Showing papers by "Karl-Heinz Kuck published in 2020"

Early Rhythm-Control Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract: Background Despite improvements in the management of atrial fibrillation, patients with this condition remain at increased risk for cardiovascular complications. It is unclear whether earl...

2019 ESC Guidelines for themanagement of patients with supraventricular tachycardia

Abstract: 2019 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with supraventricular tachycardia : The Task Force for the management of patients with supraventricular tachycardia of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC): Developed in collaboration with the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC)

Preventive or Deferred Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and Implantable Defibrillator (BERLIN VT): A Multicenter Randomized Trial

Abstract: Background: Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) reduces the recurrence of VT in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). The appropriate timing of VT ablation an...

Value of Echocardiographic Right Ventricular and Pulmonary Pressure Assessment in Predicting Transcatheter Tricuspid Repair Outcome

Abstract: Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the value of echocardiographic right ventricular (RV) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) assessment in predicting transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge valve repair (TTVR) outcome. Background RV dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension are associated with poor prognosis and are systematically sought during tricuspid regurgitation evaluation. The value of echocardiographic assessment in predicting TTVR outcome is unknown. Methods Data were taken from the TriValve (Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Therapies) registry, which includes patients undergoing TTVR at 14 European and North American centers. The primary outcome was 1-year survival free from hospitalization for heart failure, and secondary outcomes were 1-year survival and absence of hospital admission for heart failure at 1 year. Results Overall, 249 patients underwent TTVR between June 2015 and 2018 (mean tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE] 15.8 ± 15.3 mm, mean sPAP 43.6 ± 16.0 mm Hg). Tricuspid regurgitation grade ≥3+ was found in 96.8% of patients at baseline and 29.4% at final follow-up; 95.6% were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV initially, compared with 34.3% at follow-up (p 0.05 for all). Conclusions TTVR provides clinical improvement, with 1-year survival free from hospital readmission >75% in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Conventional echocardiographic parameters used to assess RV function and sPAP did not predict clinical outcome after TTVR.

Impact of Massive or Torrential Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Intervention

Abstract: Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of baseline massive or torrential tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI). Background The use of TTVI to treat symptomatic severe TR has been increasing rapidly, but little is known regarding the impact of massive or torrential TR beyond severe TR. Methods The study population comprised 333 patients with significant symptomatic TR from the TriValve Registry who underwent TTVI. Mid-term outcomes after TTVI were assessed according to the presence of massive or torrential TR, defined as vena contracta width ≥14 mm. Procedural success was defined as patient survival after successful device implantation and delivery system retrieval, with residual TR ≤2+. The primary endpoint comprised survival rate and freedom from rehospitalization for heart failure, survival rate, and rehospitalization at 1 year. Results Baseline massive or torrential TR and severe TR were observed in 154 patients (46.2%) and 179 patients (53.8%), respectively. Patients with massive or torrential TR had a higher prevalence of ascites than those with severe TR (27.3% vs. 20.4%, respectively; p = 0.15) and demonstrated a similar procedural success rate (83.2% vs. 77.3%, respectively; p = 0.21). The incidence of peri-procedural adverse events was low, with no significant between-group differences. Freedom from the composite endpoint was significantly lower in patients with massive or torrential TR than in those with severe TR, which was significantly associated with an increased risk for 1-year death of any cause or rehospitalization for heart failure (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.10 to 3.34; p = 0.022). Freedom from the composite endpoint was significantly higher in patients with massive or torrential TR when procedural success was achieved (69.9% vs. 54.2%, p = 0.048). Conclusions Baseline massive or torrential TR is associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure 1 year after TTVI. Procedural success is related to better outcomes, even in the presence of baseline massive or torrential TR. (International Multisite Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Therapies Registry [TriValve]; NCT03416166)

Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) is a global pandemic with almost 2 million infections confirmed worldwide and close to 120,000 deaths; the estimated mortality rate ranges from continent to continent between 3 and 9% (as of April 15, 2020 [1]). The SARSCoV-2 infection affects primarily adults, with fewer cases reported in children of 15 years or younger. The three primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Konsensuspapier der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (DGK) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Thorax‑, Herz- und Gefäßchirurgie (DGTHG) zur kathetergestützten Aortenklappenimplantation (TAVI) 2020

