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ObjectiveOptimal antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) beyond 1 year after coronary stent implantation has not been well established in the era of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC).MethodsUsing Korean National Health Insurance Service data, we analysed 4294 patients with AF who were prescribed DOAC beyond 1 year after coronary stent implantation. Subjects were classified into the monotherapy group (DOAC single therapy, n=1221) or the combination therapy group (DOAC with an antiplatelet agent, n=3073). The primary ischaemic endpoint was defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke or systemic thromboembolism. The secondary endpoints were all-cause death, major bleeding defined as a bleeding event requiring hospitalisation and net adverse clinical events. Propensity score matching was performed to balance baseline covariates.ResultsAmong included patients, 94% had drug-eluting coronary stents. During a median follow-up of 19 (7–32) months, the monotherapy group had a similar risk of the primary ischaemic endpoint (HR 0.828, 95% CI 0.660 to 1.038) and all-cause death (HR 1.076, 95% CI 0.895 to 1.294) compared with the combination therapy group. Risk of major bleeding was lower in the monotherapy group (HR 0.690, 95% CI 0.481 to 0.989), which was mostly driven by reduced gastrointestinal bleeding (HR 0.562, 95% CI 0.358 to 0.883). There was no significant difference in net adverse clinical events between the two groups.ConclusionsDOAC monotherapy showed similar efficacy in preventing ischaemic events and was associated with lower major bleeding events compared with combination therapy in patients with AF beyond 1 year after coronary stent implantation.

Background and Objectives The efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) is well established. The standard approach to RFCA in AF is pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, a large proportion of patients experiences recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia. The purpose of this study is to find out whether the AI model can assess AF recurrence in patients who underwent PVI. Materials and methods This study was a retrospective cohort study that enrolled consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for symptomatic, drug-refractory AF and PVI. We developed an AI algorithm to predict recurrence of AF after PVI using patient demographics and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed left atrium (LA) images. Results We included 527 consecutive patients in the study. The overall mean LA diameter was 42.0 ± 6.8 mm, and the mean LA volume calculated using 3D reconstructed images was 151.1 ± 46.7 ml. During the follow-up period, atrial tachyarrhythmia recurred in 158 patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of the AI model based on a convolutional neural network (including 3D reconstruction images) was 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–0.74) using the test dataset. The total test accuracy was 66.3% (57.0–75.6), and the sensitivity was 53.3% (34.8–71.9). The specificity was 73.2% (51.8–75.0), and the F1 score was 52.5% 34.5–66.7). Conclusion In this study, we developed an AI algorithm to predict recurrence of AF after catheter ablation of PVI using individual reconstructed LA images. This AI model was unable to predict recurrence of AF overwhelmingly; therefore, further large-scale study is needed.

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. However, the real-world CVD burden of adult cancer patients has not been well established. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and mortality of pre-existing and new-onset CVD in patients with cancers. Methods We analysed the prevalence and mortality of pre-existing and new-onset CVD in 41,034 adult patients with ten common solid cancers in a single payer system using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort from 2002 to 2013. Results When all types of cancer were included, 11.3% (n = 4647) of patients had pre-existing CVD when they were diagnosed with cancer. After excluding patients with pre-existing CVD, 15.7% of cancer patients (n = 5703) were newly diagnosed with CVD during the follow-up period (median 68 months). Both pre-existing and new-onset CVD were associated with increased risk of overall mortality and 5-year mortality. Multivariate analysis to predict all-cause mortality indicated both pre-existing and new-onset CVD, male sex, old age, prior history of diabetes or chronic kidney disease, suburban residential area, and low-income status as significant factors. Conclusions Eleven percent of cancer patients had pre-existing CVD at the time of cancer diagnosis, and about 16% of cancer patients without pre-existing CVD were newly diagnosed with CVD, mostly within 5 years after the cancer diagnosis. Proper management of pre-existing CVD is necessary and pre-emptive prevention of new-onset CVD may alter treatment options and outcomes.

Background and objectives Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) block is easily achieved, and prophylactic ablation can be performed during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, the previous study was too small and short-term to clarify the efficacy of this block. Methods Patients who underwent catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF were enrolled, and patients who had previous or induced atrial flutter (AFL) were excluded. We randomly assigned 366 patients to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) only and prophylactic CTI ablation (PVI vs. PVI+CTI). Results There was no significant difference in procedure time between the two groups because most CTI blocks were performed during the waiting time after the PVI (176.8±72.6 minutes in PVI vs. 174.2±76.5 minutes in PVI+CTI, p=0.75). All patients were followed up for at least 18 months, and the median follow-up was 3.4 years. The recurrence rate of AF or AFL was not different in the 2 groups (25.7% in PVI vs. 25.7% in PVI+CTI, p=0.92). The recurrence rate of any AFL was not significantly different in the 2 groups (3.3% in PVI vs. 1.6% in PVI+CTI, p=0.31). The recurrence rate of typical AFL also was not different (0.5% in PVI vs. 0.5% in PVI+CTI, p=0.99). Conclusions In this large and long-term follow-up study, prophylactic CTI ablation had no benefit in patients with paroxysmal AF without typical AFL. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02031705.

