Safety of Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Under Uninterrupted Rivaroxaban Use / Segurança da Ablação por Cateter de Fibrilação Atrial sob Uso Ininterrupto de Rivaroxabana

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation under uninterrupted warfarin use is safe and recommended by experts. However, there is some controversy regarding direct-acting oral anticoagulants for the same purpose. Objective: To evaluate the safety of AF ablation under uninterrupted anticoagulation with rivaroxaban. Methods: A series of 130 patients underwent AF radiofrequency ablation under uninterrupted rivaroxaban use (RIV group) and was compared to a control group of 110 patients under uninterrupted warfarin use (WFR group) and therapeutic International Normalized Ratio (INR). We analyzed death, rates of thromboembolic events, major and minor bleedings, activated clotting time (ACT) levels, and heparin dose in the procedure. The ablation protocol basically consisted of circumferential isolation of the pulmonary veins guided by electroanatomic mapping. It was adopted a statistical significance of 5%. Results: The clinical characteristics of the groups were similar, and the paroxysmal AF was the most frequent type (63% and 59%, RIV and WFR groups). A thromboembolic event occurred in the RIV group. There were 3 patients with major bleeding (RIV = 1 and WFR = 2; p = 0.5); no deaths. Basal INR was higher in the WFR group (2.5 vs. 1.2 ± 0.02; p < 0.0001), with similar basal ACT levels (123.7 ± 3 vs. 118 ± 4; p= 0, 34). A higher dose of venous heparin was used in the RIV group (9,414 ± 199 vs. 6,019 ± 185 IU; p < 0.0001) to maintain similar mean ACT levels during the procedure (350 ± 3 vs. 348.9 ± 4; p = 0.79). Conclusion: In the study population, AF ablation under uninterrupted rivaroxaban showed a safety profile that was equivalent to uninterrupted warfarin use with therapeutic INR.

Resumo Fundamento: A ablação de fibrilação atrial (FA) sob uso ininterrupto de varfarina é segura e recomendada por especialistas. Entretanto, há controvérsia quanto aos anticoagulantes orais de ação direta para o mesmo fim. Objetivo: Avaliar a segurança em realizar ablação de FA sob anticoagulação ininterrupta com rivaroxabana. Métodos: Uma série de 130 pacientes foi submetida à ablação com radiofrequência da FA sob uso ininterrupto de rivaroxabana (grupo RIV) e comparada a um grupo-controle de 110 pacientes que a fizeram sob uso ininterrupto de varfarina (grupo VRF) e relação normatizada internacional (RNI) terapêutica. Analisamos morte, taxas de eventos tromboembólicos, de sangramentos maiores e menores, níveis do tempo de coagulação ativado (TCA) e dose de heparina no procedimento. O protocolo da ablação consistiu basicamente em isolamento circunferencial das veias pulmonares guiado por mapeamento eletroanatômico. Significância estatística de 5% foi adotada. Resultados: As características clínicas dos grupos foram semelhantes e a FA paroxística mais frequente (63% e 59%, grupos RIV e VRF). Um evento tromboembólico ocorreu no grupo RIV. Foram três pacientes com sangramentos maiores (RIV = 1 e VRF = 2; p = 0,5); nenhum óbito. A RNI basal foi maior no grupo VRF (2,5 vs. 1,2 ± 0,02; p < 0,0001), com níveis de TCA basal semelhantes (123,7 ± 3 vs. 118 ± 4; p = 0,34). Maior dose de heparina venosa foi utilizada no grupo RIV (9.414 ± 199 vs. 6.019 ± 185 UI; p < 0,0001) para manter níveis médios de TCA semelhantes durante o procedimento (350 ± 3 vs. 348,9 ± 4; p = 0,79). Conclusão: Na população estudada, a ablação de FA sob rivaroxabana ininterrupta teve segurança equivalente à varfarina ininterrupta, com RNI terapêutica.

Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion with AMPLATZER™ Amulet™ Device: Real Life Data with Mid-Term Follow-Up Results / Oclusão Transcateter do Apêndice Atrial Esquerdo com a Prótese AMPLATZER™ Amulet™: Dados Reais com Resultados de Seguimento de Médio-Prazo

Abstract Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is an alternative therapy for atrial fibrillation patients who have high embolic risk and contraindications to anticoagulant therapy. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and mid-term outcomes of percutaneous LAA occlusion, including device-related thrombosis. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients who had undergone percutaneous LAA occlusion with AMPLATZER™ Amulet™ device from September 2015 to March 2018 were enrolled. Patients were followed for 21 ± 15 months (median - 20 months, interquartile range - 9 to 27 months). The postprocedural assessment was done at the 1(st), 6(th), and 12(th) month. Patients were clinically evaluated, and transesophageal echocardiography was performed at each visit. We evaluated the condition of normality of variables using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. P-values < 0.05 were statistically significant. Results: The most common indication for the procedure was major bleeding with anticoagulants (n: 53, 88.3%). The procedure was completed successfully in 59 (98.3%) patients. Periprocedural mortality was observed in one patient. Postprocedural antiplatelet treatment was planned as dual or single antiplatelet therapy or low-dose anticoagulant therapy in 52 (88.1%), 2 (3.4%), and 5 (8.5%) patients, respectively. We found no clinically significant cerebrovascular events, device-related thrombus, or embolization in any patient during the follow-up. Two (3.4 %) patients presented significant peri-device leak (>3 mm) at the 1st month evaluation, which disappeared at the 12th month follow-up. Conclusion: We concluded that LAA occlusion using the Amulet™ LAA occluder can be performed with high procedural success and acceptable outcomes.

Resumo Fundamento: A oclusão do apêndice atrial esquerdo (AAE) é uma terapia alternativa para pacientes com fibrilação atrial que tenham alto risco embólico e contraindicações à terapia anticoagulante. Objetivo: Avaliar a viabilidade, segurança e resultados de médio prazo da oclusão percutânea do AAE, incluindo a trombose relacionada à prótese. Métodos: Sessenta pacientes consecutivos que foram submetidos à oclusão percutânea do AAE com a prótese AMPLATZER™ Amulet™ de setembro de 2015 a março de 2018 foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por 21 ± 15 meses (mediana - 20 meses, intervalo interquartílico - 9 a 27 meses). A avaliação pós-procedimento foi feita no 1º, 6º e 12º mês. Os pacientes foram examinados clinicamente e um ecocardiograma transesofágico foi realizado a cada visita. A condição de normalidade das variáveis foi avaliada por meio do teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Os valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: A indicação mais comum para o procedimento foi sangramento significativo com anticoagulantes (n: 53, 88,3%). O procedimento foi concluído com sucesso em 59 (98,3%) pacientes. Mortalidade peri-procedimento ocorreu em um paciente. A tratamento antiplaquetário pós-procedimento foi planejado como terapia antiplaquetária única ou dupla ou terapia anticoagulante de dose baixa em 52 (88,1%), 2 (3,4%) e 5 (8,5%) pacientes, respectivamente. Não foram encontrados eventos cerebrovasculares clinicamente significativos, trombo relacionado à prótese ou embolização nos pacientes durante o seguimento. Dois (3,4%) pacientes apresentaram vazamento peri-prótese significativo (>3 mm) na avaliação do 1º mês, que desapareceu no 12º mês de seguimento. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que a oclusão do AAE com o oclusor de AAE Amulet™ pode ser realizada com grande sucesso e resultados aceitáveis.

Tratamiento anticoagulante de la fibrilación auricular: usos y hábitos de los cardiólogos / Anticoagulant treatment of atrial fibrillation: uses and habits of cardiologists

RESUMEN Introducción: El tratamiento anticoagulante (TACO) es uno de los pilares en la prevención del accidente cerebrovascular. Objetivos: Conocer los hábitos de inicio del TACO, las dificultades en su continuidad y la incorporación de nuevos anticoagulantes orales (NAO). Analizar las conductas médicas. Material y Métodos: Encuesta cerrada a 107 cardiólogos. Resultados: En el inicio del TACO, el 52,3% adoptó una decisión con el paciente. Fueron reconocidos diversos inconvenientes para su continuidad y el 85% eligió al costo como la dificultad para incorporar NAO. En pacientes de alto riesgo y FA de tiempo incierto, el 83,2% eligió TACO y control de frecuencia cardíaca. En pacientes de bajo riesgo con FA paroxística, el 54,2% optó por el seguimiento. En pacientes con alto riesgo embolígeno y de sangrado, el 75,7% decidió TACO. Conclusiones: Se observó una tendencia a dar participación al paciente en el inicio del TACO y múltiples dificultades para sostenerlo. El precio de los NAO condiciona su uso. Las conductas médicas fueron concordantes con lo que indican las guías.