Abstract: Nach den 2 Positionspapieren der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Kardiologie (DGK) in 2015 und 2016 zum Thema der kathetergestutzten Aortenklappenimplantation (TAVI) haben sich die DGK und die Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Thorax‑, Herz- und Gefaschirurgie (DGTHG) entschlossen, ein Konsensuspapier vorzulegen, das die neuesten Ergebnisse von randomisierten und auch Beobachtungsstudien berucksichtigt, insbesondere bei Patienten mit hochgradiger Aortenklappenstenose (AS) und niedrigem operativem Risiko (STS-Score ≤4 %) sowie bei speziellen Indikationen wie „Klappe in Klappe“ und hochgradiger AS bei bikuspider Aortenklappe. Auserdem wird auf Komplikationen und Themen wie Haltbarkeit der perkutanen im Vergleich zu operativ eingesetzten Prothesen eingegangen – insbesondere unter dem Gesichtspunkt, dass Niedrigrisikopatienten junger sind. Nach diesem Konsensuspapier wird ein chirurgischer Aortenklappenersatz (AKE) bei Niedrigrisikopatienten empfohlen, die ≤70 Jahre alt sind und keine anderen, in den ublichen Scores nicht enthaltenen Risikofaktoren aufweisen. TAVI wird empfohlen bei Patienten >75 Jahre und einer fur TAVI geeigneten Anatomie nach Entscheidung im Herz-Team. Bei 70- bis 75-jahrigen Patienten wird eine Herz-Team-Entscheidung zu TAVI oder AKE unter Bewertung der Lebensperspektive fur den Patienten angesichts fehlender Langzeitdaten aus randomisierten Studien empfohlen. Unter Berucksichtigung des G‑BA(Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss)-Beschlusses zur perkutanen Herzklappentherapie werden die Kriterien fur die personellen und strukturellen Voraussetzungen unter dem Aspekt der Qualifikation des TAVI-Zentrums und des TAVI-Operateurs mit der speziellen Rolle des interventionellen Kardiologen und des Herzchirurgen definiert.

Gender‐related differences in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve interventions in clinical practice: 1‐year results from the German TRAMI registry

Abstract: Objectives Information on gender-related differences in terms of baseline characteristics and clinical outcome of patients undergoing MitraClip (R) implantation in daily clinical practice have been studied in smaller populations previously. This study sought to additionally evaluate gender-related differences in a larger German real-world patient population. Methods and results We analyzed data from the prospective and multicenter German TRAMI Registry. Between 08/2010 and 07/2013 327 women and 501 men underwent MitraClip (R) implantation for significant mitral valve regurgitation. Female patients were significantly older and showed higher rates of frailty compared to men. In contrast, men had significantly higher rates of comorbidities compared to women. The majority of patients underwent MitraClip (R) implantation for secondary mitral regurgitation, with no significant gender-related differences. MitraClip (R) treatment was equally effective in terms of procedural results and residual mitral regurgitation in women and men and complication rates were low. However, in this real-world analysis severe bleeding complications were significantly higher in women (p = .02) and re-intervention rates were significantly higher in men after MitraClip (R) treatment (p = .02). Women showed less improvement in functional NYHA class after MitraClip (R) treatment compared to men at 1-year follow-up (FU; p < .001). No significant differences between female and male patients were found in 1-year mortality and in re-hospitalization rates. Conclusion In this analysis from a large prospective, multicenter real-world registry MitraClip (R) implantation is safe and effective for treatment of significant mitral regurgitation with equal postprocedural results and mortality rates during 1-year follow-up. Men and women showed a persisting and significant clinical benefit at 1-year FU after treatment. Complication and re-intervention rates were low. Additional studies are needed to further evaluate our findings on increased bleeding complications and decreased functional improvement in women at 1-year follow-up after MitraClip (R) therapy.

