Prognostic Impact of Left Atrial Appendage Patency After Device Closure.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic impact of left atrial appendage (LAA) patency, including those with and without visible peri-device leak (PDL), post-LAA closure in patients with atrial fibrillation, remains elusive. METHODS: Patients with atrial fibrillation implanted with the WATCHMAN 2.5 device were prospectively enrolled. The device surveillance by cardiac computed tomography angiography was performed at 3 months post-procedure. Adverse events, including stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), major bleeding, cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and the combined major adverse events (MAEs), were compared between patients with complete closure and LAA patency. RESULTS: Among 519 patients with cardiac computed tomography angiography surveillance at 3 months post-LAA closure, 271 (52.2%) showed complete closure, and LAA patency was detected in 248 (47.8%) patients, including 196 (37.8%) with visible PDL and 52 (10.0%) without visible PDL. During a median of 1193 (787-1543) days follow-up, the presence of LAA patency was associated with increased risks of stroke/TIA (adjusted hazard ratio for baseline differences, 3.22 [95% CI, 1.17-8.83]; P=0.023) and MAEs (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.06-1.17]; P=0.003). Specifically, LAA patency with visible PDL was associated with increased risks of stroke/TIA (hazard ratio, 3.66 [95% CI, 1.29-10.42]; P=0.015) and MAEs (hazard ratio, 3.71 [95% CI, 1.71-8.07]; P=0.001), although LAA patency without visible PDL showed higher risks of MAEs (hazard ratio, 3.59 [95% CI, 1.28-10.09]; P=0.015). Incidences of stroke/TIA (2.8% versus 3.0% versus 6.7% versus 22.2%; P=0.010), cardiovascular death (0.9% versus 0% versus 1.7% versus 11.1%; P=0.005), and MAEs (4.6% versus 9.0% versus 11.7% versus 22.2%; P=0.017) increased with larger PDL (0, >0 to ≤3, >3 to ≤5, or >5 mm). Older age and discontinuing antiplatelet therapy at 6 months were independent predictors of stroke/TIA and MAEs in patients with LAA patency. CONCLUSIONS: LAA patency detected by cardiac computed tomography angiography at 3 months post-LAA closure is associated with unfavorable prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation implanted with WATCHMAN 2.5 device. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03788941.

Safety and efficacy of ablation for atrial fibrillation in combination with left atrial appendage occlusion in octogenarians.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation (CA) combined with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a feasible approach for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Its role in octogenarians with AF is unclear. HYPOTHESIS: In AF patients over 80 years, CA combined with LAAO is a feasible way in restoring sinus rhythm and preventing stroke. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study. Patients who underwent CA and LAAO in a single procedure between March 2018 and December 2020 were included. Efficacy endpoints included procedural success rate, AF recurrence rate, and thromboembolic events. Safety endpoints included pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade, device-related thrombus (DRT), all-cause death, and major bleeding. RESULTS: Five hundred and five patients (mean age 69.5 ± 7.7 years; 230 [45.5%] female) were included, with 46 (9.1%) patients aged ≥80 years old (octogenarian group). Prevalence of paroxysmal AF (25 [54.3%] vs. 207 [45.1%], p < 0.001) and CHA2DS2VASc score (4.1 ± 1.3 vs. 3.1 ± 1.4, p < 0.0001) were higher in octogenarian patients. There were six cases (1.2%) of pericardial effusion (all in nonoctogenarian patients). At 3 months postprocedure, 437 patients underwent TEE/CT. Thirty-two (80%) octogenarian patients and 308 (77.6%) nonoctogenarian patients had no peri-device leak. After a mean follow-up of 26.9 ± 9.1 months, AF was documented in 10 (21.7%) patients in octogenarian group and in 103 (22.4%) patients in nonoctogenarian group (p = 0.99). The annual thromboembolic risk was 2.1% and 0.8% in the octogenarian group and nonoctogenarian group, respectively. Death occurred in 16 nonoctogenarian patients. One major bleeding was recorded in the octogenarian group. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of CA and LAAO in a single procedure is a feasible treatment option in octogenarians with comparable efficacy and safety profile.

