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BACKGROUND Additional benefit of cryoballoon left atrial roof line ablation (CB-RA) beyond cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (CB-PVI) is suggested in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF). We sought to investigate the feasibility of CB-RA for PsAF and to determine the ablation area. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty-three PsAF patients (67[58.5-75.5] years, 36 men, 11 longstanding PsAF) underwent CB-PVI. Subsequently, 44(83.0%) out of 53 patients underwent additional CB-RA. Voltage maps were created in all patients with a high-resolution mapping system. The total number and duration of CB-RAs were 3.9±0.7 and 468±84 seconds. LA roof areas were complete low voltage areas (LVAs) /scar in 37/44(84.1%) patients ("complete roof modification"). The normal LA posterior wall (LAPW) voltage area was 6.1(4.1-8.4)cm2, and the %LAPW isolation area was 61.0(47.2-71.7)%. The %LAPW isolation area was significantly greater in CB-RA patients than those without (64.0[54.2-73.2] vs. 45.0[39.5-50.5]%, p = 0.041) despite significantly larger LAs in the former group. The %LAPW isolation area was significantly greater in patients with transverse LA diameters

The electrophysiological properties of the gap associated with the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) block line near the inferior vena cava (IVC) are not fully elucidated. Of 143 patients who underwent CTI block line ablation between September 2020 and April 2021, high-resolution CTI gap mapping was performed for 15 patients. Four patients were identified as having a gap near the IVC (IVC-side gap) despite wide double potentials (DPs) with 90 ms intervals at the block line. Detailed gap mapping during coronary sinus ostial pacing was performed before and after touch-up ablation. CTI conduction delays caused by an IVC-side gap were classified into 3 patterns: (1) conduction delay at the IVC-side gap without detouring gap conduction, (2) detouring gap conduction due to intrinsic lower lateral right atrium (LLRA)-IVC functional block, and (3) detouring gap conduction due to LLRA-IVC conduction block created by lateral deviation of the CTI ablation line. In Pattern 2, IVC-side gap conduction traveled backward toward the crista terminalis below the LLRA-IVC junction and came back forward again above the border. One patient presented with a head-to-bottom activation pattern of the lateral right atrium (pseudo-CTI block). Pattern 3 was caused by lateral deviation of initial RF deliveries and presented with the same course as intrinsic LLRA-IVC functional block. All patients had wide DP intervals near the tricuspid annulus (mean, 112 ms) and just above the gap site (mean, 109 ms). An IVC-side gap associated with the CTI block line can present with various conduction delay patterns.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) exacerbates both electrical and structural remodeling in obese atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, but the impacts of EAT on atrial arrhythmogenicity remain unclear in normal-weight AF patients. Therefore, we sought to investigate this issue using electroanatomic mapping.We enrolled drug-refractory 105 paroxysmal AF patients in normal body mass index range (18.5-24.9 kg/mIncreased LA-EAT volumes were associated with electrical conduction disturbance after PVI in normal weight patients with AF. P-wave duration may be a clinically useful predictor of LA-EAT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Mapping and localizing presystolic Purkinje potentials are crucial for determining the optimal ablation site for fascicular premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Here we present a case of PVCs originating from the distal left anterior fascicle (LAF). Activation mapping using a multipolar catheter with small electrodes demonstrated early presystolic Purkinje potentials during the PVCs. A moderately good pace-map match was also obtained near the successful ablation site. This case demonstrates the activation pattern of PVCs originating from the distal LAF and the usefulness of multipolar catheters with small electrodes for the mapping of fascicular PVCs.

Even a short duration of paroxysmal episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with sinus node (SN) remodeling and a reduced SN reserve or dysfunction. The number of earliest atrial activation sites (EASs) during sinus rhythm decreases according to the decrease in the SN reserve.We sought to evaluate the EASs during sinus rhythm using an ultrahigh-density mapping system.This study included 35 patients (supraventricular tachycardia [SVT]/paroxysmal atrial fibrillation [PAF]/persistent atrial fibrillation [PsAF] = 5/21/9) who underwent ultrahigh-resolution endocardial mapping of the SN area at rest and during β-stimulation. The number of EASs was determined by the Lumipoint™ algorithm.The number of EASs was greatest in SVT patients both at rest (SVT/PAF/PsAF = 1.4 ± 0.8/1.0 ± 0/1.0 ± 0, p = .04) and during β-stimulation (SVT/PAF/PsAF = 2.6 ± 1.0/1.3 ± 0.6/1.0 ± 0, p .01). The number significantly increased with β-stimulation as compared to baseline in the PAF patients (p = .02), but not in the PsAF patients. The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was significantly higher in AF than SVT patients (SVT/PAF/PsAF = 12.3 [10.1-14.5]/25.7 [14.8-36.0]/73.4 [57.6-140] pg/ml, p .01). In the PAF patients, the BNP level was significantly higher in those with unicentric EASs than multicentric EASs during β-stimulation (28.1 [19.1-46.5] vs. 13.1 [9.4-26.9] pg/ml, p = .03), and the optimal cutoff point for the BNP level predicting unicentric EASs was 21.8 pg/ml (sensitivity 82.6%; specificity 85.7%).AF patients have a smaller number of EASs and poorer response to β-stimulation than non-AF patients. An elevated BNP level might predict subclinical SN dysfunction in patients with PAF.

