JCS/JHRS 2021 Guideline Focused Update on Non-Pharmacotherapy of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Feasibility of combined therapy: percutaneous left atrial appendage closure and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often present with concomitant significant mitral regurgitation (MR). Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is indicated for patients with AF to prevent thromboembolism and reduce the need for long-term anticoagulation. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is recommended for patients with significant MR. However, the feasibility and efficacy of combining these therapeutic interventions remain uncertain. This study included consecutive patients who underwent LAAC. Feasibility was assessed by comparing outcomes between those undergoing combined LAAC + TEER and those receiving LAAC alone. Among 192 patients, 11 underwent the combined LAAC + TEER procedure, while 181 underwent LAAC alone. Procedural success was high in both groups (100% vs. 99%). At the 1-year follow-up, the incidence of significant device leak and device-related thrombus did not differ significantly between the groups (0% vs. 1.1% and 0% vs. 6.7%, respectively; p > 0.05 for both). Additionally, the cumulative incidence of thromboembolic and bleeding events was comparable between the two groups (thromboembolic p = 0.57 and bleeding p = 0.42). The combination of LAAC + TEER may be a feasible and effective therapeutic strategy when performed in carefully selected patients at high-volume, experienced centers.

Current Real-World Status of Off-Label Under- and Over-Dose of Direct Oral Anticoagulants After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

BACKGROUND

Off-label under- and overdosing of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is not uncommon in real-world practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify efficacy and safety of off-label DOACs dose after AF ablation.

METHODS

The RYOUMA registry was a prospective multicenter study of Japanese patients who underwent AF ablation between 2017 and 2018. DOAC prescriptions were categorized into on-label standard dose, on-label reduced dose, off-label underdose, and off-label overdose.

RESULTS

The proportion of off-label doses among patients after AF ablation varied depending on the type of DOAC, ranging from 13.5% to 34.9%. Of 2821 patients, 366 (13.0%) were prescribed an off-label underdose and exhibited significantly higher CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, CHA2DS2-VA, HELT-E2S2, and HAS-BLED scores, age, concomitant use of antiplatelets, and lower weight when compared to the on-label standard dose (n = 1809). While the incidence of ischemic stroke after 1 year of off-label underdose was notably low (0.28%), the rate of major bleeding was relatively high (1.7%). Off-label overdose was prescribed to 134 patients (4.8%), who showed a significantly higher incidence of major bleeding (3.0%) compared to on-label standard dose (0.91%; p = 0.02). The off-label overdose group did not have any particular background and its thromboembolic risk was, conversely, low. The most likely cause of off-label overdose was clinicians potentially overlooking dose criteria, including advanced age, low body weight, and low creatinine clearance.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients after AF ablation, off-label DOAC overdose was infrequent, but significantly associated with higher incidence of major bleeding during the remote period after AF ablation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered as UMIN000026092 (University Hospital Medical Information Network-Clinical Trial Registry).

Real-world antithrombotic strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation and recently developed acute coronary syndrome

Background

The antithrombotic strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease following percutaneous coronary intervention is shifting towards less intensive. Nevertheless, for patients with AF and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), an optimal antithrombotic strategy is yet to be established.

Methods and results

We conducted a multi-center cohort study involving 146 Japanese centers that had prospectively registered 460 patients with AF and ACS followed for 2 years. Primary endpoint was the composite of thrombotic and bleeding events, and secondary endpoints included heart failure hospitalization. At the time of study registration, 86 % of participants had received direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and 75 % had received aspirin-based triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) between March 2017 and August 2019. Apixaban was the most frequently used DOAC (29 %). While the proportion of anticoagulants did not change according to the time course, the intensity of antiplatelets significantly attenuated over time (dual antiplatelet at baseline: 75 %, and at 2-years: 7 %). The cumulative incidence of the primary outcome measure was similar in patients with warfarin and DOACs. However, the risk of heart failure hospitalization was significantly higher in those with warfarin compared to DOACs (Hazard ratio: 2.8, 95 % confidence interval: 1.1-5.8, p = 0.022).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest the appropriate optimization of antithrombotic medication balancing in patients with AF and ACS in Japan by reducing the intensity of antiplatelets during the study period.

