Deferral of non-emergency cardiac interventions is associated with increased emergency hospitalizations up to 24 months post-procedure.

BACKGROUND: Patients, whose non-emergency cardiac procedure was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown signs of disease progression in the short term. Data on the long-term effects are currently lacking. AIM: To assess outcomes through 3 years following deferral. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center analysis includes consecutive patients whose non-emergency cardiovascular intervention was postponed during the first COVID-19-related lockdown (March 19 to April 30, 2020). Outcomes over 36 months post-procedure were analyzed and compared to a seasonal control group undergoing non-emergency intervention in 2019 as scheduled (n = 214). The primary endpoint was a composite of emergency cardiovascular hospitalization and death. Additionally, NT-proBNP levels were analyzed. RESULTS: The combined endpoint occurred in 60 of 178 patients (33.7%) whose non-emergency transcatheter heart valve intervention, rhythmological procedure, or left heart catheterization was postponed. Primary endpoint events did not occur more frequently in the study group during the 36-month follow-up (p = 0.402), but within the first 24 months post-procedure (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.20-2.60, p = 0.003). Deferred patients affected by an event in the postprocedural 24 months had significantly higher NT-proBNP levels at the time of intervention (p < 0.001) (AUC 0.768, p = 0.003, optimum cut-off 808.5 pg/ml, sensitivity 84.2%, specificity 65.8%) and thereafter (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Deferral of non-emergency cardiovascular interventions is associated with poor outcomes up to 24 months post-procedure. Adverse effects affect patients who develop signs of acute heart failure, as indicated by NT-proBNP, prior to treatment. These findings could help improve resource allocation in times of limited capacity.

Cusp-overlap view reduces conduction disturbances and permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement even with balloon-expandable and mechanically-expandable heart valves.

Background: Conduction disturbances demanding permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) remain a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Optimization of the implantation depth (ID) by introducing the cusp-overlap projection (COP) technique led to a reduced rate of PPI when self-expanding valves were used. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine if using the novel COP view is applicable for all types of TAVR prosthesis and results in a higher ID and reduced incidence of new conduction disturbances and PPI. Methods: In this prospective case-control study 586 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with either balloon-expandable Edwards SAPIEN S3 (n = 280; 47.8%), or mechanically expandable Boston LOTUS Edge heart valve prostheses (n = 306; 52.2%) were included. ID as well as rates of periprocedural PPI and left bundle branch block (LBBB) were compared between the conventional three-cusp coplanar (TCC) projection and the COP view for implantation. Results: Of 586 patients, 282 (48.1%) underwent TAVR using COP, whereas in 304 patients (51.9%) the TCC view was applied. Using COP a significantly higher ID was achieved in Edwards SAPIEN S3 TAVR procedures (ID mean difference -1.0 mm, 95%-CI -1.9 to -0.1 mm; P = 0.029), whereas the final platform position did not differ significantly between both techniques when a Boston LOTUS Edge valve was used (ID mean difference -0.1 mm, 95%-CI -1.1 to +0.9 mm; P = 0.890). In Edwards SAPIEN S3 valves, higher ID was associated with a numerically lower post-procedural PPI incidence (4.9% vs. 7.3%; P = 0.464). Moreover, ID was significantly deeper in patients requiring PPI post TAVR compared to those without PPI [8.7 mm (6.8-10.6 mm) vs. 6.5 mm (6.1-7.0 mm); P = 0.005]. In Boston LOTUS Edge devices, COP view significantly decreased the incidence of LBBB post procedure (28.1% vs. 47.9%; P < 0.001), while PPI rates were similar in both groups (21.6% vs. 25.7%; P = 0.396). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the safety, efficacy and reproducibility of the cusp-overlap view even in balloon-expandable and mechanically-expandable TAVR procedures. Application of COP leads to significantly less LBBB in repositionable Boston LOTUS Edge valves and a numerically lower PPI rate in Edwards SAPIEN S3 valves post TAVR compared to the standard TCC projection. The results should encourage to apply the COP view more widely in clinical practice.

