Citations

AbstractIntroductionAtrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common supraventricular tachycardia referred for ablation. Periprocedural conduction system damage was a primary concern during AVNRT ablation. This study aimed to assess the incidence of permanent atrioventricular (AV) block and the success rate associated with different types of catheters in slow pathway ablation.MethodA literature search was performed to identify studies that compared various techniques, including types of radiofrequency ablation (irrigated and nonirrigated) and different sizes of catheter tip cryoablation (4, 6, and 8‐mm), in terms of their outcomes related to permanent atrioventricular block and success rate. To assess and rank the treatments for the different outcomes, a random‐effects model of network meta‐analysis, along with p‐scores, was employed.ResultsA total of 27 studies with 5110 patients were included in the analysis. Overall success rates ranged from 89.78% to 100%. Point estimation showed 4‐mm cryoablation exhibited an odds ratio of 0.649 (95%CI: 0.202–2.087) when compared to nonirrigated RFA. Similarly, 6‐mm cryoablation had an odds ratio of 0.944 (95%CI: 0.307–2.905), 8‐mm cryoablation had an odds ratio of 0.848 (95%CI: 0.089–8.107), and irrigated RFA had an odds ratio of 0.424 (95%CI: 0.058–3.121) compared to nonirrigated RFA.ConclusionOur study found no significant difference in the incidence of permanent AV block between the types of catheters. The success rates were consistently high across all groups. These findings emphasize the potential of both RF ablation (irrigated and nonirrigated catheter) and cryoablation as viable options for the treatment of AVNRT, with similar safety and efficacy profile.

AbstractIntroductionThe concurrent data on sex disparities in VT management and outcomes have remained unclear. Therefore, our objective was to determine the impact of sex on ventricular tachycardia (VT) management and outcomes in patients admitted with VT, dervied from the US National Inpatient Sample database (NIS).MethodsWe used data from the US NIS to identify hospitalized adult patients who were admitted with VT between 2016 and 2018. Regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of sex on VT management, in‐hospital mortality, complications, length of stay, and hospitalization costs.ResultsOf the database, a total of 146 070 patients, who were primarily hospitalized for VT, were approximated. Among these, women comprised 25.5%; they were significantly younger and had fewer comorbidities. Of procedural aspects, women were less likely to receive an angiogram, mechanical support, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation, and VT ablation compared to men. Notably, women were associated with higher do‐not‐resuscitate rates and in‐hospital cardiac arrests than men. No differences in in‐hospital mortality and cardiogenic shock were observed between men and women (p > .05). Length of stay was significantly longer for women, while no differences in hospital costs were observed in both sexes.ConclusionSignificant sex disparities in management and outcomes were observed in admitted patients with VT. Our results reflect the need for further studies to explore factors causing such diversities.

AbstractIntroductionThromboembolic events after catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) can result in significant morbidity. Thromboembolic prophylaxis after catheter ablation can be achieved by the use of antiplatelet agents, vitamin K antagonists, or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The relative safety and efficacy of these modes of prophylaxis are uncertain. We sought to compare the outcomes of patients who received warfarin or DOACs for thromboembolic prophylaxis after catheter ablation of VT.Methods and ResultsAnticoagulation with DOACS was started after left ventricular VT ablation in a series of 42 consecutive patients with structural heart disease (67 ± 11 years, 3 women, ejection fraction 32 ± 14%). Duration of hospital stay, bleeding episodes, and thromboembolic events were compared to a historic consecutive group of patients (n = 38, 65 ± 13 years, 14 women, ejection fraction 36 ± 13%) in whom anticoagulation with a formerly described protocol of heparin and vitamin K antagonist was used after VT ablation procedures. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the group where DOACs were used as compared to vitamin K antagonists (3.3 ± 1.8 vs. 5.0 ± 2.5 days postablation; p = 0.001) without an increase of bleeding or thromboembolic events.ConclusionAnticoagulation with DOACs is safe and shortens hospital stay in patients with structural heart disease undergoing left ventricular VT ablation procedures.