Incidence and Predictors of Appropriate Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy in Japanese Ischemic Heart Disease Patients

BACKGROUND

Although the efficacy of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in preventing sudden cardiac death is well established, the incidence and predictors of appropriate ICD therapy in Japanese ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients remain unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively studied Japanese 141 IHD patients undergoing transvenous ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation for primary or secondary prevention at Hirosaki University Hospital. Over a mean (±SD) follow-up period of 5.5±2.8 years, the incidence of appropriate ICD therapy was similar in the primary and secondary prevention groups, although it was relatively more frequent in the first 2 years in the secondary prevention group. Four patients died due to sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF), mainly due to post-shock pulseless electrical activity. Once patients had received their first appropriate ICD therapy, 49.2% received second appropriate ICD therapy within 6 months. Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that sustained VT as an index life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia before ICD/CRT-D implantation was an independent predictor of appropriate ICD therapy, but VF was not.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of appropriate ICD therapy was comparable in primary and secondary prevention among Japanese IHD patients. We need to recognize the high-risk period for second appropriate ICD therapy after the first therapy and sustained VT as index life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia as a risk factor for appropriate ICD therapy.

Validity of HELT-E2S2 Score in Predicting Ischemic Stroke in Japanese Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

BACKGROUND

The HELT-E2S2score, a novel risk stratification system, was developed to determine the incidence of ischemic stroke in Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). It has been suggested that the HELT-E2S2score is more useful than the CHADS2and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for Japanese patients with NVAF. This study determined the incidence of ischemic stroke in patients with NVAF and cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and assessed the validity of the HELT-E2S2score in this population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively analyzed the database of the CIED clinic of Chiba University Hospital and investigated the incidence of ischemic stroke according to the HELT-E2S2score. Of the 730 consecutive patients who were followed-up at the CIED clinic, those without NVAF were excluded, leaving 362 patients in this study (mean [±SD] follow-up period, 64±48 months; mean age, 73±16 years; 65% male). The mean CHADS2and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 1.8±1.2 and 2.8±1.6 points, respectively. During follow-up, 31 (8.6%) patients experienced ischemic stroke. The c-statistic for the HELT-E2S2score was 0.719 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.657-0.795), which was higher than the c-statistics for the CHADS2(0.704; 95% CI 0.647-0.768; P=0.025) and CHA2DS2-VASc (0.700; 95% CI:0.621-0.747; P=0.0097) scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk stratification for ischemic stroke using the HELT-E2S2score is valid in Japanese patients with NVAF and CIEDs.

Impact of Angiographically Detected Residual Trabeculation After Left Atrial Appendage Closure Using the WATCHMAN Device: Insight From the OCEAN-LAAC Registry

BACKGROUND

Research on the impact of angiographically detected residual trabeculation after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is limited.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and clinical implications of angiographically detected residual trabeculation after LAAC using the WATCHMAN device.

METHODS

We analyzed 1350 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing LAAC using the WATCHMAN device from the OCEAN-LAAC registry, which is a prospective ongoing, multicenter Japanese registry. The inclusion criteria comprised patients who successfully underwent LAAC and whose presence or absence of residual trabeculation can be confirmed using a contrast medium. The clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without angiographically detected residual trabeculation.

RESULTS

Residual trabeculation was angiographically detected in 5.6% (75/1350 patients). At the procedure, the proportion of peri-device leak (PDL) was significantly higher in the residual trabeculation group than in the non-residual trabeculation group (20% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.001). However, the PDL and device-related thrombosis at 45 days and 1 year were comparable between the two groups (37% vs. 23%, p = 0.24; 28% vs. 31%, p = 0.84; 2.1% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.50; 6.9% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.69, respectively). The 3-year cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke, all cardiovascular death, and all-cause death were comparable between the two groups (5.7% vs. 5.5%, log-rank p = 0.96; 7.7% vs. 8.9%, log-rank p = 0.34, 31.4% vs. 22.3%, log-rank p = 0.71, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The angiographically detected residual trabeculation rate was 5.6%, and this population had a significantly higher prevalence of PDL at the procedure. However, the presence of residual trabeculation did not contribute to PDL or device-related thrombosis at follow-up or affect the clinical outcomes.

Management strategies to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and malignant left atrial appendage

BACKGROUND

Patients with atrial fibrillation and malignant left atrial appendage (LAA) may benefit from LAA closure (LAAC); however, evidence is limited.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine management strategies and clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and malignant LAA.

METHODS

Malignant LAA was defined as a history of ischemic stroke and/or evidence of LAA thrombus despite continuous oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy (continuous for ≥3 weeks). We studied 80 patients with malignant LAA treated with LAAC. We compared these patients first against 44 patients with malignant LAA treated with OAC alone and second against 114 patients without malignant LAA who were treated with LAAC for conventional indications.