ObjectiveMitral stenosis increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. Large data underlying the trend in incidence, treatment and outcomes of mitral stenosis are lacking.MethodsBased on the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database in Republic of Korea, patients who were diagnosed with mitral stenosis between 2007 and 2016 were enrolled. Trends in the incidence rate and changing patterns of treatment and outcome for stroke and systemic embolism and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) were analysed.ResultsA total of 42 075 patients (mean age 60.7±13.5 years, 13 303 (31.6%) male) were included in the present study. The number included 27 824 (66.1%) patients with mitral stenosis and comorbid AF. The age-standardised annual incidence rate per 100 000 of mitral stenosis in Korea decreased remarkably from 10.3 to 3.6 over 10 years. The use of anticoagulation therapy increased consistently. The annual incidence of stroke and systemic embolism showed signs of plateau, while the incidence of ICH increased.ConclusionsThe overall incidence rate of mitral stenosis in Korean population has decreased remarkably. As increasing the use of vitamin K antagonist, the annual incidence rate of ICH was increased but the rate of stroke incidence reached a plateau. Alternative effective anticoagulation strategy should be investigated.

PurposeDabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor approved for stroke prophylaxis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Real-world data about patient preference, satisfaction and convenience in patients in Asia are not available. The study aimed to explore the perception of patients with newly diagnosed NVAF regarding dabigatran versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), when used for stroke prevention.Patients and methodsThis was a multinational, multicentre, non-interventional study involving 49 sites across 5 countries in South East Asia and South Korea where 934 patients newly diagnosed with NVAF were initiated on either dabigatran (N=591) or VKA (N=343). Data were collected at baseline and over two follow-up visits across 6 months. Treatment satisfaction and patient convenience were evaluated using the Perception on Anticoagulant Treatment Questionnaire-2 (PACT-Q2).ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 65.9±10.4 years, and 64.2% were male. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.4±1.5, and mean HAS-BLED score was 1.2±0.9. At baseline, patients initiated on dabigatran had higher stroke risk, bleeding risk, creatinine clearance and proportion of patients with concomitant illnesses compared with patients initiated on VKAs. Treatment convenience was perceived to be significantly better with dabigatran versus VKAs at visits 2 and 3 (p=0.0423 and 0.0287, respectively). Treatment satisfaction was significantly better with dabigatran compared with VKAs at visit 3 (p=0.0300).ConclusionIn this study, dabigatran is associated with better patient perception in terms of treatment convenience and satisfaction compared with VKAs when used for stroke prevention in newly diagnosed NVAF patients from South East Asia and South Korea.Trial registration numberNCT02849509.Plain language summaryPatient satisfaction with dabigatran versus VKAs in South East Asia. Patients with atrial fibrillation are at high risk of stroke and require anticoagulants for stroke prevention. Two such anticoagulants are dabigatran and VKAs. We wanted to compare the extent of satisfaction and treatment convenience among newly diagnosed patients with atrial fibrillation from the South East Asian region when they were given either dabigatran or VKAs. Consenting patients filled out a standardised questionnaire called the PACT-Q2 over three visits after they were started on either dabigatran (591 patients) or VKAs (343 patients). We found that satisfaction and convenience were significantly higher when patients received dabigatran than when they received VKAs.

Background Studies have shown that the concomitant use of a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and an antiplatelet (APL) drug increased the bleeding risk and was less effective at preventing ischemic events. This study aimed to investigate the control status of international normalized ratio (INR) and the discontinuation rate of a VKA in patients taking VKA plus an APL drug compared with those taking a VKA alone. Methods Data were extracted from the KORean Atrial Fibrillation Investigation II registry, a multicenter noninterventional prospective observational study. Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with CHADS 2 scores ≥ 1 who newly started (within 3 months) a VKA were enrolled and followed up for 1 year. Results A total of 866 NVAF patients (mean age, 67.7 years; 60.3% men) without a bleeding history were divided into the VKA+APL (n = 229) and VKA alone (n = 637) groups. During follow‐up, mean INR level was lower in the VKA+APL group than in the VKA alone group (1.7 ± 0.8 vs 1.9 ± 0.9, P = 0.0005). INR levels were poorly controlled in both groups (66.1% and 64.7%, respectively). Patients in the VKA+APL group more frequently discontinued VKA than patients in the VKA alone group (28.8% vs 24.2%, P = 0.045). Major causes of VKA discontinuation were uncontrolled INR level and patient dissatisfaction or concerns. Conclusions The conditions of NVAF patients were inadequately controlled with VKA with or without an APL. These findings suggest that other antithrombotic treatment options are warranted in NVAF patients to achieve INR control.

Background Few studies have investigated the prognostic value of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-detection of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) for risk stratification of cardiovascular events. In the Device-Detected CArdiac Tachyarrhythmic events and Sleep-disordered breathing (DEDiCATES) study, we aim to determine whether device-detected SDB events are associated with increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias or other cardiovascular outcomes. Methods and design Six-hundred patients (300 patients with low-voltage pacing devices and 300 with high-voltage defibrillator devices) who have dual chamber CIEDs with AP Scan™ function (Boston Scientific Inc., Marlborough, MA, USA) are planned to be enrolled in this study. AP Scan reports the average number of sleep disturbance events per hour per night in the form of a Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI). The daily RDI values are to be used for quantitative measurement of the severity and burden of SDB. CIED-detected atrial high rate episodes (AHREs) and clinical atrial tachyarrhythmia will be assessed as the primary outcomes over a follow-up period of 2 years. Correlations between CIED-detected SDB and AHRE burdens will be analyzed. The secondary outcomes are CIED-detected or clinical ventricular arrhythmic events, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, mortality, and quality of life. Conclusion This study will determine the prognostic value of automated diagnostic function of CIED for SDB, which will help to improve the cardiovascular prognoses of CIED patients by enabling convenient and accurate assessments of SDB events.