We aimed to elucidate the right atrial posterior wall (RAPW) and interatrial septum (IAS) conduction pattern during reverse typical atrial flutter (clockwise AFL: CW-AFL).This study included 30 patients who underwent catheter ablation of CW-AFL (n = 11) and counter-clockwise AFL (CCW-AFL; n = 19) using an ultra-high resolution mapping system. RAPW transverse conduction block was evaluated by the conduction pattern on propagation maps and double potentials separated by an isoelectric line. The degree of blockade was evaluated by the %blockade, which was calculated by the length of the blocked area divided by the RAPW length. IAS activation patterns were also investigated dependent on the propagation map.The average %blockade of the RAPW was significantly smaller in patients with CW-AFL than those with CCW-AFL (25 [3-74]% vs. 67 [57-75]%, p 0.05). CW-AFL patients exhibited 3 different RAPW conduction patterns: (1) a complete blockade pattern (3 patients), (2) moderate ( 25% blockade) blockade pattern (2 patients), and (3) little ( 25% blockade) blockade pattern (6 patients). In contrast, the little blockade pattern was not observed in CCW-AFL patients. Of 11 CW-AFL patients, 4, including all patients with an RAPW complete blockade pattern, had an IAS activation from the wavefront from the anterior tricuspid annulus (TA), and 6 had an IAS activation from the wavefronts from both the anterior TA and RAPW. One patient had IAS activation dominantly from the wavefront from the RAPW.RAPW transverse conduction blockade during CW-AFL was less frequent than during CCW-AFL, which possibly caused various IAS activation patterns.

Background: The impact of preprocedural visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) on pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) outcome in patients with hypertension (HTN) and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. Methods and Results: This study enrolled 138 AF patients with HTN who underwent successful PVI. Patients were classified into 2 groups, those with AF recurrence (AF-Rec; n=42) and those without AF recurrence (No-AF-Rec; n=96). Blood pressure (BP) was measured at least 3 times during sinus rhythm, and systolic and diastolic BPV (Sys-BPV and Dia-BPV, respectively) were defined as the standard deviation of BP. Clinical characteristics were compared between the 2 groups, and the relationship between BPV and AF recurrence was investigated. Sys-BPV and Dia-BPV were significantly higher in the AF-Rec than No-AF-Rec group (Sys-BPV: 10.6±3.7 vs. 6.9±3.5; Dia-BPV: 7.3±3.1 vs. 4.8±3.0; P9.1 and Dia-BPV >5.7 (P9.1 and Dia-BPV >5.7 were independent predictors of AF recurrence (hazard ratios 3.736 and 2.958, respectively; P

A novel technology able to measure the local impedance (LI) during radiofrequency ablation has become available for clinical use. We investigated the change in the LI characteristics during superior vena cava isolations (SVCIs) using a novel catheter equipped with mini-electrodes. Twenty paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients (68 ± 9 years; 14 males) underwent an SVCI by targeting breakthroughs. Subsequently, dormant conduction provoked by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was evaluated. Electrical SVCIs were successfully achieved in all with 7.2 ± 3.0 radiofrequency applications (RFA) without any complications. The procedure and fluoroscopic times were 13.1 ± 8.1 and 2.8 ± 2.3 min. No ablation was required at the anteroseptal SVC in 19 (95.0%) patients. The baseline LI and generator impedance (GI) were 125 ± 23 and 105 ± 14Ω. LI drops during RFA were significantly greater than GI drops (17 ± 12 vs. 4 ± 4Ω, p < 0.001). The correlation between the LI drops and GI drops was relatively high (R = 0.69, p < 0.001). LI drops were highest at the septal SVC and lowest at the lateral followed by antero-lateral SVC. The baseline electrogram amplitude between the mini-electrodes and tip-ring electrodes was 1.2 ± 1.4 and 0.8 ± 0.6 mV. The mini-electrode amplitude is more sharply attenuated with a greater magnitude than the tip-ring amplitude (p < 0.001). ATP-provoked dormant conduction was exposed in 10/17 (58.8%) patients and antero-lateral SVC gap locations in 7. Antero-lateral SVC LI drops were similar between patients with and without dormancy. The LI drop magnitude during RFA significantly differed among the SVC segments. Antero-lateral SVC ATP-provoked dormant conduction was often exposed, and additional applications are recommended following the isolation for a robust SVCI.