RESULTS

Among patients with malignant LAA (first comparison), those treated with LAAC had a higher 1-year cumulative incidence rate of ischemic stroke than did patients treated with OAC alone (6.3% vs 5.3%; log-rank, P = .09) whereas the difference in stroke risk while receiving OAC was comparable (2.7% vs 5.3%; log-rank, P = .84). Furthermore, all disabling stroke events in patients with malignant LAA treated with LAAC occurred only while not receiving OAC. Among patients treated with LAAC (second comparison), those with malignant LAA had a higher 1-year cumulative incidence rate of ischemic stroke (and ischemic stroke due to device-related thrombosis) than did those without malignant LAA (6.3% vs 2.2%; log-rank, P = .009 and 2.2% vs 0%; log-rank, P = .04, respectively). However, these differences in stroke risk were no longer significant while receiving OAC (2.7% vs 1.0%; log-rank, P = .11).

CONCLUSION

Combination performing LAAC and continuation of OAC may be options to prevent ischemic stroke in patients with high thromboembolic risk and malignant LAA.

A Case of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy With Recurrent Hemorrhagic and Ischemic Strokes Under Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation

A 68-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) and decreased consciousness. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed areas of high signal intensity, T2* cortical microbleeds (MBs), and cortical superficial siderosis. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) with micro-infarction was diagnosed, and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy was initiated. Due to increasing MBs and intracerebral hemorrhages, DOAC was discontinued. Subsequently, the micro-infarction and MBs abated, and the patient's consciousness gradually improved. Catheter ablation was performed for AF, restoring sinus rhythm. DOAC can be harmful for CAA patients with AF linked to cortical hemorrhage. Thus, it is important to discontinue DOACs for micro-infarctions in cases of CAA with AF.

Cardiac Device-related Infective Endocarditis and Retrosternal Abscess Treated with Percutaneous Lead Extraction and Antimicrobials: A Case Report

An 85-year-old man with a history of 2 open-heart surgeries (for aortic regurgitation and infective endocarditis [IE]) and pacemaker implantation for bradycardic atrial fibrillation presented with a fever. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a pacemaker lead vegetation. Computed tomography showed a retrosternal abscess. He was diagnosed with acute heart failure and IE. Given the high surgical risk due to his age, acute heart failure, and surgical history, we decided against cardiac surgery. After lead extraction, a leadless pacemaker was inserted, and antimicrobial therapy was administered. The patient was discharged on day 48, highlighting a strategy for managing complex cardiac device-related IE.

Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Relatively High His-Bundle Capture Threshold After Permanent His-Bundle Pacing - A Multicenter Clinical Study

Background

Outcomes in patients with relatively high His-bundle (HB) capture thresholds at implantation are unknown. This study aimed to compare changes in the HB capture threshold and prognosis between patients with a relatively high threshold and those with a low threshold.

Methods and Results

Forty-nine patients who underwent permanent HB pacing (HBP) were divided into two groups: low (<1.25 V at 1.0 ms; n=35) and high (1.25-2.49 V; n=14) baseline HB capture threshold groups. The HB capture threshold was evaluated at implantation, and after 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter. HB capture threshold rise was defined as threshold rise ≥1.0 V at 1.0 ms compared with implantation measures. We compared outcomes between the groups. During a mean follow-up period of 34.6 months, the high-threshold group showed a trend toward a higher incidence of HB capture threshold of ≥2.5 V (50% vs. 14%; P=0.023), HBP abandonment (29% vs. 8.6%; P=0.091), lead revision (21% vs. 2.9%; P=0.065), and clinical events (all-cause death, heart failure hospitalization, and new-onset or progression of atrial fibrillation; 50% vs. 23%; P=0.089) than the low-threshold group. A baseline HB capture threshold of ≥1.25V was an independent predictor of clinical events.

Conclusions

A relatively high HB capture threshold is associated with increased risk of HBP abandonment, lead revision, and poor clinical outcomes.

Clinical utility of QRS duration normalized to left ventricular volume for predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy efficacy in patients with "mid-range" QRS duration

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is effective for patients with heart failure with QRS duration (QRSd) ≥150 ms. However, its beneficial effect seems to be limited for those with "mid-range" QRSd (120-149 ms). Recent studies have demonstrated that modifying QRSd to left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV)-modified QRSd-improves the prediction of clinical outcomes of CRT.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical impact of the modified QRSd on the efficacy of CRT in patients with "mid-range" QRSd.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, observational study, with heart failure hospitalization (HFH) after CRT as the primary endpoint. Modified QRSd is defined as QRSd divided by LVEDV, determined through the Teichholtz method of echocardiography.

