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Coffee and tea are amongst the most consumed beverages worldwide, and are the main source of caffeine in adults. In this review we present findings on the effects of habitual coffee and tea consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Mild-moderate coffee/ caffeine consumption, at 2-3 cups/day, is associated with beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus, although may elevate lipid levels. Furthermore, coffee consumption reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, CVD and all cause mortality. Higher tea consumption, in particular green tea, confers similar cardiovascular benefits to coffee with 3 cups/day associated with improved survival in population based studies.

The interatrial septum (IAS) is thought to be involved in the mechanism of persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF). Simultaneous contact mapping of both sides of the IAS has not been performed previously.The purpose of this study was to describe wave front (WF) activation patterns and extent of left and right atrial septal electrical dissociation in patients with PeAF.Simultaneous mapping of both atrial septal surfaces using 2 high-density grid catheters was performed. Filtered electrograms of continuous atrial fibrillation, sinus rhythm (SR), and atrial pacing recordings were exported to MATLAB for off-line phase/activation analysis, and activation patterns on paired surfaces were analyzed. WF activation patterns between the 2 grids were evaluated to determine whether activation WFs were associated or dissociated.Eight patients with PeAF undergoing catheter ablation were included. Complete dissociation of WF activation patterns between the 2 sides of the septum existed throughout the mapping period with no 2 consecutive WF activation patterns matching. Single linear WFs were the most prevalent activation pattern on both septal grids. No focal breakthroughs were seen. Transient rotational activity was seen in 10% of phase activations. During SR and atrial pacing, both grids appeared to be activated independent of each other with no evidence of contralateral conduction across the 2 grids.Simultaneous biatrial septal mapping of human PeAF, SR, and atrial pacing shows complete WF dissociation between the left and right IAS with no evidence of trans-septal conduction, indicating that the 2 sides function as electrically discrete structures. No stable septal drivers were observed. These findings may have implications for mapping and ablation of PeAF.

The long-term implications of pacemaker insertion in younger adults are poorly described in the literature.We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive younger adult patients (18-50 yrs) undergoing pacemaker implantation at a quaternary hospital between 1986-2020. Defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy devices were excluded. All clinical records, pacemaker checks and echocardiograms were reviewed.Eighty-one (81) patients (median age 41.0 yrs IQR=35-47.0, 53% male) underwent pacemaker implantation. Indications were complete heart block (41%), sinus node dysfunction (33%), high grade AV block (11%) and tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome (7%). During a median 7.9 (IQR=1.1-14.9) years follow-up, nine patients (11%) developed 13 late device-related complications (generator or lead malfunction requiring reoperation [n=11], device infection [n=1] and pocket revision [n=1]). Five (5) of these patients were40 years old at time of pacemaker insertion. At long-term follow-up, a further nine patients (11%) experienced pacemaker-related morbidity from inadequate lead performance managed with device reprogramming. Sustained ventricular tachycardia was detected in two patients (2%). Deterioration in ventricular function (LVEF decline10%) was observed in 14 patients (17%) and seven of these patients required subsequent biventricular upgrade. Furthermore, four patients (5%) developed new tricuspid regurgitation (moderate-severe). Of 69 patients with available long-term pacing data, minimal pacemaker utilisation (pacing5% at all checks) was observed in 13 (19%) patients.Pacemaker insertion in younger adults has significant long-term implications. Clinicians should carefully consider pacemaker insertion in this cohort given risk of device-related complications, potential for device under-utilisation and issues related to lead longevity. In addition, patients require close follow-up for development of structural abnormalities and arrhythmias.

Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are increasingly utilised in the evaluation of unexplained syncope. However, they are expensive and do not protect against future syncope.To compare patients requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation during ILR follow-up with those without abnormalities detected on ILR in order to identify potential predictors of benefit from upfront pacing.We analysed 100 consecutive patients receiving ILR: Group 1 (n=50) underwent PPM insertion due to bradyarrhythmias detected on ILR; Group 2 (n=50) had no arrhythmias detected on ILR over3 years follow-up. Baseline clinical characteristics, syncope history, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters were assessed to identify predictors of ultimate requirement for pacing.Group 1 (64% male, median age 70.8 years; IQR 65.5-78.8) were older than Group 2 (58% male, median 60.2 years; IQR 44.0-73.0 p=0.001) and were less likely to have related historical factors such as overheating, posture and exercise (98% vs 70% p0.001). PR interval was also longer in Group 1 (192±51 vs 169±23 p=0.006) with greater prevalence of distal conduction system disease (30% vs 4.3% p=0.002). Significant univariate predictors for PPM insertion were distal conduction disease (p=0.007), first degree atrioventricular (AV) block (p=0.003), absence of precipitating factors (p=0.004), and age65 years (p=0.001). Injury sustained, recurrent syncope, history of atrial fibrillation (AF) or heart failure, left atrial (LA) size and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were not predictive. These significant predictors were incorporated into the DROP scoreThe DROP score may be helpful in identifying patients likely to benefit from upfront permanent pacemaker (PPM) insertion following unexplained syncope. Larger prospective studies are required to validate this tool.

Background Catheter ablation is an effective strategy in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, its timing in the course of management remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine if an early vs. delayed AF ablation strategy is associated with differences in arrhythmia outcomes during 12-month follow-up. Methods and results One hundred patients with symptomatic AF referred to a tertiary centre for management were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either an early ablation strategy (within 1 month of recruitment) or a delayed ablation strategy (optimized medical therapy followed by catheter ablation at 12 months post recruitment). The primary endpoint was atrial arrhythmia free survival at 12 months post-ablation. Secondary outcomes included: (i) AF burden, (ii) AF burden by AF phenotype, and (iii) antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) use at 12 months. Overall, 89 patients completed the study protocol (Early vs. Delayed: 48 vs. 41). Mean age was 59 ± 12.9 years (29% women). Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in 100% of patients. At 12 months, 56.3% of patients in the early ablation group were free from recurrent arrhythmia, compared with 58.6% in the delayed ablation group (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.59–2.13, P = 0.7). All secondary outcomes showed no significant difference including median AF burden (Early vs. Delayed: 0% [IQR 3.2] vs. 0% [5], P = 0.66), median AF burden amongst paroxysmal AF patients (0% [IQR 1.1] vs. 0% [4.5], P = 0.78), or persistent AF patients (0% [IQR 22.8] vs. 0% [5.6], P = 0.45) or AAD use (33% vs. 37%, P = 0.8). Conclusion Compared with an early ablation strategy, delaying AF ablation by 12 months for AAD management did not result in reduced ablation efficacy.

Background The success of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is reduced in persistent AF (PsAF) compared to paroxysmal AF. Adjunctive ablation strategies have failed to show consistent incremental benefit over PVI alone in randomized studies. The left atrial posterior wall is a potential source of non-PV triggers and atrial substrate which may promote the initiation and maintenance of PsAF. Adding posterior wall isolation (PWI) to PVI had shown conflicting outcomes, with earlier studies confounded by methodological limitations. Objectives To determine whether combining PWI with PVI significantly improves freedom from AF recurrence, compared to PVI alone, in patients with PsAF. Methods This is a multi-center, prospective, international randomized clinical trial. 338 patients with symptomatic PsAF refractory to anti-arrhythmic therapy (AAD) will be randomized to either PVI alone or PVI with PWI in a 1:1 ratio. PVI involves wide antral circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, utilizing contact force sensing ablation catheters. PWI involves the creation of a floor line connecting the inferior aspect of the PVs, and a roof line connecting the superior aspect of the PVs. Follow up is for a minimum of 12 months with rhythm monitoring via implantable cardiac device and/or loop monitor, or frequent intermittent monitoring with an ECG device. The primary outcome is freedom from any documented atrial arrhythmia of > 30 seconds off AAD at 12 months, after a single ablation procedure. Conclusions This randomized study aims to determine the success and safety of adjunctive PWI to PVI in patients with persistent AF.