The novel fourth-generation cryoballoon (4th-CB) is characterized by a shorter-tip that potentially facilitates better time-to-isolation (TTI) monitoring. We sought to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of the 4th-CB compared to the second-generation cryoballoon (2nd-CB) in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Forty-one and 49 consecutive atrial fibrillation patients underwent 2nd-CB and 4th-CB PVIs using 28-mm balloons and short freeze strategies. When effective freezing was not obtained, the CB was switched to the other CB. The rate of successful PVIs was significantly higher for 2nd-CBs than 4th-CBs (162/162[100%] vs. 178/193[92.2%] PVs, p

Reported mapping procedures of left atrial (LA) low-voltage areas (LVAs) vary widely. This study aimed to compare the PentaRay®/CARTO®3 (PentaRay map) and Orion™/Rhythmia™ (Orion map) systems for LA voltage mapping. This study included 15 patients who underwent successful pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation. After PVI, PentaRay and Orion maps created for all patients were compared. LVAs were defined as sites with ≥ 3 adjacent low-voltage points 0.5 mV were properly recorded at the septum and posterolateral sites during appropriate beats in the PentaRay map. The PentaRay map had a shorter procedure time than the Orion map (12 ± 3 min vs. 23 ± 8 min, respectively; p 0.5-mV electrograms were properly recorded in the PentaRay map.

Phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) caused by a right ventricular (RV) lead is an uncommon complication of pacemaker implantations. We demonstrated a case of left PNS caused by an RV lead placed in the RV outflow tract (RVOT). The PNS was dependent on ventricular capture. This case highlighted a risk of PNS even during RVOT pacing.

Air embolisms can lead to lethal results; however, few reports have systemically investigated this issue. Of 348 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent cryoballoon ablation, procedures were performed conventionally in 251 patients. In the remaining 97 patients, a water bucket was used while inserting the cryoballoon into the sheath. A total of 10 coronary air embolisms with ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads were observed among 9 (2.6%) patients. Multiple air bubbles were identified in 2 patients on emergent coronary angiography. All recovered under conservative treatment without any sequela. The incidence decreased when using the water bucket (1 of 97 [1.03%] vs. 8 of 251 [3.2%], p = 0.454).

Background To investigate the clinical implication of the temporal difference in atrial fibrillation (AF)‐onset in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and its impact on post‐discharge prognosis. Methods 336 new‐onset ADHF patients without any history of AF before admission were enrolled (201 males, 63 ± 16 year‐old) and classified into two groups based on their history of AF: the Control group (No AF was detected during hospitalization, n = 278), and the In‐hos‐AF group (AF occurred during hospitalization, n = 58). Post discharge prognosis including rehospitalization due to worsening HF, cardiac death, all‐cause death and cerebrovascular event were compared. Results Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated that the incidence of rehospitalization due to HF, cardiac death, all‐cause death and cerebrovascular event in the In‐hos‐AF group was not significantly different from that in the Control group (P > 0.05 respectively). However, when AF recurred in the In‐hos‐AF group patients (n = 24, 41%) after discharge, the incidence of rehospitalization due to HF and cardiac deaths were higher than those without AF recurrence (P = 0.018 and P = 0.027 respectively). Cox proportional analysis revealed that AF developing after discharge was proven to be an independent risk factor for rehospitalization due to HF (HR 1.845, P = 0.043), cardiac death (HR 3.562, P = 0.013) and all‐cause deaths (HR 2.138, P = 0.020). Conclusion Clinical outcomes of new‐onset in‐hospital AF patients were as good as those without AF history until AF recurrence. However, AF recurrence led to worse prognosis. Therefore, treatment for new‐onset in‐hospital AF in ADHF patients might be postponed until AF recurrence., Clinical outcome in the new‐onset in‐hospital AF in patients with ADHFD, compared with those who had no history of AF.

