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Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is used routinely to establish rhythm control. There is mounting evidence that CA procedures should be performed during continuous oral anticoagulation and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are considered the first anticoagulation strategy. Few real-life data are now available and even less in the Italian panorama.IRIS is an Italian multicenter, non-interventional, prospective study which will be enrolled consecutive AF patients eligible for CA and treated with Rivaroxaban; patients in treatment with Rivaroxaban proceeded directly to CA while Rivaroxaban-naive patients were scheduled for CA after 4 weeks of uninterrupted anticoagulation unless the exclusion of atrial thrombi. Rivaroxaban was uninterrupted or shortly uninterrupted (24 hours) prior CA, in line with routinely practice of each operator. Patients will be followed on continuous anticoagulation for 1 month after the ablation. The primary efficacy outcome is the cumulative incidence of all-cause death and systemic embolism while the primary safety outcome is the incidence of major bleeding events. The secondary outcomes are represented by non-major bleeding events. All events must be occurred within the first 30 days after the procedure.250 patients are expected to be enrolled and the study is estimated to be completed by the end of 2022. Up to now 56 patients have been enrolled.This study is the first large Italian prospective study on the management of Rivaroxaban in patients undergoing CA of AF. It aims to depict a comprehensive view of anticoagulation strategy prior CA in several Italian electrophysiology labs.

Background. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a treatment for heart failure (HF) patients with prolonged QRS and impaired left ventricular (LV) systolic function. We aim to evaluate how the baseline PR interval is associated with outcomes (all-cause death or HF hospitalizations) and LV reverse remodeling (>15% relative reduction in LV end-systolic volume). Methods. Among 2224 patients with CRT defibrillators, 1718 (77.2%) had a device programmed at out-of-the-box settings (sensed AV delay: 100 ms and paced AV delay: 130 ms). Results. In this cohort of 1718 patients (78.7% men, mean age 66 years, 71.6% in NYHA class III/IV, LVEF = 27 ± 6%), echocardiographic assessment at 6-month follow-up showed that LV reverse remodeling was not constant as a function of the PR interval; in detail, it occurred in 56.4% of all patients but was more frequent (76.6%) in patients with a PR interval of 160 ms. In a median follow-up of 20 months, the endpoint of death or HF hospitalizations occurred in 304/1718 (17.7%) patients; in the multivariable regression analysis it was significantly less frequent when the PR interval was between 150 and 170 ms (hazard ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63–0.99, p = 0.046). The same PR range was associated with higher probability of CRT response (odds ratio = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.41–4.47, p = 0.002). Conclusions. In a large population of CRT patients, with fixed AV pacing delays, specific PR intervals are associated with significant benefits in terms of LV reverse remodeling and lower morbidity. These observational data suggest the importance of optimizing pacing programming as a function of the PR interval to maximize CRT response and patient outcome.

Background Temporary transvenous cardiac pacing (TTCP) is a standard procedure in current practice, despite limited coverage in consensus guidelines. However, many authors reported several complications associated with TTCP, especially development of infections of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). The aim of this survey was to provide a country-wide picture of current practice regarding TTCP. Methods Data were collected using an online survey that was administered to members of the Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing. Results We collected data from 102 physicians, working in 81 Italian hospitals from 17/21 regions. Our data evidenced that different strategies are adopted in case of acute bradycardia with a tendency to limit TTCP mainly to advanced atrioventricular block. However, some centers reported a greater use in elective procedures. TTCP is usually performed by electrophysiologists or interventional cardiologists and, differently from previous reports, mainly by a femoral approach and with nonfloating catheters. We found high inhomogeneity regarding prevention of infections and thromboembolic complications and in post-TTCP management, associated with different TTCP volumes and a strategy for management of acute bradyarrhythmias. Conclusion This survey evidenced a high inhomogeneity in the approaches adopted by Italian cardiologists for TTCP. Further studies are needed to explore if these divergences are associated with different long-term outcomes, especially incidence of CIED-related infections.

Introduction: There is an ongoing debate regarding the need to conduct intraoperative defibrillation testing (DFT) at the time of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. To provide sufficiently strong evidence for the feasibility of omitting intraoperative DFT in clinical practice, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing patients with DFT and no-DFT.Methods: We systematically searched Medline (via PubMed), ClinicalTrial.gov, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase for studies evaluating DFT vs. no-DFT on ICD implantation with regard to total mortality and arrhythmic death, efficacy of first and any appropriate shock in interrupting ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF), and procedural adverse events. Effect estimates [risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)] were pooled using the random-effects model.Results: Our meta-analysis included 4 RCTs comprising 3770 patients (1896 with DFT and 1874 without DFT). Total mortality (RR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.86–1.17; P = 0.98) and arrhythmic death (RR = 1.60, 95% CI 0.46-5.59: P = 0.46) were not statistically different. Both first (RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.89–0.98; P = 0.004) and any appropriate ICD shock (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–1.00; P = 0.02) significantly increased the rate of VT/VF interruption in the group with no-DFT in comparison with DFT. Finally, the incidence of adverse events was lower in no-DFT patients (RR = 1.23; 95% CI 1.00–1.51; P = 0.05).Conclusions: The practice of DFT (as opposed to no-DFT) did not yield benefits in mortality or the overall rate of conversion of VT/VT. Moreover, a slightly higher incidence of perioperative adverse events was observed in the DFT group.