Objectives This study sought to report P-wave morphology (PWM) from a series of paraseptal (PS) atrial tachycardia (AT), revise then prospectively evaluate a simplified PWM algorithm against a contemporary consecutive cohort with focal AT. Background The 2006 PWM algorithm was useful in predicting the origin of focal AT. An updated algorithm was developed given advances in multipolar 3-dimensional mapping, potential limitations of PWM in separating PS sites, and a renewed interest in the P-wave in mapping non–pulmonary vein triggers. Methods The PWM from a consecutive series of 67 patients with PS AT were analyzed. PS sites included were coronary sinus ostium, perinodal, left and right septum, septal tricuspid annulus, superior mitral annulus, and noncoronary cusp. Next the P-wave algorithm was revised and prospectively evaluated by 3 blinded assessors. Results The P-wave for PS sites was neg/pos (n = 50), iso/pos (n = 10), or isoelectric (n = 4) in lead V1 (96%). The P-wave algorithm was modified and prospectively applied to 30 consecutive patients with focal AT who underwent successful ablation. Foci (n = 30) originated from the right atrium (33.3%), left atrium (30%), and PS (36.7%). Using the PW algorithm, the correct anatomic location was identified in 93%. Incorrect interpretation of the terminal positive P-wave component (n = 3) and initial negative P-wave deflection (n = 1) in lead V1 misidentified 4 paraseptal cases. Conclusions The revised PWM algorithm offers a simplified and accurate method of localizing the responsible site for focal AT. The P-wave remains an important first step in mapping atrial arrhythmias.

Objectives This study sought to describe expected changes in a mirror-image prone electrocardiogram (ECG) compared with normal supine, including a range of cardiac conditions. Background Unwell COVID-19 patients are at risk of cardiac complications. Prone ventilation is recommended but poses practical challenges to acquisition of a 12-lead ECG. The effects of prone positioning on the ECG remain unknown. Methods 100 patients each underwent 3 ECGs: standard supine front (SF); prone position with precordial leads attached to front (PF); and prone with precordial leads attached to back in a mirror image to front (PB). Results Prone positioning was associated with QTc prolongation (PF 437 ± 32 ms vs. SF 432 ± 31 ms; p, Central Illustration

AimsRadiofrequency (RF) ablation for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with the risk of oesophageal thermal injury (ETI). Higher power short duration (HPSD) ablation results in preferential local resistive heating over distal conductive heating. Although HPSD has become increasingly common, no randomized study has compared ETI risk with conventional lower power longer duration (LPLD) ablation. This study aims to compare HPSD vs. LPLD ablation on ETI risk.Methods and resultsEighty-eight patients were randomized 1:1 to HPSD or LPLD posterior wall (PW) ablation. Posterior wall ablation was 40 W (HPSD group) or 25 W (LPLD group), with target AI (ablation index) 400/LSI (lesion size index) 4. Anterior wall ablation was 40–50 W, with a target AI 500–550/LSI 5–5.5. Endoscopy was performed on Day 1. The primary endpoint was ETI incidence. The mean age was 61 ± 9 years (31% females). The incidence of ETI (superficial ulcers n = 4) was 4.5%, with equal occurrence in HPSD and LPLD (P = 1.0). There was no difference in the median value of maximal oesophageal temperature (HPSD 38.6°C vs. LPLD 38.7°C, P = 0.43), or the median number of lesions per patient with temperature rise above 39°C (HPSD 1.5 vs. LPLD 2, P = 0.93). Radiofrequency ablation time (23.8 vs. 29.7 min, P < 0.01), PVI duration (46.5 vs. 59 min, P = 0.01), and procedure duration (133 vs. 150 min, P = 0.05) were reduced in HPSD. After a median follow-up of 12 months, AF recurrence was lower in HPSD (15.9% vs. LPLD 34.1%; hazard ratio 0.42, log-rank P = 0.04).ConclusionHigher power short duration ablation was associated with similarly low rates of ETI and shorter total/PVI RF ablation times when compared with LPLD ablation. Higher power short duration ablation is a safe and efficacious approach to PVI.