SUMMARY Introduction: The anticoagulant treatment (ACOT) is one of the pillars in the prevention of stroke. Objectives: To know the habits of initiation of ACOT, difficulties in its continuity, incorporation of new anticoagulants (NOA), and analyze medical behaviors. Material and Methods: Survey closed to 107 cardiologists. Results: At the beginning of ACOT, 52.3% cardiologists adopted a decision with the patient, several inconveniences were recognized for its continuity, and 85% chose the economic cost as a difficulty to incorporate NOA. In High risk and AF of uncertain time: 83.2% cardiologists chose ACOT and frequency control. In Low risk with paroxysmal AF: 54.2% opted for follow-up. In High risk embolism and bleeding: 75.7% decided ACOT. Conclusions: A tendency to involve the patient at the beginning of ACOT, and multiple difficulties to sustain it was observed. The use of NAO is conditioned by economic cost. The medical behaviors were consistent with the guidelines.

Trombosis venosa de sitio inusual: síndrome de Paget-Schroetter / Venous thrombosis of unusual site: Paget-Schroetter syndrome

RESUMEN Fundamento: la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa es una enfermedad clínica frecuente, asociada a múltiples factores de riesgo ya identificados. Existen presentaciones con localizaciones atípicas, como lo es la trombosis en miembro superior. Al ser su etiología en el 30 % de los casos la hipertrofia de músculos de la cintura escapular (síndrome de Paget-Schroetter), el cual siempre deberá ser sospechado en pacientes sanos que realicen actividades deportivas de máximo esfuerzo donde tanto el tratamiento farmacológico como quirúrgico ofrecerán una adecuada alternativa terapéutica. Objetivo: presentar un paciente joven con trombosis venosa de sitio inusual en miembro superior. Presentación del caso: se presenta el caso de un paciente joven de 20 años sano, deportista de alto rendimiento, quien acude a consulta por cuadro subagudo de signos inflamatorios y circulación colateral en miembro superior izquierdo, con posterior confirmación de trombosis venosa de sitio inusual, se descartan causas comunes, trombofilias y luego se confirma la hipertrofia de músculos escalenos como evento precipitante. Dada la duración del cuadro en su inicio es manejado con anticoagulación e intervenido de forma quirúrgica con adecuada respuesta. Conclusiones: la presencia de trombosis venosa de sitio inusual en miembro superior en pacientes jóvenes, sanos y deportistas obliga a sospechar el síndrome de Paget-Schroetter como principal causa, al permitir un adecuado manejo y pronóstico.

ABSTRACT Background: venous thromboembolic disease is a frequent clinical illness, associated with multiple risk factors already identified. There are presentations with atypical locations such as thrombosis in the upper limb. The etiology in the 30% of cases is the hypertrophy of the scapular waist muscles (Paget-Schroetter syndrome), which should always be suspected in healthy patients that practice sports to their maximum level, where both pharmacological and surgical treatment will offer an adequate alternative. Objective: to present a young patient with venous thrombosis of unusual site in the upper limb. Presentation of the case: we present the case of a 20-year-old healthy patient, previously a high-performance athlete, who went to consultation for a sub-acute symptomps of inflammatory signs and collateral circulation in the left upper limb, with subsequent confirmation of unusual site venous thrombosis. The common etiologies are ruled out and, finally, scalene hypertrophy known as Paget-Schroetter syndrome is confirmed. Given the duration of the symptoms, the anticoagulation is initially handled and subsequently he is surgically treated with an adequate response. Conclusions: the presence of unusual site venous thrombosis in upper limb in young, healthy and athletic patients forces us to be suspicious about the Paget-Schroetter syndrome as the main etiology allowing the correct handling and prognosis.