It is unclear whether isolation of the left atrial posterior wall (LAPW) offers additional benefits over pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) alone in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).We sought to determine the impact of PVAI and LAPW isolation (PVAI+LAPW) versus PVAI alone on the outcome of ablation of persistent AF.During the first procedure, PVAI was performed in 20 patients (group 1), whereas in 32 patients (group 2), PVAI was extended to the left atrial (LA) septum and coronary sinus (CS), and isolation of the LAPW was targeted (ePVAI+LAPW). Isolation of the superior vena cava was achieved in both groups. All patients, regardless of arrhythmia recurrence, underwent a second procedure 3 months after the first procedure. In patients with reconnection of pulmonary veins or LAPW, reisolation was performed, and a third procedure was performed 3 months later to verify isolation. Patients entered follow-up only after PVAI (group 1) or PVAI+LAPW (group 2) isolation was proven.At the 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up examinations, the rates of freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia without use of an antiarrhythmic drug were 20%, 15%, and 10% in group 1 and 65%, 50%, and 40% in group 2, respectively (log-rank P.001). The median recurrence-free survival time was 8.5 months (interquartile range 6.5-11.0) in group 1 and 28.0 months (interquartile range 8.5-32.0) in group 2.Proven isolation of the LAPW provides additional benefits over PVAI alone in the treatment of persistent AF and improves procedural outcome at follow-up. However, the ablation strategy of ePVAI+LAPW is still associated with a significant high incidence of very late recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia."Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation After Permanent Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation With or Without Proven Left Atrial Posterior Wall Isolation" (LIBERATION). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01660100.

Background Catheter ablation reduces ventricular tachycardia (VT) recurrence and implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks in patients with VT and ischemic cardiomyopathy. The most effective catheter ablation technique is unknown. Objectives This study determined rates of VT recurrence in patients undergoing ablation limited to clinical VT along with mappable VTs (“clinical ablation”) versus substrate-based ablation. Methods Subjects with ischemic cardiomyopathy and hemodynamically tolerated VT were randomized to clinical ablation (n = 60) versus substrate-based ablation that targeted all “abnormal” electrograms in the scar (n = 58). Primary endpoint was recurrence of VT. Secondary endpoints included periprocedural complications, 12-month mortality, and rehospitalizations. Results At 12-month follow-up, 9 (15.5%) and 29 (48.3%) patients had VT recurrence in substrate-based and clinical VT ablation groups, respectively (log-rank p Conclusions An extensive substrate-based ablation approach is superior to ablation targeting only clinical and stable VTs in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy presenting with tolerated VT. (Ablation of Clinical Ventricular Tachycardia Versus Addition of Substrate Ablation on the Long Term Success Rate of VT Ablation (VISTA); NCT01045668 )

Benefits of PVI in Patients with Atrial Flutter Background This study examined incidence of AF following cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation alone or CTI plus prophylactic pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients presenting with isolated atrial flutter (AFL) with no history of AF. Methods and Results We enrolled 216 patients with isolated typical atrial flutter and randomized them to CTI alone (group 1, n = 108, 61.2 ± 9.7 year, 75% male) or CTI+PVI ablation (group 2, n = 108, 62.4 ± 9.3 year, 73% male). Insertible loop recorder (ILR) was implanted in 21 and 19 patients from groups 1 and 2, respectively. Remaining patients were monitored with event recorders, ECG, 7-day Holter. Follow-up period was for 18 ± 6 months. Compared to group 1, group 2 had significantly longer procedural duration (75.9 ± 33 min vs. 161 ± 48 min [P < 0.001]) and fluoroscopy time (15.9 ± 12.3 min vs. 56.4+21 min [P < 0.001]). At the end of follow-up, 65 (60.2%) in group 1 and 77 (71.3%) in group 2 were arrhythmia free off-AAD (log-rank P = 0.044). A subgroup analysis was performed with 55 year age cut-off. In the

Laboratorio di Elettrofisiologia Dipartimento di Cardiologia Ospedale Civile di Mirano, Mirano, Italy;†Az. Ospedaliera S. Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy; ‡Azienda Ospedaliera Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar,Italy; §Ospedale Mater Salutis di Legnago, Legnago, Italy; ¶Ospedale Santa Maria del Carmine, Rovereto, Italy

Background— This study examined the impact of different ablation strategies on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and quality of life in coexistent AF and atrial flutter (AFL). Methods and Results— Three-hundred sixty enrolled patients with documented AF and AFL were blinded and randomized to group 1, AF±AFL ablation (n=182), or group 2, AFL ablation only (n=178). AF recurrence was evaluated with event recording and 7-day Holter at 3, 6, 9, and 12-month follow-ups. Quality of life was assessed at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up with 4 questionnaires: the Medical Outcome Study Short Form, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Of the 182 patients in group 1, 58 (age, 63±8 years; 78% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 59±8%) had AF+AFL ablation and 124 (age, 61±11 years; 72% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 59±7%) had AF ablation only. In group 2 (age, 62±9 years; 76% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 58±10%), only AFL was ablated by achieving bidirectional isthmus conduction block. Baseline characteristics were not different across groups. At 21±9 months of follow-up, 117 in group 1 (64%) and 34 in group 2 (19%) were arrhythmia free ( P Conclusions— In coexistent AF and AFL, lower recurrence rate and better quality of life are associated with AF ablation only or AF+AFL ablation than with lone AFL ablation. Furthermore, quality of life directly correlates with freedom from arrhythmia, as shown in this study for the first time in patients blinded to the procedure. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrial.gov/ . Unique identifier: NCT01439386.

