Alteration of right ventricular function after catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and concomitant heart failure with preserved ejection fraction / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the alteration of right ventricular function after catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation(PAF) and concomitant heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Methods:The prospective observational study was performed in patients with HFpEF-PAF and undergoing first-time radiofrequency ablation procedures in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University between May to December 2019. Right ventricular functional parameters were measured before and 5 days, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the ablation by transthoracic echocardiography, respectively, including the right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion(TAPSE), tricuspid annular diameter (TVAD), tricuspid annular peak systolic speed(TDI-S′) and longitudinal strain of right ventricular free wall (RVFLS). Meanwhile, routine ECG and Holter recordings were performed at each follow-up time point.Results:In this study, atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence occurred in 4 patients at the 3rd month after ablation, and 7 patients failed to follow up due to the Covid-19. Finally, 19 patients were followed up for the evaluation of cardiac function after catheter ablation. Compared with pre-ablation, right ventricular structural and functional paramters(RVFAC, TAPSE, TVAD, TDI-S′, RVFLS) improved significantly at all stages of follow-up( all P<0.05). Patients with atrial fibrillation recurrence had lower RVFLS and TDI-S′ at the baseline( P=0.039, P=0.019). Conclusions:Right ventricular function could improve in HFpEF-PAF patients who maintain sinus rhythm after radiofrequency ablation.

Two-staged hybrid ablation versus thoracoscopic epicardial ablation for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation: Mid-long term result of a randomized controlled trial / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To evaluate the efficacy of hybrid ablation through compared with thoracoscopic epicardial ablation. Methods    In this study, 108 patients with all long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) received thoracoscopic epicardial ablation (TEA) after enrollment. There were 82 males and 26 females at age of 56.5±9.4 years. After blanking-period, patients off antiarrhythmic therapy with sinus rhythm were divided into a hybrid ablation (HA) group (50 patients) and a TEA group (58 patients). Only patients in the HA group received catheter ablation after randomization subsequently. In at least two-year observation period, cardiovascular risk factors were observed in all groups’ patients. Results    The mean follow-up duration was 17.3-41.8 (26.9±6.1) months and there was no significant difference between two groups [8.2-40.6 (27.5±5.7) months in the HA group and 17.3-41.8 (26.4±6.7) months in the TEA group]. The off antiarrhythmic agents (AADs) sinus rhythm rate was significantly higher in the HA group than that in the TEA group at the time of postoperative 6, 12, 24 and 36 months ［96.0%, 90.0%, 83.7%, 83.7% versus 79.3%, 75.9%, 67.3%, 63.1%, HR=0.415 (95%CI 0.206-0.923)]. Conclusion    We can conclude that the efficacy of two-staged hybrid ablation for LSPAF is superior to thoracoscopic epicardial ablation alone. Patients can obtain benefit from a supplemental radiofrequency catheter ablation after blanking-period of surgical ablation, instead of those without a supplemental ablation.

Maze Ⅳ in the treatment of heart valve disease with persistent atrial fibrillation in elderly patients: A cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the clinical effect of Maze Ⅳ in the treatment of elderly patients with valvular heart disease and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods    We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 78 elderly patients with cardiac valve disease combined with persistent AF in our hospital from 2017 to 2018. The patients were allocated to two groups including a trial group (n=37) and a control group (n=41). There were 21 males and 16 females aged 61 to 74 (65.2±2.5) years in the trial group. There were 23 males and 18 females aged 62 to 76 (64.8±3.3) years in the control group. The clinical effects of the two groups were compared. Results    There was no statistical difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). The aortic occlusion time, extracorporeal circulation time, and operation time of the trial group were longer than those of the control group with statistical differences (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in postoperative ventilator assistance time, complication rate, mortality, ICU retention time, perioperative drainage, red blood cell transfusion volume, or length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). At the time of discharge, postoperaive 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month, the maintenance rates of sinus rhythm in the control group were statistically different from those of the trial group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, left atrial diameter, left ventricular end diastolic diameter and the decrease of pulmonary artery systolic blood pressure were statistically different (P<0.05). Conclusion    Maze Ⅳ is safe and effective in the treatment of elderly patients with valvular heart disease and persistent AF, which is conducive to the recovery and maintenance of sinus rhythm, and is beneficial to the remodeling of the left atrium and left ventricle and the reduction of pulmonary systolic blood pressure with improvement of life quality of the patients.