Background The prepectoral implantation technique has been the standard procedure for cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED). However, it cannot be performed in such patients with thin skin or patients with cosmetic concerns. This study was designed to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of the subpectoral compared to the prepectoral approach. Methods We conducted a retrospective, nonrandomized comparison of the prepectoral (234 cases) and subpectoral approach (32 cases) in patients who received CIED implantation at a tertiary center between July 2012 and May 2015. We compared lead characteristics, procedure time and complications between the subpectoral and prepectoral approach. Results In the subpectoral group, two complications were observed, whereas six complications were found in the prepectoral group (2/32 vs. 6/234, respectively, p=0.25). In the subpectoral group, one patient developed wound infection and the others were safely conducted without any complications. In the prepectoral group, two patients developed hemopericardium, three developed pocket hematoma requiring surgical revision, and one developed a pneumothorax. Procedure time in the subpectoral group took longer than that in the prepectoral group (150±50 min versus 91±49 min, p=0.06). In lead characteristics, there were no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion The subpectoral approach is technically feasible and non-inferior to the prepectoral approach, in the aspect of complication and lead characteristics, but seemed to take more procedure time. The subpectoral approach is a more reasonable choice for selected patients in whom the prepectoral approach is not feasible or in individuals who have cosmetic concerns.

Fascicular premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can arise from anywhere in the His Purkinje system, but PVCs originating from the left bundle branch (LBB) are rarely reported. We report the case of PVC arising from the LBB, and also describe the electrophysiological features that might indicate the bracketing of the fascicular PVC focus.

CA extern - Weitere Nicht-UDE-Autoren sind nicht genannt. Aim: The SAMe-TT2R2 score helps identify patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) likely to have poor anticoagulation control during anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and those with scores >2 might be better managed with a target-specific oral anticoagulant (NOAC). We hypothesized that in clinical practice, VKAs may be prescribed less frequently to patients with AF and SAMe-TT2R2 scores >2 than to patients with lower scores. Methods and results: We analyzed the Phase III dataset of the Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (GLORIA-AF), a large, global, prospective global registry of patients with newly diagnosed AF and ≥1 stroke risk factor. We compared baseline clinical characteristics and antithrombotic prescriptions to determine the probability of the VKA prescription among anticoagulated patients with the baseline SAMe-TT2R2 score >2 and ≤ 2. Among 17,465 anticoagulated patients with AF, 4,828 (27.6%) patients were prescribed VKA and 12,637 (72.4%) patients an NOAC: 11,884 (68.0%) patients had SAMe-TT2R2 scores 0-2 and 5,581 (32.0%) patients had scores >2. The proportion of patients prescribed VKA was 28.0% among patients with SAMe-TT2R2 scores >2 and 27.5% in those with scores ≤2. Conclusions: The lack of a clear association between the SAMe-TT2R2 score and anticoagulant selection may be attributed to the relative efficacy and safety profiles between NOACs and VKAs as well as to the absence of trial evidence that an SAMe-TT2R2-guided strategy for the selection of the type of anticoagulation in NVAF patients has an impact on clinical outcomes of efficacy and safety. The latter hypothesis is currently being tested in a randomized controlled trial. Clinical trial registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov//Unique identifier: NCT01937377, NCT01468701, and NCT01671007. © 2020 Hellenic Society of Cardiology

Conflicting responses to two ventricular entrainments in a narrow QRS tachycardia: What is the mechanism?Jeong-Wook Park, CEPS, Young Choi, MD, Sung-Hwan Kim, MD, Yong-Seog Oh, MDFrom the Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Background and purposeReal-world data about treatment convenience and satisfaction in Asian non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients after switching from vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to non-VKA oral anticoagulants were evaluated.MethodsIn this non-interventional study involving 49 sites across five countries in Southeast Asia and South Korea, 379 stable NVAF patients who switched from VKA therapy to dabigatran during routine clinical practice were recruited and followed up for 6 months. Treatment convenience and satisfaction were evaluated using Perception on Anticoagulant Treatment Questionnaire-2 (PACT-Q2). Through post hoc analysis, factors associated with improved treatment convenience scores at visit 2 were described.ResultsTreatment convenience and satisfaction significantly improved after switching from VKAs to dabigatran at visit 2 and visit 3 (convenience: p80th percentile) response on treatment convenience were female sex, younger age (ConclusionDabigatran was associated with a significant improvement in treatment convenience and satisfaction after switching from VKAs when used for stroke prevention in NVAF patients from Southeast Asia and South Korea.

Organized atrial tachycardia (AT) accounts for a substantial proportion of recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to analyze the characteristics and long-term outcome of redo RFCA for recurrent AT compared with those for recurrent AF. We analyzed 133 patients who underwent prior AF ablation and presented for redo RFCA procedure. Documented rhythm at recurrence was AT in 50 patients (37.6%) and AF in 83 patients (62.4%). Redo ablation was conducted using a stepwise approach in all subjects. Recurrent arrhythmia was more frequently a persistent type in the AT group (70.0% vs. 36.1% in the AT and AF group, respectively, p