We read with interest the letters by Kosiuk et al, Skolnik, Turco, Liu and Yang, and Willey and Biviano. We thank these authors for their interest in our study. We agree with Kosiuk et al that the restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with heart failure and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is key to improving ejection fraction and 6-minute walk distance, and we agree with the authors’ data showing a reduction of inappropriate shocks attributable to atrial arrhythmias in patients undergoing ablation.1 Unfortunately, in our trial,2 we did not prospectively collect implantable cardioverter defibrillator inappropriate shocks, and we will not be able to provide solid data. We respectfully disagree with the idea of Dr Skolnik. As mentioned in the discussion and in the clinical perspective of the article, we are not proposing AF ablation in all patients with heart failure, but we are suggesting that this underused therapeutic approach is considered more and more in patients with heart failure.2 The PABA CHF (Comparison of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Versus AV Nodal Ablation With Biventricular Pacing for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation With Congestive Heart Failure) trial,3 although small, showed little improvement with the atrioventricular node ablation and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation in comparison with ablation. In …

The evaluation of the risk of stroke for individual patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a crucial factor in the decision to provide anticoagulation therapy. Novel oral anticoagulants, as compared with warfarin, are associated with a lower or similar rate of stroke and systemic embolism and a lower rate of hemorrhagic stroke. These drugs are administered at a fixed dose, have a shorter peak action and half-life, and do not require international normalized ratio monitoring. After a successful AF ablation, oral anticoagulation therapy discontinuation seems to be feasible in patients with a CHADS2 score greater than or equal to 2 and normal left atrial (LA) function. However, larger prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm the safety of this strategy.

Background Islets of myocytes within fibrofatty scars represent the substrate for reentrant ventricular arrhythmias in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Electroanatomic mapping can reliably identify such areas. Objective To prospectively test the association between late and fragmented electrograms within scar and arrhythmic events in patients with ARVC. Methods High-density right ventricle electroanatomic mapping was performed in 32 patients with ARVC without history of cardiac arrest or sustained ventricular arrhythmias. Standard definitions of electroanatomic scars and fragmented, isolated, and very late potentials were used. All patients received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for the primary prevention of sudden death. Results After a mean follow-up of 25 ± 7 months, 12 (38%) patients received appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shock for sustained ventricular arrhythmias. With the exception of a higher rate of previous syncope ( P = .053), patients with arrhythmic events at follow-up did not differ from those who remained free from arrhythmic events in terms of other clinical variables, including cardiac magnetic resonance findings. Electroanatomic scars were present in all patients. The distribution and extent of electroanatomic scars were similar in the 2 groups (38 ± 25 cm 2 vs 33 ± 20 cm 2 ; P = .51). However, patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shock had a higher prevalence of fragmented electrograms (92% vs 20%; P P = .004), and of very late potentials (67% vs 25%; P = .030). Fragmented electrograms were the only variable independently associated with arrhythmic events at follow-up (hazard ratio 21; P = .015). Conclusion The presence of fragmented and delayed electrograms within the scar predicts arrhythmic events in ARVC.

Testing of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for its ability to correctly sense, detect, and terminate ventricular fibrillation has been an important part of device implantation since procedures in humans began in the early 1980s. However, in recent years, there is some controversy as

Background— Together with pulmonary veins, many extrapulmonary vein areas may be the source of initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is an underestimated site of initiation of atrial fibrillation. Here, we report the prevalence of triggers from the LAA and the best strategy for successful ablation. Methods and Results— Nine hundred eighty-seven consecutive patients (29% paroxysmal, 71% nonparoxysmal) undergoing redo catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation were enrolled. Two hundred sixty-six patients (27%) showed firing from the LAA and became the study population. In 86 of 987 patients (8.7%; 5 paroxysmal, 81 nonparoxysmal), the LAA was found to be the only source of arrhythmia with no pulmonary veins or other extrapulmonary vein site reconnection. Ablation was performed either with focal lesion (n=56; group 2) or to achieve LAA isolation by placement of the circular catheter at the ostium of the LAA guided by intracardiac echocardiography (167 patients; group 3). In the remaining patients, LAA firing was not ablated (n=43; group 1). At the 12±3-month follow-up, 32 patients (74%) in group 1 had recurrence compared with 38 (68%) in group 2 and 25 (15%) in group 3 ( P Conclusions— The LAA appears to be responsible for arrhythmias in 27% of patients presenting for repeat procedures. Isolation of the LAA could achieve freedom from atrial fibrillation in patients presenting for a repeat procedure when arrhythmias initiating from this structure are demonstrated.

Background— Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is associated with the potential risk of periprocedural stroke, which can range between 1% and 5%. We developed a prospective database to evaluate the prevalence of stroke over time and to assess whether the periprocedural anticoagulation strategy and use of open irrigation ablation catheter have resulted in a reduction of this complication. Methods and Results— We collected data from 9 centers performing the same ablation procedure with the same anticoagulation protocol. We divided the patients into 3 groups: ablation with an 8-mm catheter off warfarin (group 1), ablation with an open irrigated catheter off warfarin (group 2), and ablation with an open irrigated catheter on warfarin (group 3). Outcome data on stroke/transient ischemic attack and bleeding complications during and early after the procedures were collected. Of 6454 consecutive patients in the study, 2488 were in group 1, 1348 were in group 2, and 2618 were in group 3. Periprocedural stroke/transient ischemic attack occurred in 27 patients (1.1%) in group 1 and 12 patients (0.9%) in group 2. Despite a higher prevalence of nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation and more patients with CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age >75 years, diabetes mellitus, and prior stroke or transient ischemic attack) score >2, no stroke/transient ischemic attack was reported in group 3. Complications among groups 1, 2, and 3, including major bleeding (10 [0.4%], 11 [0.8%], and 10 [0.4%], respectively; P >0.05) and pericardial effusion (11 [0.4%], 11 [0.8%], and 12 [0.5%]; P >0.05), were equally distributed. Conclusion— The combination of an open irrigation ablation catheter and periprocedural therapeutic anticoagulation with warfarin may reduce the risk of periprocedural stroke without increasing the risk of pericardial effusion or other bleeding complications.