AbstractBackgroundLeft bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has recently become a promising option for the near‐natural restoration of electrical activation. However, the clinical relevance of therapeutic effects in individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and dyssynchrony remains unknown.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until June 2022. Data from each study was combined using a random‐effects model, the generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird, to calculate standard mean differences and pooled incidence ratio, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsA total of 772 HFrEF patients were analyzed from 15 observational studies per protocol. The success rate of LBBAP implantation was 94.8% (95% CI 89.9–99.6, I2 = 79.4%), which was strongly correlated with shortening QRS duration after LBBAP implantation, with a mean difference of −48.10 ms (95% CI −60.16 to −36.05, I2 = 96.7%). Over a period of 6–12 months of follow‐up, pacing parameters were stable over time. There were significant improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) with mean difference of 16.38% (95% CI 13.13–19.63, I2 = 90.2%), −46.23 ml (95% CI −63.17 to −29.29, I2 = 86.82%), −7.21 mm (95% CI −9.71 to −4.71, I2 = 84.6%), and −44.52 ml (95% CI −64.40 to −24.64, I2 = 85.9%), respectively.ConclusionsLBBAP was associated with improvements in both cardiac function and electrical synchrony. The benefits of LBBAP in individuals with HFrEF and dyssynchrony should be further validated by randomized studies.

Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has recently become a promising option for the near-natural restoration of electrical activation. However, the clinical relevance of therapeutic effects in individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and dyssynchrony remains unknown. Methods & Results: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until June 2022. Data from each study was combined using a random-effects model, the generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird, to calculate standard mean differences and pooled incidence ratio, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 772 HFrEF patients were analyzed from 15 observational studies per protocol. The success rate of LBBAP implantation was 94.8% (95% CI 89.9 to 99.6, I 2 = 79.4%), which was strongly correlated with shortening QRS duration after LBBAP implantation, with a mean difference of −48.10 msec (95% CI −60.16 to −36.05, I 2 = 96.7%). Over a period of 6–12 months of follow-up, pacing parameters were stable over time. There were significant improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) with mean difference of 16.38% (95% CI 13.13 to 19.63 I 2 = 90.2 %), −46.23 mL (95% CI −63.17 to −29.29, I 2 = 86.82%), −7.21 mm (95% CI −9.71 to −4.71, I 2 = 84.6%), and −44.52 mL (95% CI −64.40 to −24.64, I 2 = 85.9 %), respectively . Conclusions: LBBAP was associated with improvements in both cardiac function and electrical synchrony. The benefits of LBBAP in individuals with HFrEF and dyssynchrony should be further validated by randomized studies.

AbstractBackgroundReal‐world data on atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation outcomes in obese populations have remained scarce, especially the relationship between obesity and in‐hospital AF ablation outcome.HypothesisObesity is associated with higher complication rates and higher admission trend for AF ablation.MethodsWe drew data from the US National Inpatient Sample to identify patients who underwent AF ablation between 2005 and 2018. Sociodemographic and patients' characteristics data were collected, and the trend, incidence of catheter ablation complications and mortality were analyzed, and further stratified by obesity classification.ResultsA total of 153 429 patients who were hospitalized for AF ablation were estimated. Among these, 11 876 obese patients (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11 422–12 330) and 10 635 morbid obese patients (95% CI: 10 200–11 069) were observed. There was a substantial uptrend admission, up to fivefold, for AF ablation in all obese patients from 2005 to 2018 (p < .001). Morbidly obese patients were statistically younger, while coexisting comorbidities were substantially higher than both obese and nonobese patients (p < .01) Both obesity and morbid obesity were significantly associated with an increased risk of total bleeding, and vascular complications (p < .05). Only morbid obesity was significantly associated with an increased risk of ablation‐related complications, total infection, and pulmonary complications (p < .01). No difference in‐hospital mortality was observed among obese, morbidly obese, and nonobese patients.ConclusionOur study observed an uptrend in the admission of obese patients undergoing AF ablation from 2005 through 2018. Obesity was associated with higher ablation‐related complications, particularly those who were morbidly obese.