Drug-coated balloon: an effective alternative to stent strategy in small-vessel coronary artery disease-a meta-analysis.

Background: Small-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) is frequently observed in coronary angiography and linked to a higher risk of lesion failure and restenosis. Currently, treatment of small vessels is not standardized while having drug-eluting stents (DES) or drug-coated balloons (DCBs) as possible strategies. We aimed to conduct a meta-analytic approach to assess the effectiveness of treatment strategies and outcomes for small-vessel CAD. Methods: Comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies reporting treatment strategies of small-vessel CAD with a reference diameter of ≤3.0 mm. Target lesion revascularization (TLR), target lesion thrombosis, all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as clinical outcomes. Outcomes from single-arm and randomized studies based on measures by means of their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were compared using a meta-analytic approach. Statistical significance was assumed if CIs did not overlap. Results: Thirty-seven eligible studies with a total of 31,835 patients with small-vessel CAD were included in the present analysis. Among those, 28,147 patients were treated with DES (24 studies) and 3,299 patients with DCB (18 studies). Common baseline characteristics were equally distributed in the different studies. TLR rate was 4% in both treatment strategies [0.04; 95% CI 0.03-0.05 (DES) vs. 0.03-0.07 (DCB)]. MI occurred in 3% of patients receiving DES and in 2% treated with DCB [0.03 (0.02-0.04) vs. 0.02 (0.01-0.03)]. All-cause mortality was 3% in the DES group [0.03 (0.02-0.05)] compared with 1% in the DCB group [0.01 (0.00-0.03)]. Approximately 9% of patients with DES developed MACE vs. 4% of patients with DCB [0.09 (0.07-0.10) vs. 0.04 (0.02-0.08)]. Meta-regression analysis did not show a significant impact of reference vessel diameter on outcomes. Conclusion: This large meta-analytic approach demonstrates similar clinical and angiographic results between treatment strategies with DES and DCB in small-vessel CAD. Therefore, DES may be waived in small coronary arteries when PCI is performed with DCB.

Predictors of worse outcome after postponing non-emergency cardiac interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Deferral of non-emergency cardiac procedures is associated with increased early emergency cardiovascular hospitalisation. This study aimed to identify predictors of worse clinical outcome after deferral of non-emergency cardiovascular interventions. METHODS: This observational case-control study included consecutive patients whose non-emergency cardiac intervention has been postponed during COVID-19-related lockdown between 19 March and 30 April 2020 (n=193). Cox regression was performed to identify predictors of the combined 1-year end point emergency cardiovascular hospitalisation and death. All patients undergoing non-emergency interventions in the corresponding time period 2019 served as control group (n=216). RESULTS: The combined end point of death and emergency cardiovascular hospitalisation occurred in 70 (36.3%) of 193 patients with a postponed cardiovascular intervention. The planned intervention was deferred by a median of 23 (19-36) days. Arterial hypertension (HR 2.27; 95% CI 1.00 to 5.12; p=0.049), chronic kidney disease (HR 1.89; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.49; p=0.041) as well as severe valvular heart disease (HR 3.08; 95% CI 1.68 to 5.64; p<0.001) were independent predictors of death or emergency hospitalisation. Kaplan-Maier estimators of the combined end point were 31% in patients with arterial hypertension, 56% in patients with severe valvular heart disease and 77% with both risk factors (HR 12.4, 95% CI 3.8 to 40.7; p<0.001) and only 9% in patients without these risk factors (log rank p<0.001). N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) cut-point of ≥1109 pg/mL best predicts the occurrence of primary end point event in deferred patients (area under the curve 0.71; p<0.001; sensitivity 63.8%, specificity 69.4%). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that patients with either arterial hypertension, chronic kidney or severe valvular heart disease are at very high risk for emergency hospitalisation and increased mortality in case of postponed cardiac interventions even in supposed stable clinical status. Risk seems to be even higher in patients suffering from a combination of these conditions. If the ongoing or future pandemics force hospitals again to postpone cardiac interventions, the biomarker NT-proBNP is an applicable parameter for outpatient monitoring to identify those at risk for adverse cardiovascular events.