Impact of the Systematic Isolation of the Superior Vena Cava. Background: Pulmonary veins (PVs) have been shown to represent the most frequent sites of ectopic beats initiating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, additional non-PV triggers, arising from different areas, have been reported as well. One of the most common non-PV sites described is the superior vena cava. Aims: The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact resulting from the systematic isolation of the superior vena cava (SVCI) in addition to pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) on the outcome of paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent AF ablation. Methods: A total of 320 consecutive patients who had been referred to our center in order to undergo a first attempt of AF ablation were randomized into 2 groups. Group I (160 patients) underwent PVAI only; Group II (160 patients) underwent PVAI and SVCI. Results: AF was paroxysmal in 134 (46%), persistent in 75 (23%), and permanent in 111 (31%) of said patients. SVCI was performed on 134 of the 160 patients (84%) in Group II. SVC isolation was not performed on the remaining 26 patients either because of phrenic nerve capture or the lack of SVC potentials. Comparison of the outcome data between the 2 groups, after a follow-up of 12 months, revealed a significant difference in total procedural success solely with patients manifesting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (56/73 [77%] Group I vs. 55/61 [90%] Group II; P = 0.04; OR 2.78). Conclusions: In our study, the strategy of the empiric SVCI in addition to PVAI has improved the outcome of AF ablation solely in patients manifesting paroxysmal AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1–5, January 2010)

Background— The study was conducted to compare relative safety and efficacy of pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) using intracardiac echocardiographic guidance and circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) using radiofrequency energy. Methods and Results— Sixty patients (81% men; 81% paroxysmal; age, 56�8 years) failing 2�1 antiarrhythmic drugs were randomly assigned to undergo CPVA (n=30) or PVAI (n=30) at 5 centers between December 2004 and October 2007. CPVA patients had circular lesions placed at least 1 cm outside of the veins. Ipsilateral veins were ablated en block with the end point of disappearance of potentials within the circular lesion. Left atrial roof line and mitral isthmus line were ablated without verification of block. For patients in AF postablation or with AF induced with programmed stimulation, complex fractionated electrograms were mapped and ablated to the end point of AF termination or disappearance of complex fractionated electrograms. PVAI did not include complex fractionated electrogram ablation. Esophageal temperature was monitored and kept within 2�C of baseline or under 39�C. Success was defined as absence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (AF/AT) off antiarrhythmic drugs. There was no difference between CPVA and PVAI regarding to baseline variables, catheter used, duration of the procedure, or RF delivery. Fluoroscopy time was longer with PVAI (54�17 minutes versus 77�18 minutes, P =0.0001). No significant complications occurred in either arm. PVAI was more likely to achieve control of AF/AT off antiarrhythmic drugs (57% versus 27%, P =0.02) at 2�1 years of follow-up. Conclusions— A single PVAI procedure is more likely to result in freedom from AF/AT off antiarrhythmic drugs than CPVA supplemented by complex fractionated electrogram ablation in select patients.

Background— Electric isolation of the pulmonary veins (PVs) can successfully treat patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, it remains technically challenging to identify the left atrial–PV junction and sequentially position the ablation catheter in a point-by-point contiguous fashion to isolate the PVs. In this study, a novel endoscopic ablation system was used to directly visualize and ablate tissue at the left atrial–PV junction with laser energy. Methods and Results— This study consisted of 2 phases: a short-term (n=9) and long-term (n=11) canine experimental validation phase and a multicenter clinical feasibility phase (n=30 paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients). After transseptal puncture, the balloon-based endoscopic ablation system was advanced to each PV ostium, and arcs of laser energy (90° to 360°) were projected onto the target left atrial–PV junction. Electric PV isolation was defined with a circular multielectrode catheter. In the short-term preclinical experimental phase, 15 of 17 targeted PVs (88%) were successfully isolated. Pathological examination revealed well-demarcated circumferential lesions with minimal endothelial disruption. In the long-term experiments, 9 of 10 targeted veins (90%) remained persistently isolated (at 4 to 8 weeks). In the clinical phase, 105 of 116 PVs (91%) were successfully isolated. After a single procedure, the 12-month drug-free rate of freedom from atrial fibrillation was 60% (18 of 30 patients). There were no significant PV stenoses, but adverse events included 1 episode of cardiac tamponade, 1 stroke without residual defect, and 1 asymptomatic phrenic nerve palsy. Conclusion— This study establishes the feasibility of a novel paradigm for AF ablation: direct visualization to guide catheter ablation of the left atrial–PV junction.