Analysis of surgical result of Cox-maze Ⅳ in the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with persistent atrial fibrillation / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified maze Ⅳ (Cox-maze Ⅳ) in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients. Methods    From June 2016 to June 2019, 30 HOCM and persistent atrial fibrillation (pAF) patients received Cox-maze Ⅳ operation with modified extended Morrow operation, including 21 males and 9 females. The average age was 51.36±10.27 years and the average weight was 72.48±11.29 kg. All patients underwent left atrial appendectomy. Recurrence of AF, improvement of symptoms, cardiac function (NYHA) were assessed during follow-up. Results    There was no death during the perioperative period. Postoperative left ventricular outflow tract gradient was significantly decreased compared with that before operation (P<0.01), and all systolic anterior motion (SAM) signs disappeared after operation. Thirty patients were all effectively followed up for 3-40 (16.24±8.26) months. During the follow-up period, there was no death, and the cardiac function (NYHA) of all patients recovered to gradeⅠ-Ⅱ. At the end of follow-up, twenty-four patients (80.00%) maintained sinus rhythm, and twenty-seven patients (90.00%) maintained sinus rhythm after amiodarone conversion. Univariate analysis showed that the smoking history (P=0.04), left atrial diameter≥55 mm before operation (P=0.03), left atrial diameter≥50 mm after operation (P=0.02), postoperative tricuspid regurgitation (P=0.02) were closely related to postoperative AF recurrence. The increase of left atrial diameter after operation was an independent risk factor for AF recurrence (P=0.02). Conclusion    Morrow/Cox-maze Ⅳ procedure is safe and effective in treatment of patients with HOCM complicated with pAF, which helps to maintain postoperative sinus rhythm, and to improve the cardiac function. The increase of left atrial diameter after operation is an independent risk factor for AF recurrence.

Catheter Ablation of Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: a Reckless Challenge or a Way to Real Cure?

Long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (L-PeAF) is a category in which rhythm control is attempted while atrial fibrillation (AF) is maintained for more than 1 year. Because AF is a progressive disease and L-PeAF accompanies significant electrical and structural remodeling of atria, it is difficult to restore and maintain sinus rhythm in patients with L-PeAF. Nonetheless, the rhythm outcome is being increasingly improved by the development of sophisticated mapping devices, highly efficient catheters, and evidence-based ablation strategies, and the rational choice of patient selection criteria. This review discusses the evolution of the rhythm control outcome of L-PeAF and its future direction of development.

