Comparison of very high-power short-duration, high-power short-duration, and low-power long-duration radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal power and duration settings for radiofrequency (RF) atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation to improve efficacy and safety is unclear. We compared low-power long-duration (LPLD), high-power short-duration (HPSD), and very HPSD (vHPSD) RF settings for AF ablation. METHODS: This network meta-analysis (NMA) was structured according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Observational and randomized studies were included. Eligible studies compared outcomes in AF patients who underwent first-time RF ablation with the following settings: vHPSD (70-90 W, 3-10 s), HPSD (45-60 W, 5-10 s), or LPLD (20-40 W, 20-60 s). RESULTS: Thirty-six studies comprising 10,375 patients were included (33% female). Frequentist NMA showed LPLD tended toward a lower odds of freedom from arrhythmia (FFA) versus HPSD (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86-1.00). There was no difference in FFA between vHPSD versus HPSD. Splitwise interval estimates showed a lower odds of FFA in LPLD versus vHPSD on direct (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.93) and network estimates (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.98). Frequentist NMA showed less total procedural (TP) time with HPSD versus LPLD (generic variance 1.06, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.29) and no difference between HPSD versus vHPSD. CONCLUSION: This NMA shows improved procedural times in HPSD and vHPSD versus LPLD. Although HPSD tended toward improved odds of FFA compared to LPLD, the overall result was not statistically significant. The odds of FFA in LPLD was lower versus vHPSD on direct and network estimates on splitwise interval analysis. Large prospective head-to-head randomized trials are needed to validate HPSD and vHPSD settings.

Mobile electrocardiographic devices and healthcare utilization in post-atrial fibrillation ablation patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of mobile electrocardiogram (mECG) devices is becoming more prevalent. mECG devices allow instant access to recording arrhythmias and enable automatic rhythm interpretation. Providers can remotely evaluate patients and this may reduce in-person healthcare utilization. We sought to evaluate the utility of mECG devices in reducing healthcare utilization among patients who underwent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. METHODS: We identified a population of patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF presenting for their first AF ablation. Patients were divided into two groups: KardiaMobile (AliveCor, Mountain View, CA) mECG users and non-KardiaMobile users. Healthcare utilization was compared between the two groups for one year post-ablation. RESULTS: 184 patients were studied (76 KardiaMobile users, 108 non-KardiaMobile users). There was no difference in the number of office visits (p = 0.59), cardiac-specific emergency department visits (p = 0.26), cardiac-specific hospital admissions (p = 0.13), ablations or cardioversions completed (p = 0.24), telephone encounters (p = 0.05), patient electronic health record messages (p = 0.40), or cardiac imaging (transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiograms) tests ordered (p = 0.36). Exposure to the device was associated with a reduction in ambulatory cardiac monitor use (p = 0.04). There was no difference in sinus rhythm maintenance over 12 months by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log rank test p = 0.05) between groups. CONCLUSION: Mobile technology is available for heart rhythm monitoring and can give instant feedback to the user. mECG use is associated with a significant reduction in ambulatory cardiac monitor use in the post-ablation period. There was no difference in other AF-related healthcare utilization.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Cardiac Amyloidosis and Aortic Stenosis.

Aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA) occur concomitantly in a significant number of patients and portend a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Previous studies have investigated outcomes in patients with concomitant CA/AS who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) versus medical therapy alone, but no evidence-based consensus regarding the ideal management of these patients has been established. Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Methodologic bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies. A total of 4 observational studies comprising 83 patients were included. Of these, 45 patients (54%) underwent TAVI, whereas 38 (46%) were managed conservatively. Of the 3 studies that included baseline characteristics by treatment group, 30% were women. The risk of all-cause mortality was found to be significantly lower in patients who underwent TAVI than those treated with conservative medical therapy alone (odds ratio 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.08 to 0.73). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests a lower risk of all-cause mortality in patients with CA with AS who underwent TAVI than those managed with medical therapy alone.