Background Atrial linear lesions are generally created with radiofrequency energy. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of cryothermal atrial linear ablation. Methods and results Twenty-one atrial fibrillation (AF) patients underwent linear ablation on the left atrial (LA) roof, mitral isthmus (MI), and cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) with 8-mm-tip cryocatheters following pulmonary vein isolation. The data were compared with those of 31 patients undergoing linear ablation with irrigated-tip radiofrequency catheters. Conduction block was successfully created in 18 of 20 (90%), 9 of 21 (43%), and 20 of 20 (100%) on the LA roof, MI, and CTI by endocardial cryoablation alone with 19.0 (12.0-24.0), 30.0 (23.0-34.0), and 14.0 (14.0-16.0) minute cryo applications, respectively. The presence of either an interposed circumflex artery or pouch at the MI was significantly associated with failed MI block (P = .04). Conduction block was created in 25 of 31 (83.9%), 27 of 31 (87.1%), and 30 of 31 (96.8%) on the roof, MI, and CTI, respectively, by radiofrequency ablation. During the 17.5 (13.0-31.7) months of follow-up, freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) was significantly higher in the cryo group (P = .05); especially, recurrent AT was more frequent in the RF group (8/31 vs 1/21; P = .03). Conduction block across the roof, MI, and CTI was durable in 6 of 12 (50.0%), 4 of 12 (33.3%), and 9 of 12 (75.0%) patients during second procedures. All nine patients (except one) with recurrent ATs had at least one roof or MI conduction resumption. Conclusions Cryoablation is effective for creating a roof and CTI linear block, however, creating MI block by endocardial ablation alone was often challenging. Conduction resumption of LA linear block is common and recurrent arrhythmias, especially iatrogenic ATs, are more frequently observed after radiofrequency linear ablation.

Background: Ablation using cryothermal energy has several potential advantages over radiofrequency (RF) ablation including a greater catheter stability due to adherence to the myocardial tissue during applications, reduced risk of thrombus formation, less pain, and etc. Several studies have reported the effects of cryoablation for the treatment of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent atrial flutter (AFL) with similar efficacy and safety rates as reported for RF ablation. However, the details of freezing profile during CTI cryoablation still remain unknown. Methods: This study included 40 consecutive patients (32 men; 65±10 years) who underwent CTI cryoablation for common AFL. Patients were divided into 2 groups: one pass group who achieved first-pass conductional block of the CTI (n=30) and non-one pass group who did not (n=10). CTI ablation was performed with 2.5-min freezing cycle and 8-mm tip cryocatheters. A multidetector computed tomography scan with contrast injection which was performed before ablation in all the patients. We examined temperature changes at the catheter tip during first pass in CTI cryoablation and anatomical features of CTI in three regions: anterior, middle, and posterior. Results: There was no significant difference in the minimum freezing temperature between the one pass group and the non-one pass group (-82.6±1.6 vs. -83.2±1.2°C, P=0.245) in all the three regions. However, only in the anterior CTI, the time to reach the minimum freezing temperature was significantly shorter in the one pass group than in the non-one pass group (31.4±5.9 vs. 38.7±8.6 sec, P=0.012). The thickness of the anterior CTI was significantly thinner in the one pass group than in the non-one pass group (4.1±1.2 vs. 5.5±1.3 mm, P=0.021). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the thickness of the middle and posterior CTI between the two groups. The time to reach the minimum freezing temperature showed a significant positive correlation with the thickness of the CTI (R=0.415, P Conclusions: The time to reach the minimum freezing temperature in the anterior CTI may predict a first-pass conductional block of CTI cryoablation. The thickness of the anterior CTI may relate to this mechanism.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of high-power short-duration (HP-SD) ablation compared to conventional ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods We enrolled consecutive 158 drug-refractory symptomatic AF patients (119 males, mean age 63 ± 10 years) who had undergone first radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). PVI was performed using the conventional setting (20–35 W) in 73 patients (Conventional group) and using the HP-SD setting (45–50 W) in 85 patients (HP-SD group). The rate of first pass isolation, remaining gaps after circumferential ablation, dormant conduction, and the radiofrequency application time in each pulmonary vein (PV) were compared between the groups. Results The first pass isolation ratio was significantly higher in the HP-SD group than in the Conventional group (81% vs. 65%, P = 0.027) in the right PV, but did not differ in the left PV. The remaining gaps were fewer in the right superior PV (4% vs. 21%, P = 0.001) and left inferior PV (1% vs. 8%, P = 0.032) areas, and the radiofrequency application time in each PV was shorter (right PV, 12.0 ± 8.9 min vs. 34.0 ± 31.7 min, P P Conclusion The use of the HP-SD setting might contribute to improve the first pass isolation rate and to shorten the radiofrequency application time in each PV.

