瓣膜手术同期射频消融改良迷宫术治疗心脏瓣膜病并发房颤患者的疗效及对血清细胞因子的影响

目的:分析瓣膜手术同期射频消融改良迷宫术治疗心脏瓣膜病并发房颤患者的疗效及对血清细胞因子的影响。方法:将80例心脏瓣膜病并发房颤患者依据简单随机法分为对照组和观察组,每组40例。对照组采用心脏瓣膜置换术治疗,观察组采用心脏瓣膜置换术同期射频消融改良迷宫术治疗,比较两组窦性心律转复情况,手术情况,手术前后心功能、血清金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-1(TIMP-1)、基质金属蛋白酶-1(MMP-1)和基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)水平的变化以及术后并发症的发生情况。结果:观察组术后当天、术后1月、术后3月及术后6月的窦性心律转复率均显著高于对照组(P0.05),体外循环时间、主动脉阻断时间及术后24 h引流量均明显多于对照组(P0.05)。两组呼吸机使用时间和监护室时间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后6个月,两组左室舒张末期内径、左室收缩末期内径、血清MMP-1和MMP-9水平均较术前显著下降,且观察组以上指标明显低于对照组;两组LVEF及血清TIMP-1水平较术前显著上升,且观察组以上指标均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。两组术后均无严重并发症发生。结论:瓣膜手术同期射频消融改良迷宫术治疗心脏瓣膜病并发房颤安全有效,早期窦性心律的转复率高,且可改善患者血清TIMP-1、MMP-1、MMP-9水平。     

双极射频消融改良迷宫术治疗房颤的中远期疗效及其影响因素分析

目的:分析心脏瓣膜置换同期行双极射频消融改良迷宫术治疗房颤的术后中远期疗效及其影响因素。方法:选取2007年7月至2010年12月于我院行心脏瓣膜置换同期行双极射频消融改良迷宫术治疗房颤的72例患者,术后随访3至6年,获得患者术后十二导联心电图、24 h动态心电图和心脏彩超结果,并且记录术后药物应用、相关并发症、心功能恢复情况及生活质量是否改善等情况。根据心电图结果,将患者分为窦性心律组与非窦性心律组,应用统计学方法比较两组患者术前相关因素是否有差异。结果:截止至随访终点,有效随访的68例患者中窦性心律维持率为63.2%。单因素分析显示术前房颤病程、术前左室射血分数、是否合并三尖瓣成形或置换是影响手术效果的影响因素,多因素分析显示术前房颤病程、合并三尖瓣成形或置换是影响手术效果的危险因素。结论:心脏瓣膜置换同期行双极射频消融改良迷宫术治疗房颤的中晚期疗效好,术后并发症少,能够有效防止血栓栓塞,术前房颤病程长、合并三尖瓣成形或置换的患者术后中远期效果相对较差。     

基于主导生态功能的抚河流域国土空间生态安全格局分析

从主导生态功能的角度分析探讨生态安全格局,是明晰流域内生态安全、保护生物多样性的重要途径。以抚河流域为研究对象,采用多源空间数据,根据研究区自然条件和生态状况,基于主导生态功能定量评估水源涵养、水土保持、生物多样性3个生态系统服务功能,结合粒度反推法和热点分析选取生态源地,综合自然条件和人类活动影响因素构建阻力面,运用电路理论构建生态廊道,识别生态修复关键区域,提出生态安全格局优化对策。研究结果表明：（1）抚河流域内有25块生态源地,主要为林草地,共5574.63km²,60条生态廊道,共1126.91km;（2）基于生态安全格局识别生态修复关键区域,包括生态夹点26处、总长度为182.99km,生态障碍点19处、总面积为167.09km²,生态断裂点146处,破碎生态空间3283.79km²;（3）结合生态安全格局和生态修复关键区域,构建"三轴六区"生态安全空间布局优化体系。研究对维护抚河流域的生态安全、实行国土空间生态系统修复具有指导意义。     

Incidence,clinical, electrophysiological characteristics and outcomes of patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and atrial fibrillation