Effects of different cardiopulmonary resuscitation education interventions among university students: A randomized controlled trial.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education for the public may improve bystander intention to perform CPR on cardiac arrest patients. Studies have shown that different CPR education intervention methods can improve learning performance, with key indicators including attitude toward to CPR, intention to perform CPR, and degree of CPR knowledge and skills. The present study compared the traditional face-to-face method to hybrid and virtual reality (VR) methods to observe difference in learning performance and length of performance retention. This study adopted randomized controlled trial to compare CPR learning performance between traditional face-to-face, hybrid, and VR methods. Participants from each intervention group completed a pretest and 2 posttests. The measurement tools included an attitude and intention questionnaire, knowledge examination, and skill examination with a RESUSCI ANNE QCPR ® manikin. The performance among all participants in pretest showed no significant difference between the intervention groups, indicating no difference in their background attitude, knowledge, and skill level. Significant differences were observed in the average degree of intention to perform CPR between the hybrid and traditional groups in 1st and 2nd posttest. Compared to the pretest results, the posttests revealed significantly higher attitude toward CPR, intention to perform CPR, knowledge examination results, accuracy of overall chest compression, accuracy of CPR procedure, accuracy of AED usage, accuracy of chest compression rate, and accuracy of chest compression depth. The average time to reattending CPR learning and practice session was 11-12 weeks reported by participants. The hybrid and VR methods to CPR education resulted in the same level of improvement in learning performance as traditional face-to-face teaching. The suggested frequency for renewing CPR knowledge and skills is 12 weeks which may be considered in new strategies aimed at promoting CPR education and exposure to the public.

Effects of adaptive left bundle branch-optimized cardiac resynchronization therapy: a single centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy (aCRT) is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has shown encouraging results as an alternative option for aCRT. A technique that can be accomplished effectively using LBBAP combined with coronary venous pacing (LOT-aCRT). We aimed to assess the feasibility and outcomes of LOT-aCRT. METHODS: LOT-aCRT, capable of providing two pacing modes, LBBAP alone or LBBAP combined with LV pacing, was attempted in patients with CRT indications. Patients were divided into two groups: those with LBBAP and LV pacing (LOT-aCRT) and those with conventional biventricular pacing (BVP-aCRT). RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were enrolled in the study (10 in the LOT-aCRT group, 11 in the BVP-aCRT group). In the LOT-aCRT group, the QRS duration (QRSd) via BVP was narrowed from 158.0 ± 13.0 ms at baseline to 132.0 ± 4.5 ms (P = 0.019) during the procedure, and further narrowed to 123.0 ± 5.7 ms (P < 0.01) via LBBAP. After the procedure, when LOT-aCRT implanted and worked, QRSd was further changed to 121.0 ± 3.8 ms, but the change was not significant (P > 0.05). In the BVP-aCRT group, BVP resulted in a significant reduction in the QRSd from 176.7 ± 19.7 ms at baseline to 133.3 ± 8.2 ms (P = 0.011). However, compared with LOT-aCRT, BVP has no advantage in reducing QRSd and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). During 9 months of follow-up, patients in both groups showed improvements in the LVEF and NT-proBNP levels (all P < 0.01). However, compared with BVP-aCRT, LOT-aCRT showed more significant changes in these parameters (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that LOT-aCRT is clinically feasible in patients with systolic heart failure and LBBB. LOT-aCRT was associated with significant narrowing of the QRSd and improvement in LV function.

Long-term outcome of combined catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure in atrial fibrillation patients.