Efficacy and mechanism analysis of rosuvastatin combined with telmisartan in treatment of atrial fibrillation / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanism of rosuvastatin combined with telmisartan in the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation. Methods One hundred and twenty patients with persistent atrial fibrillation admitted to Cangzhou Central Hospital from February 2015 to February 2018 were enrolled and they were divided into study group and control group by random envelope method, with 60 patients in each group. The patients in study group were treated with rosuvastatin combined with telmisartan; and in control group they were treated with telmisartan, and after treatment for 6 weeks the clinical efficacy was observed. Resting heart rates were observed in two groups. The left atrial inner diameter, left atrium left and right diameter, left atrial sphericity index and left ventricular end diastolic volume, left ventricular end systolic volume, left ventricular posterior wall thickness of two groups were detected by ultrasond before and after treatment; the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in two groups before and after treatment; and the level of serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was detected by immunoturbidimetry;the level of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was tested by immunoluminometric assay. Results Resting heart rate was significantly decreased in study group after treatment compared with that before treatment (bpm: 76.37±7.25 vs. 89.76±8.79, P < 0.05), while in control group, the comparison of resting heart rate before and after treatment was of no statistical significant differences (bpm: 90.71±8.56 vs. 87.80±6.26, P > 0.05), resulting that the post-treatment resting heart rate of study group was significantly lower than that of control group (bpm:76.37±7.25 vs. 87.80±6.26, P < 0.05). After treatment, the left atrial inner diameter, left atrium left and right diameter, left atrial sphericity index and left ventricular end diastolic volume were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups; after treatment, above various index levels in study group were lower than those of control group [left atrial inner diameter (mm): 40.68±3.86 vs. 41.99±3.97, left atrium left and right diameter (mm): 41.07±2.85 vs. 42.69±2.90, left atrial sphericity index: 0.77±0.08 vs. 0.86±0.07, left ventricular end diastolic volume (mL): 107.48±32.90 vs. 118.98±35.75, all P < 0.05]. There were no statistical significant differences between the two groups in left ventricular end systolic volume and posterior wall thickness of left ventricle after treatment [study group: left ventricular end systolic volume (mL) was 38.59±12.37 vs. 39.81±12.03, posterior wall thickness of left ventricle (mm) was 11.34±2.39 vs. 12.80±3.27, control group: left ventricular end systolic volume (mL) was 39.90±11.54 vs. 40.65±11.50, posterior wall thickness of left ventricle (mm) was 11.90±2.57 vs. 12.99±3.16, all P > 0.05]. Besides, the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and hs-CRP were obviously decreased in two groups after treatment (all P < 0.05), after treatment, above indexes in study group were significantly lower than those in control group [TNF-α (ng/L): 29.76±5.31 vs. 36.63±5.11, IL-6 (ng/L): 14.37±3.36 vs. 22.65±4.58, hs-CRP (mg/L): 13.68±2.75 vs. 20.63±2.69, all P < 0.05]. Plasma NT-proBNP was increased in control group after treatment compared with that before treatment (μg/L: 431.80±42.54 vs. 365.89±39.81, P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in the study group between pre- and post-treatment (μg/L: 351.80±38.76 vs. 346.89±35.82, P > 0.05), resulting in post-treatment plasma NT-proBNP significantly lower in study group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Rosuvastatin combined with telmisartan can prevent left atrial remodeling in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and delay the dysfunction of left ventricular pump. The therapeutic mechanism was related to the decrease in the levels of serum inflammatory factors in patients treated with such therapy.

The temporal stability of recurrence quantification analysis attributes from chronic atrial fibrillation electrograms

Abstract Introduction The temporal behavior of atrial electrograms (AEGs) collected during persistent atrial fibrillation (persAF) directly affects ablative treatment outcomes. We investigated different durations of AEGs collected during persAF using recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). Methods 797 bipolar AEGs with different durations (from 0.5 s to 8 s) from 18 patients were investigated. Four RQA-based attributes were evaluated based on AEG durations: determinism (DET); recurrence rate (RR); laminarity (LAM); and diagonal lines' entropy (ENTR). The Spearman correlation (ρ) between each duration versus 8 s was calculated. AEG classification was performed following the CARTO criteria (Biosense Webster) and receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created for the RQA variables. Results The RQA variables successfully discriminated the AEGs: the area under the ROC curves were as high as 0.70 for AEGs with 3.5 s or greater. Three types of AEGs were found using these variables: normal, fractionated and temporally unstable. The number of unstable AEGs decreased with longer AEG segments. Different AEG durations significantly affected the RQA variables (P<0.0001), with no statistical difference between the durations 6 s, 7 s and 8 s for DET, LAM and ENTR, and no difference between 7 s and 8 s for RR (P<0.0001). AEGs with 3 s or longer have shown ρ ≥ 80% for all variables. Conclusion The RQA variables have been shown effective in the characterization of AEGs collected during persAF with a shorter duration than current recommendations, which motivates their use for the characterization of atrial substrate during persAF ablation.