Background: Liver function may be a useful indicator of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, an assessment tool of liver function, on outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients treated with CRT. Methods: We studied 180 patients undergoing CRT. The ALBI score, derived from albumin and total bilirubin, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed before and 6 months after CRT. The patients were classified according to the ALBI score before CRT, High (&gt, −2.60) or Low (≤−2.60) ALBI groups. The patients were then reclassified based on the ALBI score before and 6 months after CRT, High/High, High/Low, Low/High, and Low/Low ALBI groups. We evaluated the prognostic value of the ALBI score for HF deaths after CRT. Results: During a median follow-up period of 50 months, there were 41 (22.7%) HF deaths. A Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that high ALBI scores at baseline were not related to HF deaths (hazard ratio, 1.907, p = 0.068). However, High/High ALBI scores, but not High/Low or Low/High ALBI scores, were an independent predictor of HF deaths compared with Low/Low ALBI scores (hazard ratio, 3.449, p = 0.008), implying that consistently high ALBI scores were associated with poor prognosis. The percentage change in LVEF from baseline to 6 months after CRT did not differ among the four groups, suggesting that left ventricular systolic function was not linked with the ALBI score. Conclusions: ALBI scores before and after CRT are a new indicator of CRT response, and have a predictive value for HF deaths in HF patients.

Data on additional substrate modification using a cryoballoon beyond cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (CB-PVI) is limited. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of substrate modification on the left atrial roof area using CBs (LAR-CBs) for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.Eighty-one AF patients (70.0[62.5-77.0] years, 33 paroxysmal AF[PAF], 48 non-PAF) underwent LAR-CBs following CB-PVIs. Voltage maps were created with a high-resolution mapping system. Roof line conduction block was evaluated during the repeat procedure.The total number of applications for the CB-PVI and LAR-CB were 5.0 ± 1.2 and 3.8 ± 0.7, and both were significantly greater in non-PAF than PAF patients. LA roof areas had continuous scar in 61/79(77.2%) patients, and the mean balloon temperature was significantly lower in patients with continuous scar than those without (-39.3 ± 3.8 vs. -36.0 ± 4.6 °C, p = 0.004). The single procedure 1-year AF freedom was 87.6% (7.5% on antiarrhythmic drug) and was similar between PAF and non-PAF patients (p = 0.14). Twelve (14.8%) patients underwent a second procedure 5.5(2.2-7.5) months later, and a mean of 1.3 ± 0.5 PVs were reconnected in 7/12(58.3%) patients. Electrical conduction block across the roof line was proven in 3/12(25.0%) patients. There were 6(7.4%) complications related to the procedures, including iatrogenic roof dependent atrial tachycardia, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and severe pericarditis in 1, 1, and 2 patients, respectively.LA roof area substrate modification using CBs yielded a high arrhythmia freedom after single procedures. However, a low incidence of electrical conduction block across the line during the chronic phase and delayed complications were the major concerns.

Background The clinical implications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiac sympathetic nervous activity (CSNA) regarding lethal arrhythmic events have not yet been fully elucidated in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We hypothesized that the combination of CKD and abnormal CSNA, assessed by 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I‐MIBG) scintigraphy, may provide useful prognostic information for lethal arrhythmic events. Methods We studied 165 consecutive hospitalized CHF patients without dialysis. Cardiac 123I‐MIBG scintigraphy was performed in a clinically stable condition, and abnormal CSNA was defined as a late heart‐to‐mediastinum ratio of

Interatrial conduction consists of various muscular bundles, including the Bachmann bundle. In this study, we investigated interatrial activation patterns using ultrahigh-resolution left atrial endocardial mapping. This study investigated 58 patients who underwent catheter ablation of atrial arrhythmia via an ultrahigh-resolution mapping system (Rhythmia) at our hospital from May 2020 to January 2021. Left atrial voltage maps and activation maps were acquired after the ablation procedure during right atrial appendage (RAA) pacing. We defined left atrial breakout sites (LABSs) as centrifugal activation patterns shown by the LUMIPOINT Activation Search Tool. The distance between each LABS in the left atrial anterior wall and the superior border of the interatrial septum (D

Background Cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) linear ablation is performed not only for atrial flutter (AFL) but empirically during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in real-world practice. Purpose We sought to evaluate the safety and durability of the CTI ablation. Methods This retrospective study included 1078 consecutive patients who underwent a CTI ablation. AFL was documented before or during the procedure in 249(23.1%) patients, and an empirical CTI and atrial fibrillation ablation were performed in 829(76.9%) patients. Results CTI block was successfully created in 1051(97.5%) patients with a 10.3±6.6 minute total radiofrequency time. Repeat procedures were performed for recurrent arrhythmias in 187(17.3%) patients at a median of 11.0(5.0-30.0) months post-procedure, and conduction resumption was identified in 68/174(39.1%). Among those undergoing a CTI ablation with an AF ablation, the durability was significantly higher in those with than without documented AFL (78.1% vs. 58.2%, p=0.031). The total radiofrequency time was significantly shorter (9.0±5.3 vs. 10.0±6.4 [mins], p=0.024) and durability significantly higher (78.1 vs. 58.7[%], p=0.043) in the large-tip than irrigated-tip catheter group. Iatrogenic AFL was observed after the empiric CTI ablation in 11(1.3%) patients. Procedure-related complications occurred in 15(1.4%) patients. Eight patients experienced coronary artery spasms, including 1 with ventricular fibrillation following ST elevation on the ward. The other 6 patients experienced transient atrioventricular block and one experienced cardiac tamponade requiring drainage. Conclusions Despite a high acute CTI ablation success, the conduction block durability was relatively low after the empiric ablation. An empiric CTI ablation at the time of the AF ablation is not recommended. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

