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JTCVS Open Sep 2021Both catheter and surgical ablation strategies offer effective treatments of atrial fibrillation (AF). The hybrid (joint surgical and catheter) ablation for AF is an...
BACKGROUND
Both catheter and surgical ablation strategies offer effective treatments of atrial fibrillation (AF). The hybrid (joint surgical and catheter) ablation for AF is an emerging rhythm control strategy. We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of hybrid ablation of AF.
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis interrogating PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from January 1, 1991, to November 30, 2017, using the following search terms: "Cox-maze," "mini-maze," "ablation methods (including radiofrequency, cryoablation, cryomaze)," and "surgery." Included studies required ablation procedures to be hybrid and report rhythm follow-up.
RESULTS
We included 925 patients with AF (38% persistent, 51% longstanding persistent) from 22 single-center studies (mean follow-up of 19 months). The surgical lesion set consisted of pulmonary vein isolation (n = 11) or box lesion (n = 11) with variable additional linear ablation. This was followed by sequential (n = 9), staged (n = 9), or combination (n = 4) catheter-based ablation to ensure isolation of pulmonary veins and to facilitate additional ablation or consolidation of surgically ablated lines. Overall, sinus rhythm maintenance was 79.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72.4-85.7] and 70.7% (95% CI, 62.2-78.7) with and without antiarrhythmic drugs, respectively at 19 ± 25 (range, 6-128) months. The use of the bipolar AtriCure Synergy system and left atrial appendage exclusion conferred superior rhythm outcome without antiarrhythmic drugs ( ≤ .01). The overall complication rate was 6.5% (95% CI, 3.4-10.2): mortality 0.2% (95% CI, 0-0.9); stroke 0.3% (95% CI, 0-1.1); reoperation for bleeding 1.6% (95% CI, 0.6-3.0); permanent pacing ~0% (95% CI, 0-0.5); conversion to sternotomy 0.3% (95% CI, 0-1.1); atrioesophageal fistula ~0% (95% CI, 0-0.5); and phrenic nerve injury 0.3% (95% CI, 0-1.1).
CONCLUSIONS
Hybrid ablation therapy for AF demonstrates favorable rhythm outcome with acceptable complication rates.
PubMed: 36003726
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2021.07.005 -
Heart Rhythm Aug 2020Failure of drugs and catheter ablation procedures for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias is still extremely relevant. Recently, stereotactic body radiotherapy has...
Failure of drugs and catheter ablation procedures for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias is still extremely relevant. Recently, stereotactic body radiotherapy has been introduced to treat therapy refractory patients. In this systematic review (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, CRD42019133212), we aimed to summarize electrophysiological and histopathological effects of radioablation in animals, patients, and extracted and perfused hearts. A systematic search was performed in OVID MEDLINE, OVID Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) from inception to September 2019. Identified records were independently screened for eligibility by 2 reviewers. Risk of bias and methodological quality were assessed using the SYRCLE, ROBINS-I, or Murad tool and tailored to the different study designs. We included 13 preclinical and 10 clinical publications. Large heterogeneity in study designs prompted a narrative synthesis approach. Baseline, (pre-)procedural details, outcome, target tissue analyses, and safety data were extracted and summarized. In animal studies evaluating electrophysiological parameters, radioablation induced a reduction in voltage/potential amplitude or bidirectional block in target areas in 93.2% of animals. Atrioventricular block (first to third degree) was induced in 78.3% of animals, and in studies evaluating ventricular arrhythmia inducibility, 75% reduction was achieved. In patients, predominantly ventricular tachycardias were targeted with >85% reduction in arrhythmia episodes during follow-up with an encouraging short-term safety profile. Preclinical and clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of radioablation is limited in both quantity and quality. The results of radioablation for therapy refractory patients with ventricular tachycardia are promising, but further research is needed.
