Khandekar, Ninad

ABSTRACT Background Superior vena cava isolation (SVCI) is performed as an adjunct to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation, yet whether an empiric or trigger‐guided strategy is preferable remains uncertain. Prior meta‐analyses have been largely restricted to index procedures in paroxysmal AF and have not explicitly stratified by ablation strategy. We sought to address these gaps through a systematic review of available randomized evidence. Methods Major databases were searched through November 2025 for RCTs comparing PVI+SVCI versus PVI alone. Trials were stratified by strategy: empiric SVCI (performed irrespective of SVC ectopy) or trigger‐guided SVCI (performed only upon demonstrated SVC triggers). The primary outcome was atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence (≥30 s) beyond the blanking period. Random‐effects models, pre‐specified subgroup analyses, meta‐regression, and GRADE certainty assessment were performed. Results Eight RCTs ( n = 1231) were included; most enrolled paroxysmal AF, while two incorporated non‐paroxysmal AF subtypes and one evaluated repeat ablation procedures. Overall, SVCI+PVI significantly reduced recurrence versus PVI alone (97/604 vs. 135/627; RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61–0.97; p = 0.03; I 2 = 0%). On stratified analysis, empiric SVCI demonstrated a significant recurrence reduction (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53–0.92; p = 0.01; I 2 = 0%), while trigger‐guided SVCI did not reach statistical significance (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.37–1.74; p = 0.57; I 2 = 52%). In paroxysmal AF ( n = 1038), adjunctive SVCI significantly reduced recurrence compared with PVI alone (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52–0.90; p = 0.01; I 2 = 0%). Fluoroscopy time was longer with SVCI; total procedure duration was comparable. Major complications were infrequent but numerically higher with SVCI+PVI (15/604 vs. 7/627; RR 1.96, 95% CI 0.87–4.38; p = 0.10). Meta‐regression identified no significant effect modifiers. GRADE certainty was high for overall and empiric analyses, and moderate for trigger‐guided SVCI. Conclusions Empiric SVCI significantly reduced AT/AF recurrence as an adjunct to PVI, while trigger‐guided SVCI did not demonstrate a significant benefit. These findings suggest SVC isolation confers benefit independent of prior trigger documentation, supporting the role of empiric SVCI as an adjunct to AF ablation.

ImportancePatients with kidney failure (KF) receiving long-term dialysis have increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients with KF and AF have increased risk of stroke, death, and bleeding compared with age-matched cohorts. In KF, the use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) increases hemorrhage risk, offsetting potential benefits and making left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) a potentially promising solution for risk reduction in AF.ObjectivesTo compare the outcomes and safety of OACs and LAAO for risk reduction of AF in patients with KF.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study assessed patients with KF enrolled in the US Renal Data System registry between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, who were diagnosed with AF after initiation of long-term dialysis. On average, patients met inclusion criteria for 22 months. Data analysis was completed in May 2024.ExposureMedicare claims were used to identify patients who received OACs and LAAO after AF diagnosis. A propensity-matched cohort was created based on the CHA2DS2-VASc score and year of treatment.Main Outcomes and MeasuresDeath, nonfatal bleeds, and nonfatal strokes.ResultsThe final cohort included 2344 patients with KF and a new AF diagnosis (median [IQR] age, 66.0 [57.0-73.0] years; 1341 [57.2%] male). Of these patients, 293 received LAAO and 2051 received OACs. A total of 2194 patients (93.6%) were receiving hemodialysis, with the remaining 150 (6.4%) receiving peritoneal dialysis. In the LAAO group, 79 deaths (27.0%) and 21 nonfatal strokes (7.2%) occurred, and 117 patients (39.9%) experienced 234 bleeding events. In the OAC group, 729 deaths (35.5%) and 163 strokes (8.0%) occurred, and 687 patients (33.5%) experienced 1114 bleeding events. After accounting for correlation between bleeds and death, the joint frailty model showed evidence of a treatment association of LAAO compared with OACs on recurrent bleeding events (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56-0.98) and death (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.30-0.72). There was a reduced risk of nonfatal stroke in the LAAO group (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32-0.94), but this finding was not significant after adjustment (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.76-1.81).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, LAAO compared with OACs was associated with improved survival and reduced bleeding risk in patients with KF and AF. These findings suggest that these data should be considered in shared decision-making in consideration of LAAO for patients with KF and AF.