RESULTS

Among the 506 consecutive patients considered, 119 (mean age 61 ± 15 years; 80% male, QRSd 135 ± 9 ms) with a "mid-range" QRSd who underwent de novo CRT device implantation were included for analysis. During median follow-up of 878 days [interquartile range 381-1663 days], HFH occurred in 45 patients (37%). Fine-Gray analysis revealed modified QRSd was an independent predictor of HFH (hazard ratio [HR] 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96-0.99; P <.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a cutoff value of 0.65 ms/mL for the modified QRSd in predicting HFH. Patients above the threshold exhibited a significantly lower incidence of HFH than patients below the threshold (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.25-0.86; P = .01).

CONCLUSION

Modified QRSd can effectively predict the efficacy of CRT in patients with a "mid-range" QRSd.

Impact of frailty in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation

Background

The relationships between frailty and clinical outcomes in elderly Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) after catheter ablation (CA) have not been established. We evaluated the frailty rate of patients undergoing CA for NVAF, examined whether CA for NVAF improves frailty, and analyzed the CA outcomes of patients with and without frailty.

Methods

Elderly Japanese patients (≥65 years; mean age: 72.8 years) who participated in the real-world ablation therapy with anti-coagulants in management of atrial fibrillation registry and who responded to the frailty screening index survey were included (n = 213). Frailty and AF recurrence were assessed preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months after CA.

Results

Twenty-six patients (12.8%) were frail, 109 (53.7%) were pre-frail, and 68 (33.5%) were robust. Cardiovascular (frailty: 0.5%/person-year; pre-frailty: 0.1%/person-year; robust: 0.1%/person-year) and cardiac (frailty: 0.5%/person-year; pre-frailty: 0.1%/person-year; robust: 0.1%/person-year) events, as well as major bleeding (frailty: 0.3%/person-year; pre-frailty: 0.1%/person-year; robust: 0.1%/person-year), were numerically more frequent in the frailty group. No deaths from cardiovascular or stroke/systemic thromboembolic events occurred. A large proportion of patients did not experience 3-month (frailty: 96.2%; pre-frailty: 96.3%; robust: 88.2%) or 6-month (frailty: 88.5%; pre-frailty: 91.7%; robust: 86.8%) AF recurrence after CA. Weight loss, walking speed, and fatigue improved in the frailty and pre-frailty groups after CA.

Conclusion

Japanese patients aged ≥65 years with frailty or pre-frailty had improved frailty screening index components, such as weight loss, walking speed and fatigue, after CA. Therefore, elderly patients with frailty or pre-frailty may benefit from CA for NVAF.

A leadless pacemaker implantation for a patient with systemic right ventricle under ventricular assist device support

Patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) often develop complete atrioventricular block and heart failure due to the abnormal disposition of atrioventricular node and disadvantage of systemic right ventricle. These issues are managed with a pacing system and a ventricular assist device (VAD), respectively. While technological advances offer new treatment strategies, the simultaneous deployment of a leadless pacemaker and a VAD in cases of ccTGA remains unexplored. Here, we present a case of leadless pacemaker implantation for a VAD-supported ccTGA patient. The safety of a leadless pacemaker for a subpulmonary left ventricle and electromagnetic interference between devices are major concerns when implanting a leadless pacemaker; however, the current case overcomes these obstacles. There were no perioperative complications, and both devices were functioning without problems during a one-year follow up. We expect that, even in patients with cardiac complexity such as systemic right ventricle under VAD support, a leadless pacemaker could become the treatment of choice if the indication is appropriate, although careful and close follow up is needed.

Learning objective

Technological advances expand treatment strategies and provide significant benefits to patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). However, discussion of the combination of a leadless pacemaker and a ventricular assist device (VAD) is rare. We demonstrated the efficacy of a leadless pacemaker for a subpulmonary left ventricle in a patient with systemic right ventricle on VAD. This approach could be an option even for ACHD patients.

Prognostic impact of atrial cardiomyopathy: Long-term follow-up of patients with and without low-voltage areas following atrial fibrillation ablation

BACKGROUND

Atrial cardiomyopathy is known as an underlying pathophysiological factor in the majority of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Left atrial low-voltage areas (LVAs) are reported to coincide with fibrosis and likely represent atrial cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to delineate differences in the long-term prognosis of patients stratified by the size of LVAs.

METHODS

This observational study included 1488 consecutive patients undergoing initial ablation for AF. LVAs were defined as regions with a bipolar peak-to-peak voltage <0.50 mV. The total study population was divided into 3 groups stratified by LVA size: patients with no LVAs (n = 1136); those with small (<20 cm2) LVAs (n = 250) LVAs; and those with extensive (≥20 cm2) LVAs (n = 102). Composite endpoints of death, heart failure, and stroke were followed for up to 5 years.

