN-Institute of CardioMetabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne University, Institute of Cardiology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Elise Balse
- INSERM UMRS1166, ICAN-Institute of CardioMetabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne University, Institute of Cardiology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Anselme
- Cardiology Department, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,FHU REMOD-VHF, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1096, F76000, France
| | - Stéphane N Hatem
- INSERM UMRS1166, ICAN-Institute of CardioMetabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne University, Institute of Cardiology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
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Novel insights in pathophysiology of postoperative atrial fibrillation. JTCVS OPEN 2021; 6:120-129. [PMID: 36003566 PMCID: PMC9390318 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Atrial extrasystoles are usually benign; however, they can also trigger atrial fibrillation. It is most likely that if atrial extrasystoles provoke a larger amount of conduction disorders and a greater degree of endo-epicardial asynchrony, the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation increases. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of programmed atrial extrasystoles on endo-epicardial conduction and postoperative atrial fibrillation. Methods Twelve patients (58% male, age 68 ± 7 years) underwent simultaneous endo-epicardial mapping (256 electrodes) of the right atrium during sinus rhythm and programmed atrial extrasystoles provoked from the right atrial free wall. Areas of conduction block were defined as conduction delays of ≥12 milliseconds and endo-epicardial asynchrony as activation time differences of exact opposite electrodes of ≥15 milliseconds. Results Endo-epicardial mapping data of all programmed atrial extrasystoles were analyzed and compared with sinus rhythm (median preceding cycle length = 531 milliseconds [345-787] and median sinus rhythm cycle length = 843 milliseconds [701-992]). All programmed atrial extrasystoles were aberrant (severe, moderate, and mildly aberrant, respectively, n = 6, 3, and 3) and had a mean prematurity index of 50.1 ± 11.9%. The amount of endo-epicardial asynchrony (1% [1-2] vs 6.7 [2.7-16.9], P = .006) and conduction block (1.4% [0.6-2.6] vs 8.5% [4.2-10.4], P = .005) both increased during programmed atrial extrasystoles. Interestingly, conduction block during programmed atrial extrasystoles was more severe in patients (n = 4, 33.3%) who developed postoperative atrial fibrillation (5.1% [2.9-8.8] vs 11.3% [10.1-12.1], P = .004). Conclusions Atrial conduction disorders and endo-epicardial asynchrony, which play an important role in arrhythmogenesis, are enhanced during programmed atrial extrasystoles compared with sinus rhythm. The findings of this pilot study provide a possible explanation for enhanced vulnerability for postoperative atrial extrasystoles to induce postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients after cardiac surgery.
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Van Nieuwenhuyse E, Martinez-Mateu L, Saiz J, Panfilov AV, Vandersickel N. Directed graph mapping exceeds phase mapping in discriminating true and false rotors detected with a basket catheter in a complex in-silico excitation pattern. Comput Biol Med 2021; 133:104381. [PMID: 33901713 PMCID: PMC8204274 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently encountered arrhythmia in clinical practise. One of the major problems in the management of AF is the difficulty in identifying the arrhythmia sources from clinical recordings. That difficulty occurs because it is currently impossible to verify algorithms which determine these sources in clinical data, as high resolution true excitation patterns cannot be recorded in patients. Therefore, alternative approaches, like computer modelling are of great interest. In a recent published study such an approach was applied for the verification of one of the most commonly used algorithms, phase mapping (PM). A meandering rotor was simulated in the right atrium and a basket catheter was placed at 3 different locations: at the Superior Vena Cava (SVC), the Crista Terminalis (CT) and at the Coronary Sinus (CS). It was shown that although PM can identify the true source, it also finds several false sources due to the far-field effects and interpolation errors in all three positions. In addition, the detection efficiency strongly depended on the basket location. Recently, a novel tool was developed to analyse any arrhythmia called Directed Graph Mapping (DGM). DGM is based on network theory and creates a directed graph of the excitation pattern, from which the location and the source of the arrhythmia can be detected. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to compare the efficiency of DGM with PM on the basket dataset of this meandering rotor. The DGM-tool was applied for a wide variety of conduction velocities (minimal and maximal), which are input parameters of DGM. Overall we found that DGM was able to distinguish between the true rotor and false rotors for both the SVC and CT basket positions. For example, for the SVC position with a CVmin=0.01cmms, DGM detected the true core with a prevalence of 82% versus 94% for PM. Three false rotors where detected for 39.16% (DGM) versus 100% (PM); 22.64% (DGM) versus 100% (PM); and 0% (DGM) versus 57% (PM). Increasing CVmin to 0.02cmms had a stronger effect on the false rotors than on the true rotor. This led to a detection rate of 56.6% for the true rotor, while all the other false rotors disappeared. A similar trend was observed for the CT position. For the CS position, DGM already had a low performance for the true rotor for CVmin=0.01cmms (14.7%). For CVmin=0.02cmms the false and the true rotors could therefore not be distinguished. We can conclude that DGM can overcome some of the limitations of PM by varying one of its input parameters (CVmin). The true rotor is less dependent on this parameter than the false rotors, which disappear at a CVmin=0.02cmms. In order to increase to detection rate of the true rotor, one can decrease CVmin and discard the new rotors which also appear at lower values of CVmin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Martinez-Mateu