Hybrid minimally invasive surgical and transcatheter ablation for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To explore the application and effectiveness of one-staged or two-staged hybrid minimally invasive surgical and transcatheter ablation for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation(LSPAF).Methods From Jun 2015 to Dec 2017,a cohort of 56 patients[18 female,mean age of(59.1 ±6.9) years] with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation underwent one-staged(30 cases) or two-staged(26 cases) hybrid minimally invasive surgical and transcatheter ablation.Mean AF duration was(5.9 ± 3.0) years.Mean left atrial diameter was(45.4 ± 4.2) mm.Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.3 ± 1.2.Fourteen cases had a history of prior catheter ablation.All patients underwent continuous 24-hour or 48-hour holter monitoring at 3 months,6 months,1 year and yearly thereafter.Results All patients successfully underwent one-staged or two-staged hybrid minimally invasive surgical and transcatheter ablation.During ablation,LSPAF was terminated in 80.0％ (24/30) with one-staged hybrid ablation and 84.6％ (22/26) with two-staged hybrid ablation.At a mean follow-up of(20.3 ± 8.2) months,89.3％ (50/56) patients maintained sinus rhythm.Among them,86.7％ (26/30) patients with one-staged hybrid ablation maintained sinus rhythm,and 92.3％ (50/56) patients with two-staged hybrid ablation maintained sinus rhythm.Six patients with recurrent AF continued to receive warfarin and amiodarone drug therapy.No death or cerebrovascular events occurred.No patient required permanent pacemaker implantation.Conclusion One-staged or two-staged hybrid minimally invasive surgical and transcatheter ablation could be safely and effectively applied to the treatment of LSPAF.The early and midterm outcomes were satisfactory.

Hybrid surgical and interventional ablation versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation: A case control study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To verify whether hybrid surgical and interventional ablation(HA) for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is superior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical radiofrequency ablation (VATS-RA). Methods From September 2010 to December 2017, 79 consecutive patients with persistent AF underwent VATS-RA or HA in Fuwai Hospital. VATS-RA was performed in sixty patients (a stand-alone surgical group, 48 males and 12 females, at average age of 56.0±7.6 years, and HA was performed in nineteen patients (a hybrid group, 14 males and 5 females, at average age of 58.0±7.3 years). Follow-up was completed at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and annually thereafter. Postoperative sinus rhythm was defined as sinus rhythm recorded in 24-hour or 7-day Holter during follow-up, without exhibited rapid atrial tachyarrhythmia≥30 s including AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia. Results Seventy-eight patients (98.7%) completed the follow-up. Although the preoperative left atrial diameter (49.1±5.3 mm) in the hybrid group was significantly greater than that in the stand-alone surgical group (41.7±6.2 mm, P<0.001). Overall sinus rhythm maintenance rate in the hybrid group was significantly greater than that in the stand-alone surgical group (94.7% versus 64.4%, P=0.011). And sinus rhythm maintenance rate free from anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) and catheter ablation in the hybrid group was significantly greater than that in the stand-alone surgical group (84.2% versus 50.8%, P=0.010). Conclusion HA is superior to VATS-RA in the treatment of persistent AF, but a larger sample size is needed for further validation in prospective randomized studies.

The clinical observation on the influence of combined use of allopurinol and warfarin on the INR of chronic permanent atrial fibrillation hyperuricemia patients / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To investigate influence of combined use of allopurinol and warfarin on the INR of chronic permanent atrial fibrillation hyperuricemia patients. Methods 80 cases of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation complicated with hyperuricemia, in Sanmen County People's Hospital from February 2016 to February 2017 were randomly divided into the control group (n=40) and the observation group (n=40), the control group was given warfarin plus low purine diet treatment, the observation group was given additional Allopurinol treatment. Changes of INR were compared. Results There was no statistical significance in INR level before treatment between the two groups of patients with permanent atrial fibrillation complicated with chronic hyperuricemia. The INR level of the control group was not changed after treatment, the observation group increased significantly after treatment, and there was statistical significance between the two groups (P<0.05). There were no bleeding events in the control group, there were 6 cases of the observation group with minor bleeding and subcutaneous ecchymosis, including 2 cases with fecal occult blood, 1 cases with hematuria, nasal hemorrhage . The change of liver and kidney function was not obvious. Conclusion In application of allopurinol treatment plus warfarin for patients with chronic persistent atrial fibrillation and hyperuricemia patients, , INR need to be regularly monitored, in order to provide reference for Warfarin dosage adjustment, and ensure clinical safety.

