A comparison of early versus delayed elective electrical cardioversion for recurrent episodes of persistent atrial fibrillation: A multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: Due to barriers to accessing timely elective electrical cardioversion (CV) for persistent AF (PeAF), we adopted a policy of instructing patients to present directly to the Emergency Department (ED) for CV. OBJECTIVE: We compare a strategy of Emergency CV (ED-CV) versus Elective CV (EL-CV) for treatment of symptomatic PeAF. METHODS: Between 2014 and 7, we evaluated 150 patients undergoing CV for PeAF. ED-CV patients were provided an AF action plan for recurrent symptoms and advised to present to ED within 36 h. EL-CV patients followed standard care, including cardiologist referral and placement on an elective hospital waiting list. Follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: We included 75 consecutive ED-CV patients and 75 consecutive EL-CV patients. ED-CV patients had a significantly shorter median AF duration prior to CV (1 day vs 3 months; p < 0.01) and less overall AF-related symptoms at 12 months (modified EHRA symptom score ≥ 2a in 44% vs 72%; p = 0.005). Time to next AF recurrence was longer in the ED-CV group (295 ±â€¯15 vs 245 ±â€¯15 days; logrank p = 0.001), as was time to AF ablation referral (314 ±â€¯13 vs 276 ±â€¯15 days; logrank p = 0.01). Baseline LA area was similar (ED-CV 27 ±â€¯4 cm2 vs EL-CV 28 ±â€¯11 cm2; p = 0.67), however EL-CV had larger atria at follow-up (31 ±â€¯8 vs 26 ±â€¯6 cm2; p = 0.01). There were no complications in either group. CONCLUSION: ED-CV is an acceptable strategy for symptomatic PeAF. In addition to reduced time spent in AF and improved symptom scores, this strategy may also slow progression of atrial substrate & delay onset of next AF episode.

Regular Alcohol Consumption Is Associated With Impaired Atrial Mechanical Function in the Atrial Fibrillation Population: A Cross-Sectional MRI-Based Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the impact of regular alcohol consumption on left atrial (LA) mechanical and reservoir function. BACKGROUND: Earlier studies suggest that regular alcohol intake is associated with increased atrial fibrillation (AF) and LA dilatation. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 160 patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF to undergo 3-T cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in sinus rhythm. Patients self-reported alcohol consumption in standard drinks (∼12 g alcohol) per week over the preceding 12 months and were categorized into 4 groups: 1) lifelong nondrinkers; 2) mild drinkers (3 to 10 standard drinks/week); 3) moderate drinkers (11 to 20 standard drinks/week); 4) heavy drinkers (>20 standard drinks/week). Permanent AF and cardiomyopathy were excluded. On CMR, maximum LA volume (LAmax) and minimum LA volume (LAmin), global LA emptying fraction (LAEF) as (LAmax - LAmin) / LAmax, and LA reservoir function as (LAmax - LAmin) / LAmin were calculated. RESULTS: Regular alcohol consumption (mean 15.8 ± 6.9 standard drinks/week, n = 120) was associated with larger LA size (LA volume index 50 ± 13 ml/m2 vs. 43 ± 12 ml/m2; p = 0.005), reduction in LAEF (40 ± 14% vs. 52 ± 15%; p < 0.001), and reduction in reservoir function (77 ± 48% vs. 119 ± 63%; p < 0.001) compared with lifelong nondrinkers (n = 40). There were progressive dose-related impairments in LAEF (mild 45.4 ± 13.5% vs. moderate 39.1 ± 14.7% vs. heavy drinkers 35.6 ± 12.6%; p < 0.01) and reservoir function (mild 95.8 ± 55.6% vs. moderate 74.8 ± 47.1% vs. heavy drinkers 61.7 ± 34.4%; p < 0.01). Predictors of atrial mechanical dysfunction included weekly alcohol intake (p = 0.001), older age (p = 0.018), and persistent AF (p = 0.016), but not binge drinking or beverage type. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF, habitual alcohol consumption is associated with significantly increased LA size and atrial mechanical dysfunction compared with nondrinkers.

Reduction in radiation dose for atrial fibrillation ablation over time: A 12-year single-center experience of 2344 patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a well-established treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), with contact force (CF)-sensing catheters joining 3-dimensional mapping systems and image integration as technological advancements over the last decade. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze trends in radiation exposure for AF ablation over the last 12 years at our center. METHODS: We reviewed prospectively collected data of 2344 consecutive PVI procedures for either paroxysmal or persistent AF between January 2004 and December 2015. During this period, all cases used 3-dimensional mapping systems, with 8 software and 2 hardware upgrades. Primary endpoints were fluoroscopy time, absorbed dose (Air Kerma in mGy), and effective dose (mSv). RESULTS: In total, 1914 patients underwent initial PVI, and 430 patients underwent redo PVI using radiofrequency energy. Fluoroscopy time, and absorbed and effective doses significantly and progressively decreased over the 12-year period for initial PVI as follows: 2004-2006: 61 ± 27 minutes; 2007-2009: 46 ± 14 minutes, 1365 ± 1369 mGy, 11.3 ± 12.5 mSv; 2010-2012: 31 ± 11, 464 ± 339 mGy, 9.0 ± 10.4 mSv; and 2013-2015: 17 ± 9 minutes, 304 ± 758 mGy, 5.5 ± 6.7 mSv. CF-sensing catheters were used for 357/508 PVI only cases between 2014 and 2015. Fluoroscopy times (11 ± 5 vs 21 ± 8 minutes; P <.001) and absorbed dose (200 ± 524 vs 470 ± 1326 mGy; P = .004) were significantly shorter with this catheter. CONCLUSION: Radiation exposure has dramatically decreased over the last decade for PVI and is related to operator experience, annual case volume, technology evolution, and more recently CF-sensing catheters. This has significant implications for both patient and operator long-term risk.