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Heart Asia 2018Cancer antigen-125 (Ca-125) is traditionally recognised as a tumour marker and its role in cardiovascular diseases has been studied only in recent years. Whether Ca-125...
BACKGROUND
Cancer antigen-125 (Ca-125) is traditionally recognised as a tumour marker and its role in cardiovascular diseases has been studied only in recent years. Whether Ca-125 is elevated in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and its levels predict the risk of AF remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between Ca-125 levels and AF.
METHODS
PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched until 1 June 2017 for studies that evaluated the association between Ca-125 and AF. Inclusion criteria included studies that compare Ca-125 in patients with and without AF, or those reporting HRs/ORs for risk of AF stratified by Ca-125 levels.
RESULTS
A total of 39 entries were retrieved from the databases, of which 10 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Ca-125 was significantly higher in patients with AF compared with those in sinus rhythm (mean difference=16 U/mL, 95% CI 2 to 30 U/mL, P<0.05; I: 98%). Ca-125 significantly increased the risk of AF (HR: 1.39, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.82, P<0.05; I: 84%).
CONCLUSION
Ca-125 was significantly higher in patients with AF than in those in sinus rhythm, and high Ca-125 is predictive of AF occurrence. However, the high heterogeneity observed means there is an uncertainty in the relationship between Ca-125 and AF, which needs to be confirmed by larger prospective studies.
PubMed: 29387174
DOI: 10.1136/heartasia-2017-010970 -
Cureus Apr 2021Background There are no clear consensus guidelines on the indications and types of anticoagulation therapies in patients with bio-prosthetic valves either with...
Background There are no clear consensus guidelines on the indications and types of anticoagulation therapies in patients with bio-prosthetic valves either with concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) or sinus rhythm. In our meta-analysis, we assessed the safety and efficacy of DOACs as compared to the standard treatment with warfarin in patients with AF and bioprosthetic valves. Methods We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies in the English language, and studies reporting patients with valvular heart disease that included bioprosthetic valvular disease. A systematic literature review using Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science was performed using the terms "Direct Acting Oral Anticoagulant," "Oral Anticoagulants," "Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant," "Atrial Fibrillation," "Bioprosthetic Valve" for literature published prior to January 2021. Extraction of data from included studies was carried out independently by three reviewers from Covidence. We assessed the methodical rigor of the included studies using the modified Downs and Black checklist. Results Four RCTs and one observational study (n=1776) were included in our study. A random-effect model using RevMan (version 5.4; The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen) was used for data analysis. The pooled data showed that there was a non-significant reduction in the incidence of stroke and systemic embolism in the patients taking DOACs as compared to warfarin (HR 0.69; 95% CI, 0.29, 1.67; I = 50%). The incidence of major bleeding was lower in the DOACs group; the difference was statistically significant (HR 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26, 0.67; I = 7%). The difference was not statistically significant for all-cause mortality in both groups (HR 1.24; 95% CI, 0.91, 1.67; I = 0%). Conclusion Our results showed that there was no difference in the outcomes of stroke and systemic embolism between DOACs and warfarin but there were statistically significantly lower major bleeding events. We conclude that larger clinical trials are needed to assess the true safety and efficacy of DOACs in patients with AF and bioprosthetic valves.
PubMed: 34046282
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14651 -
Academic Emergency Medicine : Official... Jul 2014Electrical cardioversion is commonly used to treat patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to restore normal sinus rhythm. There has been considerable... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Electrical cardioversion is commonly used to treat patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to restore normal sinus rhythm. There has been considerable debate as to whether the electrode placement affects the efficacy of electrical cardioversion. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of anteroposterior (A-P) versus anterolateral (A-L) electrode placement to restore normal sinus rhythm.
METHODS
A search of eight electronic databases, including Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane was completed. Grey literature (hand-searching, Google, and SCOPUS) searching was also conducted. Studies were included if they were controlled clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of A-P versus A-L pad placement to restore normal sinus rhythm in adult patients with atrial fibrillation and flutter. Two independent reviewers judged study relevance, inclusion, and quality (e.g., risk of bias). Individual and pooled statistics were calculated as relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity (I(2) ) was reported.