Deferral of Non-Emergency Cardiovascular Interventions Triggers Increased Cardiac Emergency Admissions-Analysis of the COVID-19 Related Lockdown.

BACKGROUND: Data on the relation between non-emergency and emergency cardiac admission rates during the COVID-19 lockdown and post-lockdown period are sparse. METHODS: Consecutive cardiac patients admitted to our tertiary heart center between 1 January and 30 June 2020 were included. The observation period of 6 months was analyzed in total and divided into three defined time periods: the pre-lockdown (1 January-19 March), lockdown (20 March-19 April), and post-lockdown (20 April-30 June) period. These were compared to the reference periods 2019 and 2022 using daily admission rates and incidence rate ratios (IRR). RESULTS: Over the observation period from 1 January to 30 June, cardiac admissions (including non-emergency and emergency) were comparable between 2019, 2020, and 2022 (n = 2889, n = 2952, n = 2956; p = 0.845). However, when compared to the reference period 2019, non-emergency admissions decreased in 2020 (1364 vs. 1663; p = 0.02), while emergency admissions significantly increased (1588 vs. 1226; p < 0.001). Further analysis of the lockdown period revealed that non-emergency admissions dropped by 82% (IRR 0.18; 95%-CI 0.14-0.24; p < 0.001) and 42% fewer invasive cardiac interventions were performed (p < 0.001), whereas the post-lockdown period showed a 52% increase of emergency admissions (IRR 1.47; 95%-CI 1.31-1.65; p < 0.001) compared to 2019. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a drastic surge of emergency cardiac admissions post-COVID-19 related lockdown suggesting that patients who did not keep their non-emergency appointment had to be admitted as an emergency later on.

Deferral of non-emergency cardiac procedures is associated with increased early emergency cardiovascular hospitalizations.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, in anticipation of a demand surge for high-care hospital beds, many hospitals postponed non-emergency interventions of cardiac patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of cardiac patients whose non-emergency interventions had been deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Patients whose non-emergency cardiac intervention had been cancelled between March 19th and April 30th, 2020 were included (study group). All patients were considered as deferrable according to current recommendations. Patients' outcomes after 12 months were compared to a seasonal control group who underwent non-emergency interventions in 2019 as scheduled. The primary endpoint was a composite of emergency cardiovascular hospitalization and death. Secondary endpoints were levels of symptoms and cardiac biomarkers. RESULTS: Outcomes of 193 consecutive patients in the study group were assessed and compared to 216 controls. The primary endpoint occurred significantly more often in the study group (HR 2.42, 95%CI 1.63-3.61, p < 0.001). This was driven by an increase in hospitalizations. Subgroup analyses showed that especially patients with a deferred transcatheter heart valve intervention experienced early emergency hospitalization (HR 9.55, 95%CI 3.70-24.62, p < 0.001). These findings were accompanied by more pronounced symptoms and higher biomarker levels. CONCLUSIONS: Deferral of non-emergency cardiac interventions to meet the higher demand for hospital beds during the COVID-19 crisis is associated with early emergency cardiovascular hospitalizations. Patients suffering from valvular heart disease especially constitute a vulnerable group. Consequently, our results suggest that current recommendations on the management of cardiovascular disease during the COVID-19 pandemic need revision.

Vascular Access-Site Choice and Outcomes in Patients With Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Undergoing Coronary Catheterization in a High-Volume Transradial Center.