BACKGROUND: Binge drinking is a common atrial fibrillation (AF) trigger, however the mechanisms are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of alcohol intoxication and hangover with rhythm monitoring and cardiac MRI. METHODS: Patients underwent serial cardiac MRI pre- and post-binge with continuous Holter monitoring. Time periods analyzed: baseline (24 h pre-binge), consumption, hangover (0- 24 h post-consumption) and post-hangover (24-48 h post-consumption). RESULTS: 50 patients (age 49 ± 15 years, 40% paroxysmal AF) completed the study (intake 8.4 ± 3.1 standard drinks). Mean heart rate increased from 72 ± 10 to 80 ± 13 beats per minute (bpm) during consumption (p

AIMS: The impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in early heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unknown. Our aim was to determine the impact of AF ablation on symptoms and exercise haemodynamic parameters of early HFpEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Symptomatic AF patients referred for index AF ablation with ejection fraction ≥50% underwent baseline quality of life questionnaires, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, exercise right heart catheterisation (exRHC), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing. HFpEF was defined by resting pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) ≥15 mmHg or peak exercise PCWP ≥25 mmHg. Patients with HFpEF were offered AF ablation and follow-up exRHC ≥6 months post-ablation. Of 54 patients undergoing baseline evaluation, 35 (65%) had HFpEF identified by exRHC. HFpEF patients were older (64 ± 10 vs. 54 ± 13 years, P

Aims There are conflicting data as to the impact of procedural volume on outcomes with specific reference to the incidence of major complications after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Questions regarding minimum volume requirements and whether these should be per centre or per operator remain unclear. Studies have reported divergent results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the relationship between either operator or hospital atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation volumes and incidence of complications. Methods and results Databases were searched for studies describing the relationship between operator or hospital AF ablation volumes and incidence of complications which were published prior to 12 June 2020. Of 1593 articles identified, 14 (315 120 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Almost two-thirds of the procedures were performed in low-volume centres. Both hospital volume of ≥50 and ≥100 procedures/year were associated with a significantly lower incidence of complications compared to Conclusion There is an inverse relationship between both hospital and proceduralist AF ablation volume and the incidence of complications. Implementation of minimum hospital and operator AF ablation volume standards should be considered in the context of a broader strategy to identify AF ablation Centers of Excellence.