Trombo aortico intraluminal e hematoma intramural apos manobra de ressuscitacao cardiopulmonar / Aortic luminal thrombus and intramural hematoma after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Descrevemos o caso de um paciente com hematoma intramural e trombo flutuante após ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. Esse homem, de 92 anos de idade, teve uma parada cardíaca causada por fibrilação atrial e testemunhas iniciaram imediatamente manobras manuais de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. Ao ser admitido no hospital, o paciente apresentava-se em choque cardiogênico, sendo, então, imediatamente submetido a ecocardiografia transesofágica. Além de uma parede anterior acinética, o exame da aorta torácica descendente mostrou um hematoma intramural e um trombo intra-aórtico flutuante a uma distância de 40cm do arco dental. Não havia dissecção da aorta. O trombo foi atribuído à compressão aórtica durante a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. Embora o trombo aórtico e o hematoma intramural não tenham se associado a qualquer complicação nesse paciente, a inserção de um balão intra-aórtico poderia ter levado a uma ruptura da aorta ou a eventos embólicos. Recomenda-se a realização de ecocardiografia transesofágica, quando disponível, antes da inserção de um balão intra-aórtico de contrapulsação em pacientes submetidos à ressuscitação cardiopulmonar.

We describe the case of a patient with an intramural hematoma and floating thrombus after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The 92-year old man had a cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation and witnesses immediately initiated manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed immediately on hospital admission because the patient was in cardiogenic shock. In addition to an akinetic anterior wall, examination of the descending thoracic aorta demonstrated an intramural hematoma and a floating intra-aortic thrombus at a distance of 40cm from the dental arch. There was no aortic dissection. The thrombus was attributed to aortic compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Although the aortic thrombus and intramural hematoma were not associated with any complications in this patient, insertion of an intra-aortic balloon may have led to aortic rupture or embolic events. Transesophageal echocardiography should be performed, when available, prior to insertion of an intra-aortic balloon for counterpulsation in patients who have undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Is a Hemorrhoidectomy Safe in Patients Requiring Anticoagulation?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the risks of a hemorrhoidectomy in patients requiring long-term anticoagulation. METHODS: Between March 1998 and February 2001, 13 patients requiring long-term oral anticoagulation because of prosthetic valve replacement (n=4), atrial fibrillation (n=7), and coronary artery disease (n=2) underwent a hemorrhoidectomy at Seoul National University Hospital. We performed a retrospective analysis on these patients regarding the results of the hemorrhoidectomy. The control group consisted of 148 patients without any medical problems who had undergone a hemorrhoidectomy during the same period. Patients on anticoagulation stopped their oral medication three days before the operation and full intravenous (IV) heparinization was commenced. Heparin was stopped six hours before the operation and restarted postoperatively, and warfarin was re-started on the evening of postoperative day 1. The hemorrhoidectomy consisted of excising three main piles, followed by submucosal excision of all intervening piles. Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The PTs (prothrombin times) of the anticoagulation group and the control group obtained at admission were INRs (international normalized ratios) of 1.75+/-0.54 and 1.04 0.08, respectively (P=0.0005). After discontinuation of oral medication and full IV heparinization, the INR of the anticoagulation group at the time of operation was 1.06+/-0.09, which was not statistically different from the PT (INR) of the control group at admission (P=0.603). There were two cases of postoperative bleeding requiring blood transfusions in the anticoagulation group (15.4%), and four cases of postoperative bleeding requiring blood transfusions in the control group (2.7%), but there was no statistical difference between the rates for the two groups (P=0.075). The mean postoperative hospital stays were 6.69+/-3.68 and 3.64+/-2.98 for the anticoagulation and control groups, respectively (P=0.074). Postoperative analgesic requirements and urinary difficulty were similar in both groups (P=0.478 and 0.397, respectively). No systemic thromboembolism in both groups, and there was no bacterial endocarditis or valvular thrombosis was seen in patients with prosthetic heart valves. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that patients taking oral warfarin for anticoagulation may safely undergo a hemorrhoidectomy after strict heparinization.