Risk of coronary artery disease in patients with gout on treatment with Colchicine: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Colchicine has anti-inflammatory properties, but its utility in improving cardiovascular outcomes has been disputed. Here, we study the impact of colchicine on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with gout with and without coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Medline, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Primary outcomes included myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Secondary outcomes included stroke and all-cause mortality. Results: We included 4 observational studies comprising 10,026 patients with gout on treatment with colchicine. There was no significant difference in the risk of myocardial infarction (risk ratio [RR] 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-1.39), need for PCI, or need for CABG, between patients on colchicine and those not receiving colchicine. Colchicine was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.43-0.79). Conclusion: Non-randomized studies suggest that risk of MI, stroke and revascularization is not higher in gout patients treated with colchicine compared to gout patients without colchicine treatment.

Catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a proven alternative to pharmacologic rhythm control in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Whether outcomes differ in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is of interest. Methods: Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Primary efficacy outcomes of interest include atrial arrythmia recurrence and repeat ablation. Harm outcomes of interest include all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalizations, cardiovascular hospitalizations, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and cardiac tamponade. Results: We included 7 observational studies comprising 2554 patients with HFpEF who underwent catheter ablation for AF. When comparing patients with HFpEF versus without HF, there was no significant difference in atrial arrhythmia recurrence (risk ratio [RR] 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-2.13), stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.03-6.54), or cardiac tamponade (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.12-12.20). When comparing patients with HFpEF versus HFrEF, there was no significant difference in atrial arrhythmia recurrence (RR 1.12; 95% CI 0.92-1.37), repeat ablation (RR 1.19; 95% CI 0.74-1.93), all-cause mortality (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.67-1.13), all-cause hospitalizations (RR 1.10; 95% CI 0.94-1.30), cardiovascular hospitalizations (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.69-1.01), stroke or TIA (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.29-2.25), or cardiac tamponade (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.19-5.16). Conclusions: Non-randomized studies suggest that catheter ablation for AF in patients with HFpEF is associated with similar arrythmia-free survival and safety profile when compared to patients with HFrEF or without heart failure.

Pulmonary vein isolation alone versus pulmonary vein isolation with additional extensive ablation for paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation.

Background: The value of additional ablation beyond pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is unclear, especially for persistent AF. It is uncertain whether substrate modification with additional extensive ablation improves outcomes. We reviewed our experience to determine whether pulmonary vein isolation with additional extensive ablation (PVIEA) improves outcomes compared to pulmonary vein isolation alone (PVIA) for AF ablation. Methods: Consecutive cases of patients with PVIA versus PVIEA were compared between September 9, 2013 and December 12, 2020. Procedural data collected include radiofrequency ablation delivery time (RADT) and arrhythmia inducibility. Clinical data collected include sinus rhythm maintenance post-procedure. Results: A total of 235 patients were studied (67 PVIA and 168 PVIEA). RADT was shorter when comparing ablation with PVIA versus PVIEA (32 vs. 40 min; p = .04). More arrhythmias were inducible with PVIEA (p < .01). There was no difference in sinus rhythm maintenance by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log-rank test p = .75), after 3 or 12 months between groups overall, and when stratified by AF type (paroxysmal and persistent), left atrial volume, CHA2DS2-VASc score, left ventricular ejection fraction, or catheter ablation setting (high-power short-duration, standard-power standard-duration, temperature-controlled non-contact-force). Conclusion: AF ablation with PVIA or PVIEA produces similar sinus rhythm maintenance overall and when stratified by catheter setting and AF type. PVIA reduced procedure times and less arrhythmias were inducible post-ablation.

