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Journal of Clinical Medicine Sep 2020Surgical myectomy (SM) and alcohol septal ablation (ASA) are two invasive therapies for symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), despite... (Review)
Review
Surgical myectomy (SM) and alcohol septal ablation (ASA) are two invasive therapies for symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), despite medical therapy. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy of the two procedures. We searched all electronic databases until February 2020 for clinical trials and cohorts comparing clinical outcomes of ASA and SM treatment of patients with HOCM. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, sudden cardiac death (SCD), re-intervention, and complications. Secondary endpoints included relief of clinical symptoms and drop of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient. Twenty studies (4547 patients; 2 CTs and 18 cohorts) comparing ASA vs. SM with a mean follow-up of 47 ± 28.7 months were included. Long term (8.72 vs. 7.84%, = 0.42) and short term (1.12 vs. 1.27%, = 0.93) all-cause mortality, CV mortality (2.48 vs. 3.66%, = 0.26), SCD (1.78 vs. 0.76%, = 0.20) and stroke (0.36 vs. 1.01%, = 0.64) were not different between procedures. ASA was associated with lower peri-procedural complications (5.57 vs. 10.5%, = 0.04) but higher rate of re-interventions (10.1 vs. 0.27%; < 0.001) and pacemaker dependency (12.4 vs. 4.31%, = 0.0004) compared to SM. ASA resulted in less reduction in LVOT gradient (-47.8 vs. -58.4 mmHg, = 0.01) and less improvement of clinical symptoms compared to SM (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV, 82.4 vs. 94.5%, < 0.001, angina 53.2 vs. 84.2%, = 0.02). Thus, ASA and SM treatment of HOCM carry a similar risk of mortality. Peri-procedural complications are less in alcohol ablation but re-intervention and pacemaker implantations are more common. These results might impact the procedure choice in individual patients, for the best clinical outcome.
PubMed: 32977442
DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103062 -
Global Heart May 2020Major structural cardiovascular diseases are associated with cardiac arrhythmias, but their full spectrum remains unknown in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which we addressed...
UNLABELLED
Major structural cardiovascular diseases are associated with cardiac arrhythmias, but their full spectrum remains unknown in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which we addressed in this systematic review. Atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL) prevalence is 16-22% in heart failure, 10-28% in rheumatic heart disease, 3-7% in cardiology admissions, but <1% in the general population. Use of oral anticoagulation is heterogenous (9-79%) across SSA. The epidemiology of sudden cardiac arrest/death is less characterized in SSA. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is challenging, owing to low awareness and lack of equipment for life-support. About 18% of SSA countries have no cardiac implantable electronic devices services, leaving hundreds of millions of people without any access to treatment for advanced bradyarrhythmias, and implant rates are more than 200-fold lower than in the western world. Management of tachyarrhythmias is largely non-invasive (about 80% AF/AFL via rate-controlled strategy only), as electrophysiological study and catheter ablation centers are almost non-existent in most countries.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Atrial fibrillation/flutter prevalence is 16-22% in heart failure, 10-28% in rheumatic heart disease, 3-7% in cardiology admissions, and <1% in the general population in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).- Rates of oral anticoagulation use for CHA2DS2VASC score ≥2 are very diverse (9-79%) across SSA countries.- Data on sudden cardiac arrest are scant in SSA with low cardiopulmonary resuscitation awareness.- Low rates of cardiac implantable electronic devices insertions and rarity of invasive arrhythmia treatment centers are seen in SSA, relative to the high-income countries.
Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Humans; Morbidity
PubMed: 32923331
DOI: 10.5334/gh.808 -
Journal of Cardiovascular... Nov 2020The presentation and optimal management of maternal focal atrial tachycardia (AT) during pregnancy are unknown. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive...