BACKGROUND: The combined procedure of catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) aims to simultaneously control the heart rhythm and reduce the risk of strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The study aims to evaluate the procedural safety and long-term outcome of the combined procedure in a large patient cohort. METHODS: Clinical data of AF patients who underwent the combined procedure was retrospectively analyzed. Procedural and imaging follow-up parameters were compared between the transesophageal echocardiography-guided standard process and fluoroscopy-guided modified process, and between the single-seal WATCHMAN and dual-seal LACBES devices. Long-term outcomes included all-cause mortality, thromboembolic events, major bleeding, and recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias. RESULTS: A total of 1114 patients were included. The rates of procedure-related major complications were comparable between the standard and modified processes (3.7% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.219), except for a higher incidence of respiratory depression in standard process group (0.9% vs 0%, p = 0.037), and between WATCHMAN and LACBES devices (2.4% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.535). The follow-up imaging evaluation revealed a high rate of satisfactory seals (99.7%) and a low rate of device related thrombus (1.9%), which were similar between two process groups and devices. The follow-up of over 1960 patient-years revealed low rates of mortality, thromboembolism, and nonprocedural major bleeding (1.8, 3.2, and 0.9 per 100 patient-years, respectively). Recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias was observed in 23.9% patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results supported the safety and long-term efficacy of the combined procedure of catheter ablation and LAAC. Fluoroscopy-guided LAAC device implantation may be considered in experienced centers.

Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Primary and Secondary Stroke Prevention in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Atrial Fibrillation: A Pilot Study.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) for primary and secondary stroke prevention in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: This pilot study enrolled 36 patients with HCM and AF who underwent LAAC between April 2017 and December 2019, of whom 22 were for primary stroke prevention and 14 were for secondary prevention. Results: The patients enrolled in this study had non-obstructive (86.1%) or mild obstructive (13.9%) HCM. Patients in the Secondary Prevention Group had higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores (5.1 ± 1.4 vs. 2.6 ± 1.6, P < 0.001) and higher HAS-BLED scores (2.8 ± 1.0 vs. 1.5 ± 0.9, P < 0.001) compared with those in the Primary Prevention Group. Successful closure with satisfactory seals (residual leak ≤ 5 mm) was achieved in all patients, with complete occlusion in 86.4% of the Primary Prevention Group and 92.9% of the Secondary Prevention Group. Procedural-related complications included one pericardial effusion and one groin hematoma. One device-related thrombus was identified in the Secondary Prevention Group and resolved after anticoagulation. During a mean follow-up time of 28.4 months, one bleeding event was recorded. There were no thromboembolic events or deaths in either group, with 97.2% of the patients achieving freedom from anticoagulation therapy. Conclusions: Initial results suggest that LAAC can be a safe and feasible alternative for primary and secondary stroke prevention in selected patients with HCM and AF. Further studies with larger samples are required.

Value of detecting peri-device leak and incomplete endothelialization by cardiac CT angiography in atrial fibrillation patients post Watchman LAAC combined with radiofrequency ablation.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the value of detecting the peri-device leak (PDL) and device endothelialization after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) by cardiac computed tomography (CT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), who underwent Watchman LAAC combined with radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFCA). METHODS: Patients with symptomatic drug-refractory atrial fibrillation at high risk of stroke (CHA2 DS2 -VASc Score ≥ 2), who underwent Watchman LAAC combined with AFCA in our center from March 2017 to December 2018 were enrolled. Maximum diameter of LAA orifice was determined by preoperative CCTA. A standardized view of Watchman device was obtained by postoperative CCTA multiplannar reconstruction to evaluate the PDL and device endothelialization. RESULTS: Approximately 84 patients post successful LAAC and AFCA were enrolled in this study. The satisfactory LAA occlusion rate was 100%. There was no death, bleeding, stroke, and device-related thrombus (DRT) events. At 6-month postprocedure, CCTA images evidenced complete endothelialization in 44 patients (no contrast enhancement in LAA); contrast enhancement in LAA and visible PDL in 33 patients; contrast enhancement in LAA but without PDL in seven patients (incomplete device endothelialization). Maximum diameter of LAA orifice could independently predict the occurrence of PDL (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.55; p = .002), sensitivity was 69.7% and specificity was 80.4% with the cutoff value of maximum diameter of LAA orifice more than 28.2 mm on predicting PDL. CONCLUSIONS: CCTA is feasible to evaluate PDL and device endothelialization after LAAC. The maximum diameter of LAA orifice derived from CT can independently predict the occurrence of post-LAAC PDL.