Echocardiographic predictors of symptomatic cardiotoxicity among patients undergoing chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapeutic agents have been associated with cardiotoxicity; thus, they require close monitoring. Several echocardiographic variables have been investigated as early predictors of symptomatic cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To identify if global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a better predictor of symptomatic cardiotoxicity compared to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception through December 2020. Adults who developed symptomatic cardiotoxicity (New York Heart Association [NYHA] Class III-IV heart failure, cardiac arrest, or cardiac death) after undergoing chemotherapy with pre- and postchemotherapy echocardiographic measures of cardiac function were included. The primary focus was on the prediction of symptomatic cardiotoxicity. Estimates were reported as random effects hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Four studies met inclusion criteria. The most common malignancy identified in the included studies was breast cancer, and the most common chemotherapeutic agent utilized was anthracyclines. Most studies utilized the Simpson biplane method to measure echocardiographic parameters. Pooled results demonstrated no significant association between LVEF and the prediction of symptomatic cardiotoxicity (HR 1.48; 95% CI, 0.96-2.27; P = 0.07). However, 2 studies that analyzed GLS found it to be a strong predictor of symptomatic cardiotoxicity (HR 1.46; 95% CI, 1.34-1.58; P < .001). There was no significant association between symptomatic cardiotoxicity and baseline left ventricular end diastolic volume, end systolic volume, or end diastolic volume index. CONCLUSIONS: GLS may predict symptomatic cardiotoxicity and be used to monitor patients on chemotherapy for symptomatic cardiac dysfunction. While the pooled results for baseline LVEF identified that it is not a predictor of symptomatic cardiotoxicity, this differs from the findings of the only randomized trial included in this meta-analysis. The data for baseline GLS as a predictor of symptomatic cardiotoxicity is encouraging, but definite evidence that GLS may be superior to LVEF is lacking. Prospective randomized, blinded trials are required to identify if 1 echocardiographic parameter may be superior to the other.

Low-voltage area substrate modification for atrial fibrillation ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

AIMS: The value of additional ablation beyond pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is unclear, especially for persistent AF. The optimal target for substrate modification to improve outcomes is uncertain. We investigate the utility of low-voltage area (LVA) substrate modification in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: This meta-analysis was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Only randomized studies were included. AF patients who underwent catheter ablation with voltage-guided substrate modification targeting LVA (LVA group) vs. conventional ablation approaches not targeting LVA (non-LVA group) were compared. Four studies comprising 539 patients were included (36% female). Freedom from arrhythmia (FFA) in patients with persistent AF was greater in the LVA group [risk ratio (RR) 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.64]. There was no difference in FFA in patients with paroxysmal AF between groups (RR 1.30; 95% CI 0.89-1.91). There was no difference in total procedural time (mean difference -17.54 min; 95% CI -64.37 to 29.28 min) or total ablation time (mean difference -36.17 min; 95% CI -93.69 to 21.35 min) in all included patients regardless of AF type between groups. There was no difference in periprocedural complications between groups in all included patients regardless of AF type (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.22-3.82). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates improved FFA in persistent AF patients who underwent voltage-guided substrate modification targeting LVA.

Mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis among patients with malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: With advancements in cancer treatment, the life expectancy of oncology patients has improved. Thus, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be considered as a feasible option for oncology patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). We aim to evaluate the difference in short- and long-term all-cause mortality in cancer and non-cancer patients treated with TAVR for severe AS. METHODS: Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant studies. Patients with cancer who underwent treatment with TAVR for severe AS were included and compared to an identical population without cancer. The primary endpoints were short- and long-term all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 899 studies included, 8 met inclusion criteria. Cancer patients had significantly higher long-term all-cause mortality after TAVR when compared to patients without cancer (risk ratio [RR] 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-1.62; P < 0.01). Four studies evaluated short-term mortality after TAVR and demonstrated no difference in it in patients with and without cancer (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.47-1.08; P = 0.11). CONCLUSION: Patients with cancer and severe AS have higher long-term all-cause mortality after TAVR. However, we found no difference in short-term all-cause mortality when comparing patients with and without cancer. The decision to perform TAVR in cancer patients should be individualized based on life expectancy and existing co-morbidities.

Hypophosphatemia causing ST elevation in a critically ill noncardiac surgery postoperative patient.