Topics: Catheter Ablation; Heart Conduction System; Humans; Tachycardia, Ventricular
PubMed: 32205299
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2020.03.013 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2023Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently performed cardiac ablation procedure worldwide. The majority of ablations can now be performed... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently performed cardiac ablation procedure worldwide. The majority of ablations can now be performed safely with minimal radiation exposure or even without the use of fluoroscopy, thanks to advances in 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping systems and/or intracardiac echocardiography. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of zero fluoroscopy (ZF) versus non-zero fluoroscopy (NZF) strategies for AF ablation procedures.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched and systematically reviewed for studies comparing procedural parameters and outcomes of ZF vs. NZF approaches in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF. We used a random-effects model to derive the mean difference (MD) and risk ratios (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Our meta-analysis included seven studies comprising 1,593 patients. The ZF approach was found to be feasible in 95.1% of patients. Compared to the NZF approach, the ZF approach significantly reduced procedure time [mean difference (MD): -9.11 min (95% CI: -12.93 to -5.30 min; < 0.01)], fluoroscopy time [MD: -5.21 min (95% CI: -5.51 to -4.91 min; < 0.01)], and fluoroscopy dose [MD: -3.96 mGy (95% CI: -4.27 to -3.64; < 0.01)]. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of total ablation time [MD: -104.26 s (95% CI: -183.37 to -25.14; = 0.12)]. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the acute [risk ratio (RR): 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02; = 0.72] and long-term success rates (RR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.90-1.03; = 0.56) between the ZF and NZF methods. The complication rate was 2.76% in the entire study population and did not differ between the groups (RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.41-2.15; = 0.89).
CONCLUSION
The ZF approach is a feasible method for AF ablation procedures. It significantly reduces procedure time and radiation exposure without compromising the acute and long-term success rates or complication rates.
PubMed: 37396578
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1178783 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2023(1)Introduction: Catheter ablation has become a cornerstone for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, recurrence rates remain high.... (Review)
Review
(1)Introduction: Catheter ablation has become a cornerstone for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, recurrence rates remain high. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been associated with AF pathogenesis and maintenance. However, the literature has provided equivocal results regarding the relationship between EAT and post-ablation recurrence.(2) Purpose: to investigate the relationship between total and peri-left atrium (peri-LA) EAT with post-ablation AF recurrence. (3) Methods: major electronic databases were searched for articles assessing the relationship between EAT, quantified using computed tomography, and the recurrence of AF following catheter ablation procedures. (4) Results: Twelve studies (2179 patients) assessed total EAT and another twelve (2879 patients) peri-LA EAT. Almost 60% of the included patients had paroxysmal AF and recurrence was documented in 34%. Those who maintained sinus rhythm had a significantly lower volume of peri-LA EAT (SMD: -0.37, 95%; CI: -0.58-0.16, I2: 68%). On the contrary, no significant difference was documented for total EAT (SMD: -0.32, 95%; CI: -0.65-0.01; I2: 92%). No differences were revealed between radiofrequency and cryoenergy pulmonary venous isolation. No publication bias was identified. (5) Conclusions: Only peri-LA EAT seems to be predictive of post-ablation AF recurrence. These findings may reflect different pathophysiological roles of EAT depending on its location. Whether peri-LA EAT can be used as a predictor and target to prevent recurrence is a matter of further research.
PubMed: 37835012
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196369 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Apr 2023Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common tachyarrhythmia affecting 33 million people worldwide. Hybrid AF ablation utilises a surgical (epicardial) ablation followed by an... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common tachyarrhythmia affecting 33 million people worldwide. Hybrid AF ablation utilises a surgical (epicardial) ablation followed by an endocardial catheter-based ablation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the literature reporting mid-term freedom from AF following hybrid ablation.
METHODS
An electronic search of databases was performed to identify all relevant studies providing mid-term (2 year) outcomes following hybrid ablation for AF. The primary study outcome was to assess the mid-term freedom from AF following hybrid ablation, utilising the metaprop function on Stata® (Version 17.0, StataCorp, Texas, USA). Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the impact of various operative characteristics on mid-term freedom from AF. The secondary outcomes assessed mortality and procedural complication rate.