The clinical observation on the influence of combined use of allopurinol and warfarin on the INR of chronic permanent atrial fibrillation hyperuricemia patients / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To investigate influence of combined use of allopurinol and warfarin on the INR of chronic permanent atrial fibrillation hyperuricemia patients. Methods 80 cases of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation complicated with hyperuricemia, in Sanmen County People's Hospital from February 2016 to February 2017 were randomly divided into the control group (n=40) and the observation group (n=40), the control group was given warfarin plus low purine diet treatment, the observation group was given additional Allopurinol treatment. Changes of INR were compared. Results There was no statistical significance in INR level before treatment between the two groups of patients with permanent atrial fibrillation complicated with chronic hyperuricemia. The INR level of the control group was not changed after treatment, the observation group increased significantly after treatment, and there was statistical significance between the two groups (P<0.05). There were no bleeding events in the control group, there were 6 cases of the observation group with minor bleeding and subcutaneous ecchymosis, including 2 cases with fecal occult blood, 1 cases with hematuria, nasal hemorrhage . The change of liver and kidney function was not obvious. Conclusion In application of allopurinol treatment plus warfarin for patients with chronic persistent atrial fibrillation and hyperuricemia patients, , INR need to be regularly monitored, in order to provide reference for Warfarin dosage adjustment, and ensure clinical safety.

Relationship between plasma brain natriuretic peptide level and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective Through clinical observation and research with persistent atrial fibrillation in patients with blood-brain natriuretic peptide ( BNP) level change detection renin, angiotensin Ⅱ, aldosterone, analyze their data, investigate persistent atrial fibrillation ( PAF ) serum brain natriuretic hormone levels change and the relationship between the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).Methods 80 patients with coronary artery disease in our hospital from December 2013 to October 2015 were selected, randomly divided into experimental principle PAF group (40 cases) and control group ( patients in sinus rhythm,with 40 cases) , BNP, renin, angiotensinⅡ, aldosterone levels were measured in two groups, and left atrial diameter (LAD) measurements.Results Under the same condition of cardiac function, the blood BNP concentration in PAF group was higher than that in control group (P <0.05).The results of the linear regression analysis showed that the correlation coefficient of blood BNP level and AngII concentration in PAF group was 0.301, the correlation coefficient of blood BNP level and LAD indicators in PAF group was 0.373, the concentrations of BNP and RAAS were positively correlated with LVMI, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05), the blood BNP level was closely related to the level of RAAS in the PAF group (P<0.05).Conclusion Blood BNP concentration was significantly higher in patients with PAF and blood BNP concentration is closely related with the RAAS, LAD indicators, and a positive correlation.

Prognostic Value of Inferior Shift of P wave Axis after Catheter Ablation for Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation based on Dallas Lesion Set Including Anterior Line

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although an anterior linear ablation is an effective lesion set in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (L-PeAF), its durability for bidirectional block (BDB) is only about 60% at repeat procedure. We hypothesized that changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) may predict an anterior line block state and the clinical outcome of L-PeAF ablation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 304 L-PeAF patients (77% male, 60±10yrs), who consistently underwent RFCA Dallas lesion set (circumferential pulmonary vein isolation, posterior box lesion, and anterior line) protocol with subsequent comparison of pre-procedural and post-procedural P wave axes, and one year follow-up (n=205) sinus rhythm (SR) ECGs. RESULTS: 1. P wave axis shifted inferiorly at immediate post-procedure (p<0.001), and was independently correlated with BDB of anterior line (β=10.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.79-17.94, p=0.008). 2. The degree of post-procedural inferior shift of P wave axis did not reflect clinical recurrence within one-year (n=205, p=0.923), potentially due to conduction recovery of an anterior line. However, among 160 patients without clinical recurrence within one-year, P wave axis at one-year ECG was independently associated with very late recurrence of AF after one-year (n=160, hazard ratio [HR] 0.98; 95% CI 0.97-0.99, p=0.001), during 45.6±16.7 months of follow-up. 3. Among 22 patients who underwent repeat procedures, P wave axis shift was more significant in patients with maintained BDB of an anterior line than in those without (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: An inferior shift of P wave axis reflects the achievement and the maintenance of an anterior line BDB, and is associated with better long-term clinical outcome after catheter ablation for L-PeAF based on Dallas lesion set.