Objectives This study sought to determine the long-term outcomes of restoring sinus rhythm with catheter ablation (CA). Background The CAMERA-MRI (Catheter Ablation Versus Medical Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure—An MRI-Guided Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial) study demonstrated that restoration of sinus rhythm with CA significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared with medical rate control (MRC) at 6 months in persistent atrial fibrillation and otherwise unexplained systolic heart failure. However, the long-term outcomes have not been reported. Methods Patients enrolled in the CAMERA-MRI study were followed for 4 years with echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance. CA involved pulmonary vein isolation and posterior left atrial wall isolation in 94%. Patients crossed over to CA after 6-month study duration. Arrhythmia burden was determined with implanted cardiac monitors or cardiac devices. Results Sixty-six patients (age 62 ± 10 years, atrial fibrillation duration of 22 ± 16 months, and LVEF 33 ± 9%) were randomized 1:1 to CA versus MRC. Eighteen of 33 patients crossed over from MRC group to CA group. At 4.0 ± 0.9 years, atrial fibrillation recurred in 27 patients (57%) in the CA group with a mean burden of 10.6 ± 21.2% after 1.4 ± 0.6 procedures. There was an absolute increase in LVEF with CA of 16.4 ± 13.3% compared with 8.6 ± 7.6% in MRC (p = 0.001). In the CA group, the absence of ventricular late gadolinium enhancement was associated with a greater improvement in absolute LVEF (19 ± 13% vs. 10 ± 11% in the late gadolinium enhancement–positive group; p = 0.04) and LVEF normalization in 19 patients (58%) versus 4 patients (18%) in the late gadolinium enhancement–positive group (p = 0.008) at 4.0 ± 0.9 years follow-up. Conclusions CA is superior to MRC in improving LVEF in the long term in patients with atrial fibrillation and systolic heart failure. The greatest recovery in systolic function was demonstrated in the absence of ventricular fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) outcome studies play an essential role in the development of clinical evidence to improve the management of AF patients. Understanding the statistical considerations involved in study design and interpretation is crucial if electrophysiologists are to change practice. In this review, with the guidance of a medical statistician and a clinical trialist we provide an overview of important statistical issues for the clinician, with a focus on clinical studies in AF ablation. Various types of study designs including randomized controlled trials, superiority, and non-inferiority studies are described, along with their implications and limitations. Appropriate sample size calculation is fundamental to ensure statistical power and efficient resource use. Multiplicity in study endpoints is useful to encapsulate the varied effects of an intervention/treatment, although statistical adjustments are required to account for this. Finally, we discuss the limitations with the current primary endpoint used in AF ablation studies, namely, freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia of >30 seconds, and propose AF burden as a more relevant primary endpoint, based on findings from recent clinical studies. However, technical challenges need to be overcome before AF burden can be routinely adopted, especially the need for non-invasive, long-term monitoring. The emergence of newer technologies, particularly wearable technology, offers significant promise in filling this gap.

This study evaluated if modifying electrocardiographic (ECG) precordial leads to a higher intercostal position improved the accuracy of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia (OTVA) localization.Precordial ECG prediction algorithms that use a standard lead configuration localize OTVA with variable accuracy.Patients who underwent OTVA ablation were prospectively enrolled to have a standard and modified (high) precordial ECG. R- and S-wave amplitudes and intervals were measured to develop an algorithm that differentiated the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) with high accuracy-the modified lead R-wave deflection interval (RWDI). This interval was defined from the earliest QRS onset (using all modified leads) to the lead with longest R-wave deflection. The RWDI was compared with all other ECG algorithms.A total of 50 patients (38 women; mean age 51 ± 17 years) had successful catheter ablation for OTVA (RVOT 60%, LVOT 40%). The modified lead RWDI was significantly shorter in the RVOT group (18.5 ms, interquartile range 25th to 75th percentile [IQRThe modified lead RWDI is a simple, easily interpretable algorithm that can potentially differentiate a right- or left-sided origin of OTVA with high accuracy.

Background Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is associated with cardioembolic risk, however events may occur during sinus rhythm (SR). 4D-flow cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging allows visualisation of left atrial blood flow, to determine the residence time distribution (RTD), an assessment of atrial transit time. Objective To determine if atrial transit time is prolonged in PAF patients during SR, consistent with underlying atrial stasis. Method 91 participants with PAF and 18 healthy volunteers underwent 4D flow analysis in SR. Velocity fields were produced RTDs, calculated by seeding virtual ‘particles’ at the right upper pulmonary vein and counting them exiting the mitral valve. An exponential decay curve quantified residence time of particles in the left atrium, and atrial stasis was expressed as the derived constant (RTDTC) based on heartbeats. The RTDTC was evaluated within the PAF group, and compared to healthy volunteers. Results Patients with PAF (n = 91) had higher RTDTC compared with gender-matched controls (n = 18) consistent with greater atrial stasis (1.68 ± 0.46 beats vs 1.51 ± 0.20 beats; p = .005). PAF patients with greater thromboembolic risk had greater atrial stasis (median RTDTC of 1.72 beats in CHA₂DS₂-VASc≥2 vs 1.52 beats in CHA₂DS₂-VASc Conclusions Atrial stasis quantified by 4D flow is greater in PAF, correlating with higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores. Female gender and systolic dysfunction are associated with atrial stasis. RTD offers an insight into atrial flow that may be developed to provide a personalised assessment of thromboembolic risk.