RESULTS

Composite endpoints developed in 105 of 1488 patients (7.1%), and AF recurrence occurred in 410 (27.6%). Composite endpoints developed more frequently in the order of patients with extensive LVAs (19.1%), small LVAs (10.8%), and no LVAs (5.1%) (P for trend <.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed that LVA presence was independently associated with higher incidence of composite endpoints, irrespective of AF recurrence (modified hazard ratio 1.73; 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.64; P = .011) CONCLUSION: LVA presence and its extent both were associated with poor long-term composite endpoints of death, heart failure, and stroke, irrespective of AF recurrence or other confounders. Underlying atrial cardiomyopathy seems to define a poor prognosis after AF ablation.

Relationship between duration of atrial fibrillation and right heart structure remodeling as assessed by 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography

BACKGROUND

Tricuspid valve (TV) remodeling occurs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the affecting factor related to TV remodeling in AF remains to be elucidated. We sought to explore whether the AF persistence itself affects right heart remodeling.

METHODS

A total of 372 lone AF patients (234 paroxysmal AF [paroxAF] and 138 persistent AF [persAF]) who underwent 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) was retrospectively reviewed. The duration from first-detected episode of AF to the TEE exam date was defined as AF duration.

RESULTS

PersAF patients had a larger TV area index (625.4 vs 719.0 mm2/m2; P < 0.001) and a higher right atrium area-to-right ventricle end-systolic area ratio (RA/RVESA ratio, 1.7 vs 1.9; P = 0.005) than paroxAF patients. The prevalence of AF-tricuspid regurgitation was higher in persAF than in paroxAF patients (1.3% vs 12.3%; P < 0.001). In persAF patients, AF duration was moderately correlated with TV diameter and 3D-TEE-derived TV annular area but not in paroxAF. On multivariable analysis, AF duration was independently associated with TV annular dilatation even after adjustment for RA/RVESA ratio and tricuspid regurgitation severity (β 0.37 [95% CI: 0.77-1.81]; P < 0.001). Additionally, AF duration with cutoff values of 20 months for predicting TV annular dilatation and 37 months for predicting RA/RVESA ratio > 2.1 had both high diagnostic accuracies among persAF patients (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

AF duration itself is independently associated with right heart remodeling in persAF but not in paroxAF, such as TV annular dilatation and predominant RA remodeling which may lead to subsequent TR progression and adverse outcomes.

Short-term antiplatelet versus anticoagulant therapy after left atrial appendage closure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of different antithrombotic regimens after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from their inception to March 2023. Patients were divided into short-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) group and antiplatelet therapy (APT) group. The incidence of events were performed using RevMan 5.4. The events including device-related thrombus (DRT), ischemic stroke/systemic embolization (SE), major bleeding, any bleeding, any major adverse event and all-cause mortality. Subgroup analysis were based on OAC alone or OAC plus single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) in OAC group. Oral anticoagulants include warfarin and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Fourteen studies with 35,166 patients were included. We found that the incidence of DRT (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.36-0.66, P＜0.0001) and all-cause mortality (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57-0.89, P = 0.002) were significantly lower in OAC group than APT group. However, there was no statistical differences in the incidence rates of ischemic stroke/SE (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.49-1.20, P = 0.25), major bleeding (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.55-1.27, P = 0.84), any bleeding (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.56-1.22, P = 0.34) and any major adverse event (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.30-1.03, P = 0.06) in the two groups. Subgroup analysis found that the incidence of DRT, all-cause mortality and any major adverse event in OAC monotherapy were lower than that in APT group (P＜0.05), but not statistically different from other outcome. The incidence of DRT, all-cause mortality, any major adverse event and any bleeding in DOAC were significantly better than APT group (P＜0.05). While warfarin only has better incidence of DRT than APT (P＜0.05), there was no statistical difference between the two groups in other outcome (P＞0.05). The incidence of DRT was significantly lower than APT group (P＜0.05), major bleeding were higher, and the rest of the outcome did not show any statistically significant differences(P＞0.05) when OAC plus SAPT. Based on the existing data, short-term OAC may be favored over APT for patients who undergo LAAC. DOAC monotherapy may be favored over warfarin monotherapy or OAC plus APT, when selecting anticoagulant therapies.

Review of Bleeding and Thrombotic Risks Associated With Antithrombotic Therapy After Transcatheter Structural Heart Interventions

Transcatheter structural heart interventions have drastically evolved over the past 2 decades. However, most catheterization procedures require the deployment of devices in the body; therefore, the adhesion of thrombi to those devices is a major problem, resulting in the requirement of a period of postprocedural antithrombotic regimen. However, in recent years, bleeding associated with these antithrombotic therapies has also become a major concern, attracting the attention of investigators. This is complicated by the fact that patients at high thrombotic risk are also at high bleeding risk, making the issue of administrating antithrombotic therapy challenging. The objective of this review was to identify the important issues and summarize the current status of postoperative antithrombotic therapy and assessment of the bleeding risk following transcatheter structural heart interventions such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, and transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion.