Aims and objectivesAtrial fibrillation (AF) with preexcitation can be life threatening. Our study evaluated the incidence, clinical features, electrophysiologic characteristics and outcomes of patients presenting with AF and fast ventricular rates associated with an antegrade conducting accessory pathway.MethodsHospital data of patients who had undergone electrophysiology study and radiofrequency ablation for AF and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome was retrospectively evaluated over 10 years and prospective data was further collected over 1 year. Out of 2876 patients undergoing electrophysiology study, 320 patients had manifest preexcitation on ECG. Forty one patients who had presented with AF and fast ventricular rates were included in the study.ResultsForty one (12.8%) patients out of 320 patients of WPW syndrome patients presented with AF and fast ventricular rates. Mean age of presentation was 38.5 ± 12.3 yrs. Twenty nine (72.5%) were male. Most common presenting features were palpitations, presyncope and syncope. Twenty eight (71.1%) patients were electrically cardioverted on presentation, of which two patients having narrow complex tachycardia, when given adenosine, developed AF and fast ventricular rates and had to be electrically cardioverted. Intravenous amiodarone converted AF to sinus rhythm in 11 (28.9%) patients. Right postero-septal pathway (33.3%) followed by coronary sinus epicardial pathway (22.9%) were the most commonly located pathways associated with AF. Five (12.2%) patients had multiple pathways. CS diverticulum was seen in 6 (14.7%) patients. Ablation was done during AF in 6 (14.7%) patients. All except one had immediate successful ablation. One patient had a recurrence of preexcitation on follow up and successfully ablated during redo procedure.ConclusionAF with WPW syndrome is not uncommon. AF is commonly associated with posteriorly located accessory pathways, CS diverticulum and multiple pathways. Radiofrequency ablation has good outcomes.     

Surgical repair of an esophageal perforation after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Recent reports have described the incidence of atrioesophageal fistulas (AEF), often resulting in death, from radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).¹ Cases of esophageal perforation without concomitant AEF have not been described as extensively.¹ The precise mechanisms leading to esophageal injury after catheter ablation without involvement of the left atrium are not fully understood. The surgical approach to treat esophageal perforation is strongly recommended.² However, a unified surgical treatment approach has not yet been established. We describe a case of successful surgical repair of an esophageal perforation after ablation using surgical repair in combination with an omental wrap.     

Safety and efficacy of cryoballoon versus radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation in elderly patients: A real-world evidence

BackgroundThere are limited data describing the experience of radiofrequency (RF) vs. cryoballoon (CB) ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) among elderly patients in the United States.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patients ≥75 years of age undergoing index RF vs. CB ablation between January 2014 and May 2020 at our center. The choice of ablation technique was left to the operator's discretion. Major complications and efficacy, defined as freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) lasting ≥30 s after one year of follow-up, were assessed in patients with index RF vs. CB ablation.ResultsIn our cohort of 186 patients, the median age was 78 (76–81) years, 54.8% were men, and 39.2% had persistent AF. The median CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was 4 (3–4), while the median duration of AF was 3 (1–7) years. The majority (n = 112, 60.2%) underwent RF ablation. The median procedure time was significantly lower in CB group (197 vs 226.5 min, p=<0.01). The incidence of complications was similar in the two sub-groups (RF: 1.8% vs. CB: 2.7%, p = 0.67). Similarly, arrhythmia-free survival rate on antiarrhythmic drugs at 1-year follow-up remained statistically comparable (63.4% vs. 68.9%, p = 0.33) between patients receiving RF vs. CB ablation.ConclusionThe safety and efficacy of RF vs. CB ablation for AF remained comparable in our cohort of patients older than 75 years. CB ablation was associated with a shorter procedure time.     

Comparison between cryoballoon double stop and single stop in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BackgroundCurrently, cryoballoon (CB) thawing after single stop is generally performed. Previous research had reported that long thawing time using a single stop affects pulmonary veins tissue injury. However, it is uncertain whether CB thawing after single stop affects clinical outcomes.ObjectiveThis study aimed to clarify clinical significance of CB thawing in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.MethodsTwo hundred ten patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent CB from January 2018 to October 2019 were analyzed. We compared the clinical outcomes of patients whose CB applications were completely stopped with only the double stop technique (DS group, n = 99) and patients with single stop (SS group, n = 111). In DS group, we performed double stop technique for all CB application regardless of phrenic nerve injury or the temperature of esophagus.ResultsThe atrial arrhythmia free-survival rate at 2 years after CB was significantly lower for the DS group than the SS group (76.8% vs 87.4%; p = 0.045). Complications occurred in 2 patients from the DS group and no complications were observed in patients from the SS group (p = 0.13). Mean procedural time was shorter in the DS group than in the SS group (53.1 vs 58.1 min; p = 0.046)ConclusionDS group had higher recurrence rate than SS group. There was no significant difference regarding safety between both the groups. We found that the thawing process after single stop is very important for CB application.     