Background Clinical studies have reported that epicardial adipose tissue (EpAT) accumulation associates with the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF) pathology and adversely affects AF management. The role of local cardiac EpAT deposition in disease progression is unclear, and the electrophysiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly defined. Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify the underlying mechanisms by which EpAT influences the atrial substrate for AF. Methods Patients without AF undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were recruited. Computed tomography and high-density epicardial electrophysiological mapping of the anterior right atrium were utilized to quantify EpAT volumes and to assess association with the electrophysiological substrate in situ. Excised right atrial appendages were analyzed histologically to characterize EpAT infiltration, fibrosis, and gap junction localization. Co-culture experiments were used to evaluate the paracrine effects of EpAT on cardiomyocyte electrophysiology. Proteomic analyses were applied to identify molecular mediators of cellular electrophysiological disturbance. Results Higher local EpAT volume clinically correlated with slowed conduction, greater electrogram fractionation, increased fibrosis, and lateralization of cardiomyocyte connexin-40. In addition, atrial conduction heterogeneity was increased with more extensive myocardial EpAT infiltration. Cardiomyocyte culture studies using multielectrode arrays showed that cardiac adipose tissue-secreted factors slowed conduction velocity and contained proteins with capacity to disrupt intermyocyte electromechanical integrity. Conclusions These findings indicate that atrial pathophysiology is critically dependent on local EpAT accumulation and infiltration. In addition to myocardial architecture disruption, this effect can be attributed to an EpAT-cardiomyocyte paracrine axis. The focal adhesion group proteins are identified as new disease candidates potentially contributing to arrhythmogenic atrial substrate.

Background Multipolar catheters provide high-density mapping which may reduce the procedural duration and improve the success of catheter ablation (CA) for focal arrhythmias. The high-density grid (HDG) catheter is a 16 electrode mapping catheter with bipole recordings at orthogonal splines. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and procedural features from a cohort who underwent CA for focal arrhythmias using multipolar mapping (MPM) with age and case-matched cohort using point-by-point (PbyP) mapping. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing CA for focal arrhythmias between October 2018 and January 2020 guided by MPM were compared with PbyP mapping with the ablation catheter over a similar period. Demographics, procedural features, and outcomes were compared. Results A total of 54 patients (27 in MPM vs. 27 in PbyP mapping) underwent CA for 68 focal arrhythmias (26 atrial and 42 ventricular). In the MPM group, the electrogram at the successful site was significantly earlier (39 ± 11 ms) than in the PbyP group (33 ± 7 ms; p = .02). In the MPM group, the mapping time (35 ± 24 vs. 53 ± 31 min in PbyP; p = .03) and procedural duration (126 ± 42 vs. 153 ± 39 min in PbyP; p = .02) were significantly shorter. There was no significant difference in radiofrequency and fluoroscopy times, acute procedural success, and arrhythmia recurrence. Conclusion MPM with the HDG catheter for focal tachycardias identified earlier activation times and was associated with shorter mapping and procedure duration with equivalent success to PbyP mapping.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant stress on health resources in Australia. The Heart Rhythm Council of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand aims to provide a framework for efficient resource utilisation balanced with competing risks when appropriately treating patients with cardiac arrhythmias. This document provides practical recommendations for the electrophysiology (EP) and cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) services in Australia. The document will be updated regularly as new evidence and knowledge is gained with time.