RESULTS
From 788 citations, 13 studies were included; seven involved monophasic, five involved biphasic, and one analyzed both waveform devices. The included studies tended to report cumulative success rates to restoring normal sinus rhythm after one to five sequential shocks of increasing energy; the number of shocks and energy used differed among studies. The risk of bias of the studies was "unclear." After the first shock, pad placement was not associated with an increased likelihood of restoring normal sinus rhythm (RR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.73 to 1.06); however, heterogeneity was high (I(2) = 63%). Subgroup comparisons revealed that the A-L position was more effective (RR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.59 to 1.00) at restoring normal sinus rhythm when using biphasic shocks (comparison p = 0.04). Overall, the pooled results failed to identify a difference between A-P and A-L pad placement in restoring normal sinus rhythm at any time (RR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.95 to 1.05); however, heterogeneity was high (I(2) = 61%). No significant subgroup differences were found. Side effects were reported in only three studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The published literature is restricted to persistent atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, pad placement varied, and energy levels used were lower than currently recommended; however, the accumulated evidence suggests that electrical pad placement is not a critically important factor in successful cardioversion in atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF/AFL). A trial is urgently needed in recent-onset atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter patients using biphasic devices and high energy levels to resolve the debate.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Atrial Flutter; Combined Modality Therapy; Electric Countershock; Female; Humans; Male; Premedication
PubMed: 25117151
DOI: 10.1111/acem.12407 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2021People with chronic heart failure (HF) are at risk of thromboembolic events, including stroke, pulmonary embolism, and peripheral arterial embolism; coronary ischaemic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
People with chronic heart failure (HF) are at risk of thromboembolic events, including stroke, pulmonary embolism, and peripheral arterial embolism; coronary ischaemic events also contribute to the progression of HF. The use of long-term oral anticoagulation is established in certain populations, including people with HF and atrial fibrillation (AF), but there is wide variation in the indications and use of oral anticoagulation in the broader HF population.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether long-term oral anticoagulation reduces total deaths and stroke in people with heart failure in sinus rhythm.
SEARCH METHODS
We updated the searches in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase in March 2020. We screened reference lists of papers and abstracts from national and international cardiovascular meetings to identify unpublished studies. We contacted relevant authors to obtain further data. We did not apply any language restrictions.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing oral anticoagulants with placebo or no treatment in adults with HF, with treatment duration of at least one month. We made inclusion decisions in duplicate, and resolved any disagreements between review authors by discussion, or a third party.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, and assessed the risks and benefits of antithrombotic therapy by calculating odds ratio (OR), accompanied by the 95% confidence intervals (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
We identified three RCTs (5498 participants). One RCT compared warfarin, aspirin, and no antithrombotic therapy, the second compared warfarin with placebo in participants with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, and the third compared rivaroxaban with placebo in participants with HF and coronary artery disease. We pooled data from the studies that compared warfarin with a placebo or no treatment. We are uncertain if there is an effect on all-cause death (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.18; 2 studies, 324 participants; low-certainty evidence); warfarin may increase the risk of major bleeding events (OR 5.98, 95% CI 1.71 to 20.93, NNTH 17). 2 studies, 324 participants; low-certainty evidence). None of the studies reported stroke as an individual outcome. Rivaroxaban makes little to no difference to all-cause death compared with placebo (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.13; 1 study, 5022 participants; high-certainty evidence). Rivaroxaban probably reduces the risk of stroke compared to placebo (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.95; NNTB 101; 1 study, 5022 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and probably increases the risk of major bleeding events (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.33; NNTH 79; 1 study, 5008 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Based on the three RCTs, there is no evidence that oral anticoagulant therapy modifies mortality in people with HF in sinus rhythm. The evidence is uncertain if warfarin has any effect on all-cause death compared to placebo or no treatment, but it may increase the risk of major bleeding events. There is no evidence of a difference in the effect of rivaroxaban on all-cause death compared to placebo. It probably reduces the risk of stroke, but probably increases the risk of major bleedings. The available evidence does not support the routine use of anticoagulation in people with HF who remain in sinus rhythm.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anticoagulants; Aspirin; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Chronic Disease; Heart Failure; Heart Rate; Hemorrhage; Humans; Placebo Effect; Placebos; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rivaroxaban; Stroke; Thromboembolism; Warfarin
PubMed: 34002371
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003336.pub4 -
Journal of Interventional Cardiac... Oct 2022Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. It is unclear whether the restoration of sinus rhythm with catheter ablation may modify... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. It is unclear whether the restoration of sinus rhythm with catheter ablation may modify this risk. We conducted a systematic review of studies comparing cognitive outcomes following catheter ablation with medical therapy (rate and/or rhythm control) in atrial fibrillation.