Revisiting predictors of worse atrioventricular valve and left ventricular systolic function following pacemaker therapy

BACKGROUND

Predictors of worsening atrioventricular valve regurgitation and left ventricular (LV) systolic function after implantation of a leadless pacemaker (LPM) remain unclear compared with those of a transvenous pacemaker (TPM).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 205 patients who were newly implanted with a permanent pacemaker (119 LPMs and 86 TPMs) and underwent transthoracic echocardiography before and 8 ± 5 months after implantation. We evaluated the worsening of tricuspid and mitral regurgitation (TR and MR), defined as at least one-grade aggravation in severity, and changes in LV ejection fraction (LVEF).

RESULTS

Worsening TR occurred more frequently in the LPM group compared to the TPM group (33% vs. 20%, p = .04); however, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding worsening MR (26% vs. 18%, p = .18) and LVEF change (-2 ± 10% vs. -3 ± 8%, p = .40). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors for worsening TR, MR, and LVEF after implantation were found to be (1) the change from sinus rhythm at baseline to atrioventricular asynchronous right ventricular (RV) pacing (odds ratio [OR]: 5.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94-16.70, p < .01); (2) the change from non-pacing ventricular contraction at baseline to RV pacing (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.12-5.24, p = .02); and (3) a higher RV pacing burden (β: -0.05, 95% CI: -0.08--0.02, p < .01), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Worsening TR, MR, and LVEF after pacemaker implantation were not associated with the type of pacing device but loss of atrioventricular synchrony or dependency on RV pacing.

Enlarged right atrium predicts pacemaker implantation after atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome

Introduction

Although catheter ablation (CA) of tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome (TBS) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered to be an effective treatment strategy, pacemaker implantations (PMIs) are often required even after a successful CA. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical predictors of a PMI after CA.

Methods

From 2011 to 2020, 103 consecutive patients diagnosed with TBS were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Among the 103 patients, 54 underwent a PMI and 49 CA of AF. During 47.4 ± 35.4 months after 1.4 ± 0.6 CA sessions, 37 (75.5%) of 49 patients were free from atrial arrhythmia recurrences. PMIs were performed in 11 patients (PMI group) and the remaining 38 did not receive a PMI (non-PMI group).

Results

When comparing the PMI and non-PMI groups, there were no differences in the basic mean heart rate (P = 0.36), maximum pauses detected by 24-hour Holter-monitoring (P = 0.61), and other clinical parameters between the two groups while the right atrial area index was larger (42.1 ± 24.0 vs. 21.8 ± 8.4 cm2/m2 P = 0.002) in the PMI group than non-PMI group. The ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff point of the ratio of the right atrial area index to the left atrial area index for predicting a PMI following CA was 0.812 (Sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 71.1%, positive predictive value 42.1%, negative predictive value 90.0%, diagnostic accuracy 71.4%, AUC = 0.81).

Conclusion

Right atrial enlargement prior to CA was considered to be one of the risk factors for a PMI after CA of AF.

Antithrombotic Regimen After Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure - A Real-World Study

BACKGROUND

Antithrombotic therapy after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients at high risk of bleeding remains controversial. We present real-world clinical outcomes of LAAC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data from 74 consecutive patients who received LAAC therapy between January 2020 and June 2022 were analyzed. Patients received 1 of 3 antithrombotic therapies according to the bleeding risk category or clinical event. Regimen 1 was based on a prior study, regimen 2 comprised a lower antiplatelet drug dose without dual antiplatelet therapy, and regimen 3 was antiplatelet drug administration for as long as possible to patients with uncontrollable bleeding who were required to stop anticoagulant drugs. Overall, 73 (98.6%) procedures were successful. Of them, 16 (21.9%) patients were selected for regimen 1, 46 (63.0%) for regimen 2, and 11 (15.1%) for regimen 3. Device-related thrombosis (13% vs. 0% vs. 0%, P=0.0257) only occurred with regimen 1. There was no difference in major bleeding event rates (6% vs. 2% vs. 9%, P=0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

The post-LAAC antithrombotic regimen was modified without major concerns.