Background An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is an effective tool for diagnosing unexplained syncope (US). We examined the diagnostic utility of an ILR in detecting arrhythmic causes of US and determining which clinical factors are associated with pacemaker (PM) implantation. Methods This retrospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted from February 2006 to April 2018 at 11 hospitals in Korea. Eligible patients with recurrent US received an ILR to diagnose recurrent syncope and document arrhythmia. Results A total of 173 US patients (mean age, 67.6 ± 16.5 years; 107 men [61.8%]) who received an ILR after a negative conventional workup were enrolled. During a mean follow-up of 9.4 ± 11.1 months, 52 patients (30.1%) had recurrent syncope, and syncope-correlated arrhythmia was confirmed in 34 patients (19.7%). The ILR analysis showed sinus node dysfunction in 24 patients (70.6%), supraventricular tachyarrhythmia in 4 (11.8%), ventricular arrhythmia in 4 (11.8%), and sudden atrioventricular block in 2 (5.9%). Overall, ILR detected significant arrhythmia in 99 patients (57.2%) irrespective of syncope. Among patients with clinically relevant arrhythmia detected by ILR, PM implantation was performed in 60 (34.7%), an intra-cardiac defibrillator in 5 (2.9%), and catheter ablation in 4 (2.3%). In a Cox regression analysis, history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–4.12; P < 0.01) and any bundle branch block (BBB) (HR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.09–5.85; P = 0.03) were significantly associated with PM implantation. Conclusion ILR is useful for detecting syncope-correlated arrhythmia in patients with US. The risk of PM is high in US patients with a history of PAF and any BBB., Graphical Abstract

The effects of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade on the clinical outcome in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) are conflicting. We evaluated the long-term effects of RAS blockers (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker) on the clinical outcomes in patients with SCAD without heart failure (HF) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent using a large-scale, multicenter, prospective cohort registry.A total of 5722 patients with SCAD were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the use of RAS blockers after PCI: RAS blocker group included 4070 patients and no RAS blocker group included 1652 patients. Exclusion criteria were left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50% and the history of HF or myocardial infarction. A major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and stroke.During a median follow-up of 29.7 months, RAS blockers were associated with a significant reduction in the risk of MACE [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.781; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.626-0.975; P=0.015] and all-cause death (adjusted HR: 0.788; 95% CI: 0.627-0.990; P=0.041) but did not affect the risk of coronary revascularization. In the propensity score matched cohort, overall findings were consistent (MACE: adjusted HR: 0.679; 95% CI: 0.514-0.897; P=0.006; all-cause death: adjusted HR: 0.723; 95% CI: 0.548-0.954; P=0.022), and the benefit of RAS blockade was maintained in all predefined subgroups.This study demonstrated that RAS blockers were effective preventive therapies for reducing long-term cardiovascular events in patients with SCAD without HF who underwent PCI.

Objective Catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is still challenging, no optimal extra-pulmonary vein lesion set is known. We previously reported the clinical feasibility of computational modeling-guided AF catheter ablation. Methods We randomly assigned 118 patients with persistent AF (77.8% men, age 60.8 ± 9.9 years) to the computational modeling-guided ablation group (53 patients) and the empirical ablation group (55 patients) based on the operators’ experience. For virtual ablation, four virtual linear and one electrogram-guided lesion sets were tested on patient heart computed tomogram-based models, and the lesion set with the fastest termination time was reported to the operator in the modeling-guided ablation group. The primary outcome was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias lasting longer than 30 s after a single procedure. Results During 31.5 ± 9.4 months, virtual ablation procedures were available in 95.2% of the patients (108/118). Clinical recurrence rate was significantly lower after a modeling-guided ablation than after an empirical ablation (20.8 vs. 40.0%, log-rank p = 0.042). Modeling-guided ablation was independently associated with a better long-term rhythm outcome of persistent AF ablation (HR = 0.29 [0.12–0.69], p = 0.005). The rhythm outcome of the modeling-guided ablation showed better trends in males, non-obese patients with a less remodeled atrium (left atrial dimension < 50 mm), ejection fraction ≥ 50%, and those without hypertension or diabetes (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the groups for the total procedure time (p = 0.403), ablation time (p = 0.510), and major complication rate (p = 0.900). Conclusion Among patients with persistent AF, the computational modeling-guided ablation was superior to the empirical catheter ablation regarding the rhythm outcome. Clinical Trial Registration This study was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02171364.

Background: GLORIA-AF (Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) is a prospective, global registry program describing antithrombotic t...

Background The role of J-waves in the pathogenesis of ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurring in structurally normal hearts is important. Methods We evaluated 127 patients who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for Brugada syndrome (BS, n = 53), early repolarization syndrome (ERS, n = 24), and patients with unknown or deferred diagnosis (n = 50). Electrocardiography (ECG), clinical characteristics, and ICD data were analyzed. Results J-waves were found in 27/50 patients with VF of unknown/deferred diagnosis. The J-waves were reminiscent of those seen in BS or ERS, and this subgroup of patients was termed variants of ERS and BS (VEB). In 12 VEB patients, the J/ST/T-wave morphology was coved, although amplitudes were

Background Congenital long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is a potentially lethal cardiac electrophysiologic disorder characterized by QT interval prolongation and T-wave abnormalities. At least 13 LQTS-associated genes have been reported, but the high cost and low throughput of conventional Sanger sequencing has hampered the multi-gene-based LQTS diagnosis in clinical laboratories. Methods We developed an NGS (next-generation sequencing)-based targeted gene panel for 13 LQTS genes using the Ion PGM platform, and a cohort of 36 LQTS patients were studied for characterization of analytical performance specifications. Results This panel efficiently explored 212 of all 221 coding exons in 13 LQTS-associated genes. And for those genomic regions covered by the design of the NGS panel, the analytical sensitivity and analytical specificity for all potentially pathogenic variants were both 100% and showed 100% concordance with clinically validated Sanger sequencing results in five major LQTS genes (KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A, KCNE1, and KCNE2). Conclusion This is the first description of an NGS panel targeting a multi-gene panel of 13 LQTS-associated genes. We developed and validated this robust, high-throughput NGS test and informatics pipeline for LQTS diagnosis suitable for the clinical testing laboratory.