METHODS
Searches were performed on the following databases from their inception to 17 October 2021: PubMed, OVID Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library. The inclusion criteria comprised studies comparing catheter ablation against medical therapy (rate and/or rhythm control in conjunction with anticoagulation where appropriate) which included cognitive assessment and/or a diagnosis of dementia as an outcome.
RESULTS
A total of 599 records were screened. Ten studies including 15,886 patients treated with catheter ablation and 42,684 patients treated with medical therapy were included. Studies which compared the impact of catheter ablation versus medical therapy on quantitative assessments of cognitive function yielded conflicting results. In studies, examining new onset dementia during follow-up, catheter ablation was associated with a lower risk of subsequent dementia diagnosis compared to medical therapy (hazard ratio: 0.60 (95% confidence interval 0.42-0.88, p < 0.05)).
CONCLUSION
The accumulating evidence linking atrial fibrillation with cognitive impairment warrants the design of atrial fibrillation treatment strategies aimed at minimising cognitive decline. However, the impact of catheter ablation and atrial fibrillation medical therapy on cognitive decline is currently uncertain. Future studies investigating atrial fibrillation treatment strategies should include cognitive outcomes as important clinical endpoints.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Cognition; Dementia; Humans; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35380337
DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01196-y -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Apr 2022Atrial fibrillation (AF) is independently associated with the onset of cognitive decline/dementia. AF catheter ablation (AFCA) is the most effective treatment strategy... (Review)
Review
Association of Catheter Ablation and Reduced Incidence of Dementia among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation during Long-Term Follow-Up: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is independently associated with the onset of cognitive decline/dementia. AF catheter ablation (AFCA) is the most effective treatment strategy in terms of sinus rhythm maintenance, but its effects on dementia prevention remain under investigation. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the presently available studies exploring the effect of AFCA on dementia occurrence.
METHODS
PubMed/MEDLINE databases were screened for articles through 14 March 2022 reporting adjusted time-to-event outcome data comparing AFCA and non-AFCA cohorts in terms of de novo dementia occurrence. A random effect meta-analysis was performed to estimate the meta-analytic hazard ratio (HR) of dementia occurrence in AFCA vs. non-AFCA cohorts, as well as the meta-analytic incidence rate of dementia in the non-AFCA cohort. Based on the aforementioned estimates, the number needed to treat (NNT), projected at median follow-up, was derived.
RESULTS
Four observational studies were included in the analysis, encompassing 40,146 patients (11,312 in the AFCA cohort; 28,834 in the non-AFCA cohort). AFCA conferred a significant protection to the development of dementia with an overall HR of 0.52 (95% CI 0.35-0.76). The incidence rate of dementia in the non-AFCA group was 1.12 events per 100 person-year (95% CI 0.47-2.67). The derived NNT projected to the median follow-up (4.5 years) was 41.
CONCLUSION
AFCA is associated with a nearly 50% reduction in dementia occurrence during a median 4.5-year follow-up. Future randomized clinical trials are needed to reinforce these findings.