BACKGROUND: Transradial access for coronary angiography was observed to be superior to femoral access. Nevertheless, femoral artery access is still frequently used, especially in challenging subgroups with high procedural complexity, like patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). PURPOSE: We analyzed access-site choice and outcomes of CABG patients undergoing coronary catheterization in different clinical settings. METHODS: A total of 1206 consecutive CABG patients undergoing coronary angiography and intervention were included in this study. Procedural and clinical outcomes were compared between transradial and transfemoral access. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of access-site choice. RESULTS: Coronary catheterization was performed via radial access in 753 patients (63.1%) and via femoral access in 442 patients (36.9%). During the study period, femoral artery utilization dropped from 55.2% to a minimum of 28.2% per year (P<.01). Short stature (odds ratio [OR], 1.62; P<.01), peripheral artery disease (OR, 1.42; P=.04), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (OR, 4.17; P<.001), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (OR, 2.56; P=.01), and coexisting left and right internal mammary artery (LIMA/RIMA) bypass grafts (OR, 2.67; P<.001) were independently associated with femoral access-site choice. Study outcomes including access-site complications (4.3% vs 1.6%; P<.01) as well as short- and long-term mortality (30-day mortality: 6.8% vs 2.0%; hazard ratio, 3.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.84-6.70; P<.001) were more likely to occur with femoral access. Length of stay was shorter in the radial cohort (3.7 ± 5.1 days vs 5.3 ± 7.2 days; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Radial access appears to be favorable even in complex CABG patients. Although radial access was set as the standard vascular approach, femoral access was chosen in one-third of all patients. Independent predictors for femoral access were short stature, peripheral artery disease, acute settings like CPR and STEMI, as well as coexisting LIMA and RIMA grafts.

Impact of Radial Access on Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts.

PURPOSE: We investigated the impact of radial access on contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) undergoing cardiac catheterization. METHODS: This retrospective monocenter study included 527 CABG patients undergoing cardiac catheterization via radial (58.1%, N = 306) or femoral access (41.9%, N = 221). Primary outcome measure was CI-AKI defined in accordance with the KDIGO criteria. Independent predictors for CI-AKI were assessed. 1-year mortality was assessed depending on the occurrence of CI-AKI. RESULTS: In total, 99 CABG patients (18.8%) developed CI-AKI within 48 h after cardiac catheterization. Compared to patients without CI-AKI, amount of contrast media used (203.1 ± 102.6 ml vs. 204.2 ± 98.2 ml; P = 0.892) as well as procedural times (87.9 ± 44.8 vs. 79.8 ± 37.0; P = 0.190) were similarly. Regarding vascular access, there was no significant difference in the incidence of CI-AKI between radial and femoral approach (19.0% vs. 18.6%; p = 0.907). However, poor left ventricular ejection fraction (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72, P = 0.026), chronic kidney disease (OR = 2.30, P = 0.001) and acute coronary syndrome (OR = 1.64, P = 0.043) were independent predictors for CI-AKI. The occurrence of CI-AKI was significantly associated with an increased 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.52, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: With 18.8%, CI-AKI is a frequent complication in CABG patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Radial access did not decrease the risk when compared to the femoral approach.

Impact of extent of coronary artery disease and percutaneous revascularization assessed by the SYNTAX score on outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by the SYNTAX score (SS) and periprocedural percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). BACKGROUND: Due to controversial data regarding the effect of CAD on outcomes after TAVR, proper revascularization strategies remain a matter of debate. METHODS: 553 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR were included in this study. SS was calculated for each patient at baseline and after PCI. Primary outcome was one-year all-cause mortality. RESULTS: 60.2% of patients (N = 333) exhibited CAD with a mean SS of 10.8 ± 8.8. Of those, 120 patients (36.0%) received periprocedural PCI. In the treatment group, mean SS was decreased from 14.9 ± 9.1 to 6.3 ± 6.7. Patients with concomitant CAD suffered more frequently from myocardial infarction (MI) post TAVR compared to those without CAD (2.1% vs. 0.0%; P < 0.01). In the CAD cohort, MI rates were comparable between patients with and without PCI (2.2% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.71). Regarding SS, patients with a residual SS < 8 showed significant lower rates of one-year mortality (9.0% vs. 18.2%; P = 0.016) and MACCE (16.5% vs. 32.2%; P = 0.001). Besides left bundle brunch, predictors for an increased one-year mortality were a residual SS ≥ 8 in the CAD group (OR = 3.17; P = 0.011) and a EuroSCORE ≥ 4% in the entire study population (OR = 2.18; P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a residual SS-guided revascularization strategy may improve prognosis after TAVR in patients with concomitant CAD. PCI aiming for a residual SS < 8 was associated with improved one-year clinical outcomes.