High-power short-duration (HP-SD) ablation could reduce collateral tissue damage by shortening the conductive heating phase. However, it is difficult to evaluate the transmural effect of ablation lesions during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures. The present study aimed to evaluate the change in superior vena cava (SVC) potential delay as a surrogate marker of collateral tissue damage during right PVI, which is adjacent to SVC. Out of 250 consecutive patients who underwent PVI, 86 patients in whom SVC potential during sinus rhythm was recorded both before and after right PVI were analyzed. In 46 of the patients, an HP-SD setting of 45–50 W was used (HP-SD group). In the remaining 40 patients, a conventional power setting of 20–30 W was used (conventional group). We compared the change in SVC potential delay after right PVI, radiofrequency energy, and mean contact force in the anterior–superior right PVI line, which was close to the posterior aspect of SVC, between the two groups. Although the total delivered radiofrequency energy (2,924 J vs. 2,604 J) and the mean contact force (18.5 g vs. 16.0 g) in the SVC overlapping area did not differ, the change in SVC potential delay after right PVI was significantly longer in the conventional group compared to the HP-SD group (5.0 ms vs. 0.0 ms, p

Atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexists with atrial septal defects (ASD). Each of the transcatheter closure for ASD and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for AF have been established as the first-line therapy. However, there are limited data about therapeutic effect RFCA plus transcatheter ASD closure on AF recurrence in AF patients with ASD. The aim of the current study was to investigate the clinical impact of ASD closure following RFCA on AF recurrence. Forty-two ASD patients (17 males and 54 ± 20 years old) were enrolled and classified into three groups: ASD occlusion-sinus rhythm (ASO-SR) (n = 26), no AF history prior to ASD closure; ASO-AF-RFCA (n = 11), RFCA was performed due to AF history before ASD closure; and ASO-AF-anti-arrhythmic drug (ASO-AF-AAD) (n = 5), AF was treated with AAD before and after ASD closure. AF occurrence among the 3 groups was evaluated. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that ASO-SR and ASO-AF-RFCA groups showed a lower AF occurrence ratio than ASO-AF-AAD group during the 14- ± 9-month follow-up periods (P = 0.013). AF occurrence in ASO-SR and ASO-AF-RFCA groups was comparable (P = 0.480). Bi-atrial reverse remodeling, such as decrease in left atrial volume index (P = 0.049) and right atrial area (P = 0.046), and significant decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.049) were identified in ASO-AF-RFCA group, but not in ASO-AF-AAD group. A combination of two percutaneous therapies was proven to be effective and induced bi-atrial reverse remodeling in association with inflammatory reaction.

The time-to-isolation (TTI) may be a physiological predictor of durable isolations, and TTI-guided dosing strategies are widely performed in cryoballoon ablation. We sought to investigate the impact of the order of targeting the pulmonary veins (PVs) on the TTI values of left ipsilateral PVs. This study included 144 atrial fibrillation patients who underwent PV isolations using 28-mm fourth-generation cryoballoons. In 101 patients, the left superior PV (LSPV) was targeted and followed by the left inferior PV (LIPV) (group 1), and the LIPV was targeted and followed by the LSPV in the remaining 43 (group 2). The total LSPV and LIPV freeze durations were 193 ± 60 and 171 ± 40 s, respectively. Real-time PV isolation monitoring was capable in 137 (95.1%) LSPVs and 119 (82.6%) LIPVs and in 112 (77.8%) patients (78 in group 1 and 34 in group 2) in both LSPVs and LIPVs. Among them, the LSPV TTI was significantly longer in group 1 than that in group 2 (54.8 ± 32.1 vs. 34.1 ± 17.3 s, p