The patient is a 73-year-old female with peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus, who underwent mesenteric artery bypass surgery. She suffered from a pneumonia after surgery, causing acute hypoxic respiratory failure and septic shock. Due to shock, she developed acute renal failure. She was intubated, ventilated, and received continuous veno-venous hemodialysis for renal failure. ST elevation was first observed on telemetry and subsequently confirmed on electrocardiogram. Marked ST elevation is present in the anterior leads with reciprocal ST depression in the inferior leads. A prolonged QT interval is also present. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Coronary Revascularization Versus Optimal Medical Therapy in Renal Transplant Candidates With Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease and is a common cause of mortality in end-stage renal disease. Thus, patients with end-stage renal disease are routinely screened for CAD before renal transplantation. The usefulness of revascularization before transplantation remains unclear. We hypothesize that there is no difference in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in waitlisted renal transplant candidates with CAD who underwent revascularization versus those treated with optimal medical therapy before transplantation. Methods and Results This meta-analysis was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome of interest was all-cause mortality. Eight studies comprising 945 patients were included (36% women, mean age 56 years). There was no difference in all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR], 1.16 [95% CI, 0.63-2.12), cardiovascular mortality (RR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.29-1.89]), or major adverse cardiovascular events (RR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.30-2.07]) when comparing renal transplant candidates with CAD who underwent revascularization versus those who were on optimal medical therapy before renal transplant. Conclusions This meta-analysis demonstrates that revascularization is not superior to optimal medical therapy in reducing all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or major adverse cardiovascular events in waitlisted kidney transplant candidates with CAD who eventually underwent kidney transplantation.

High-power short-duration versus standard-power standard-duration settings for repeat atrial fibrillation ablation.

INTRODUCTION: High-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation is a novel strategy using contact force-sensing catheters optimized for radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). No study has directly compared HPSD versus standard-power standard-duration (SPSD) contact force-sensing settings in patients presenting for repeat ablation with AF recurrence after initial ablation. METHODS: We studied consecutive cases of patients with AF undergoing repeat ablation with SPSD or HPSD settings after their initial pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with temperature controlled non-contact force, SPSD or HPSD settings between 6/23/14 and 3/4/20. Procedural data collected included radiofrequency ablation delivery time (RADT). Clinical data collected include sinus rhythm maintenance post-procedure. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients underwent repeat ablation (36 SPSD, 25 HPSD). A total of 51 patients (83.6%) were found to have pulmonary vein reconnections necessitating repeat isolation, 10 patients (16.4%) had durable PVI and ablation targeted non-PV sources. RADT was shorter when comparing repeat ablation using HPSD compared to SPSD (22 vs 35 min; p = 0.01). There was no difference in sinus rhythm maintenance by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log rank test p = 0.87), after 3 or 12-months between groups overall, and when stratified by AF type, left atrial volume index, CHA2DS2-VASc score, or left ventricular ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that repeat AF ablation with HPSD reduced procedure times with similar sinus rhythm maintenance compared to SPSD in those presenting for repeat ablation.

Describing heart rate variability in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation during hospitalization for COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Myriad cardiovascular manifestations have been reported with COVID-19. We previously reported that failure of PR interval shortening with increasing heart rate (HR) in patients with COVID-19 is associated with adverse outcomes. Here, we report on heart rate variability (HRV) and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (cAF) hospitalized for COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective review of admitted COVID-19 patients with cAF between 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 was performed. HRV in cAF was compared during pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 admissions; we selected pre-COVID-19 ECGs with HRs that were within 10 beats per minute of the COVID-19 ECGs. Mean HR and each RR interval were recorded. Time-domain measurements of HR variability were then calculated (SDSD, RMSSD, pNN50). Clinical outcomes during COVID-19 were correlated to indices of HRV. RESULTS: A total of 184 ECGs (95 pre-COVID-19, 89 COVID-19) from 38 cAF in-patients were included. Mean age 78.6 ± 11.4 years, male 44.7%. The mean number of ECGs analyzed per patient pre-COVID-19 was 2.50 and during COVID-19 was 2.34. Comparing pre-COVID-19 versus COVID-19 ECGs showed: mean HR (95.9 ± 24.3 vs. 101.6 ± 22.8 BPM; P = .10), SDSD (109.0 ± 50.6 vs. 90.3 ± 37.2 ms; P < .01), RMSSD (184.1 ± 80.4 vs. 147.3 ± 59.8 ms; P < .01), pNN50 (73.8 ± 16.3 vs. 65.6 ± 16.6%; P < .01). Patients who had a smaller pNN50 during a COVID-19 admission had increased mortality (50.0% vs. 14.3%; log-rank test P = .02). CONCLUSION: In patients with cAF, the HRV was reduced during COVID-19 compared with prior illnesses at similar average heart rates. Patients with the most depressed HRV as measured by pNN50 had an associated increase in mortality compared with patients whose HRV was preserved.