Mid-Term Feasibility of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Elderly Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) therapy using the WATCHMAN system has been introduced to prevent thrombosis and minimize the use of anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Given the high risk of bleeding and stroke in elderly patients, these patients would be good candidates for this therapy. However, the efficacy and feasibility of LAAO therapy in elderly patients remains uncertain.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent LAAO therapy using the WATCHMAN system in a large academic center between June 2020 and March 2023 were included. The safety and efficacy of LAAO therapy during the 1-year observation period in patients aged ≥85 years old were compared with those in the younger cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 188 patients (78.4 ± 6.9 years old, 133 male patients) were included. 34 patients were ≥85 years old, 96 were between 75 and 84 years old, and 58 were <75 years old. The elderly group had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score and were at greater risk of falling-related bleeding compared with the younger cohort. The device implantations were successful in all patients except for one. During the 1-year observation period, one patient had a peri-device leak >5 mm and there were 6 device-related cases of thrombosis, whose incidence was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.98). The cumulative incidences of bleeding and thrombotic events in the elderly group were as low as in the younger cohort (p > 0.05 for both). Most anticoagulants were terminated regardless of age.

CONCLUSION

The mid-term feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous LAAO therapy using the WATCHMAN system in elderly patients aged ≥85 years were as acceptable as in the younger cohort.

Relationship Between Fibrosis, Endocardial Endothelial Damage, and Thrombosis of Left Atrial Appendage in Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus (LAAT) and ischemic stroke are considered important in atrial cardiomyopathy with progressive atrial fibrosis and endocardial endothelial damage.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to obtain histological evidence to clarify the association between LAA fibrosis and endocardial endothelial damage with LAAT, ischemic stroke, and clinical risk factors.

METHODS

Ninety-six patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) scheduled to undergo LAA excision during surgery were enrolled. They underwent transesophageal echocardiography before the surgery to validate the LAA function/morphology and LAAT presence or absence. The resected LAAs were subjected to Azan-Mallory staining and CD31 immunohistochemistry to quantify the degree of fibrosis and endocardial endothelial damage staged as F1-F4 and E1-E4 per the quantiles.

RESULTS

Patients with an LAAT and/or ischemic stroke history had higher fibrosis degrees (18.4% ± 9.9% vs 10.4% ± 7.0%, P < 0.0001) and lower CD31 expressions (0.27 [IQR: 0.05-0.57] vs 1.02 [IQR: 0.49-1.65]; P < 0.0001). Also, higher CHADS₂ was associated with a higher degree of fibrosis and lower CD31 expression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that endothelial damage (E4) was associated with an LAAT and/or ischemic stroke history independent of AF type (paroxysmal or nonparoxysmal) with an OR of 3.47. Among patients with nonparoxysmal AF, fibrosis (F4, OR: 3.66), endothelial damage (E4, OR: 4.62), and LAA morphology (non-chicken-wing, OR: 3.79) were independently associated with LAAT and/or stroke. The degree of fibrosis correlated significantly with endothelial damage (R = -0.38, P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These histological findings may be essential in considering the pathophysiology of LAAT and stroke within the atrial cardiomyopathy context.

Effect of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure With Mid-Range or Preserved Ejection Fraction - Pooled Analysis of the AF Frontier Ablation Registry and Hokuriku-Plus AF Registry

BACKGROUND

A recent randomized trial demonstrated that catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF) is associated with a reduction in death or heart failure. However, the effect of catheter ablation for AF in patients with heart failure with mid-range or preserved EF is unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We screened 899 AF patients (72.4% male, mean age 68.4 years) with heart failure and left ventricular EF ≥40% from 2 Japanese multicenter AF registries: the Atrial Fibrillation registry to Follow the long-teRm Outcomes and use of aNTIcoagulants aftER Ablation (AF Frontier Ablation Registry) as the ablation group (525 patients who underwent ablation) and the Hokuriku-Plus AF Registry as the medical therapy group (374 patients who did not undergo ablation). Propensity score matching was performed in these 2 registries to yield 106 matched patient pairs. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure. At 24.6 months, the ablation group had a significantly lower incidence of the primary endpoint (hazard ratio 0.32; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.70; P=0.004) than the medical therapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with medical therapy, catheter ablation for AF in patients with heart failure and mid-range or preserved EF was associated with a significantly lower incidence of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure.