Non-invasive Imaging in Patients With Chronic Total Occlusions of the Coronary Arteries-What Does the Interventionalist Need for Success?

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of coronary arteries is a common finding in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Although tremendous advances have been made in the interventional treatment of CTOs over the past decade, correct patient selection remains an important parameter for achieving optimal results. Non-invasive imaging can make a valuable contribution. Ischemia and viability, two major factors in this regard, can be displayed using echocardiography, single-photon emission tomography, positron emission tomography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Although most have been studied in patients with CAD in general, there is an increasing number of studies with positive preselectional factors for patients with CTOs. The aim of this review is to provide a structured overview of the current state of pre-interventional imaging for CTOs.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in HFpEF patients-A propensity-score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are both common conditions associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially if they coexist. Catheter ablation (CA) for AF has been shown recently to induce reverse remodeling and improve symptoms in HFpEF patients. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of AF patients with HFpEF, who either underwent CA for AF or received medical therapy only. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included all AF patients with HFpEF according to current guidelines treated at our hospital between 2013 and 2018. Out of 6614 AF patients, we identified 127 with confirmed HFpEF. After applying propensity score matching to balance patient groups, 43 patients treated by CA and 43 patients receiving medical treatment were compared. Patients in the CA group underwent a mean of 1.5 ± 0.8 ablation procedures. Arrhythmia recurrence occurred significantly less frequently in the CA group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.25-0.87; p = .016). The primary endpoint, a composite of heart failure hospitalization and death, was reduced significantly by CA compared to medical therapy (HR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13-0.67; p = .003). This was driven by a decrease in heart failure hospitalization. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters of HFpEF improved significantly only after CA. Remarkably, reassessment of diagnostic HFpEF criteria at the end of follow-up demonstrated HFpEF resolution in 15 out of 43 patients (35%) treated by CA and only 4 out of 43 patients (9%) treated medically (p = .008). CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation for AF in HFpEF patients in comparison to medical therapy decreases heart failure hospitalization, heart failure symptoms, and improves diastolic function. AF ablation should be considered in patients with HFpEF and concomitant AF.

The Effect of the Lockdown on Patients With Myocardial Infarction During the COVID-19 Pandemic­A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The phenomenon of declining numbers of patients presenting with myocardial infarction was reported from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic onward. It was thought that measures introduced to stem the pandemic, such as the lockdown, contributed to this development. However, the data on hospital admissions, delay times, and mortality are not consistent. METHODS: Our systematic literature review and meta-analysis embraced studies reporting the number of hospital admissions of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and/or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) during lockdown episodes. We also collected data on patient- and system-related delay times and on mortality. RESULTS: Data from 27 studies on a total of 81 163 patients were included in our meta-analysis. We found that the number of hospital admissions of patients with myocardial infarction was significantly lower during the lockdown than before the pandemic (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.516 [0.403; 0.660], I2 = 98%). This was true both for patients with STEMI (IRR = 0.620 [0.514; 0.746], I2 = 96%) and for patients with NSTEMI (IRR = 0.454 [0.354; 0.584], I2 = 96%). However, we found no significant difference in the time from hospital admission to cardiac catheterization, or in mortality, in relation to the time from symptom onset to first medical contact. CONCLUSION: In this study, we have shown that the lockdown due to COVID-19 was associated with a marked decline in the number of hospital admissions of patients with myocardial infarction. As no significant effect on delay times or mortality was observed, it seems that timely medical care continued to be delivered.

Angiographic Results After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Ostial Versus Distal Left Main Lesions.