Outcomes of TTVI in Patients With Pacemaker or Defibrillator Leads: Data From the TriValve Registry

Abstract: Objectives The interference of a transtricuspid cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) lead with tricuspid valve function may contribute to the mechanism of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and poses specific therapeutic challenges during transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI). Feasibility and efficacy of TTVI in presence of a CIED is unclear. Background Feasibility of TTVI in presence of a CIED lead has never been proven on a large basis. Methods The study population consisted of 470 patients with severe symptomatic TR from the TriValve (Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Therapies) registry who underwent TTVI at 21 centers between 2015 and 2018. The association of CIED and outcomes were assessed. Results Pre-procedural CIED was present in 121 of 470 (25.7%) patients. The most frequent location of the CIED lead was the posteroseptal commissure (44.0%). As compared with patients without a transvalvular lead (no-CIED group), patients having a tricuspid lead (CIED group) were more symptomatic (New York Heart Association functional class III to IV in 95.9% vs. 92.3%; p = 0.02) and more frequently had previous episodes of right heart failure (87.8% vs. 69.0%; p = 0.002). No-CIED patients had more severe TR (effective regurgitant orifice area 0.7 ± 0.6 cm2 vs. 0.6 ± 0.3 cm2; p = 0.02), but significantly better right ventricular function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion = 16.7 ± 5.0 mm vs. 15.9 ± 4.0 mm; p = 0.04). Overall, 373 patients (79%) were treated with the MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, California) (106 [87.0%] in the CIED group). Among them, 154 (33%) patients had concomitant transcatheter mitral repair (55 [46.0%] in the CIED group, all MitraClip). Procedural success was achieved in 80.0% of no-CIED patients and in 78.6% of CIED patients (p = 0.74), with an in-hospital mortality of 2.9% and 3.7%, respectively (p = 0.70). At 30 days, residual TR ≤2+ was observed in 70.8% of no-CIED and in 73.7% of CIED patients (p = 0.6). Symptomatic improvement was observed in both groups (NYHA functional class I to II at 30 days: 66.0% vs. 65.0%; p = 0.30). Survival at 12 months was 80.7 ± 3.0% in the no-CIED patients and 73.6 ± 5.0% in the CIED patients (p = 0.30). Conclusions TTVI is feasible in selected patients with CIED leads and acute procedural success and short-term clinical outcomes are comparable to those observed in patients without a transtricuspid lead.

The effect of centre volume and procedure location on major complications and mortality from transvenous lead extraction: an ESC EHRA EORP European Lead Extraction ConTRolled ELECTRa registry subanalysis.

Abstract: AIMS Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) should ideally be undertaken by experienced operators in a setting that allows urgent surgical intervention. In this analysis of the ELECTRa registry, we sought to determine whether there was a significant difference in procedure complications and mortality depending on centre volume and extraction location. METHODS AND RESULTS Analysis of the ESC EORP European Lead Extraction ConTRolled ELECTRa registry was conducted. Low-volume (LoV) centres were defined as <30 procedures/year, and high-volume (HiV) centres as ≥30 procedures/year. Three thousand, two hundred, and forty-nine patients underwent TLE by a primary operator cardiologist; 17.1% in LoV centres and 82.9% in HiV centres. Procedures performed by primary operator cardiologists in LoV centres were less likely to be successful (93.5% vs. 97.1%; P < 0.0001) and more likely to be complicated by procedure-related deaths (1.1% vs. 0.4%; P = 0.0417). Transvenous lead extraction undertaken by primary operator cardiologists in LoV centres were associated with increased procedure-related major complications including death (odds ratio 1.858, 95% confidence interval 1.007-3.427; P = 0.0475). Transvenous lead extraction locations varied; 52.0% operating room, 9.5% hybrid theatre and 38.5% catheterization laboratory. Rates of procedure-related major complications, including death occurring in a high-risk environment (combining operating room and hybrid theatre), were similar to those undertaken in the catheterization laboratory (1.7% vs. 1.6%; P = 0.9297). CONCLUSION Primary operator cardiologists in LoV centres are more likely to have extractions complicated by procedure-related deaths. There was no significant difference in procedure complications between different extraction settings. These findings support the need for TLE to be performed in experienced centres with appropriate personnel present.