Background Several studies have recently addressed the importance of glycemic variability (GV) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although daily GV measures, such as mean amplitude of glycemic excursions, are established predictors of poor prognosis in patients with ACS, the clinical significance of day-to-day GV remains to be fully elucidated. We therefore monitored day-to-day GV in patients with ACS to examine its significance. Methods In 25 patients with ACS, glucose levels were monitored for 14 days using a flash continuous glucose monitoring system. Mean of daily differences (MODD) was calculated as a marker of day-to-day GV. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was evaluated within 4 days after hospitalization. Cardiac function (left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, stroke volume) was assessed by echocardiography at 3–5 days after admission and at 10–12 months after the disease onset. Results Of the 25 patients, 8 (32%) were diagnosed with diabetes, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-based MODD was high (16.6 to 42.3) in 17 patients (68%). Although MODD did not correlate with max creatine kinase (CK), there was a positive correlation between J-index, high blood glucose index, and NT-proBNP (r = 0.83, p r = 0.85, p r = 0.41, p = 0.042, respectively). Conclusions In patients with ACS, MODD was associated with elevated NT-proBNP. Future studies should investigate whether day-to-day GV in ACS patients can predict adverse clinical events such as heart failure.

Background Low voltage areas (LVAs) are most commonly observed on the left atrial (LA) septal/anterior wall. Objective We explored the mechanisms of LA septal/anterior wall reentrant tachycardias (LASARTs) using ultra-high resolution mapping. Methods This study included 7 consecutive LASARTs in 6 patients (75[62.2-82.8] years, 4 women) who underwent atrial tachycardia (AT) mapping and ablation using Rhythmia systems. Results The AT cycle length was 266 (239-321) ms. During ATs, 11.0(9.0-12.9) cm2 of LVAs were identified in all, and 0.8 (0.7-1.7) cm2 of dense scar was identified in 4 patients. Five ATs rotated around dense scar, while 2 rotated around functional linear block, which was confirmed during atrial pacing after AT termination. The AT circuit length was 8.7±2.1cm with a conduction velocity of 30.4±3.7cm/s. A median of 3.0 (2.0-4.0) slow conduction areas per circuit were identified, and 17/23(73.9%) areas were present in LVAs, while they were at the border of the LVA and normal voltage areas in the remaining 6/23(26.1%). Global activation histograms facilitated the identification of the critical isthmus in all. Tailor-made ablation at critical isthmuses successfully eliminated all ATs. However, 1 patient with AT related to functional linear block experienced recurrent AT related to dense scar, which progressed after the procedure. During a mean 14±13 month follow-up after the last procedure, no patients experienced recurrent ATs without any complications. Conclusions LASARTs consist of not only fixed conduction block but also functional conduction block. Ultra-high resolution mapping is highly useful to decide the optimal tailor-made ablation strategy based on the mechanisms. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background: Several studies have recently addressed the importance of glycemic variability (GV) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although daily GV measures, such as mean amplitude of glycemic excursions, are established predictors of poor prognosis in patients with ACS, the clinical significance of day-to-day GV remains to be fully elucidated. We therefore monitored day-to-day GV in patients with ACS to examine its significance. Methods: In 25 patients with ACS, glucose levels were monitored for 14 days using a flash continuous glucose monitoring system. Mean of daily differences (MODD) was calculated as a marker of day-to-day GV. N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was evaluated within 4 days after hospitalization. Cardiac function (left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, stroke volume) was assessed by echocardiography in the acute and chronic phases. Results: Of the 25 patients, 8 (32%) were diagnosed with diabetes, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-based MODD was high (10.3 to 42.3) in 24 patients (96%). Although MODD did not correlate with max CK, there was a positive correlation between J-index, high blood glucose index, and NT-proBNP ( r =0.83, p

Few studies have examined the efficacy and safety of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent AF ablation. We explored the feasibility of additional cardiac rehabilitation after AF ablation in patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Fifty-four patients with heart failure (HF) and a reduced LVEF (HFrEF) (LVEF

Pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM), defined as left ventricular dysfunction, occurs in the setting of chronic, high burden right ventricular pacing. We describe an unusual case of PICM. A 64-year-old man underwent a medical check-up and was diagnosed with complete atrioventricular block (AVB) with regular and slow ventricular contractions at 38 beats/min (bpm). The patient underwent a pacemaker implantation with a dual-chamber pacing (DDD) pacemaker. This patient had no symptoms or signs of PICM during complete AVB or the period after undergoing dual-chamber pacing. However, PICM developed within a short time after the onset of atrial flutter (AFL). During AFL, the automatic mode switch of the DDD pacemaker to the DDIR mode worked normally, and the ventricles were paced with a stable and regular rate (60 bpm). Despite the administration of s-blockers and diuretics, his symptoms and status did not improve. After the elimination of the AFL and restoration of AV synchrony with a DDD mode by catheter ablation, the deteriorated condition rapidly improved. In this patient, the coexistence of the loss of AV synchrony and high burden RV pacing during AFL might have caused this unusual PICM. Learning objective: Even when patients have no symptoms or signs of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) during complete atrioventricular block or the period after undergoing dual-chamber pacing, automatic mode-switching to the DDI mode during atrial tachyarrhythmias could rapidly cause PICM. PICM could occur with a much more rapid time course than the historical model of PICM where cardiomyopathy may take several years to develop. Much attention should be paid during the follow-up to patients receiving DDD pacemakers to avoid any unusual PICM as in this case.