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate angiographic outcomes in ostial and distal LM lesions. METHODS: 176 patients with LM disease undergoing PCI were retrospectively included in this study. 9 months of angiographic and 12 months of clinical follow-up was obtained. Quantitative coronary analysis (QCA) was performed for all lesions, using an 11-segment model. Clinical endpoint measure was a composite endpoint of cardiac death, myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization (TLR). RESULTS: During 12 months follow up after successful PCI, the composite endpoint occurred more frequently in distal LM bifurcation lesions mainly driven by elevated TLR rates (14.1% in distal LM disease vs. 5.6% in ostial/midshaft LM disease, P = 0.20). Concordantly angiographic binary restenosis (8.2% compared to 0.0%) and late lumen loss (LLL, 0.42 ± 0.97 vs. 0.28 ± 0.34 mm) were increased in distal LM bifurcation lesions compared to ostial LM lesions. In distal lesions highest values for LLL were observed in segments adjacent to the bifurcation (0.37 ± 1.13 mm and 0.37 ± 0.73 mm). On cox proportional regression analysis the angiographic parameter LLL in a bifurcation segment (P = 0.03, HR 1.68 [1.1-2.7]) as well as presence of diabetes mellitus as a clinical parameter (P = 0.046, HR 2.77 [1.0-7.5]) were independent correlates for occurrence of MACE in distal LM bifurcations lesions. CONCLUSION: PCI of ostial LM in accomplished with low LLL (0.28 ± 0.34 mm) and binary restenosis rates. In distal left main lesions highest rates for LLL and binary restenosis were observed in segments nearest to the bifurcation and rather focused on the main vessel (0.42 ± 0.97 mm).

Impact of re-definition of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation in the 2012 and 2016 European Society of Cardiology atrial fibrillation guidelines on outcomes after pulmonary vein isolation.

PURPOSE: In the 2016 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF), the definition of AF type has been modified compared with the 2010 guidelines and its 2012 focused update. We compared the difference of single procedure outcomes using the definitions before and after 2016 on a cohort of patients with AF undergoing AF ablation. METHODS: Consecutive AF ablation patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF were retrospectively reclassified applying the 2010, 2012, and 2016 ESC definitions on AF type. RESULTS: We included a total of 628 patients. Applying the 2010 ESC AF guidelines definition, 68% of patients were paroxysmal while according to the 2016 ESC AF guidelines, the proportion increased to 87%. Applying the 2010 ESC guidelines definition, recurrence rates of paroxysmal and persistent AF patients differ significantly (log-rank p < 0.001). Applying the 2012 focused update and the 2016 ESC AF guidelines, recurrence rates do not differ significantly. In a cox regression model applying the 2010 guidelines, persistent AF is the only independent predictor of AF recurrence in our cohort. However, when applying the 2016 guidelines, persistent AF is no longer a predictor of AF recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The revised definition of AF types in the 2016 ESC AF guidelines leads to a marked shift from persistent to paroxysmal AF. It appears that the old definition provided a better separator to predict rhythm outcome after AF ablation.

Atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure patients: improved systolic function after cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are the most common cardiac diseases and often coexist leading to increased mortality and morbidity compared with AF patients without HF. As shown previously, AF ablation using radio frequency (RF) in HF patients leads to a reduction of AF burden, an increase of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and consequently to reduced hospitalization and mortality. Previous AF ablation studies on HF patients have been liberal about additional targets beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Thus, the aim of this study was to assess systematically the impact of a straightforward PVI-only strategy on LVEF, NYHA functional class, and cardiovascular hospitalization rate in HF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Out of 414 consecutive patients undergoing PVI, only with the cryoballoon 113 patients with reduced LVEF [mean: 38.4 ± 10.8%, reduced ejection fraction (rEF) group] and 301 patients with normal LVEF (>55%) at baseline were identified [normal ejection fraction (nEF) group]. Remarkably, even though freedom from arrhythmia recurrence after 1 year was significantly lower in the rEF group (64.9%) compared with the nEF group (71.2%, P = 0.036), mean LVEF improved from 38.4 ± 10.8% to 52.5 ± 17.2% (P < 0.001) after cryoballoon ablation in the rEF group. Accordingly, HF-related symptoms as well as hospitalization rate declined significantly in the rEF group during follow-up compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that catheter ablation restricted to a straightforward PVI-only strategy using the cryoballoon leads to improved left ventricular ejection fraction as well as improvement of NYHA functional class and increased freedom from cardiovascular rehospitalization.