Reconduction After Second-Generation Cryoballoon-Based Pulmonary Vein Isolation ― Impact of Different Ablation Strategies ―

Abstract: BACKGROUND The second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) has demonstrated high procedural efficacy and convincing clinical success rates for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Nevertheless, data on the impact of different ablations protocols on durability are limited. The aim was to comparing the durability of PVI following 3 different ablation strategies in patients with recurrence of atrial fibrillation or atrial tachycardia undergoing repeat procedures.Methods and Results:In 192 patients, a total of 751 PVs were identified. All PVs were successfully isolated during index PVI. Thirty-one out of 192 (16%) patients were treated with a bonus-freeze protocol (group 1), 67/192 (35%) patients with a no bonus-freeze protocol (group 2), and 94/192 (49%) patients with a time-to-effect-guided protocol (group 3). Persistent PVI was documented in 419/751 (55.8%) PVs, and in 41/192 (21%) patients, all PVs were persistently isolated. The total rate of PV reconnection was not significantly different between the groups (P=0.134) and the comparison of individual PVs revealed no differences (P-values for RSPV: 0.424, RIPV: 0.541, LSPV: 0.788, LIPV: 0.346, LCPV: 0.865). The procedure times were significantly reduced by omitting the bonus-freeze and applying individualized application times (group 1: 123.4±31.5 min, group 2: 112.9±39.8 min, group 3: 86.67±28.4 min, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Comparing 3 common ablation protocols, no differences for durable PVI were detected. Procedure times were significantly reduced by omitting the bonus-freeze cycle and by applying individualized application times.

Correlation between Doppler echocardiography and right heart catheterization assessment of systolic pulmonary artery pressure in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Abstract: Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate reliability and accuracy of noninvasive measurement method by echocardiography compared to invasive measurement of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) in a large cohort of aortic stenosis (AS) patients. Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients with cardiac disease, especially in left heart disease like severe AS. Invasive measurement by right heart catheterization (RHC) is the gold standard to assess pulmonary pressures. Nevertheless, echocardiography is widely used in everyday practice for estimation of pulmonary pressures and diagnosing PH. Methods A total of 1400 patients with AS and full invasive hemodynamic assessment by RHC and noninvasive measurements by Doppler echocardiography were included. Results Mean patient age was 81.5 ± 6.8 years, and 46.3% were males. SPAP was 44.7 ± 15.1 mm Hg by echocardiography and 45.3 ± 15.2 mm Hg by RHC. Pearson's correlation coefficient was r = .820 (P 40 mm Hg (82.2% sensitivity, 80.2% specificity, 83.1% positive predictive value, 79.2% negative predictive value). Conclusions In a large cohort of patients with severe aortic stenosis, we could demonstrate a very good correlation of SPAP between Doppler echocardiography and invasive RHC measurement. Pulmonary hypertension could be diagnosed by echocardiography with high sensitivity and specificity.

Outcome of cardiac tamponades in interventional electrophysiology.

Abstract: Aims The aim of this study was to analyse tamponades following electrophysiological procedures regarding frequency and mortality in a high-volume centre and to identify independent predictors for severe tamponades. Methods and results We performed a retrospective study on 34 982 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic electrophysiological studies or catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The combined endpoint was defined as severe tamponade. Criteria for severe tamponade included surgical repair, repeat pericardiocentesis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intrahospital death or death during follow-up, and thrombo-embolic events or complications due to therapeutic management. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for severe tamponade. A total of 226 tamponades were identified. Overall frequency of tamponades was 0.6%. Procedures requiring epicardial approach had the highest rate of tamponades (9.4%). Twenty-nine patients with tamponade underwent surgery (12.8% of all tamponades and 21.4% of tamponades during epicardial procedures). Overall tamponade-related mortality was 0.03% (9 deaths). Fifty-six patients (24.8%) experienced severe tamponade. Independent risk factors for severe tamponades were endocardial ablation of ventricular tachycardia, epicardial approach, balloon device ablation, high aspiration volume during pericardiocentesis and structural heart disease. Conclusion The frequency of tamponades is strongly dependent on the type of procedure performed. Overall tamponade-related mortality was low but significantly higher in patients undergoing epicardial procedures. Surgical backup should be considered for patients undergoing complex ventricular tachycardia ablation and left atrial ablation procedures.

Peri-Device Leaks after Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Clinical Significance and Unmet Diagnostic Needs

Abstract: Oral anticoagulation reduces the ischemic stroke risk in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) but inherently increases the bleeding risk. Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusio...

Feasibility, safety, and acute efficacy of the fourth-generation cryoballoon for ablation of atrial fibrillation: Another step forward?