Aims: Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). The outcome of AF ablation in septuagenarians is not clear. Our aim was to evaluate success rate, outcome, and complication rate of AF ablation in septuagenarians. Methods and Results: We collected data from 174 consecutive patients over 75 years of age who underwent AF ablation from 2001 to 2006. AF was paroxysmal in 55%. High-risk CHADS score (≥2) was present in 65% of the population. Over a mean follow-up of 20 ± 14 months, 127 (73%) maintained sinus rhythm (SR) with a single procedure, whereas 47 patients had recurrence of AF. Twenty of them had a second ablation, successful in 16 (80%). Major acute complications included one CVA and one hemothorax (2/194 [1.0%]). During the follow-up, three patients had a CVA within the first 6 weeks after ablation. Warfarin was discontinued in 138 out 143 patients (96%) who maintained SR without AADs with no embolic event occurring over a mean follow-up of 16 ± 12 months. Conclusion: AF ablation is a safe and effective treatment for AF in septuagenarians.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter often coexist. The long-term occurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients presenting with atrial flutter alone is unknown. We report the long-term follow-up in patients who underwent cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for treatment of lone atrial flutter. Methods and Results: Between January 1997 and June 2002, 632 patients underwent cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for the treatment of typical atrial flutter at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Three hundred sixty-three patients were included in this study and followed for a mean duration of 39 ± 11 months. The mean duration of atrial flutter symptoms was 12 ± 5 months. Mean left-atrial size and left-ventricular ejection fraction were 4.2 ± 0.8 cm and 47 ± 13%, respectively. After a mean follow-up time of 39 ± 11 months, 13% (48 of 363) of the patients remained in sinus rhythm. Five percent (18 of 363) of patients experienced recurrence of atrial flutter only. Sixty-eight percent (246 of 363) experienced the onset of atrial fibrillation and 14% (51 of 363) experienced recurrence of atrial flutter and the new onset of atrial fibrillation. Overall, 82% (297 of 363) of the patients experienced new onset of drug refractory atrial fibrillation. Left-atrial size was a predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence post-atrial flutter ablation. Conclusion: At long-term follow-up, approximately 82% of patients post-cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for atrial flutter developed drug refractory atrial fibrillation. This finding suggests that elimination of atrial flutter might delay, but does not prevent, atrial fibrillation. Evidence suggests both arrhythmias may share common triggers and such patients may derive a better long-term benefit from anatomical ablative treatment of atrial fibrillation as well.

Introduction: The best treatment option for the management of patients (pts) with heart failure (HF) and persistent AF is unknown. The AATAC trial showed that catheter ablation (CA) is superior to Amiodarone in achieving freedom from AF at follow up. In this analysis we present the outcome sorted by type of AF procedure. Methods: AATAC was a randomized multicenter study. Pts with persistent AF, dual chamber ICD or CRTD, NYHA II-III and LV EF Results: PVI was performed in 22 patients undergoing ablation, while PVI+PW+NPV ablation was performed in 80 patients. Baseline characteristics were not different between the groups. At 26±8 months follow-up, the success rates in PVI, PVI+PW+NPV, and AMIO groups were 8 [36.4%] and 63 [78.8%] and 34 (34.0%) respectively, p Conclusion: This randomized study shows that PVI alone has a low success rate similar to Amiodarone when compared to PVI plus posterior wall plus non pv trigger in patients with heart failure and persistent AF.

Background— Whether catheter ablation (CA) is superior to amiodarone (AMIO) for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure is unknown. Methods and Results— This was an open-label, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter study. Patients with persistent AF, dual-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator, New York Heart Association II to III, and left ventricular ejection fraction P P P P =0.037). Conclusions— This multicenter randomized study shows that CA of AF is superior to AMIO in achieving freedom from AF at long-term follow-up and reducing unplanned hospitalization and mortality in patients with heart failure and persistent AF. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00729911.

The impact of amiodarone on ablation outcome in longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) patients is not known yet.The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of amiodarone on procedural-outcomes in LSPAF patients undergoing catheter ablation.We enrolled 112 LSPAF patients on amiodarone and scheduled to undergo atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Patients were randomized to amiodarone discontinuation 4 months before ablation (group 1, n = 56) and a control group (group 2, n = 56) in which ablation was performed without amiodarone discontinuation. All patients underwent pulmonary vein (PV) antrum and posterior wall isolation, defragmentation and extra PV triggers ablation. Patients were followed up for recurrence for 32 ± 8 months post-ablation. Repeat procedures in all recurrent patients were performed off amiodarone.During ablation, AF termination was more frequent in group 2 compared to group 1 [44 (79%) vs 32 (57%), P = .015]. After high-dosage isoproterenol, more non-PV triggers were disclosed in group 1 compared to group 2 (42 [75%] vs 24 [43%] respectively, P.001). Group 2 had lower procedure, radiofrequency and fluoroscopy times compared to group 1 (2.7 ± 1 vs 3.1 ± 1 h, 69 ± 13 min vs 87 ± 11 min and 64 ± 14 min vs 85 ± 18 min respectively, p.05). At 32 ± 8 month follow-up, on or off antiarrhythmic drug success rate was 37 (66%) in group 1 and 27 (48%) in group 2 (P = .04). During redo, new non-PV trigger sites were identified in group 2 patients.Periprocedural continuous amiodarone was associated with higher organization rate and lower radiofrequency ablation rate. However, masking non-PV triggers increased the late recurrence rate.

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and quality of life (QoL) in patients with tilt-induced vasovagal syncope and no other comorbidities, and their relationship with the syncopal burden and the risk of recurrence. Methods We studied 61 patients with recurrent syncope and positive tilt testing. Controls consisted of 61 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. Psychiatric diagnoses were formulated on the basis of a structured interview and the Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory-2 questionnaire. QoL was assessed by means of the Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Results The presence of psychiatric disorders was higher among patients than controls (71% vs. 23%, P!0.001), with a prevalence of anxiety (28% vs. 5%), mood (18% vs. 3%), and somatization disorders (29% vs. 3%). The scores of all the QoL scales were statistically lower in patients than controls. An inverse correlation was found between QoL scale scores and syncopal burden. The presence of psychiatric disorders was predictive of syncopal recurrence during follow-up. Conclusion Psychiatric disorders are common in patients with tilt-induced vasovagal syncope, and seem to predict the risk of recurrence. QoL is impaired in these patients, and is inversely correlated with the syncopal burden.