- Departamento de Teoría de La Señal y Las Comunicaciones y Sistemas Telemáticos y Computación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Saiz
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alexander V Panfilov
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia; World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nele Vandersickel
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Hemam ME, Dave AS, Rodríguez-Mañero M, Valderrábano M. Epiphenomenal Re-Entry and Spurious Focal Activation Detection by Atrial Fibrillation Mapping Algorithms. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2021; 7:923-932. [PMID: 33812838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to validate the ability of mapping algorithms to detect rotational activations (RoA) and focal activations (FoA) during fibrillatory conduction (FC) and atrial fibrillation (AF) and understand their mechanistic relevance. BACKGROUND Mapping algorithms have been proposed to detect RoA and FoA to guide AF ablation. METHODS Rapid left atrial pacing created FC-fibrillatory electrograms-with and without AF induction in dogs (n = 17). Activation maps were constructed using Topera (Abbott, St. Paul, Minnesota) or CARTOFINDER (Biosense Webster, Irvine, California) algorithms. Mapping strategies included: panoramic noncontact mapping with a basket catheter (CARTOFINDER n = 6, Topera n = 5); and sequential contact mapping using 8-spline OctaRay catheter (Biosense Webster) (n = 6). Offline frequency and spectral analysis were also performed. Algorithm-detected RoA was manually verified. RESULTS The right atrium (RA) consistently exhibited fibrillatory signals during FC. FC with and without AF had similar left-to-right frequency gradients. Basket maps were either uninterpretable (847 of 990 Topera, 132 of 148 Cartofinder) or had unverifiable RoA. OctaRay contact mapping showed 4% RoA (n = 30 of 679) and 63% FoA (n = 429 of 679). Verified RoA clustered at consistent sites, was more common in the RA than left atrium (odds ratio: 3.5), and colocalized with sites of frequency breakdown in the crista terminalis and RA appendage. During pacing, spurious FoA sites were identified around the atria, but not at the actual pacing sites. RoA and FoA site distribution was similar during pacing with and without induction, and during induced AF. CONCLUSIONS Mapping algorithms were unable to detect pacing sites as true drivers of FC, and detected epiphenomenal RoA and FoA sites unrelated to AF induction or maintenance. Algorithm-detected RoA and FoA did not identify true AF drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd E Hemam
- Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Amish S Dave
- Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Moisés Rodríguez-Mañero
- Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Miguel Valderrábano
- Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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van der Does LJME, Starreveld R, Kharbanda RK, Knops P, Kik C, Bogers AJJC, de Groot NMS. Detection of Endo-epicardial Asynchrony in the Atrial Wall Using One-Sided Unipolar and Bipolar Electrograms. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2021; 14:902-911. [PMID: 33782858 PMCID: PMC8575733 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-021-10111-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endo-epicardial asynchrony (EEA) is a new mechanism possibly maintaining atrial fibrillation. We aimed to determine the sensitivity and best recording modus to detect EEA on electrograms recorded from one atrial side using electrogram fractionation. Simultaneously obtained right atrial endo- and epicardial electrograms from 22 patients demonstrating EEA were selected. Unipolar and (converted) bipolar electrograms were analyzed for presence and characteristics of fractionation corresponding to EEA. Sensitivity of presence of EEA corresponding fractionation was high in patients (86-96%) and moderately high (65-78%) for the asynchronous surface area for unipolar and bipolar electrograms equally. In bipolar electrograms, signal-to-noise ratio of EEA corresponding fractionation decreased and additional fractionation increased for electrograms recorded at the endocardium. Sensitivity of fractionation corresponding to EEA is high for both unipolar and bipolar electrograms. Unipolar electrograms are more suited for detection of EEA due to a larger signal-to-noise ratio and less disturbance of additional fractionation. Unipolar electrograms are more suited than bipolar electrograms to detect endo-epicardial asynchrony on one side of the atrial wall using electrogram fractionation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roeliene Starreveld
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rohit K Kharbanda
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul Knops
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Charles Kik
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ad J J C Bogers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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