Abstract: BACKGROUND The second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) is widely used for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, the novel fourth-generation CB (CB-Advance PRO) was introduced, incorporating a shortened catheter tip. HYPOTHESIS The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acute efficacy of PVI using the CB-Advance PRO. METHODS A total of 200 consecutive patients were analyzed. Hundred patients who underwent PVI due to symptomatic, drug-refractory AF were treated with the CB-Advance PRO (group I) and were included into this multicenter analysis. A group of 100 patients were treated with the CB2 and acted as controls (group II). RESULTS In total, 739 of 739 PVs (100%) were successfully isolated. There was a nonsignificant trend in the incidence of online registration of PV signals between both groups (group I: 77.9% vs group II: 71.4%, P = .09). Median time to PVI (time to isolation [TTI]) and mean total freezing time were significantly shorter when using the CB-Advance PRO (group I: 33 [23, 50] vs group II: 40 [26, 60] seconds and group I: 166 ± 29 vs group II: 183 ± 38 seconds, P < .01). In three of 100 (3%) patients of group I and one of 100 (1%) patients of group II, a transient phrenic nerve palsy occurred (P = .62). CONCLUSION The use of the novel CB-Advance PRO is feasible and associated with a significant reduction in mean TTI and mean total freezing time as compared to the CB2.

A collective European experience with left atrial appendage suture ligation using the LARIAT+ device.

Abstract: Aims We report the collective European experience of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) suture ligation using the recent generation LARIAT+ suture delivery device. Methods and results A total of 141 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and contraindication to oral anticoagulation (OAC), thrombo-embolic events despite OAC or electrical LAA isolation were enrolled at seven European hospitals to undergo LAA ligation. Patients were followed up by clinical visits and transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) following LAA closure. Left atrial appendage ligation was completed in 138/141 patients (97.8%). Three patients did not undergo attempted deployment of the LARIAT device due to pericardial adhesion after previous epicardial ventricular tachycardia ablation (n = 1), a pericardial access-related complication (n = 1), and multiple posterior LAA lobes (n = 1). Serious 30-day procedural adverse events occurred in 4/141 patients (2.8%). There were two device-related LAA perforations (1.4%) not resulting in any corrective intervention as the LAA was completely sealed with the LARIAT. Minor adverse events occurred in 19 patients (13.5%), including two pericardial effusions due to procedure-related pericarditis requiring pericardiocentesis. Transoesophageal echocardiography was performed after LAA ligation in 103/138 patients (74.6%) after a mean of 181 ± 72 days. Complete LAA closure was documented in 100 patients (97.1%). Two patients (1.8% of patients with follow-up) experienced a transient ischaemic attack at 4 and 7 months follow-up, although there was no leak observed with TOE. There were two deaths during long-term follow-up which were both not device related. Conclusion Initial experience with the LARIAT+ device demonstrates feasibility of LAA exclusion. Further larger prospective studies with longer follow-up are warranted.

Initial experience and procedural efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation using the fourth-generation cryoballoon - a step forward?

Abstract: Background: Cryoballoon (CB)-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an established treatment modality for patients suffering from paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, the n...

Radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation for index pulmonary vein isolation: What is the impact on long-term clinical outcomes after repeat ablation?

Abstract: Aims The current study sought to assess the impact of the utilized energy source during index ablation on long-term clinical outcomes after repeat ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Index ablation procedures were either performed using radiofrequency current (RFC) (RFC group) or cryoballoon (CB) ablation (CB group). Repeat ablation was performed by the use of RFC. Methods A total of 195 patients (138 RFC group; 57 CB group) with paroxysmal AF were included. All patients had a recurrence of AF following the index ablation procedure. Freedom from AF was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Results After a 3 years follow-up, the estimated arrhythmia-free survival did not differ between the two groups (RFC group 48% vs CB group 47%, P = .78). During index ablation, procedure times were significantly shorter in the CB group (95 [80, 140] vs 140 [115, 164] minutes, P ≤ .001), whereas fluoroscopy times (16 [11; 22] vs 19 [14; 25] minutes, P = .003), the dose area product (1862 [1203; 2922] vs 3148 [1756; 5888] cGycm2 , P ≤ .001) and the amount of contrast dye (92 ± 32 vs 123 ± 33 mL, P ≤ .001) were significantly lower in the RFC group. During repeat ablation, procedure times were significantly shorter in patients being initially treated with RFC (115 [85; 145] vs 125 [105; 150] minutes, P = .007). There was a trend towards a higher pulmonary vein reconnection rate in the RFC group without meeting statistical significance (P = .074). Conclusions In patients with repeat ablation of AF, index RFC or CB ablation are equally effective in terms of freedom from AF. Although CB ablation results in shorter index procedures times, durations of repeat ablation are significantly longer.