Effect of Dabigatran Etexilate on Coagulation Indexes and Safety of Elderly Patients with Persistent Atrial Fi-brillation / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of dabigatran etexilate on coagulation indexes and safety of elderly patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. METHODS:52 elderly patients with persistent atrial fibrillation were randomly divided into obser-vation group and control group by random number table,26 cases in each group. Creatinine clearance rate in observation group was higher than 30 ml/min,110 mg Dabigatran etexilate capsule was orally given,bid;when 15-30 ml/min,55 mg capsule was orally given,bid. Control group orally received Warfarin sodium tablet with initial dose of 2.5 mg,qd,according to international normal-ized ratio (INR) after 3-5 days till maintained in 2.0-3.0. After 3 months,coagulation indexes [prothrombin time (PT),activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),thrombin time (TT),INR,platelet count (PLT),fibrinogen (FIB)] before and after treat-ment,incidences of clinical events (cerebral embolism,cerebral hemorrhage,fatal bleeding,the remaining parts of embolism, death)and adverse reactions in 2 groups were compared. RESULTS:There was no significant difference in PT,APTT,TT,PLT and FIB between 2 groups before treatment(P>0.05);after treatment,PT and INR in 2 groups significantly increased,and obser-vation group was obviously better than control group,the difference was statistically significant(P0.05);the incidence of remaining parts of embolism,death in observation group significantly lower than control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in observation group was significant-ly lower than control group,the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Dabigatran etexilate shows good coagulation effect on elderly patients with persistent atrial fibrillation,which can effectively improve PT and INR levels and reduce the incidences of clinical events,with good safety.

Observation of the effect of pretreatment with ibutilide and direct current on cardioversion of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and the peri-treatment care / 中国实用护理杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the success rate and energy requirements of ibutilide and direct current(DC)cardioversion,summarize the nursing experience.MethodsForty-six patients with persistent atrial fibrillation were enrolled and underwent DC cardioversion were selelct from May 2009 to January 2011.23 patients received pretreatment with ibutilide before DC (the ibutilide group),23 patients received non drugs before DC (the control group).The cardioversion energy started at 100 J and increased if patients could not acquire sinus rhythm.All the patients were given pertinent care before,during and posttreatment.The success rate and energy requirements of the two groups were compared.Results95.7％ of the patients were successfully cardioverted in the ibutilide group,which was significantly higher than 74.0％ of the control group.The energy required for cardioversion was ( 139.1±45.1 ) J in the ibutilide group,significantly lower than (197.8±53.3) J in the control group.Non patients terminated treatment or appeared complication because of improper nursing.ConclusionsPretreatment with ibutilide enhanced the efficacy of DC cardioversion for the patients with persistent AF at lower energy requirements.Proper nursing care can ensure the smooth process of treatment and decrease the complications.

Combined Irbesartan and Amiodarone in Maintaining Sinus Rhythm in Patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease after Mitral Valve Replacement / 中华高血压杂志

Objective The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of combined irbesartan and amiodarone to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with rheumatic heart disease after valve replacement. Methods One hundred and sixteen patients of rheumatic heart disease after valve replacement operation complicated with persistent atrial fibrillation were randomized to amiodarone monotherapy (n=55) or irbesartan plus amiodarone group(n=61). Electrical cardioversion was administered 2 weeks after of pharmaceutical treatment. Patients were followed up for 18 months. Left atrial diameter was measured at before and 6, 12, 18 months after treatment. Results After 12 months, the left atrial diameter in amiodarone monotherapy group was significantly greater than irbesartan plus amiodarone combined group (P

The clinical obseruation of Valsartan for persistent atrial fibrillation on left atrial structure and left ventricular function / 中国实用内科杂志

3 month),that Valsartan can improve LAreconstruction significantly,and improve LV function,as well as the long-term prognosis of persistent AF.

