Is Age Associated with Complications of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation?

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases with age. The management of AF in the elderly is challenging, as it is normally associated with comorbidities and frailty. AF catheter ablation (CA) is a safe and superior alternative to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for the maintenance of sinus rhythm. Objectives To evaluate the rate of complications associated with CA for AF across different age groups. Methods A retrospective analysis of 219 patients who underwent CA for AF between 2016 and 2020 were divided into 3 age groups: less than 60 years, 60 to 70 years, and > 70 years. All the included patients underwent radiofrequency ablation using an electroanatomic mapping system. Categorical variables were evaluated with chi-square and Fisher's test, and continuous variables were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Tamhane's T2. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results We found an overall total complication rate of 4.6%. The total complication rate was 3.3% in patients < 60 years of age, 5.7% in patients between 60 and 70 years, and 5.2% in patients > 70 years (p = 0.742). No deaths occurred. Conclusion There was no significant difference in the AF CA-related complications when comparing the patients by age group.

Initial Experience with Fractionation Mapping in the Identification of Vagal Ganglionated Plexus During Cardioneuroablation

This is a series case report of five symptomatic patients presented with diagnosis of sinus bradycardia, first and second degrees atrioventricular (AV) blocks, that were referred to pacemaker implantation. During the screening, a functional cause for the bradycardia and AV blocks were documented by treadmill stress test, 24-hour Holter monitoring and atropine test. After the confirmation of the diagnosis, patients were submitted to cardioneuroablation on an anatomical basis supported by a tridimensional electroanatomical fractionation mapping software. The technique and the acute and short-term results of the cardioneuroablation are described.

Detecção de taquiarritmias atriais em portadores de marcapassos bicamerais / Detection of atrial tachyarrhythmia in dual-chamber pacemaker patients

O estudo comparou o diagnóstico de taquiarritmias atriais (TA) em portadores de marcapassos bicamerais detectadas por eletrocardiogramas de 12 derivações (ECG) realizados durante consultas clínicas e avaliações de marcapasso, com detecções de TA dos dispositivos implantados. Em uma amostra de 65 paciente, foram implantados e avaliados marcapassos bicamerais (DDDR) capazes de detectar e gravar eletrogramas atriais (EGM)...

Neuralgia do glossofaríngeo associada a síncope cardíaca refexa / Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Associated with Cardiac Syncope

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is an uncommon condition that has rarely been described in association with syncope. We report here 2 cases of glossopharyngeal neuralgia in elderly patients. Both were male and underwent temporary pacemaker insertion to prevent syncopal episodes. We discuss the clinical and surgical treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia, the role of cardiac stimulation, and the possible physiopathological mechanism of the associated cardiac disturbances