Early haemodynamic changes and long-term outcome of patients with severe low-gradient aortic stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Abstract: AIMS Approximately 40% of severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients have a low-gradient (<40 mmHg) AS (LG-AS). The aim of this study was to investigate the invasively measured haemodynamic changes and long-term outcome after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the subgroups of LG-AS. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 600 LG-AS patients with haemodynamic assessment by left and right heart catheterisation were divided into three groups: normal-flow (NFLG-AS; n=296), paradoxical low-flow (PLFLG-AS; n=153), and classic low-flow (CLFLG-AS; n=151). Post TAVR, PLFLG-AS and CLFLG-AS showed a significant reduction in global afterload (p<0.005), as well as a significant elevation of stroke volume index (SVI), and left and right ventricular stroke work index (p<0.001). NFLG-AS was associated with an elevation of global afterload and a decrease of SVI (p<0.05). Overall survival was highest in NFLG-AS, followed by PLFLG-AS and CLFLG-AS. All subgroups experienced similar symptomatic improvement. CONCLUSIONS NFLG-AS was the most prevalent form of LG severe AS and was associated with adequate left ventricular compensation and good prognosis. On the other hand, CLFLG-AS represents the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) form of AS and was associated with the worst prognosis, whereas PLFLG-AS represents the heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) form of AS with intermediate prognosis. Both groups showed early haemodynamic reverse response after TAVR.

Management of thrombus formation after electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: Aims Left atrial appendage (LAA) electrical isolation (LAAEI) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation is an emerging catheter-based therapy to treat symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Previous studies found high incidences of LAA thrombus formation after LAAEI. This study sought to analyse therapeutic strategies aiming at the resolution of LAA thrombi and prevention of thromboembolism. Methods and results Left atrial appendage electrical isolation was conducted via creation of left atrial linear lesions or cryoballoon ablation. Follow-up including transoesophageal echocardiography was conducted. In patients with LAA thrombus, oral anticoagulation (OAC) was adjusted until thrombus resolution was documented. Percutaneous LAA closure (LAAC) under use of a cerebral protection device was conducted in case of medically refractory LAA thrombi. Left atrial appendage thrombus was documented in 54 of 239 analysed patients who had undergone LAAEI. Thrombus resolution was documented in 39/51 patients (72.2%) with available follow-up after adjustment of OAC. Twenty-nine patients underwent LAAC and 10 patients were kept on OAC after LAAEI. No thromboembolic events or further LAA thrombi were documented after 553 ± 443 days of follow-up in these patients. Persistent LAA thrombi despite adaption of OAC was documented in 12/51 patients. One patient remained on OAC until the end of follow-up, while LAAC with a cerebral protection device was performed in 11 patients in the presence of LAA thrombus without complications. Conclusion Left atrial appendage thrombus formation is common after LAAEI. Adjustment of OAC leads to LAA thrombus resolution in most patients. Left atrial appendage closure in the presence of LAA thrombi might be a feasible option in case of failed medical treatment.

Absence of detectable effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for breast cancer on the presence of low voltage areas in patients receiving left atrial catheter ablation.

Abstract: Radiation and chemotherapy for breast cancer are known to cause side effects to the heart. However, it still remains unclear whether those therapies affect left atrium fibrosis. We sought to examin...

Atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with pulmonary lobectomy or pneumectomy: Procedural challenges and efficacy.