RESULTS
The search strategy identified 16 studies qualifying for inclusion in this meta-analysis, with 1242 patients in total. The majority of papers were retrospective cohort studies (15) and one study was a randomized control trial (RCT). The mean follow up was 31.5 ± 8.4 months. Following hybrid ablation, the overall mid-term freedom from AF was 74.6% and 65.4% for patients off antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD). Actuarial freedom from AF was 78.2%, 74.2% and 73.6% at 1, 2 and 3 years respectively. No significant differences in mid-term freedom from AF based epicardial lesion set (box vs pulmonary vein isolation) or Left atrial appendage/Ganglionated Plexus/Ligament of Marshall ablation or staged vs concomitant procedures. There were 12 deaths overall following the hybrid procedure with a pooled complication rate of 5.53%.
CONCLUSION
Hybrid AF ablation offers promising mid-term freedom from AF reported at a mean follow-up of 31.5 months. The overall complication rate remains low. Further analysis of high-quality studies with randomized data and long-term follow up will help verify these results.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Treatment Outcome; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Heart; Catheter Ablation; Recurrence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37076929
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-023-02189-2 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Aug 2023Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). There is limited data regarding the outcomes of AF catheter ablation in HCM patients. In this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). There is limited data regarding the outcomes of AF catheter ablation in HCM patients. In this study, we aimed to synthesize all available evidence on the effectiveness of ablation of AF in patients with HCM compared to those without HCM.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We systematically reviewed bibliographic databases to identify studies published through February 2023. We included cohort studies with available quantitative information on rates of recurrent atrial arrhythmias, anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy, and repeat ablation procedures after initial AF ablation in patients with vs without HCM. Estimates were combined using random-effects meta-analysis models and reported as risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Eight studies were included in quantitative synthesis (262 HCM and 642 non-HCM patients). During median follow-up 13-54 months across studies, AF recurrence rates ranged from 13.3% to 92.9% in HCM and 7.6% to 58.8% in non-HCM patients. The pooled RR for recurrent atrial arrhythmia after the first AF ablation in HCM patients compared to non-HCM controls was 1.498 (95% CI = 1.305-1.720; P < 0.001). During follow-up, HCM patients more often required AAD therapy (RR = 2.844; 95% CI = 1.713-4.856; P < 0.001) and repeat AF ablation (RR = 1.544; 95% CI = 1.070-2.228; P = 0.02). The pooled RR for recurrent atrial arrhythmias after the last AF ablation was higher in patients with HCM than those without HCM (RR = 1.607; 95% CI = 1.235-2.090; P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to non-HCM patients, those with HCM had higher rates of recurrent atrial arrhythmias, AAD use, and need for repeat AF ablation after initial ablation of AF.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic; Ablation Techniques; Cardiovascular Agents; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 37595138
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad256 -
ESC Heart Failure Dec 2021While the interplay between heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been extensively studied, little is known regarding HF and atrial flutter (AFL), which... (Review)
Review
While the interplay between heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been extensively studied, little is known regarding HF and atrial flutter (AFL), which may be managed differently. We reviewed the incidence, prevalence, and predictors of HF in AFL and vice versa, and the outcomes of treatment of AFL in HF. A systematic literature review of PubMed/Medline and EMBASE yielded 65 studies for inclusion and qualitative synthesis. No study described the incidence or prevalence of AFL in unselected patients with HF. Most cohorts enrolled patients with AF/AFL as interchangeable diagnoses, or highly selected patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. The prevalence of HF in AFL ranged from 6% to 56%. However, the phenotype of HF was never defined by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). No studies reported the predictors, phenotype, and prognostic implications of AFL in HF. There was significant variation in treatments studied, including the proportion that underwent ablation. When systolic dysfunction was tachycardia-mediated, catheter ablation demonstrated LVEF normalization in up to 88%, as well as reduced cardiovascular mortality. In summary, AFL and HF often coexist but are understudied, with no randomized trial data to inform care. Further research is warranted to define the epidemiology and establish optimal management.
Topics: Atrial Flutter; Catheter Ablation; Heart Failure; Humans; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 34505352
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13526 -
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology :... Oct 2021Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation in typical atrial flutter (AFL) restores sinus rhythm in 95% of patients, which may lead to the discontinuation of oral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation in typical atrial flutter (AFL) restores sinus rhythm in 95% of patients, which may lead to the discontinuation of oral anticoagulation during follow-up. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the clinical impact of oral anticoagulation in the incidence of thromboembolic events (TE) after typical AFL ablation.