Clinical application of low energy intracardiac cardioversion of atrial fibrillation / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low energy intracardiac cardioversion in persistent atrial fibrillation. Methods Low energy intracardiac cardioversion was performed by delivering R wave synchronized biphasic shocks in 7 patients(4 men, 3 women) with persistent atrial fibrillation. Prior to the procedure, all patients underwent transesophageal echocardiographic examinations to rule out the presence of intracardiac thrombus and received subcutaneous injection of low molecular weight heparin for 3 5 days. Two custom made 6 Fr catheters(Rhythm Technologies of Getz, USA) were used for de fibrillation shock delivery. One catheter was positioned in the lower right atrium so that the majority of the catheter electrodes had firm contact with the right atrial free wall. The second catheter was placed randomly either in coronary sinus through right internal jugular vein or in the left pulmonary artery through femoral vein. In addition, a standard diagnostic 6 F quadropolar catheter was placed at the right ventricular apex for ventricular synchronization and postshock ventricular pacing. Shocks were delivered by Implant Support Device(Model 4510, Teleceronics). After conversion, all patients were treated with intravenous amiodarone in the first 24 hours followed by oral administration. Results In all 7 patients cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm was successfully obtained. A mean of 2?1 shocks per patient has been delivered with a total amount of 13 shocks. The average delivered energy was 7.8?2.2 Joules. No complication occurred. At a mean follow up of 18?9 months, 4 of the 7 patients treated successfully showed sinus rhythm there after. Atrial fibrillation recurred in 3 patients at the second, fifth day and eighth month after cardioversion. Conclusions Low energy intracardiac cardioversion is effective and safe, and can be easily performed in patients without geneal anesthesia. It offers a new option for restoring sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Analysis of Underlying Diseases in Elderly Patients with Atrial

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the common and importand arrhythmia in the eldery. Because the distribution of cardiovascular disease changes according to age group and era, the distribution of underlying diseases in patients with AF also tends to change. The purpose of this study is to identify the difference between the eldery(> or = 65yr) and the young adult(<65yr) patients with AF in distribution of underlying disease. METHODS: 218 patients with AF diagnosed by routine EKG and Holter minitoring from Jan. 1996 to Dec 1998 in National Medical Center was evaluated. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively in aspect of age, sex, developmental form & underlying disease of AF. In detail. last two subjects were investigated in two separate age group and at the same time, relation between them studied. RESULTS: The majority of age group with AF was 65~74yr(40.4%) and the eldery patient was 59.7%. Acute paroxysmal form and chronic persistent form was 21.1% and 78.9% respectively. There was no significant difference in development form of AF between the eldery and young adult group(chi2=1.45, p=0.227) The common underlying disease were hypertension(33.4%), congestive heart failure(32.1%), rheumatic valvular heart diseas(20.2%). ischemic heart disease(14.2%), hyperthyroidism(6.9%), COPD(4.1%), and lone AF(10.1%). In the eldery patients. hypertension is the most common underlying disease(42.3%) and congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, rheumatic valvular heart disease, and COPD were 36.2%, 21.5%, 10.8%, 6.9% respectively. In the young adult group-, rheumatic valvular heart disease was the most common(34%), and congestive heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and hyperthyroidism were 26.1%, 20,5%, 3.4%, 10.2% respectively(chi2 = 62.71, p = 0.000). wheares ischemic heart disease, COPD, hyperthyroidism, stress, trauma, acute alcohol intoxication and lone AF were more common in acute paroxysmal AF, but hypertension, congestive heart failure, reumatic valvular heart disease were more common in chronic persistent AF(chi2 = 93.75, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Among underlying disease of AF. hypertension, congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease were markedly increased and rheumatic valvular heart disease was decreased than previous reports in Korea. Hypertension, congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, COPD were more common in the eldely and as to rheumatic valvular heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and lone AF were in the young adult. Thus it showed significant difference in underlying desease between the eldery & the young adult as well as acute paroxysmal & chronic persistent form.