AbstractIntroductionReal‐world data on atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation among moderate and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have so far remained scarce, especially in‐hospital AF ablation outcomes.MethodsWe drew data from the US National Inpatient Sample to identify hospitalized patients who underwent AF ablation between 2005 and 2018, and further stratified by CKD classification. We assessed the trend of AF ablation, as well as its complications.ResultsA total of 152 630 patients who were primarily hospitalized for AF and underwent ablation were estimated. Among these, CKD patients were found in a total of 1509 participants, with 978, 206, and 325 under CKD3, CKD4, and CKD5/ESKD, respectively. There was a significant increment in admission rates for AF ablation in the CKD population across all CKD classifications (p < .001). All CKD patients were statistically older, with higher coexisting comorbidities, while hypertension was found substantially lower than non‐CKD patients (p ≤ .001). Importantly, CKD, especially CKD3 and CKD5/ESKD, was significantly associated with an increased risk of total complications, and total bleeding, Neurological complications were found statistically lower in CKD patients (p = .029), and no mortality rates were significantly different (p = .287).ConclusionOur study observed an increase in admission trends for AF ablation among moderate and advanced CKD patients from 2005 to 2018. CKD was strongly associated with higher procedure‐related complications and bleeding, but neurological safety profiles and mortalities rates were nonsignificantly different.

AbstractBackgroundIn the modern era, atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation trend has been shifted toward same‐day discharge (SDD), from a traditional overnight stay. Yet, recent studies have not well stated the safety profiles which remained poor‐understood and dispersed. We hence performed systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the adverse outcomes of SDD in comparison with an overnight stay.MethodsDatabases were searched through January 2021. Effect estimates from the individual studies were extracted and combined using random‐effects, generic inverse variance method of der Simonian and Laird. The primary outcomes included total cumulative complications and immediate complications following AF ablation.ResultsTen observational studies were met our inclusion criteria, comprising of total population of 11,660 patients, with SDD 51.3%. For total cumulative complications, there were no differences observed between SDD and overnight stay (5.2% vs. 6.2%: pooled OR 0.77: 95% CI 0.55–1.08, p = .13 with I2 = 27.1%). In addition, comparable immediate complications were also demonstrated (5.2 % vs. 4.3: pooled OR 1.08: 95% CI 0.72–1.62, p = .718, with I2 = 37.3 %).ConclusionOur study suggested that SDD had similar complication rates, both total cumulative and immediate outcomes, compared with overnight stay in selected patients following AF ablation. Nevertheless, randomized control trials are warranted to validate the findings.

Background The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) dramatically increases higher morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have suggested that early rhythm control may alleviate the burden of poor outcomes. Currently, there remain limited data on whether rhythm or rate control has better efficacy. This study sought to compare both strategies in HFpEF patients with AF. Methods Databases were searched throughout 2020. Studies that reported cardiovascular outcomes amongst HFpEF patients with AF who received either rhythm or rate control were included. Estimates of the effects from the individual studies were extracted and combined using random-effects, a generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Results Five observational studies were included in the analysis, consisting of 16,953 patients, 13.8% of whom were receiving rhythm control. In comparison with rate control, rhythm control was associated with decreased overall mortality rates (pooled RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.95, with I2 = 0%, p value = 0.009). Conclusions In HFpEF patients with AF, rhythm control was associated with lower mortality, compared to rate control. Further studies are warranted to validate our observation.

Abstract Aims Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for post-infarction ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, some patients may experience a worsened arrhythmia phenotype after ablation. We aimed to determine the prevalence and prognostic impact of arrhythmia exacerbation (AE) after post-infarction VT ablation. Methods and results A total of 1187 consecutive patients (93% men, median age 68 years, median ejection fraction 30%) who underwent post-infarction VT ablation at six centres were included. Arrhythmia exacerbation was defined as post-ablation VT storm or incessant VT in patients without prior similar events. During follow-up (median 717 days), 426 (36%) patients experienced VT recurrence. Events qualifying as AE occurred in 67 patients (6%). Median times to VT recurrence with and without AE were 238 [interquartile range (IQR) 35–640] days and 135 (IQR 22–521) days, respectively (P = 0.25). Almost half of the patients (46%) who experienced AE experienced it within 6 months of the index procedure. Patients with AE had had longer ablation times during the ablation procedures compared to the rest of the patients (median 42 vs. 34 min, P = 0.02). Among patients with VT recurrence, the risk of death or heart transplantation was significantly higher in patients with than without AE (hazard ratio 1.99, 95% CI 1.28–3.10; P = 0.002) after adjusting for age, gender, ejection fraction, cardiac resynchronization therapy, post-ablation non-inducibility, and post-ablation amiodarone use. Conclusion Arrhythmia exacerbation after ablation of infarct-related VT is infrequent but is independently associated with an adverse long-term outcome among patients who experience a VT recurrence. The mechanisms and mitigation strategies of AE after catheter ablation require further investigation.