INTRODUCTION
The presentation and optimal management of maternal focal atrial tachycardia (AT) during pregnancy are unknown. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive summary of the existing evidence.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A systematic review of all reported cases of maternal focal AT during pregnancy was performed. The primary search queried PubMed using the MeSH terms "supraventricular tachycardia" and "pregnancy." A stepwise ancillary search included article bibliographies, citations listed by the Google internet search engine, and PubMed using the MeSH terms "atrial tachycardia" and "pregnancy." In total, 28 citations that described 32 patients were retrieved. A case from our institution was added. Detailed information was available for 30 patients. Clinical characteristics at presentation included a mean ± standard deviation of 28.3 ± 5.7 years for maternal age and 24.6 ± 7.7 weeks for gestation age. Suspected tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy was present in 20 of 30 (67%) patients and left ventricular ejection fraction improved in 15 of 15 (100%) patients with follow-up measurements. Medication failure was common. Focal AT resolved spontaneously after delivery in eight of nine (89%) patients treated with only medications. Automaticity was suggested by discrete electrograms at sites of origin and lack of reported inducibility and termination with programmed stimulation in all patients who underwent electrophysiology studies. There were nine cases of successful catheter ablation with zero fluoroscopy since 2010.
CONCLUSIONS
Automaticity is the dominant mechanism for patients with maternal focal AT during pregnancy. Catheter ablation with zero fluoroscopy is an emerging therapy for medically refractory cases.
Topics: Adult; Catheter Ablation; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Stroke Volume; Tachycardia, Supraventricular; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Function, Left; Young Adult
PubMed: 32897619
DOI: 10.1111/jce.14738 -
Journal of Atrial Fibrillation Aug 2020Catheter ablation is an effective strategy for drug-refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) in ischemic cardiomyopathy. We aimed to perform a systematic review and...
Prophylactic Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Electrophysiology Collaborative Consortium for Metaanalysis - ELECTRAM Investigators.
AIMS
Catheter ablation is an effective strategy for drug-refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) in ischemic cardiomyopathy. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes of prophylactic catheter ablation (PCA) of Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients.
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive literature search through February 10, 2020, for all eligible randomized controlled trials that compared "PCA" versus "No PCA" for VT. Primary efficacy outcomes included - appropriate ICD therapy (composite of anti-tachycardia pacing and ICD shock), appropriate ICD shocks, electrical storm, cardiac mortality, and all-cause mortality. The primary safety outcome was any adverse events.
RESULTS
Four randomized controlled trials (N = 505) met inclusion criteria. Prophylactic catheter ablation was associated significant reduction in appropriate ICD therapies (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.55 - 0.89, p = 0.004), appropriate ICD shocks (RR 0.57 95% CI 0.40 - 0.80, p = 0.001) with a trend towards reduced risk of electrical storm (RR 0.64; CI 0.39 - 1.05; p = 0.075) compared to "No PCA". There was no significant difference in cardiac mortality (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.31 - 1.43, p = 0.29) and all-cause mortality (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.52 - 1.82, p = 0.94) with similar adverse events (RR 1.46, 95% CI 0.73 - 2.95, p = 0.29) between two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Prophylactic catheter ablation in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients was associated with a lower risk of ICD therapies, including ICD shocks and VT storm with no difference in cardiac and all-cause mortality.
PubMed: 34950297
DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2371 -
JACC. Clinical Electrophysiology Jul 2020
Meta-Analysis
Topics: Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Catheter Ablation; Humans; Tachycardia, Ventricular
PubMed: 32703573
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2020.04.007 -
Clinical Cardiology May 2020Although radiofrequency ablation is widely used in the treatment of arrhythmias, its role in septal reduction therapy of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although radiofrequency ablation is widely used in the treatment of arrhythmias, its role in septal reduction therapy of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency septal ablation for HOCM.
HYPOTHESIS
Radiofrequency septal ablation is effective and safe for relieving obstruction and improving exercise capacity in patients with HOCM.
METHODS
A systematic review of eligible studies that reported outcomes of patients with HOCM who underwent radiofrequency septal ablation was performed using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, ProQuest, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science database. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Publication bias and sensitivity analyses were also performed.
RESULTS
Eight studies with 91 patients (mean follow-up 11.6 months) were included. The left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient at rest decreased significantly after radiofrequency septal ablation (pooled reduction: -58.8 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [CI] -64.3 to -53.5). A reduction was also found in the provoked LVOT gradient with a pooled reduction of -97.6 mmHg (95% CI: -124.4 to -87.1). An improvement of the New York Heart Association classification (mean: -1.4; 95% CI: -1.6 to -1.2) was found during follow-up. The change in septal thickness was minimal and not statistically significant. Two procedure-related deaths were documented, and complete heart block occurred in eight patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Radiofrequency septal ablation is effective and safe for relieving LVOT obstruction and improving exercise capacity in patients with HOCM.