Background— Multiple morphologies, hemodynamic instability, or noninducibility may limit ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). Substrate-based mapping and ablation may overcome these limitations. We report the results and success of substrate-based VT ablation in ARVD. Methods and Results— Twenty-two patients with ARVD were studied. Traditional mapping for VT was limited because of multiple/changing VT morphologies (n=14), nonsustained VT (n=10), or hemodynamic intolerance (n=5). Sinus rhythm CARTO mapping was performed to define areas of “scar” ( Conclusions— Substrate-based ablation of VT in ARVD can achieve a good short-term success rate. However, recurrences become increasingly common during long-term follow-up.

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia associated withsignificantmorbidityandmortality.Preventionofrecurrenceswith antiarrhythmic drugs is usually poorly effective over thelong term; in addition it carries the risk of serious side effectsincluding proarrhythmia. This has stimulated the develop-ment of new more effective and really curative treatments.Among these, radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fib-rillationhasgainedagrowingpopularityinthelastfewyears.Sincethefirstreportin1994

UNLABELLED: Dissociated pulmonary vein rhythm. INTRODUCTION: Characterization of the electrophysiologic behavior of the pulmonary vein (PV) triggers initiating atrial fibrillation (AF) is still lacking. We conducted the current study to evaluate the behavior of the dissociated PV rhythm (PVD) observed after electrical disconnection from the left atrium of the PV responsible for initiation of AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four hundred and seven consecutive patients (102 women; mean age 55+/-11 years) presented for ablation of symptomatic AF to our laboratory. After isolation, sustained dissociated rhythm (>10 minutes) was documented in 2.1% (34 of 1,568 PVs) of the PVs (initiating AF prior to isolation). Adenosine (18 mg IV bolus), verapamil (10 mg IV bolus), phenylephrine (200 mcg bolus followed by infusion at 100 mcg/hour), and isoproterenol (infusion rate of 15 mcg/hour) were administered in these patients. The cycle length of the PV rhythm before and after the administration of drugs was measured. Adenosine prolonged the sinus node (SN) cycle length (from 750+/-105 to 1,900+/-200 ms; P

Coronary Sinus Lead Position and Biventricular Pacing. Introduction: Biventricular pacing is an established treatment for congestive heart failure. Whether the anatomic location of the coronary sinus (CS) lead affects outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical response and mortality in patients who had transvenous CS leads placed in different anatomic branches for biventricular pacing. Methods and Results: We evaluated 233 consecutive patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV heart failure and ejection fraction

Objectives We report on the initiation of ventricular fibrillation (VF) storm in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and the results of targeted ablation to treat VF storm. Background Monomorphic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) have been shown to initiate VF in patients without structural heart disease. Methods A total of 29 patients with ICM and documented VF initiation were identified. In 21 patients, VF storm was controlled with antiarrhythmic drugs and/or treatment of heart failure. Eight patients with VF (mean 52 ± 25 episodes) refractory to medical management required ablation. All patients underwent three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping using CARTO (Biosense-Webster Inc., Diamond Bar, California), and PVCs were mapped when present. Scarred areas were identified using voltage mapping. Results Monomorphic PVCs initiated VF in all 29 identified patients. Five of eight patients requiring ablation had frequent PVCs that allowed PVC mapping. The earliest activation site was consistently located in the scar border zone. The PVCs were always preceded by a Purkinje-like potential (PLP). Ablation was successfully performed at these sites. In three patients, infrequent PVCs prevented mapping, but PLPs were recorded around the scar border. Ablation targeting these potentials along the scar border was successfully performed. During follow-up (10 ± 6 months), one patient had a single VF episode and another developed sustained, monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. There was no recurrence of VF storm. Conclusions Ventricular fibrillation in ICM is triggered by monomorphic PVCs originating from the scar border zone with preceding PLPs; targeting these PVCs may prevent VF recurrence. In the absence of PVCs, both substrate mapping and ablation appear to be equally effective.

Objectives The goal of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of pulmonary vein antrum isolation in patients with moderate valvular heart disease or open-heart surgery and atrial fibrillation (AF). Background Valvular heart disease and open-heart surgery are commonly associated with AF and increase the risk of adverse events in AF patients. Methods A total of 391 consecutive patients who had pulmonary vein antrum isolation performed between December 2000 and December 2002 were screened. A total of 142 of these patients had clinically significant valvular disease or prior cardiac surgery. End points included AF recurrence and pulmonary vein antrum isolation complication rates. Results Patients with valvular heart disease or prior open-heart surgery were older, had larger left atria and a more advanced New York Heart Association class. They did not differ significantly with respect to gender, but had a longer history of AF. Procedure times were similar between patients with and without valvular heart disease or prior open-heart surgery. After 18 ± 7 months in the lone AF patients, 11 ± 5 months in patients with valvular heart disease, and 10 ± 5 months in patients with prior open heart surgery, there was a trend toward lower recurrence of AF in patients with lone AF who enjoyed a 98% overall cure rate after up to 2 pulmonary vein antrum isolations versus 93% among patients with valvular heart disease ( P = .04) and prior open heart surgery ( P = .07). Complication rates were comparable between groups. Conclusions Pulmonary vein antrum isolation is safe and effective in patients with moderate valvular heart disease and the patients who developed AF after open-heart surgery. These results have implications for our understanding of the pathophysiology of AF in patients with moderate valvular heart disease or past cardiac surgery and should be considered when discussing treatment options in these patients.