PubMed: 35621851
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9050140 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2016The optimal rhythm management strategy for people with non-paroxysmal (persistent or long-standing persistent) atrial fibrilation is currently not well defined.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The optimal rhythm management strategy for people with non-paroxysmal (persistent or long-standing persistent) atrial fibrilation is currently not well defined. Antiarrhythmic drugs have been the mainstay of therapy. But recently, in people who have not responded to antiarrhythmic drugs, the use of ablation (catheter and surgical) has emerged as an alternative to maintain sinus rhythm to avoid long-term atrial fibrillation complications. However, evidence from randomised trials about the efficacy and safety of ablation in non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is limited.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy and safety of ablation (catheter and surgical) in people with non-paroxysmal (persistent or long-standing persistent) atrial fibrillation compared to antiarrhythmic drugs.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, conference abstracts, clinical trial registries, and Health Technology Assessment Database. We searched these databases from their inception to 1 April 2016. We used no language restrictions.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised trials evaluating the effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) or surgical ablation compared with antiarrhythmic drugs in adults with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, regardless of any concomitant underlying heart disease, with at least 12 months of follow-up.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected studies and extracted data. We evaluated risk of bias using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) a using fixed-effect model when heterogeneity was low (I² <= 40%) and a random-effects model when heterogeneity was moderate or substantial (I² > 40%). Using the GRADE approach, we evaluated the quality of the evidence and used the GRADE profiler (GRADEpro) to import data from Review Manager 5 to create 'Summary of findings' tables.
MAIN RESULTS
We included three randomised trials with 261 participants (mean age: 60 years) comparing RFCA (159 participants) to antiarrhythmic drugs (102) for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. We generally assessed the included studies as having low or unclear risk of bias across multiple domains, with reported outcomes generally lacking precision due to low event rates. Evidence showed that RFCA was superior to antiarrhythmic drugs in achieving freedom from atrial arrhythmias (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.88; 3 studies, 261 participants; low-quality evidence), reducing the need for cardioversion (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.82; 3 studies, 261 participants; moderate-quality evidence), and reducing cardiac-related hospitalisation (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.72; 2 studies, 216 participants; low-quality evidence) at 12 months follow-up. There was substantial uncertainty surrounding the effect of RFCA regarding significant bradycardia (or need for a pacemaker) (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.63; 3 studies, 261 participants; low-quality evidence), periprocedural complications, and other safety outcomes (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.16 to 5.68; 3 studies, 261 participants; very low-quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In people with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, evidence suggests a superiority of RFCA to antiarrhythmic drugs in achieving freedom from atrial arrhythmias, reducing the need for cardioversion, and reducing cardiac-related hospitalisations. There was uncertainty surrounding the effect of RFCA with significant bradycardia (or need for a pacemaker), periprocedural complications, and other safety outcomes. Evidence should be interpreted with caution, as event rates were low and quality of evidence ranged from moderate to very low.
Topics: Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Bradycardia; Catheter Ablation; Electric Countershock; Hospitalization; Humans; Middle Aged; Pacemaker, Artificial; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Safety; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27871122
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012088.pub2 -
The Journal of Thoracic and... Nov 2007We aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the bicaval and the biatrial standard techniques in orthotopic heart transplantation. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the bicaval and the biatrial standard techniques in orthotopic heart transplantation.
METHODS
A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. As data sources, we used the electronic databases EMBASE and Medline (1966-August 2006), hand searching in 4 journals, expert consultation, and reference lists of reviews. Observational and randomized and prospective and retrospective controlled trials that reported outcomes on the 2 techniques of heart transplantation were considered.
RESULTS
A total of 23 retrospective and 18 prospective studies were included. Meta-analyses of prospective trials including between 228 and 472 patients revealed significant superiority of the bicaval technique in comparison with the biatrial procedure for early atrial pressure (weighted mean difference, -3.95; 95% confidence interval, -6.50 to -1.40), perioperative mortality (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.17 to 0.98), tricuspid valve regurgitation (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.15 to 0.36), and sinus rhythm (odds ratio, 7.01; 95% confidence interval, 2.57 to 19.13). The latter also showed a significant difference in the analysis of retrospective studies (odds ratio, 2.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.55 to 4.66).
CONCLUSION
In summary, this systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence of clinically relevant beneficial effects of the bicaval technique in comparison with those of the standard technique. Nevertheless, the longer-term beneficial effects of the bicaval technique remain to be evaluated.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Female; Heart Diseases; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 17976469
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2007.05.037 -
Journal of the American College of... Apr 2007We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to examine the association between baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to examine the association between baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful electrical cardioversion (EC).
BACKGROUND
Current evidence links AF to the inflammatory state. Inflammatory indexes such as CRP have been related to the development and persistence of AF. However, inconsistent results have been published with regard to the role of CRP in predicting sinus rhythm maintenance after successful EC.