Usefulness of Mobile Electrocardiographic Devices to Reduce Urgent Healthcare Visits.

Mobile electrocardiogram (mECG) devices are being used increasingly, supplying recordings to providers and providing automatic rhythm interpretation. Given the intermittent nature of certain cardiac arrhythmias, mECGs allow instant access to a recording device. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to limit in-person patient interactions and avoid overwhelming emergency and inpatient services would add value. Our goal was to evaluate whether a mECG device would reduce healthcare utilization overall, particularly those of urgent nature. We identified a cohort of KardiaMobile (AliveCor, USA) mECG users and compared their healthcare utilization 1 year prior to obtaining the device and 1 year after. One hundred and twenty-eight patients were studied (mean age 64, 47% female). Mean duration of follow-up pre-intervention was 9.8 months. One hundred and twenty-three of 128 individuals completed post-intervention follow-up. Patients were less likely to have cardiac monitors ordered (30 vs 6; p <0.01), outpatient office visits (525 vs 382; p <0.01), cardiac-specific ED visits (51 vs 30; p <0.01), arrhythmia related ED visits (45 vs 20; p <0.01), and unplanned arrhythmia admissions (34 vs 11; p <0.01) in the year after obtaining a KardiaMobile device compared to the year prior to obtaining the device. Mobile technology is available for heart rhythm monitoring and can give feedback to the user. This study showed a reduction of in-person, healthcare utilization with mECG device use. In conclusion, this strategy would be expected to decrease the risk of exposure to patients and providers and would avoid overwhelming emergency and inpatient services.

Expanding a single­lead mobile electrocardiographic device to multiple­lead recordings improves diagnostic accuracy and confidence.

BACKGROUND: Mobile electrocardiographic (mECG) devices that record ECG lead I have been used to detect atrial fibrillation. Other arrhythmias may not be readily diagnosed with one lead. Obtaining multi­lead tracings from an mECG (MLmECG) to simulate a 12­lead ECG may lead to more accurate diagnoses. METHODS: We developed a method to generate multi­lead ECGs using a mECG device by attaching it with alligator clips connected to an insulated copper wire to adhesive electrodes on the patient's limbs and torso according to standard lead configurations. Different rhythm and conduction abnormalities from a sample of inpatients were collected. Arrhythmias were recorded in three ways (single lead, MLmECG, and standard 12­lead) and grouped by category. Recordings were sent to cardiology fellows in the form of a multiple choice survey. Participants were asked for their diagnosis and confidence in their decision. RESULTS: Survey response rate was 100%. Single­lead, MLmECG, and 12­lead yielded 48.2%, 81.6%, and 88.6% of agreement with the correct diagnosis, respectively (single­lead vs. MLmECG or 12­lead; p < 0.01). Overall mean confidence scores were 3.34, 4.35, and 4.53 out of 5, for single­lead, MLmECG, and 12­lead ECG, respectively (single­lead vs. MLmECG or 12­lead; p < 0.01, MLmECG vs. 12­lead; p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of MLmECGs were similar to that of a standard 12­lead ECG. Fellows' confidence in their diagnosis were similar between MLmECG or 12­lead ECG, and higher with both modalities compared to a single­lead tracing. The ability to recreate, as fully as possible, a standard 12­lead ECG is a reasonable goal for mobile technology.