A retrospective analysis was performed to define the impact of age on the outcomes and complications in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). PVI is an evolving technique for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). The impact of age on the risks, outcomes, and complications of PVI has not been well defined.A total of 323 patients (259 men and 64 women; age 18-79 years) underwent PVI for treatment of drug-refractory symptomatic AF. An ostial isolation of the pulmonary veins was done using a cooled-tip ablation catheter guided by circular mapping. The patients were divided into three groups based on age (group I:50 years, group II: 51-60 years, group III:60 years) and the results were compared. There were 106 patients in group I, 114 patients in group II, and 103 patients in group III (mean age 41.3 +/- 7.8 years, 55.4 +/- 2.75 years, and 66.6 +/- 4.18 years, respectively) who underwent PVI for paroxysmal (53.8%), persistent (10.8%), or permanent (35.3%) AF. Baseline characteristics were similar except for a higher prevalence of hypertension and/or structural heart disease in groups II and III (58% and 63% vs 33% in group I, respectively). The procedural variables were similar in all age groups. The overall risk of complications was similar in the three groups, except that the risk of stroke was significantly higher in patients60 years of age (3% vs 0%; P0.05). The recurrence rates of AF were similar in the three age groups (15.1%, 16.7%, and 18.4%, respectively; P0.05). The risk of severe pulmonary vein stenosis (1.8%, 2.6%, and 0.9%, respectively) was low and did not vary with age.PVI is a safe and effective treatment for patients with drug-refractory symptomatic AF, and its benefits extend to all age groups. The risk of procedural complications, especially thromboembolic events, appears to be higher in the elderly age group. This observation needs to be considered while assessing potential candidates for the procedure.

We read with much interest the recently published study by Di Biase et al. [(1)][1]. This multicentric trial makes an important contribution to the expanding field of ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation in which randomized trials are rare. Di Biase et al. [(1)][1] reported on better procedural

Introduction: Catheter ablation of cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) is considered to be the most effective therapy for eliminating target arrhythmia in lone atrial flutter (AFL). However, many patients subsequently develop AF after CTI ablation. Therefore, prophylactic pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) along with CTI ablation could be considered as an alternate option in these patients. We aimed to compare long-term incidence of post-ablation atrial fibrillation following CTI alone or CTI plus PVAI in patients presenting with isolated AFL and no history of atrial fibrillation. Methods: This multi-center prospective randomized study enrolled 216 patients undergoing catheter ablation for isolated typical atrial flutter. Patients were randomized to CTI alone (group 1, n=108, 61.2±9.7 year, 75% male, LVEF 59±10%) or combined ablation CTI+PVAI (group 2, n=108, 62.4±9.3 year, 73% male, LVEF 57±11%). Insertible Loop Recorder (ILR) was implanted in 21 and 19 patients from group 1 and 2 respectively, on the day of the ablation procedure. Remaining patients were monitored for recurrence with event recorders, ECG, 7-day Holter and cardiology evaluation. All patients were followed up for 18±6 months for recurrence. Results: Compared to group 1, group 2 had significantly longer average procedural duration (75.9±33 min vs. 161±48 min [p Conclusion: Prophylactic PVAI in lone atrial flutter caused marked reduction in new-onset AF in patients ≥ 55 years whereas younger patients (

Background— Periprocedural thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events are worrisome complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The periprocedural anticoagulation management could play a role in the incidence of these complications. Although ablation procedures performed without warfarin discontinuation seem to be associated with lower thromboembolic risk, no randomized study exists. Methods and Results— This was a prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter study assessing the role of continuous warfarin therapy in preventing periprocedural thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Patients with CHADS 2 score ≥1 were included. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the off-warfarin or on-warfarin arm. The incidence of thromboembolic events in the 48 hours after ablation was the primary end point of the study. The study enrolled 1584 patients: 790 assigned to discontinue warfarin (group 1) and 794 assigned to continuous warfarin (group 2). No statistical difference in baseline characteristics was observed. There were 39 thromboembolic events (3.7% strokes [n=29] and 1.3% transient ischemic attacks [n=10]) in group 1: two events (0.87%) in patients with paroxysmal AF, 4 (2.3%) in patients with persistent AF, and 33 (8.5%) in patients with long-standing persistent AF. Only 2 strokes (0.25%) in patients with long-standing persistent AF were observed in group 2 ( P P Conclusion— This is the first randomized study showing that performing catheter ablation of AF without warfarin discontinuation reduces the occurrence of periprocedural stroke and minor bleeding complications compared with bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01006876.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) and has been associated with an increased stroke risk. The aim of our project was to assess the clinical value of a web-based application, Discovery Link AFinder, in improving AF detection in CIED patients.Seven Italian hospitals performed an observational study consisting of four phases. During phase 1, expert nurses and cardiologists prospectively followed-up CIED patients via in-hospital examinations and remote monitoring, and classified clinically relevant events, particularly AF occurrence. During phase 2, Discovery Link AFinder was exploited to identify patients who had suffered AF in the previous 12 months through the systematic scanning of device data remote transmissions. Phases 3 and 4 were repetitions of phases 1 and 2, respectively, and were implemented 6 months after the previous phases. A total of 472 consecutive patients were included in phase 1; AF occurred in 170 patients, 61 of whom were identified as new AF patients. Evidence of AF during this phase prompted prescription of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy in 30 patients. In phase 2, AFinder uncovered new AF, unidentified in phase 1, in 54 patients and prompted implementation of OAC therapy in 11 patients. During phase 3, 30 new AF patients were identified by means of remote monitoring, while during phase 4, a further three AF patients were identified by AFinder only.The AFinder web-based software, applied on top of standard in-hospital and remote monitoring, improved AF detection and enabled OAC treatment to be undertaken.