Topics: Aged; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic; Echocardiography; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Radiofrequency Ablation; Surgery, Computer-Assisted; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32034788
DOI: 10.1002/clc.23341 -
Journal of Interventional Cardiac... Oct 2020Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009 EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow-up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.
Topics: Cardiac Electrophysiology; Catheter Ablation; Consensus; Humans; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Ventricular Premature Complexes
PubMed: 31984466
DOI: 10.1007/s10840-019-00663-3 -
Journal of Interventional Cardiac... Oct 2020Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009 EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow-up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.
Topics: Cardiac Electrophysiology; Catheter Ablation; Consensus; Humans; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Ventricular Premature Complexes
PubMed: 31960344
DOI: 10.1007/s10840-019-00664-2 -
Cardiovascular Therapeutics 2019Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are two common conditions that often coexist and predispose each to one another. AF increases hospitalization rates and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are two common conditions that often coexist and predispose each to one another. AF increases hospitalization rates and overall mortality in patients with HF. The current available therapeutic options for AF in patients with HF are diverse and guidelines do not provide a clear consensus regarding the best management approach. To determine if catheter ablation for AF is superior to medical therapy alone in patients with coexisting HF, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis. The primary outcomes evaluated are left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ) scores, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, heart failure hospitalizations, and mortality. The results are presented as a mean difference for continuous outcome measures and odds ratios for dichotomous outcomes (using Mantel-Haenszel random effects model). 7 full texts met inclusion criteria, including 856 patients. AF catheter ablation was associated with a significant increase in LVEF (mean difference 6.8%; 95% CI: 3.5 - 10.1; P<0.001) and 6MWT (mean difference 29.3; 95% CI: 11.8 - 46.8; P = 0.001), and improvement in MLWHFQ (mean difference -12.1; 95% CI: -20.9 - -3.3; P = 0.007). The risk of all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the AF ablation arm (OR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.31 - 0.77; P = 0.002). In conclusion, atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with systolic heart failure is associated with significant improvement in LVEF, quality of life, 6MWT, and overall mortality.
Topics: Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Comorbidity; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Heart Failure, Systolic; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Recovery of Function; Risk Factors; Stroke Volume; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 31772616
DOI: 10.1155/2019/8181657 -
Current Cardiology Reviews 2020Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVC) can result in PVCinduced cardiomyopathy (PVC-iCMP), leading to reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) that...
BACKGROUND
Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVC) can result in PVCinduced cardiomyopathy (PVC-iCMP), leading to reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) that can be improved by radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). We performed a systematic review to determine the variables predicting LVEF improvement after RFCA in PVCiCMP.
METHODS
We developed a "population, intervention, outcome and predictive factors" framework and searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Collaboration and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) for full-text, peer-reviewed publications. These publications addressing predictive factors of LVEF improvement showed ≥5% improvement only if deemed significant by the respective study, ≥10% or ≥ 50% after RFCA ablation in patients with PVCiCMP with no type/date/language limitation until the end of 2017.
RESULTS
Our initial search yielded 2226 titles, 1519 of which remained after removing the duplicates. Finally, 11 articles - 2 cohorts, 7 quasi-experimental studies, 1 case-control and 1 metaanalysis- were included. Sustained successful ablation, higher baseline PVC burden, LVEF, QRS duration, post-PVC systolic blood pressure rise and post-PVC pulse pressure change, the absence of an underlying cardiomyopathy, younger age, and variability of the frequency of PVCs during the day and lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) have been suggested as predictive factors for LVEF improvement in patients with PVC-iCMP.
CONCLUSION
The mentioned factors may all be useful to identify PVC-iCMP patients who would benefit from RFCA, although the evidence is not yet strong enough.
Topics: Cardiomyopathies; Catheter Ablation; Female; Humans; Male; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Premature Complexes
PubMed: 31288727
DOI: 10.2174/1573403X15666190710095248