Initial experience with AcQMap catheter for treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation and atypical atrial flutter

IntroductionThe AcQMap High Resolution Imaging and Mapping System was recently introduced. This system provides 3D maps of electrical activation across an ultrasound-acquired atrial surface.MethodsWe evaluated the feasibility and the acute and short-term efficacy and safety of this novel system for ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and atypical atrial flutter.ResultsA total of 21 consecutive patients (age (mean ± standard deviation) 62 ± 8 years, 23% female) underwent catheter ablation with the use of the AcQMap System. Fourteen patients (67%) were treated for persistent AF and 7 patients (33%) for atypical atrial flutter. Eighteen patients (86%) had undergone at least one prior ablation procedure. Acute success, defined as sinus rhythm without the ability to provoke the clinical arrhythmia, was achieved in 17 patients (81%). At 12 months, 4 patients treated for persistent AF (29%) and 4 patients treated for atypical flutter (57%) remained in sinus rhythm. Complications included hemiparesis, for which intra-arterial thrombolysis was given with subsequent good clinical outcome (n = 1), and complete atrioventricular block, for which a permanent pacemaker was implanted (n = 2). No major complications attributable to the mapping system occurred.ConclusionThe AcQMap System is able to provide fast, high-resolution activation maps of persistent AF and atypical atrial flutter. Despite a high acute success rate, the recurrence rate of persistent AF was relatively high. This may be due to the selection of the patients with therapy-resistant arrhythmias and limited experience in the optimal use of this mapping system that is still under development.Supplementary InformationThe online version of this article (10.1007/s12471-021-01636-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Comparison of peri-procedural anticoagulation with rivaroxaban and apixaban during radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation

IntroductionProspective studies on rivaroxaban and apixaban have shown the safety and efficacy of direct anticoagulation agents (DOAC)s used peri-procedurally during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). Studies comparing the two agents have not been performed.MethodsConsecutive patients from a prospective registry who underwent RFA of AF between April 2012 and March 2015 and were on apixaban or rivaroxaban were studied. Clinical variables and outcomes were noted.ResultsThere were a total of 358 patients (n = 56 on apixaban and n = 302 on rivaroxaban). There were no differences in baseline characteristics between both groups. The last dose of rivaroxaban was administered the night before the procedure in 96% of patients. In patients on apixaban, 48% of patients whose procedure was in the afternoon took the medication on the morning of the procedure. TIA/CVA occurred in 2 patients (0.6%) in rivaroxaban group with none in apixaban group (p = 0.4). There was no difference in the rate of pericardial effusion between apixaban and rivaroxaban groups [1.7% vs 0.6% (p = 0.4)]. Five percent of patients in both groups had groin complications (p = 0.9). In apixaban group, all groin complications were small hematomas except one patient who had a pseudoaneurysm (1.6%). One pseudo-aneurysm, 1 fistula and 3 large hematomas were noted in patients on rivaroxaban (1.7%) with the rest being small hematomas. DOACs were restarted post procedure typically 4 h post hemostasis.ConclusionsPeri-procedural uninterrupted use of apixaban and rivaroxaban during AF RFA is safe and there are no major differences between both groups.     

Serum level of transforming growth factor beta 1 is associated with left atrial voltage in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation

Background

Atrial tissue fibrosis can cause electrical or structural remodeling in patients with atrial fibrillation. Transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1) signaling acts as a central role in fibroblast activation. In this report, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum level of TGF-β1 and mean left atrial voltage in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF).

Clinical outcome of ablation for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation with or without defragmentation

Objective

To assess the outcome and associated risks of atrial defragmentation for the treatment of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSP-AF).

Methods

Thirty-seven consecutive patients (60.4 ± 7.3 years; 28 male) suffering from LSP-AF who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and linear ablation were compared. All patients were treated with the Stereotaxis magnetic navigation system (MNS). Two groups were distinguished: patients with (n = 20) and without (n = 17) defragmentation. The primary endpoint of the study was freedom of AF after 12 months. Secondary endpoints were AF termination, procedure time, fluoroscopy time and procedural complications. Complications were divided into two groups: major (infarction, stroke, major bleeding and tamponade) and minor (fever, pericarditis and inguinal haematoma).

Results

No difference was seen in freedom of AF between the defragmentation and the non-defragmentation group (56.2 % vs. 40.0 %, P = 0.344). Procedure times in the defragmentation group were longer; no differences in fluoroscopy times were observed. No major complications occurred. A higher number of minor complications occurred in the defragmentation group (45.0 % vs. 5.9 %, P = 0.009). Mean hospital stay was comparable (4.7 ± 2.2 vs. 3.4 ± 0.8 days, P = 0.06).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that complete defragmentation using MNS is associated with a higher number of minor complications and longer procedure times and thus compromises efficiency without improving efficacy.     

A case of successful radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial tachycardia originating from the inferior vena cava using high-resolution mapping

A 60-year-old man presented with sustained supraventricular tachycardia. Atrial tachycardia (AT), with the earliest atrial activation (EAA) occurring at the ostium of the coronary sinus, was reproducibly induced.Three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping (3DEAM) using a 3.5-mm distal electrode tip linear catheter (Thermocool) and radiofrequency energy (RF) was performed at the fractionated atrial electrogram site. It preceded at 30 ms to the EAA but did not terminate AT. Further 3DEAM using a multielectrode mapping catheter (Pentaray) demonstrated a centrifugal propagation pattern at the boundary zone between the right atrium and inferior vena cava. RF application here terminated AT, which then became non-inducible.