Background and objectives The efficacy of dexmedetomidine for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been well established. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sedation using dexmedetomidine with remifentanil compared to conventional sedative agents during RFCA for AF. Subjects and methods A total of 240 patients undergoing RFCA for AF were randomized to either the dexmedetomidine (DEX) group (continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil) or the midazolam (MID) group (intermittent injections of midazolam and fentanyl) according to sedative agents. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation was applied to all patients during the procedure. The primary outcome was patient movement during the procedure resulting in a 3D mapping system discordance, and the secondary outcome was adverse events including respiratory or hemodynamic compromise. Results During AF ablation, the incidence of the primary outcome was significantly reduced for the DEX group (18.2% vs. 39.5% in the DEX and the MID groups, respectively, p p = 0.056). However, the incidences of hypotension not owing to cardiac tamponade (systolic blood pressure p = 0.011) and bradycardia (HR p = 0.003) were higher in the DEX group. All efficacy and safety results were consistent within the predefined subgroups. Conclusion The combined use of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil provides higher stability sedation during AF ablation, but can lead to more frequent hemodynamic compromise compared to midazolam and fentanyl.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The number of permanent pacemakers (PPMs) implanted in patients in Japan and Korea differs significantly. We aimed to investigate the differences in decision making processes of implanting a PPM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our survey included 15 clinical case scenarios based on the 2008 AHA/ACC/HRS guidelines for device-based therapy of cardiac rhythm abnormalities (class unspecified). Members of the Korean and Japanese Societies of Cardiology were asked to rate each scenario according to a 5-point scale and to indicate their decisions for or against implantation. RESULTS Eighty-nine Korean physicians and 192 Japanese physicians replied to the questionnaire. For the case scenarios in which there was a class I indication for PPM implantation, the decision to implant a PPM did not differ significantly between the two physician groups. However, the Japanese physicians were significantly more likely than the Korean physicians to choose implantation in class IIa scenarios (48% vs. 37%, p

Objective Hypothermia can induce ECG J waves. Recent studies suggest that J waves may be associated with ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with structurally normal hearts. However, little is known about the ECG features, clinical significance or arrhythmogenic potentials of therapeutic hypothermia (TH)-induced J waves. Methods We analysed ECGs from 240 patients who underwent TH at six major university hospitals in Korea between August 2010 and December 2013. The prevalence, amplitudes and distributions of the J waves and the development of malignant arrhythmia were analysed. Results The average patient body temperature was 33.5±1.0°C during TH. J waves were observed in 98 patients (40.8%). They were newly developed in 91 cases, and pre-existing J waves were augmented in seven patients. J waves during TH were primarily observed in leads II, III, aVF and V 4–6 . The average amplitude of the J waves was 0.239±0.152 mV. There were four VF events during TH. These events occurred in three patients who were finally diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, idiopathic VF or early repolarisation syndrome, respectively, and in one patient with non-cardiac aetiology (asphyxia). Conclusions J waves were recorded in about 40% of the patients who received TH. They were most frequently observed in the inferior limb leads or lateral precordial leads. Life-threatening VF occurred only rarely (1.7%) during TH and were mainly observed in patients with primary arrhythmic disorder. Although a causal relationship between TH-induced J waves and VF remains unknown, administering TH to this potentially susceptible, high-risk population may require careful attention.

Background Currently, the hypertension (HTN) patients undergo appropriate medical treatment, and traditional risk factors are highly controlled. Therefore, potential risk factors of atherosclerotic vascular diseases (AVD) and venous thromboembolisms (VTE) in HTN should be reconsidered. We investigated thrombophilic genetic mutations and existing biomarkers for AVD or VTE in HTN patients receiving treatment. Methods A total of 183 patients were enrolled: AVD with HTN (group A, n=45), VTE with HTN (group B, n=62), and HTN patients without any vascular diseases (group C, n=76). The lipid profile, homocysteine (Hcy) levels, D-dimers, fibrinogen, antithrombin, lupus anticoagulant, and anti-cardiolipin antibody (aCL) were evaluated. Prothrombin G20210A, Factor V G1691A, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C were analyzed. Results All patients revealed wild type prothrombin G20210A and Factor V G1691A polymorphisms. The frequency of MTHFR polymorphisms was 677CT (n=84, 45.9%); 677TT (n=46, 25.1%); 1298AC (n=46, 25.1%); and 1298CC (n=2, 1.1%). The MTHFR 677TT genotype tended to increase the odds ratio (OR) to AVD events in HTN patients (OR 2.648, confidence interval 0.982-7.143, P=0.05). The group A demonstrated significantly higher Hcy levels (P=0.009), fibrinogen (P=0.004), and platelet counts (P=0.04) than group C. Group B had significantly higher levels of D-dimers (P=0.0001), platelet count (P=0.0002), and aCL (P=0.02) frequency than group C. Conclusions The MTHFR 677TT genotype and Hcy level could be potential risk factors associated with development of AVD in HTN patients receiving treatment. D-dimer and aCL might be useful to estimate the occurrence of VTE in them.