Restoration of sinus rhythm by pulmonary vein isolation improves heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in atrial fibrillation patients.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with increased symptoms and higher morbidity and mortality. Effective treatment strategies for this patient population have not yet been established. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed clinical outcomes and echocardiographic parameters of patients with AF and HFpEF who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Out of 374 PVI patients, we identified 35 patients suffering from concomitant HFpEF. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) after 1 year was 80%. Heart failure symptoms assessed by New York Heart Association class significantly improved from 2.7 ± 0.7 to 1.7 ± 0.9 (P < 0.001). We observed regression of diastolic dysfunction by echocardiography 12 months after the index procedure. Moreover, 15 patients (42.9%) experienced complete resolution of HFpEF after a single ablation procedure. Multivariate logistic regression revealed absence of AT recurrence as an independent predictor of recovery from HFpEF (hazard ratio 11.37, 95% confidence interval 1.70-75.84, P = 0.009). Furthermore, resolution of HFpEF by achieving freedom from AT recurrence by PVI, including multiple procedures, led to a significant reduction of hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that restoration of sinus rhythm by PVI in HFpEF patients with concomitant AF induces reverse remodelling, improvement of symptoms, resolution of HFpEF and subsequently decrease of hospitalizations. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm our results.

Impact of atrial rhythm on pulmonary vein signals in cryoballoon ablation - Sinus rhythm predicts real-time observation of pulmonary vein isolation.

PURPOSE: Real-time observation of pulmonary vein (PV) potentials with a spiral mapping catheter has emerged as a key electrogram-based procedural parameter to estimate lesion quality and titrate cryoenergy application during PV isolation (PVI) with the cryoballoon. Whether correct PV electrogram interpretation and thus PVI real-time observation rate depends on atrial rhythm during cryoballoon PVI is unknown. We compared observation rates of time-to PV isolation (TTI) during sinus rhythm (SR group) and during atrial fibrillation (AFib group) in cryoballoon PVI. METHODS: We prospectively included 157 consecutive patients undergoing cryoballoon PVI and compared the incidence of PVI real-time recording of each pulmonary vein during SR and in AFib. RESULTS: Overall PVI real-time observation rate was 82.1% (491/598 PV) with significantly higher TTI observation rate in the SR group (315/365 PV, 86.3%) compared to the AFib group (176/233 PV, 75.5%; p < 0.001). Per vein analysis demonstrated that only TTI observation rate in the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) was significantly higher during SR (85/92, 92.4%) compared to AFib (37/54, 68.5%; p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that atrial rhythm is a strong and independent predictor of PVI real-time observation in the LSPV with an odds ratio of 4.98 (95%-CI: 1.86-13.34, p = 0.001) to detect TTI during SR. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that correct interpretation of PV electrograms and thus PVI real-time observation is more likely in SR than in AFib. Hence, cardioversion of patients in AFib at the beginning of the procedure should be considered to yield higher PVI real-time observation rates facilitating TTI guided cryoenergy titration.

Novel spiral mapping catheter facilitates observation of the time-to-pulmonary vein isolation during cryoballoon ablation.