One-stop strategy for treatment of atrial fibrillation: feasibility and safety of combining catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure in a single procedure.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation is effective in restoring sinus rhythm and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is increasingly used for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to observe the feasibility and safety of performing AF ablation and LAAC in a single (one-stop) procedure. METHODS: Consecutive AF patients who underwent the combined procedure of AF ablation and LAAC with WATCHMAN device between March 2017 and September 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Baseline and intra-procedural parameters were evaluated. Three-month and subsequent 1-year follow-up were performed in all and earlier-enrolled subjects, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 178 AF patients (94 males, 68.9 ±â€Š8.1 years) underwent the one-stop procedure with CHA2DS2-VASc score 3.3 ±â€Š1.5 and HAS-BLED score 1.6 ±â€Š1.0, respectively. Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all patients while additional linear ablation was applied if the operator deemed necessary, yielding immediate ablation success rate of 98.9% (176/178). In the subsequent LAAC, satisfactory seal (residual leak <5 mm) was achieved in all patients. One stroke and four cardiac perforations occurred peri-operatively. At 3-month follow-up, sinus rhythm and satisfactory seal were maintained in 153/178 (86.0%) and 178/178 (100%) patients, respectively. One stroke and one delayed cardiac tamponade occurred, while no device-related thrombus or device migration was observed. During the 1-year follow-up for the earlier enrolled subjects, 52/72 (72.2%) of the patients maintained sinus rhythm. There was no stroke or systemic embolism observed. CONCLUSION: Combining catheter ablation and LAAC in a single procedure can be successfully and safely performed in non-valvular AF patients of Chinese population.

Determinants of postoperative left atrial structural reverse remodeling in patients undergoing combined catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and left atrial appendage closure procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFCA) and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) exert opposite effects on left atrial (LA) size. We aim to observe the net impact of combined AFCA and LAAC strategy on LA size and explore those factors which might affect the postprocedure LA structural remodeling. METHODS: A total of 53 patients, who underwent combined AFCA and Watchman LAAC in our center from March to December 2017, were enrolled. Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence was monitored after the procedure. Left atrial volume (LAV) and left atrial appendage volume (LAAV) were measured by Mimics based on dual-source computed tomography images. RESULTS: At 6 months, sinus rhythm (SR) was maintained in 79.2% patients. LAV was significantly reduced (130.2 ± 36.3 mL to 107.1 ± 30.0 ml; P < .001) in SR maintenance group, but not in AF recurrence group (138.8 ± 39.3 mL to 137.9 ± 36.9 mL; P = .671). In SR group, preoperative LAAV/LAV ratio (B = -0.894; P = .015), NT-proBNP (B = 0.005; P = .019) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (B = -0.778; P < .001) could interactively affect the extent of postoperative LA structural reverse remodeling, among which LAAV/LAV ratio could independently predict the significance of reverse remodeling (≥15% reduction in LAV) (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.34-0.90; P = .018). A preoperative LAAV/LAV ratio less than 7.1% is indicative of significant LA structural reverse remodeling in this patient cohort. CONCLUSIONS: LA structural reverse remodeling could be evidenced in patients with maintained SR following combined AFCA and LAAC. Smaller LAAV/LAV ratio, higher NT-proBNP or lower LVEF at baseline are associated with more significant LA structural reverse remodeling, while LAAV/LAV ratio can predict the significance of the process after one-stop treatment.