Background/Aims: Patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) undergoing endoscopic electrosurgery (EE) are at a risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI). We aimed to analyze the effects of EE in CIED patients. Methods: Patients with CIED who underwent EE procedures such as snare polypectomy, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) were retrospectively analyzed. Postprocedural symptoms as well as demographic and outpatient follow-up data were reviewed through medical records. Electrical data, including preprocedural and postprocedural arrhythmia records, were reviewed through pacemaker interrogation, 24-hour Holter monitoring, or electrocardiogram. Results: Fifty-nine procedures in 49 patients were analyzed. Fifty procedures were performed in 43 patients with a pacemaker, and nine were performed in six patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. There were one gastric and 44 colon snare polypectomies, five gastric and one colon ESDs, and eight ERCPs with EST. Fifty-five cases of electrical follow-up were noted, with two postprocedural changes not caused by EE. Thirty-one pacemaker interrogations had procedure recordings, with two cases of asymptomatic tachycardia. All patients were asymptomatic with no adverse events. Conclusions: Our study reports no adverse events from EE in patients with CIED, suggesting that this procedure is safe. However, because of the possibility of EMI, recommendations on EE should be followed.

The delivery of single His-refractory ventricular extra-stimulus during supraventricular tachycardia is useful to identify the mechanism of the tachycardia. We present the different responses based on the ventricular extra-stimulus site. Our findings demonstrate that the atrial activation via an accessory pathway was not advanced based on the ventricular pacing site. Therefore, atrioventricular tachycardia could masquerade as atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

Several approaches were tried to achieve complete pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The aims of this study were to (1) compare adenosine-induced PV conduction and exit conduction, (2) determine the adequate adenosine dose, and (3) investigate the correlation of dormant conduction and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF).A total of 378 consecutive patients who underwent PVI from June 2012 to April 2015 were prospectively included (the de novo procedure in 318 (84.1 %) and a redo procedure in 60 (15.9 %)). After the exit block was assessed, 20 mg adenosine was injected into the left atrium. If dormant conduction was observed, 12 and 6 mg of adenosine were injected sequentially.Exit conduction during PV pacing was observed in 34 patients (9 %), and dormant conduction was observed in 92 patients (24.3 %). Among them, 74 (80.4 %, 74/92) demonstrated dormant conduction without exit conduction and 16 (47.1 %, 16/34) showed exit conduction without dormant conduction. The 20-mg dose of adenosine had an additive yield in patients with dormant conduction, compared to that of 12 mg (93 %, 86/92) or 6 mg (80 %, 74/92). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate regarding dormant conduction. The pattern of prevalence of reconnected origin during the redo procedure was similar to that of dormant conduction during the index procedure.There was a discrepancy between adenosine-induced PVI and exit block. Therefore, exit block test has additional value to verify latent incomplete PVI in conjunction with adenosine test. Furthermore, high-dose adenosine had an additive yield.https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01932112.

Dyslipidemia and hypertension increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. Combination therapy improves patient compliance. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and tolerability of the combination therapies telmisartan/amlodipine + rosuvastatin, telmisartan/amlodipine, and telmisartan + rosuvastatin in patients with hypercholesterolemia and hypertension.In this Phase III, multicenter, 8-week randomized, double-blind study, participants with hypertension and dyslipidemia (defined as a sitting systolic blood pressure [sitSBP] of ≥140 mm Hg, a low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C] level of ≤250 mg/dL, and a triglyceride level of ≤400 mg/dL) were screened. After a 4-week washout/run-in period involving therapeutic lifestyle changes and telmisartan 80 mg once a day, eligible patients had a sitSBP of ≥140 mm Hg and met the LDL-C level criteria according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III cardiovascular disease risk category. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) telmisartan/amlodipine 80/10 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg (TAR group); (2) telmisartan/amlodipine 80/10 mg (TA group); or (3) telmisartan 80 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg (TR group). The primary efficacy end points were the percentage changes from baseline in LDL-C in the TAR and TA groups and the mean changes in sitSBP in the TAR and TR groups at week 8 compared to baseline. Continuous variables were compared using the unpaired t test or the Wilcoxon rank sum model, and categorical variables were compared using the χA total of 134 patients were enrolled. The least squares mean percentage changes in LDL-C at 8 weeks after administration of the drug compared to baseline were -51.9% (3.0%) in the TAR group and -3.2% (2.9%) in the TA group (P 0.001). At 8 weeks after baseline, the least squares mean (SE) changes sitSBP were -28.3 (2.4) mm Hg in the TAR group and -10.7 (2.1) mm Hg in the TR group (P 0.001). The prevalence rates of treatment-emergent adverse events were 15.0%, 25.0%, and 12.2% in the TAR, TA, and TR groups, respectively; those of adverse drug reactions were 15.0%, 22.7%, and 10.2%. None of the differences in rates were significant among 3 groups.Triple therapy with TAR can be an effective treatment in patients with dyslipidemia and hypertension. The TAR combination has value for hypertensive patients with hyperlipidemia in terms of convenience, tolerability, and efficacy. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03566316.