METHODS
We searched for controlled studies evaluating the impact of anticoagulation in the incidence of TE in patients submitted to AFL ablation in MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO database (June/2021). The primary outcome was TE events (ischemic stroke or systemic embolism). A meta-analysis was performed deriving risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical heterogeneity was measured through I metric. The confidence in the evidence was appraised with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.
RESULTS
Eight observational studies with 4870 patients were included. TE events were not significantly reduced (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.59-2.36; n = 4870; GRADE very low). A meta-regression showed that for each 10% increase in the prevalence of previous AF in the studied population, anticoagulation reduced TE risk in 32%. There were no significant differences regarding bleeding events (RR 2.16, 95% CI 0.43-10.97, I = 0%; GRADE low), but there was a lower all-cause mortality (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.17-0.32, GRADE low).
CONCLUSION
The best available evidence lacks robustness and the data did not definitely associate anticoagulation after typical AFL ablation with reduced TE.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anticoagulants; Atrial Flutter; Catheter Ablation; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Thromboembolism
PubMed: 34409630
DOI: 10.1111/pace.14342 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Nov 2023Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plays a central role in the interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Uncertainties remain about the durability of ablation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plays a central role in the interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Uncertainties remain about the durability of ablation lesions from different energy sources. We aimed to systematically review the durability of ablation lesions associated with various PVI-techniques using different energy sources for the treatment of AF.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Structured systematic database search for articles published between January 2010 and January 2023 reporting PVI-lesion durability as evaluated in the overall cohort through repeat invasive remapping during follow-up. Studies evaluating only a proportion of the initial cohort in redo procedures were excluded. A total of 19 studies investigating 1050 patients (mean age 60 years, 31% women, time to remap 2-7 months) were included. In a pooled analysis, 99.7% of the PVs and 99.4% of patients were successfully ablated at baseline and 75.5% of the PVs remained isolated and 51% of the patients had all PVs persistently isolated at follow-up across all energy sources. In a pooled analysis of the percentages of PVs durably isolated during follow-up, the estimates of RFA were the lowest of all energy sources at 71% (95% CI 69-73, 11 studies), but comparable with cryoballoon (79%, 95%CI 74-83, 3 studies). Higher durability percentages were reported in PVs ablated with laser-balloon (84%, 95%CI 78-89, one study) and PFA (87%, 95%CI 84-90, 2 studies).
CONCLUSION
We observed no significant difference in the durability of the ablation lesions of the four evaluated energies after adjusting for procedural and baseline populational characteristics.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Atrial Fibrillation; Pulmonary Veins; Cryosurgery; Catheter Ablation; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Recurrence
PubMed: 37944133
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad335 -
International Journal of Cardiology Jun 2023Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexist and show a bidirectional relationship. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexist and show a bidirectional relationship. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to decipher the precise relationship between SSS and AF, further exploring and comparing different therapy strategies on the occurrence or progression of AF in patients with SSS.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A systematic literature search was conducted until November 2022. A total of 35 articles with 37,550 patients were included. Patients with SSS were associated with new-onset AF compared to those without SSS. Catheter ablation was associated with a lower risk of AF recurrence, AF progression, all-cause mortality, stroke and hospitalization of heart failure compared to pacemaker therapy. Regarding the different pacing strategies for SSS, VVI/VVIR has higher risk of new-onset AF than DDD/DDDR. No significant difference was found between AAI/AAIR and DDD/DDDR, as well as between DDD/DDDR and minimal ventricular pacing (MVP) for AF recurrence. AAI/AAIR was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality when compared to DDD/DDDR, but lower risk of cardiac death when compared to DDD/DDDR. Right atrial septum pacing was associated with a similar risk of new-onset AF or AF recurrence compared to right atrial appendage pacing.
CONCLUSION
SSS is associated with a higher risk of AF. For patients with both SSS and AF, catheter ablation should be considered. This meta-analysis re-emphasizes that high percentage of ventricular pacing should be avoided in patients with SSS in order to decrease AF burden and mortality.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Sick Sinus Syndrome; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; Pacemaker, Artificial; Heart Atria
PubMed: 37023861
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.03.066