Conduction system pacing: Current status and prospects

Conduction system pacing (CSP), including His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), is the most physiological of all pacing modalities for ventricular capture and a potential alternative to right ventricular pacing. It induces electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony, resulting in left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure hospitalization, and atrial arrhythmia. CSP activates the normal conduction system and restores ventricular synchrony. In 2000, HBP was first performed as permanent ventricular pacing, which improved left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The feasibility of permanent HBP has already been demonstrated in patients with bradycardia, although a high capture threshold and limited efficacy for infra-Hisian conduction diseases remain critical issues. The LBBAP is an alternative pacing form that overcomes the limitations of the HBP. A lower capture threshold was obtained at implantation and preserved during the follow-up period in patients with LBBAP. Cardiac resynchronization therapy with HBP or LBBAP may provide better synchronization than the traditional biventricular pacing. Hybrid therapy utilizing HBP or LBBAP in combination with left ventricular pacing has been introduced to treat patients with heart failure. In this review, we have focused on the clinical implications, limitations, and a literature review on CSP.

Right Atrial Appendage Thrombus in a Patient Undergoing Thoracoscopic Left Atrial Appendectomy for Atrial Fibrillation

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure may prevent atrial fibrillation (AF)-induced thromboembolism. We describe a rare case of right atrial (RA) thrombus after thoracoscopic left atrial appendectomy and pulmonary vein isolation. Careful evaluation for the presence of RA thrombus in patients with persistent AF after LAA occlusion may be necessary. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Clinical Characteristics of Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients With a Large Left Atrial Appendage Ostium-Limiting Percutaneous Closure

BACKGROUND

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a therapeutic target for preventing cardioembolic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). A large LAA ostium limits percutaneous LAA closure. This study investigated the characteristics and factors associated with a large LAA ostium in Japanese patients with NVAF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 1,102 NVAF patients, the maximum LAA diameter was measured using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A large LAA ostium was defined by a maximum diameter of >30 mm. Forty-four participants underwent repeated TEEs, and changes in LAA size under lasting AF were assessed. A large LAA ostium was observed in 3.1% of all participants and 8.9% of patients with long-standing persistent AF (LSAF). The large LAA group had greater CHA2DS2-VASc (P=0.024) and HAS-BLED scores (P=0.046) and a higher prevalence of LAA thrombus (P=0.004) than did the normal LAA group. LSAF, moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, left atrial volume ≥42 mL/m2, E/E' ratio ≥9.5, and left ventricular mass ≥85 mg/m2were independently associated with a large LAA ostium (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.009, P=0.009, and P=0.032, respectively). In 44 patients with lasting AF, the LAA ostial diameter increased over time (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

NVAF patients with a large LAA ostium may have a higher risk of stroke and bleeding. LSAF and factors leading to LA overload may be closely associated with LAA ostial dilatation and can promote it.

ESC-Leitlinien 2021: Conduction System Pacing

Die aktuellen ESC-Leitlinien von 2021 bezüglich des direkten Pacings an den Strukturen des ventrikulären myokardialen Erregungsleitungssystems sind sehr defensiv ausgelegt. Verglichen mit den Leitlinienempfehlungen aus Japan oder USA wird diese Art der „physiologischen Stimulation“ in Europa eher in den Schatten gestellt. Auch wenn randomisierte Studien mit harten Endpunkten zur His-Bündel- und Linksschenkelstimulation fehlen, konnten doch in einer Vielzahl von Untersuchungen die Sicherheit, Effektivität und auch klinische Überlegenheit gegenüber einer klassischen rechtsventrikulären oder biventrikulären Stimulation gezeigt werden. Die vorliegende Leitlinienfassung der ESC zur Herzschrittmachertherapie ist in diesem Punkt daher durchaus diskutabel.

Comparison in Short-Term Safety and Efficacy between New-Generation WATCHMAN FLX and Conventional WATCHMAN 2.5 for Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Background: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure using the WATCHMAN system, to prevent thrombosis and minimize anti-coagulant use in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, has recently been introduced. The safety and efficacy of new-generation WATCHMAN FLX, as compared to conventional WATCHMAN 2.5, remain unknown. Methods: Consecutive patients who received percutaneous left atrial appendage closure using the WATCHMAN system in our institute, between June 2020 and December 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Safety and efficacy during the 45-day observational period were compared between the two devices. Results: A total of 93 patients (73.0 ± 7.3 years old, 63 men) who received WATCHMAN FLX (n = 44) or WATCHMAN 2.5 (n = 49) were included. The device implant success rate was 100% in the FLX device group and 98% in the 2.5 device group. There were no procedure-related complications in the FLX group, and one non-relevant pericardial effusion in the 2.5 device group. During the 45-day observational period, there were no procedure-related adverse events. No patients in the FLX group had a peri-device leak >3 mm, whereas two patients in the 2.5 device group had a peri-device leak >3 mm. Anti-coagulants could be terminated in most of the patients (85% versus 88%; p = 0.68). Conclusions: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure using new-generation WATCHMAN FLX seemed to be as safe and effective as conventional WATCHMAN 2.5 during the short-term observational period.