Background Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) to prevent thromboembolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients has limitations such as drug interaction. This study investigated the clinical characteristics of Korean patients treated with VKA for stroke prevention and assessed quality of VKA therapy and treatment satisfaction. Methods We conducted a multicenter, prospective, non-interventional study. Patients with CHADS2 ≥ 1 and treated with VKA (started within the last 3 months) were enrolled from April 2013 to March 2014. Demographic and clinical features including risk factors of stroke and VKA treatment information was collected at baseline. Treatment patterns and international normalized ratio (INR) level were evaluated during follow-up. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) > 60% indicated well-controlled INR. Treatment satisfaction on the VKA use was measured by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) after 3 months of follow-up. Results A total of 877 patients (age, 67; male, 60%) were enrolled and followed up for one year. More than half of patients (56%) had CHADS2 ≥ 2 and 83.6% had CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2. A total of 852 patients had one or more INR measurement during their follow-up period. Among those patients, 25.5% discontinued VKA treatment during follow-up. Of all patients, 626 patients (73%) had poor-controlled INR (TTR < 60%) measure. Patients' treatment satisfaction measured with TSQM was 55.6 in global satisfaction domain. Conclusion INR was poorly controlled in Korean NVAF patients treated with VKA. VKA users also showed low treatment satisfaction., Graphical Abstract

ICD utilization remains low for primary prevention (PP) patients in many regions of the world, despite the demonstrated risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). The Improve SCA study proposed a set of criteria for PP patients with known additional risk factors (including presence of one or more of

Background An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the only proven effective therapeutic strategy for patients with Brugada syndrome (BS). However, it is controversial whether the device should be replaced even in patients who had never experienced appropriate ICD therapy until the time of generator replacement. Methods and results This was a nationwide, multicenter retrospective study that enrolled patients who were diagnosed with BS and had an ICD implantation between January 1998 and April 2014. Appropriate ICD therapies administered for ventricular tachyarrhythmia were evaluated during follow-up. A total of 117 patients (age 43±12years, male 115 [98.3%]) were enrolled, and the mean follow-up duration was 6.0±4.1years. Thirty-seven (31.6%) patients had experienced appropriate ICD therapy during follow-up. Of all patients, 46 underwent replacement of the device. After the first generator replacement, the incidence of appropriate ICD therapy remained as high as 65.2% in patients who previously experienced appropriate ICD therapy before generator replacement. In 30 patients who did not experience any cardiac events until the first generator change, two (8.7%) had an episode of appropriate ICD therapy afterwards. Conclusions No episode of ICD therapy before generator replacement could not guarantee a safe clinical course. ICD generator replacement should be considered even in patients without ICD therapy before.

Little is known about the long-term outcomes of catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) using remote magnetic navigation system (RMN).One hundred twenty patients underwent catheter ablation of SVTs with RMN (Niobe, Stereotaxis, USA): atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT; n = 59), atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia (AVRT; n = 45), and focal atrial tachycardia (AT, n = 16). The outcome of AVRT with right free wall accessory pathway was compared with those of a group of 26 consecutive patients undergoing manual ablation.Mean follow-up period was 2.2 ± 1.4 years. Overall arrhythmia-free survival was 86%; AVRT (77%), AVNRT (96%), and focal AT (71%). After the learning period (initial 50 cases), procedural outcomes had improved for AVRT and AVNRT (91% in overall group, 90% in AVRT group, 100% in AVNRT group, and 68% in focal AT group). The recurrence-free rate was higher for the free wall accessory pathways than those of the other sites (92 vs. 73%, log-rank P = 0.06). Furthermore, when it is confined for the right free wall accessory pathway, RMN showed excellent long-term outcome (7/7, 100 %) compared to the results of manual approach (18/26, 69.2%, log-rank P = 0.07).RMN showed favorable long-term outcomes for the ablation of SVT. In our experience, RMN-guided ablation may be associated with a higher success rate as compared to manual ablation when treating right-sided free wall pathways.

A patient was admitted for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Cardiac computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography revealed the absence of the left atrial appendage. However, the right atrial appendage looked normal and the level of pro B-natriuretic peptide was within normal limits. Successful catheter ablation was performed without any procedural complications and the sinus rhythm was appropriately maintained for 10 months with an antiarrhythmic drug.

Objective: Radiofrequency catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) still has a substantial recurrence rate. This study aims to investigate whether an AF ablation lesion set chosen using in-silico ablation (V-ABL) is clinically feasible and more effective than an empirically chosen ablation lesion set (Em-ABL) in patients with PeAF.Methods: We prospectively included 108 patients with antiarrhythmic drug-resistant PeAF (77.8% men, age 60.8 ± 9.9 years), and randomly assigned them to the V-ABL (n = 53) and Em-ABL (n = 55) groups. Five different in-silico ablation lesion sets [1 pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), 3 linear ablations, and 1 electrogram-guided ablation] were compared using heart-CT integrated AF modeling. We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of V-ABL compared with that of Em-ABL.Results: The pre-procedural computing time for five different ablation strategies was 166 ± 11 min. In the Em-ABL group, the earliest terminating blinded in-silico lesion set matched with the Em-ABL lesion set in 21.8%. V-ABL was not inferior to Em-ABL in terms of procedure time (p = 0.403), ablation time (p = 0.510), and major complication rate (p = 0.900). During 12.6 ± 3.8 months of follow-up, the clinical recurrence rate was 14.0% in the V-ABL group and 18.9% in the Em-ABL group (p = 0.538). In Em-ABL group, clinical recurrence rate was significantly lower after PVI+posterior box+anterior linear ablation, which showed the most frequent termination during in-silico ablation (log-rank p = 0.027).Conclusions: V-ABL was feasible in clinical practice, not inferior to Em-ABL, and predicts the most effective ablation lesion set in patients who underwent PeAF ablation.