METHODS
Using PubMed, the Cochrane clinical trials database, and EMBASE, we searched for literature published June 2006 or earlier. In addition, a manual search was performed using all review articles on this topic, reference lists of papers, and abstracts from conference reports. Of the 225 initially identified studies, 7 prospective observational studies with 420 patients (229 with and 191 without AF relapse) were finally analyzed.
RESULTS
Overall, baseline CRP levels were greater in patients with AF recurrence. The standardized mean difference in the CRP levels between the patients with, and those without AF was 0.35 units (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.69); test for overall effect z-score = 2.00 (p = 0.05). The heterogeneity test showed that there were significant differences between individual studies (p = 0.02; I(2) = 60.2%). Further analysis revealed that differences between the CRP assays possibly account for this heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis suggests that increased CRP levels are associated with greater risk of AF recurrence, although there was significant heterogeneity across the studies. The use of CRP levels in predicting sinus rhythm maintenance appears promising but requires further study.
Topics: Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; C-Reactive Protein; Confidence Intervals; Electric Countershock; Electrocardiography; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Incidence; Inflammation Mediators; Male; Middle Aged; Probability; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Risk Assessment; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Distribution
PubMed: 17433956
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2006.12.042 -
Medicine Dec 2021Atrial fibrillation is the main complication of patients who suffer from valvular heart disease (VHD), which may lead to an increased susceptibility to ventricular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation is the main complication of patients who suffer from valvular heart disease (VHD), which may lead to an increased susceptibility to ventricular tachycardia, atrial dysfunction, heart failure, and stroke. Therefore, seeking a safe and effective therapy is crucial in prolonging the lives of patients with VHD and improving their quality of life.
METHODS
Our target database included PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, from which published articles were retrieved from inception to June 2020. We retrieved all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared patients undergoing valve surgery with (VSA) or without ablation (VS) procedure. Studies to be included were screened and data extraction was performed independently by 2 investigators. The Cochrane risk-of-bias table was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included RCTs. The mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and relative risk (RR) ratio was calculated to analyze the data. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 and chi-square tests. Egger test and the trim and fill analysis were used to further determine publication bias.
RESULTS
Fourteen RCTs that included 1376 patients were eventually selected for this meta-analysis. Surgical ablation was found to be effective in restoring sinus rhythm in valvular surgery patients at discharge (RR 2.91, 95% CI [1.17, 7.20], I2 97%, P = .02), 3 to 6 months (RR 2.85, 95% CI [2.27, 3.58], I2 49%, P < .00001), 12 months, and more than 1 year after surgery (RR 3.54, 95% CI [2.78, 4.51], I2 27%, P < .00001). All-cause mortality (RR 0.98, 95% CI [0.64, 1.51], I2 0%, P = .94) and stroke (RR 1.29, 95% CI [0.70, 2.39], I2 0%, P = .57) were similar in the VSA and VS groups. Compared with VS, VSA prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (MD 30.44, 95% CI [17.55, 43.33], I2 88%, P < .00001) and aortic cross-clamping time (MD 19.57, 95% CI [11.10, 28.03], I2 89%, P < .00001). No significant differences were found between groups with respect to the risk of bleeding (RR 0.64, 95% CI [0.37, 1.12], I2 0%, P = .12), heart failure (RR 1.11, 95% CI [0.63, 1.93], I2 0%, P = .72), and low cardiac output syndrome (RR 1.41, 95% CI [0.57, 3.46], I2 18%, P = .46). However, the demand for implantation of a permanent pacemaker was significantly higher in the VSA group (RR 1.84, 95% CI [1.15, 2.95], I2 0%, P = .01).
CONCLUSION
Although we found high heterogeneity in the restoration of sinus rhythm at discharge, we assume that the comparison is valid at this time, given the current state in the operating room. This study provides evidence of the efficacy and security of concomitant ablation intervention for patients with VHD and atrial fibrillation. Surgical ablation would increase the safety of implantation of a permanent pacemaker in the population that underwent valve surgery.
Topics: Ablation Techniques; Atrial Fibrillation; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Pacemaker, Artificial
PubMed: 34918672
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000028180