Background Female gender is associated with an increased recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation (CA). Although AF is more common in men, women constitute a significant proportion with persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF). Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether multiple ablation procedures improves arrhythmia outcomes in females with PsAF compared to men. Methods We performed a multicenter observational study to determine long-term arrhythmia outcomes in patients undergoing >1 CA for PsAF. CA involved pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with additional ablation including linear, posterior wall isolation, electrogram-guided, or a combination of these. Results A total of 281 patients had >1 ablation procedure for PsAF and were included in this analysis (mean age 58.7 ± 9.3 years; 86 [30.6%] female; left atrial [LA] area 27.0 ± 5.3 cm2; PsAF duration 1.7 ± 1.7 years). At mean follow-up of 45.5 ± 31.8 months, freedom from recurrent AF was present in 148 patients(52.7%) after 2.2 ± 0.5 procedures. After multivariate analysis, female gender (hazard ratio [HR] 2.10; P Conclusion Female gender was independently and strongly associated with arrhythmia recurrence in patients undergoing multiple procedures for PsAF. PV reconnection was less likely, and fewer reconnected PVs occurred in women. Further studies are required to better understand the mechanisms responsible for AF in females to assist in closing the gender gap in the success of CA.

ImportancePulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone is less effective in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with paroxysmal AF. The left atrial posterior wall may contribute to maintenance of persistent AF, and posterior wall isolation (PWI) is a common PVI adjunct. However, PWI has not been subjected to randomized comparison.ObjectiveTo compare PVI with PWI vs PVI alone in patients with persistent AF undergoing first-time catheter ablation.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsInvestigator initiated, multicenter, randomized clinical trial involving 11 centers in 3 countries (Australia, Canada, UK). Symptomatic patients with persistent AF were randomized 1:1 to either PVI with PWI or PVI alone. Patients were enrolled July 2018-March 2021, with 1-year follow-up completed March 2022.InterventionsThe PVI with PWI group (n = 170) underwent wide antral pulmonary vein isolation followed by posterior wall isolation involving linear ablation at the roof and floor to achieve electrical isolation. The PVI-alone group (n = 168) underwent wide antral pulmonary vein isolation alone.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPrimary end point was freedom from any documented atrial arrhythmia of more than 30 seconds without antiarrhythmic medication at 12 months, after a single ablation procedure. The 23 secondary outcomes included freedom from atrial arrhythmia with/without antiarrhythmic medication after multiple procedures, freedom from symptomatic AF with/without antiarrhythmic medication after multiple procedures, AF burden between study groups at 12 months, procedural outcomes, and complications.ResultsAmong 338 patients randomized (median age, 65.6 [IQR, 13.1] years; 76.9% men), 330 (97.6%) completed the study. After 12 months, 89 patients (52.4%) assigned to PVI with PWI were free from recurrent atrial arrhythmia without antiarrhythmic medication after a single procedure, compared with 90 (53.6%) assigned to PVI alone (between-group difference, –1.2%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.99 [95% CI, 0.73-1.36]; P = .98). Of the secondary end points, 9 showed no significant difference, including freedom from atrial arrhythmia with/without antiarrhythmic medication after multiple procedures (58.2% for PVI with PWI vs 60.1% for PVI alone; HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.79-1.55]; P = .57), freedom from symptomatic AF with/without antiarrhythmic medication after multiple procedures (68.2% vs 72%; HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.80-1.78]; P = .36) or AF burden (0% [IQR, 0%-2.3%] vs 0% [IQR, 0%-2.8%], P = .47). Mean procedural times (142 [SD, 69] vs 121 [SD, 57] minutes, P P Conclusions and RelevanceIn patients undergoing first-time catheter ablation for persistent AF, the addition of PWI to PVI alone did not significantly improve freedom from atrial arrhythmia at 12 months compared with PVI alone. These findings do not support the empirical inclusion of PWI for ablation of persistent AF.Trial Registrationanzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12616001436460