Comparison of clinical and procedural outcomes between high-power short-duration, standard-power standard-duration, and temperature-controlled noncontact force guided ablation for atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: High-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation is a novel strategy using contact force-sensing catheters optimized for power-controlled radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). This study investigates the outcomes of HPSD (50 W delivered for up to 15 s, Lesion Size Index of 5-6) compared to standard-power standard-duration (SPSD) (20-25 W until 400-500 gram seconds, up to 60 s) and temperature-controlled noncontact (TCNC) (20-40 W up to 60 s of ablation) settings. METHODS: We studied consecutive cases of patients with AF undergoing pulmonary vein isolation with TCNC, SPSD, and HPSD between January 7th, 2013 and January 11th, 2019. Procedural data collected include time to isolate the left (LPVT) and right pulmonary veins (RPVT), total ablation time (TAT), and radiofrequency ablation delivery time (RADT). Clinical data collected include sinus rhythm maintenance postprocedure. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-one patients were studied (44 TCNC, 51 SPSD, 76 HPSD). RADT was shorter when comparing HPSD to SPSD (25 vs. 41 min; p < .01), HPSD to TCNC (25 vs. 76 min; p < .01), and SPSD to TCNC groups (41 vs. 76 min; p < .01). TAT, LPVT, and RPVT were reduced between HPSD versus SPSD, HPSD versus TCNC, and SPSD versus TCNC groups, respectively (p < .01). There was no difference in sinus rhythm maintenance by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log rank test p = .12), after 3 or 12 months between groups overall, and when stratified by AF type, left atrial volume, CHA2 DS2 -VASc score, or left ventricular ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: AF ablation with HPSD reduced procedure times with similar sinus rhythm maintenance compared to SPSD and TCNC.

Role of a cardio-renal multi-disciplinary team meeting in managing cardiovascular risk in patients on kidney transplant waitlists.

BACKGROUND: Waitlisted kidney transplant patients suffer from excess cardiovascular events. The benefits of regular cardiac investigations, potentially harmful and expensive, are unknown. We investigate the effectiveness of a cardio-renal MDT in managing high cardiovascular risk waitlisted transplant patients to prevent events and enable transplantation. METHODS: Clinical outcomes in waitlisted transplant candidates managed by our cardio-renal MDT protocol were compared against our standard protocol. Data compared include the transplantation, event, and death rates, cost of cardiac investigations and procedures, and graft, patient survival, and re-hospitalization rates in transplanted patients. RESULTS: 207 patients were studied (81 standard, 126 cardio-renal MDT). Over 2.7 years, the cardio-renal MDT protocol transplanted more patients than the standard group (35% vs 21%; P = .02). The managing cost per patient per year was higher in the standard group (£692 vs £610). This was driven by more echocardiograms and more tests per patient in the standard group (P < .01). There was no difference in adverse events or death. There was no difference in re-hospitalization, graft or patient survival rate in transplanted patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our cardio-renal MDT was effective in managing high-risk kidney transplant candidates with greater rates of transplantation and low rates of events at a lower cost.

Progression of endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and arterial stiffness in stable kidney transplant patients: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant patients suffer from vascular abnormalities and high cardiovascular event rates, despite initial improvements post-transplantation. The nature of the progression of vascular abnormalities in the longer term is unknown. This pilot study investigated changes in vascular abnormalities over time in stable kidney transplant patients long after transplantation. METHODS: Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated dilation, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), ankle-brachial pressure index, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) were assessed in 18 kidney transplant patients and 17 controls at baseline and 3-6 months after. RESULTS: There was no difference in age (51 ± 13 vs. 46 ± 11; P = 0.19), body mass index (26 ± 5 vs. 25 ± 3; P = 0.49), serum cholesterol (4.54 ± 0.96 vs. 5.14 ± 1.13; P = 0.10), systolic blood pressure (BP) (132 ± 12 vs. 126 ± 12; P = 0.13), diastolic BP (82 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 8; P = 0.10), or diabetes status (3 vs. 0; P = 0.08) between transplant patients and controls. No difference existed in vascular markers between patients and controls at baseline. In transplant patients, FMD decreased (- 1.52 ± 2.74; P = 0.03), cf-PWV increased (0.62 ± 1.06; P = 0.03), and CCA-IMT increased (0.35 ± 0.53; P = 0.02). No changes were observed in controls. CONCLUSION: Markers of vascular structure and function worsen in the post-transplant period on long-term follow-up, which may explain the continued high cardiovascular event rates in this population.