Background Left anterior line (LAL) has been used as a substitute for mitral isthmus line for catheter ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it results in left anterolateral conduction delay and might affect left atrial (LA) contractility. We aimed to investigate whether LAL decreases LA appendage function. Methods This study included 46 patients (30 men, mean age 58 ± 9 years, group 1) with persistent AF who underwent catheter ablation including LAL. Thirty patients with paroxysmal AF who received no additional LA ablation were compared as control group (21 males, mean age 56 ± 8 years, group 2). Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography with Doppler tissue imaging was performed in sinus rhythm before and after the ablation. We compared the following variables: (1) E/A ratio of the mitral flow velocity, (2) ratio of early mitral inflow and mitral septal annulus velocity (E/Em), (3) peak velocity of appendage outflow (ApVmax), and (4) time delay from QRS onset to appendage outflow (TDqa). Results LA diameter was significantly reduced after ablation in both groups. In group 1, parameters for diastolic function (E/A ratio, 1.7 ± 0.5 vs 2.0 ± 0.6, P = 0.197; E/Em, 11.7 ± 4.8 vs 11.6 ± 5.1, P = 0.883) and appendage flow (ApVmax, 55.2 ± 19.9 cm/s vs 50.3 ± 19.3 cm/s, P = 0.203; TDqa, –77.3 ± 30.1 ms vs –66.1 ± 60.8 ms, P = 0.265) did not change significantly after ablation. Changes of ApVmax and TDqa after ablation were not significantly different between two groups (P = 0.409 and P = 0.195, respectively). Conclusions LAL ablation did not aggravate mitral flow pattern or change appendage outflow. LAL could be used without concern over worsening LA diastolic and appendage function.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a useful therapeutic option for atrial fibrillation (AF), although outcomes are less effective for persistent AF. The aim of this study was to elucidate the echocardiographic parameters associated with successful RFCA in patients with persistent AF.A total of 159 patients (mean age, 60.8 ± 9.6 years, 125 males [78.6%]) who underwent RFCA for persistent AF from April 2009 to May 2014 were included, retrospectively. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year following RFCA. The subjects were divided into 2 groups, a recurrence group and a non-recurrence group. One hundred eleven of the 159 patients (69.8%) remained free from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia during follow-up (mean, 20.6 ± 17.4 months). Peak A wave velocity (38.1 ± 14.1 in the recurrence group; 48.0 ± 20.7 in the non-recurrence group, P = 0.01), peak E wave velocity (76.4 ± 19.1 versus 68.8 ± 19.5, P = 0.03), deceleration time (196.3 ± 54.4 versus 219.9 ± 64.1, P = 0.04), and left atrial (LA) diameter (44.5 ± 7.3 versus 41.0 ± 5.6, P = 0.01) at 3 months after ablation were significantly different between the two groups. Among echocardiographic parameters, peak A wave velocity (OR 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-0.99) and LA diameter (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.011.25) were associated with AF recurrence.After RFCA for persistent AF, LA anatomical and functional changes occurred during a 3-month blanking period. Restoration of peak A wave velocity and LA size are associated with successful ablation.

Background To assess the functional differences among the three anatomic compartments of the left atrium (LA) using 64-multislice cardiac CT in controls and patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods We examined 144 individuals (105 males, mean age 56.42±12.04years) undergoing 64-multislice cardiac CT and divided them into 48 control, 53 paroxysmal AF (PAF), and 43 persistent AF (PeAF) patients. The LA was divided into three anatomic compartments according to their embryologic origins: venous LA (VLA), anterior LA (ALA), and LA appendage (LAA). Each volume was calculated using a threshold-based, three-dimensional segmentation. The LA parameters were defined as maximum and minimum LA volume indices, emptying volume, and ejection fraction. We compared the LA parameters of each compartment in controls, PAF patients, and PeAF patients. Results In each of the three LA compartments, the maximum LA volume index was lowest in controls (LAA, 4.8ml/m 2 ; VLA, 18.3ml/m 2 ; ALA, 37.1ml/m 2 ) and highest in PeAF patients (LAA, 9.8ml/m 2 ; VLA, 30.0ml/m 2 ; ALA, 67.3ml/m 2 ). Regarding the three LA compartments, the ejection fraction was highest in the LAA and lowest in the VLA in controls (LAA, 58.3%; VLA, 29.0%; ALA, 47.4%) and in PAF patients (LAA, 47.3%; VLA, 18.3%; ALA, 39.2%). In PeAF patients, the emptying volumes and ejection fractions of the VLA were approximately zero. Conclusions The anatomic compartments of the LA play different roles in AF patients. The LAA has both highest contractility and independent function, and the VLA is the most severely affected by LA dysfunction. Our results may be helpful in understanding the pathophysiology of AF and predicting treatment responses to radiofrequency ablation in the future.

Background/Aims: This study elucidated the prognostic factors for neurocardiogenic syncope in males in their late teens and early twenties. Methods: Tilt-table testing (TTT) was performed on 665 males (age range, 17 to 27 years) following the Italian protocol. The subjects were tilted head-up at a 70° angle on a table for 30 minutes during the passive phase. If the passive phase was negative, the subjects were given sublingual nitroglycerin and tilted to the same angle for 20 minutes during the drugprovocation phase. The subjects with positive results were followed without medication. We analyzed factors related to the recurrence rate of syncope. Results: Of 305 subjects (45.8%) with positive results, 223 (age range, 18 to 26 years) were followed for 12 months. The frequency of previous syncopal episodes ≥ 4 (p = 0.001) and a positive result during the passive phase (p = 0.022) were significantly related to a high recurrence rate. A positive result during the early passive phase (≤ 12 minutes) was significantly related to a higher recurrence rate than was that during the late passive phase (> 12 minutes; p = 0.011). Conclusions: A positive result during the early passive phase of TTT and frequent previous syncopal episodes were prognostic factors for neurocardiogenic syncope in men in their late teens and early twenties.