Observation of the time-to-pulmonary vein isolation (TTI) by a spiral mapping catheter has emerged as a valuable procedural parameter in cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The 1st generation spiral mapping catheter (Achieve, SMC1) has been available as an 8-polar catheter with a distal loop diameter of 15 or 20 mm. The novel spiral mapping catheter (Achieve Advance, SMC2) was designed as a true guidewire and is available, in addition to the sizes of the SMC1, as a 10-polar mapping catheter with a distal loop diameter of 25 mm. Whether these novel features of SMC2 influence procedural characteristics of Cryo-PVI in comparison to SMC1 has not been reported. In this prospective cohort study 158 patients (age 65.1 ± 12.4 years, female 39%, paroxysmal AF 60%) undergoing PVI with the 2nd generation cryoballoon were included. SMC1 was used in 57 patients (36%), whereas 101 patients (64%) underwent Cryo-PVI with the SMC2. All PVs (623/623, 100%) were isolated successfully. Mean procedure duration was 72.0 ± 18.9 min in the SMC1 group and 74.4 ± 19.1 min in the SMC2 group (p = 0.432). Mean fluoroscopy time was also not different between both study groups (SMC1 15.7 ± 6.6 min, SMC2 15.7 ± 7.3 min, p = 0.593). TTI was observed in 68.6% of pulmonary veins in the SMC1 group, whereas TTI observation rate was 82.6% in the SMC2 group (p < 0.001). Number of freezes (5.5 ± 1.5 vs. 6.5 ± 1.9; p = 0.001) and total freeze duration (14.1 ± 4.5 vs. 17.6 ± 5.6; p < 0.001) were increased in the SMC2 group. SMC2 significantly increases TTI observation rate during Cryo-PVI. Procedure duration and fluoroscopy time are similar and number of freezes and total freeze duration are increased compared to PVI with SMC1 due to decreased stability and maneuverability of SMC2.

Time-to-isolation guided titration of freeze duration in 3rd generation short-tip cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation - Comparable clinical outcome and shorter procedure duration.

BACKGROUND: The optimal freeze duration in cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is unknown. The 3rd generation cryoballoon facilitates observation of the time-to-isolation (TTI) and thereby enables individualized cryoenergy titration. To evaluate the efficacy of an individualized freeze duration we compared the clinical outcome of patients treated with a TTI-guided ablation protocol to the outcome of patients treated with a fixed ablation protocol. METHODS: We compared 100 patients treated with the 3rd generation cryoballoon applying a TTI-based protocol (TTI group) to 100 patients treated by a fixed freeze protocol (fixed group). In the fixed group a 240s freeze cycle was followed by a 240s bonus freeze after acute PV isolation. In the TTI group freeze duration was 180s if TTI was ≥30s and reduced to only 120s, if TTI was <30s. In case of a TTI >60s a 180s bonus freeze was applied. RESULTS: Freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence off class I/III antiarrhythmic drugs after one year was not different between the TTI group (73.6%) and the fixed group (75.7%; p=0.75). Mean procedure duration was 85.8±27.3min in the TTI group compared to 115.7±27.1min in the fixed group (p<0.001). Mean fluoroscopy time was 17.5±6.6min in the TTI group and 22.5±9.8min in the fixed group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TTI-guided cryoenergy titration leads to reduced procedure duration and fluoroscopy time and appears to be as effective as a fixed ablation strategy. A single 2-minute freeze seems to be sufficient in case of short TTI.

Procedure-related bleeding in elective percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: Prognostic impact of procedure-related bleeding in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains incompletely investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between peri-PCI bleeding and 1-year outcome of patients with stable CAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 9035 patients with stable CAD who underwent elective PCI. Bleeding within 30 days of PCI was defined using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. RESULTS: Bleeding occurred in 844 patients (9.3%). Actionable bleeding (BARC class ≥ 2) occurred in 442 patients (4.9%). There were 210 deaths (2.3%) at 1 year following PCI: 41 deaths among patients with bleeding and 169 deaths among patients without bleeding [Kaplan-Meier estimates of mortality, 4.9% and 2.1%; odds ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.73-3.36, P < 0.001]. The association between bleeding and mortality remained significant after adjustment for baseline risk variables (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.87, 95% CI 1.27-2.76, P = 0.002). Bleeding increased the discriminatory power of the model regarding prediction of 1-year mortality (absolute and relative integrated discrimination improvement, 0.006% and 16.3%, respectively, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stable CAD undergoing elective PCI, the occurrence of bleeding within 30 days of the procedure was associated with increased risk of death at 1 year after PCI. These findings suggest that procedure-related bleeding may contribute to less than optimal results of PCI in terms of mortality reduction in patients with stable CAD.