Abstract: Background Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with pulmonary lobectomy or pneumectomy is challenging due to anatomical alterations. After lung resection, electrically active pulmonary vein (PV) stumps remain and need to be localized for PV isolation (PVI). The present study aims to describe clinical challenges of PVI in patients with pulmonary lobectomy or pneumectomy. Methods We performed a retrospective study on 19 patients with previous pulmonary lobectomy or pneumectomy undergoing catheter ablation for AF in three German hospitals. Results Nineteen patients with paroxysmal, persistent, or longstanding-persistent AF and history of pulmonary lobectomy (n = 11) or pneumectomy (n = 8) were enrolled. Catheter ablation was performed as radiofrequency (RF) ablation using 3D mapping, robotic RF ablation, or by using balloon devices. Decent anatomical changes were observed in patients with lobectomy while cardiac rotation and mediastinal shifting was dominant in patients with pneumectomy. Visualization of all PVs including PV stumps by PV angiography was possible in 10 of 19 patients (52.6%). PV spikes were observed in all identified PV remnants. In nine patients (47.4%), at least one PV remnant could not be identified and electrical isolation was not performed. During 24 months follow-up, patients with incomplete PVI had a significantly shorter arrhythmia-free survival than patients with complete PVI (76.2% [95% Confidence interval (CI) 47.2-100.0%] vs 40.0% [95% CI 5.6-74.1%], P = .043). Conclusion In patients with AF and previous lobectomy or pneumectomy, identification and isolation of all PVs are challenging but crucial for ablation success. Additional imaging techniques may be necessary to achieve complete PVI.

Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Hypertension-An Analysis from the German Ablation Registry.

Abstract: Background Hypertension (HTN) constitutes a risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as for thromboembolic and bleeding events. We analysed the outcome after catheter ablation of AF in HTN in a cohort from the prospective multicenter German Ablation Registry. Methods Between 03/2008 and 01/2010, 626 patients undergoing AF-ablation were analysed. Patients diagnosed with HTN (n = 386) were compared with patients without HTN (n = 240) with respect to baseline, procedural and long-term outcome parameters. Results Patients with HTN were older and more often presented with persistent forms of AF and cardiac comorbidities. Major and moderate in-hospital complications were low. At long-term follow-up, major cardiovascular events were rare in both groups. Rates of AF-recurrence, freedom from antiarrhythmic medication and repeat ablation were not statistically different between groups. Most patients reported improvement of symptoms and satisfaction with the treatment. However, patients with HTN more frequently complained of dyspnea of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥ II and angina. They were more often rehospitalized, particularly when persistent AF had been diagnosed. Conclusion Catheter ablation of AF is associated with low complication rates and favorable arrhythmia-related results in patients with HTN. Residual clinical symptoms may be due to cardiac comorbidities and require additional attention in this important subgroup of AF-patients.

Catheter ablation for inappropriate sinus tachycardia: Clinical outcomes of sinus node ablation.

Abstract: Considering the change in P-wave morphology from an inferior to a superior axis as targeted Introduction Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is a syndrome defined by unexpectedly fast sinus rates at rest or at minimal physical activity. Symptoms include palpitation, exercise intolerance, incapacity to work, fatigue, dizziness, and presyncope. Formatting... please waitMost affected patients are young and female. Formatting... please waitPharmacologic therapy is frequently insufficient despite the fact that multiple drugs are simultaneously administered in the majority of patients. Catheter ablation (CA) offers a further treatment option; yet, limited data is available, and the optimal procedural endpoint has not been identified. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes of sinus node (SN) ablation for the treatment of drug-refractory IST. procedural endpoint can be effective even for patients who did not respond to sinus node modification. Case report Patients Three consecutive patients (aged 28, 36, and 53 years, all women) with highly symptomatic, drug-refractory IST underwent CA aiming at ablation of the SN. IST was defined as a heart rate of.100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest or minimal physical activity. Right atrial activation showed a highto-low activation sequence that was similar during IST and sinus rhythm at normal heart rate. Atrial pacing did not terminate or change the tachycardia cycle length. No potentially reversible causes for sinus tachycardia were identified. Within the last 36 months the patients were hospitalized at least 3 (maximum 5) times. Two patients were unable to work because of their IST. Between 3 and 5 antiarrhythmic drugs had failed to provide sufficient symptom control. Two patients had undergone an ablation procedure for the treatment of IST 60 and 62 days, respectively, prior to the current procedure. The procedural endpoint of the preceding ablation