This editorial refers to ‘Novel oral anticoagulants in a real-world cohort of patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation’ by C. Eitel et al ., on page 1587. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, affecting over 6 million people in Europe. Subjects suffering from this arrhythmia have a five-fold higher risk of stroke than those in stable sinus rhythm, and anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists has proven able to reduce this risk by about 60%. Recently, new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been introduced in the clinical practice and have proven non-inferior to warfarin in preventing thromboembolic risk in patients affected by non-valvular AF.1,2 Moreover, NOACs significantly reduce the risk of cerebral haemorrhage, act rapidly, and are easier to administer, considering that monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR) is not required and a lower interaction with food and other drugs is described. However, these drugs display the limitation to have no antidote and the difficulty to assess patient compliance. In the last 10 years, catheter ablation has become an effective therapeutic option for treatment of symptomatic and drug-refractory AF. Nevertheless, this therapy may be associated with complications, mainly thromboembolic events, cardiac tamponade, and vascular complications.1,3 Over the years, various antithrombotic treatments for use either during or after the procedure have been proposed to maximize protection against thromboembolic events and to reduce the risk of bleeding. However, the lack of prospective, randomized, large-scale studies has led to the emergence of different approaches, which are largely based on the operator's experience. There is a general agreement on the need to anticoagulate the patient in the period prior to the procedure following the same recommendations that pertain to AF cardioversion. The most widely adopted strategy is discontinuation of warfarin and bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or …

Background— Whether different ablation strategies affect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) long-term freedom from AF/atrial tachyarrhythmia is unclear. We sought to compare the effect of 3 different ablation approaches on the long-term success in patients with paroxysmal AF. Methods and Results— One hundred three consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF scheduled for ablation and presenting in the electrophysiology laboratory in AF were selected for this study. Patients were randomized to pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI; n=35) versus biatrial ablation of the complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs; n=34) versus PVAI followed by CFAEs (n=34). Patients were given event recorders and followed up at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months postablation. There was no statistical significant difference between the groups in term of sex, age, AF duration, left atrial size, and ejection fraction. At 1 year follow-up, freedom from AF/atrial tachyarrhythmia was documented in 89% of patients in the PVAI group, 91% in the PVAI plus CFAEs group, and 23% in the CFAEs group ( P Conclusion— No difference in terms of success rate was seen between PVAI alone and PVAI associated with defragmentation. CFAEs ablation alone had the smallest impact on AF recurrences at 1-year follow-up. These results suggest that antral isolation is sufficient to treat most patients with paroxysmal AF.

Introduction: Image integration is used in AF ablation procedures. To maximize the efficacy of image integration, it is essential to obtain good alignment between the electroanatomical map and the 3D image of the heart. In the present study, we compared an ICE-guided landmark registration with an ICE-guided focused endocardial surface registration. Methods and Results: In 20 patients, registration was based on posterior landmarks acquired under ICE guidance (group A); in another 20 matched patients, a new ICE-guided focused endocardial surface registration technique was used (group B). In these latter patients, a single landmark was acquired in the inferior part of the LIPV, and several surface points were recorded in the posterior area of the left PV antrum and around the antra of the right PVs. The mean ablation point-to-CT image distance was calculated in both groups. In group A, the mean landmark point-to-CT image distance was also calculated after adding the surface registration. The mean landmark point-to-CT image distance was 4.62 ± 1.65 mm and increased to 7.66 ± 2.44 mm when surface registration was added. The ablation point-to-CT image distance was significantly shorter in group B (1.73 ± 0.29 mm vs 3 ± 0.99 mm; P < 0.001). Conclusions: This ICE-guided focused endocardial surface registration seems to be superior to landmark registration in achieving a better alignment between the CT/MR image and the electroanatomical map. The concurrent use of standard surface registration may result in rotation of the atrial chamber.

In cardiac ablation, image integration can simplify the procedure, reduce complications and minimize radiation exposure. To achieve these results, the accuracy of the image integration process is crucial. In the present study, we compared ICE (intra-cardiac echocardiography)-guided landmarks registration with a new technique of ICE-guided localized surface registration. Twenty patients underwent registration by means of landmarks collected under ICE guidance (Group A). Twenty matched patients underwent the new localized ICE-guided surface registration, which involves collecting a single landmark in the inferior portion of the LIPV (left inferior pulmonary vein) and some surface points in the posterior area of the left PV antrum and around the antrum of the right PVs (Group B). In group A, the mean landmark error was 4.62 plusmn 1.65 mm and the mean ablation-point error was 3.00 plusmn 0.99 mm. In group B, the mean error between ECHO-guided surface points and MRI/CT surface was 1.73 plusmn 0.29 mm. The quality of the final alignment was validated by means of ICE in both groups. Mathematical results combined with ICE-guided validation revealed that ICE-guided surface registration appears to offer better performance than landmarks registration.

Aims Radiofrequency ablation (ABL) of pulmonary veins (PVs) is an effective treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible morphological and functional consequences of this procedure on PV during a 12-month follow-up. Methods and results Ninety-six patients underwent transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before ABL, and 48 h, 3, and 12 months later. The peak velocity, mean velocity, mean/peak flow velocity, and diameter of each vein were measured at every follow-up examination. All patients also underwent multidimensional computer tomography (MCT) 3 months after ABL. At the first control, a 5% reduction in PV diameters and an increase in the peak velocity, mean velocity, and mean/peak velocity (34.3, 42.2, and 6.9, respectively: P , 0.000) of their Doppler flow were observed. Later follow-up examinations revealed no further significant increase in PV narrowing or flow velocities. MCT showed PV stenoses (.50%) in four PVs, while TEE showed a .100% increase over basal values in flow velocities and a plateau configuration of the pulsed-wave Doppler spectrum. Conclusion ABL of AF reduces the diameter and increases the flow velocities of PV. However, critical stenosis is rare and can be diagnosed by TEE through a marked change in the velocities and in the configuration of the Doppler flow.