Background: Population studies have demonstrated a range of sex differences including a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in men and a higher risk of AF recurrence in women. However, the underlying reasons for this higher recurrence are unknown. This study evaluated whether sex-based electrophysiological substrate differences exist to account for worse AF ablation outcomes in women. Methods: High-density electroanatomic mapping of the left atrium was performed in 116 consecutive patients with AF. Regional analysis was performed across 6 left atrium segments. High-density maps were created using a multipolar catheter (Biosense Webster) during distal coronary sinus pacing at 600 and 300 ms. Mean voltage and conduction velocity was determined. Complex fractionated signals and double potentials were manually annotated. Results: Overall, 42 (36%) were female, mean age was 61±8 years and AF was persistent in 52%. Global mean voltage was significantly lower in females compared with males at 600 ms (1.46±0.17 versus 1.84±0.15 mV, P P =0.013) pacing. These differences were seen uniformly across the left atrium. Females demonstrated significant conduction velocity slowing (34.9±6.1 versus 44.1±6.9 cm/s, P =0.002) and greater proportion of complex fractionated signals (9.9±1.7% versus 6.0±1.7%, P =0.014). After a median follow-up of 22 months (Q1–Q3: 15–29), females had significantly lower single-procedure (22 [54%] versus 54 [75%], P =0.029) and multiprocedure (24 [59%] versus 60 [83%], P =0.005) arrhythmia-free survival. Female sex and persistent AF were independent predictors of single and multiprocedure arrhythmia recurrence. Conclusions: Female patients demonstrated more advanced atrial remodeling on high-density electroanatomic mapping and greater post-AF ablation arrhythmia recurrence compared with males. These changes may contribute to sex-based differences in the clinical course of females with AF and in part explain the higher risk of recurrence. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.

Background The diagnostic yield of post-mortem interrogation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) including pacemakers, defibrillators and implantable loop recorders has not been well described. Methods We reviewed all post-mortem CIED interrogations performed by our statewide Institute of Forensic Medicine between 2005–2020 for investigation of sudden or unexplained death. Results 260 patients (68.8% male, median age 72.8 years [IQR 62.7–82.2]) underwent post-mortem CIED interrogation (202 pacemakers, 56 defibrillators and 2 loop recorders). CIEDs were implanted for a median of 2.0 [IQR 0.75–5] years, with 19 devices requiring replacement (and 5 end of life). Post-mortem interrogation was successful in 256 (98.5%) cases. Potential CIED malfunction was identified in 21 (8.1%) cases: untreated ventricular arrhythmias (n=13), lead failures (n=3) and battery depletion (n=5). CIED interrogation directly informed cause of death in 130 (50.0%) cases, with fatal ventricular arrhythmias identified in 121 patients (46.5%). In retrospect, 72 (27.7%) patients had abnormalities recorded by their device in the 30 days preceding death: non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (n=26), rapid atrial fibrillation (n=17), longevity concerns (n=22), intrathoracic impedance alarms (n=3), lead issues (n=3) or therapy delivered (n=1). In 6 cases where the patient was found deceased after a prolonged time, CIED interrogation accurately determined time of death. In one case, CIED interrogation was the primary method of patient identification. Conclusion Post-mortem CIED interrogation frequently contributes important information regarding critical device malfunction, pre-mortem abnormalities, cause and time of death or patient identity. Device interrogation should be considered for select patients with CIEDs undergoing autopsy. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The accumulating literature linking stress with negative health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), is extensively reported yet poorly defined. Stress is associated with a higher risk of hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmogenesis, and heart failure. Stress mediates its effect through direct neuronal, endocrine, autonomic, and immune processes and indirectly by modifying lifestyle behaviors that promote CVD progression. Stress occurs when an individual perceives that internal or external demands exceed the capacity for an adaptive response. Psychologic stress is increasingly recognized in the atrial fibrillation (AF) population, although the pathophysiology remains unclear. There appears to be a bidirectional relationship between AF and stress with a complex interplay between the 2 entities. Stress modulates the immune and autonomic nervous systems, key drivers in AF initiation and potentiation. AF leads to increasing anxiety, psychologic distress, and suicidal ideation. Recently, lifestyle modification has emerged as the fourth pillar of AF management, with stress reduction a potential reversible risk factor and future target for intervention. This review examines proposed mechanisms linking AF and stress and explores stress reduction as an adjunct to the AF management armamentarium.