Background The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK9-I), evolocumab, reduced the risk of cardiovascular event in patients with peripheral artery disease in FOURIER trial. However, the effects of evolocumab on favorable limb outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) is still unclear. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of evolocumab on favorable limb outcomes and lipid profile in patients with CLI. Methods This was a single center, prospective observational study. A total of 39 patients with CLI were enrolled between November 2016 to May 2019. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on evolocumab administration: evolocumab-treated group: E group (mean 69.4±11.7 years, n=14) and evolocumab non-treated group: Non-E group (mean 74.0±8.8 years, n=25). Baseline characteristics were assessed at admission. Lipid profile was evaluated at admission, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The primary outcome was defined 18-month amputation-free survival (AFS). The secondary outcomes were defined 18-month overall survival (OS) and wound-free limb salvage. Mean follow-up period was 18±11 months. Results The patients in E group had greater reduction in levels of LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol than those in Non-E group over time. The reduction in MDA-LDL level was maintained at 1, 3, 6, 12 months, respectively. The 18-month AFS rate in the E-group was significantly higher than those in the Non-E group (log-rank p=0.02). The patients receiving evolocumab had a lower hazard regarding AFS (hazard ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.94; P=0.043) and a higher proportion of wound-free limb salvage at 12 months (E group [92%] vs Non-E group [57%], P=0.034) and 18 months (92% vs 52%, P=0.03). Otherwise, evolocumab administration was not associated with 18-month OS (log-rank p=0.053). Conclusions Evolocumab administration may be associated with the favorable outcome of 18-month AFS in the patients with CLI. Additionally, long-term administration of evolocumab over 12 months may improve wound-free limb salvage. Effects of evolocumab on limb outcomes Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

To elucidate the electrophysiological predictors of the intramural origins of left ventricular outflow tract-ventricular tachyarrhythmias (LVOT-VAs), and to clarify the involvement of anatomical factors. Twenty-nine successfully ablated LVOT-VAs patients with origins in the aortomitral continuity (AMC) (n = 8), aortic sinus of valsalva (ASV) (n = 9), great cardiac vein (GCV) (n = 5), and intramural myocardium (n = 7) were enrolled. Intramural origins were defined as when effective ablation from AMC and epicardium (ASV and/or GCV) was needed. The local activation time difference (LATD) was calculated as follows: (earliest AMC activation) − (earliest epicardial activation), and was presented as an absolute value. Electrophysiological parameters and anatomical factors predisposing the intramural origins were investigated. LATD of intramural origins was significantly shorter than that of AMC and GCV (4.5 ± 2.6 vs. 12.1 ± 7.4 vs. 17.4 ± 4.7, P < 0.05), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, LATD was associated with intramural origins (odds ratio: 0.711, confidence interval: 0.514−0.985, P = 0.040). ROC analysis revealed LATD of 7 ms as cut-off value. In computed tomography analysis, some patients who had thick fat tissue below the GCV, and an unusual GCV running pattern might be misdiagnosed as intramural origins. LATD ≤ 7 ms was associated with intramural origins, but with some anatomical limitations.

Introduction The right atrial posterior wall (RAPW) is known to form a conduction barrier during typical atrial flutter (AFL). We evaluated the transverse conduction properties of RAPW in patients with and without typical AFL using an ultrahigh resolution electroanatomical mapping system. Methods and results This study included 41 patients who underwent catheter ablation of AF, typical or atypical AFL, in whom we performed RAPW mapping with an ultrahigh resolution mapping system during typical AFL and coronary sinus ostial pacing with three different pacing cycle lengths (PCLs) (1) PCL1: PCL within 40 ms of the AFL cycle length in patients with typical AFL or 250-300 ms for those without, (2) PCL2: 400 ms, (3) PCL3: PCL just faster than the sinus rate. Local RAPW conduction block was evaluated by propagation mapping and local double potentials separated by an isoelectric line. The functional block was defined as areas blocked during shorter PCLs but conductive during longer PCLs. The degree of blockade was calculated by dividing the blocked length by RAPW length (%blockade). Only two patients demonstrated a fixed complete RAPW block (100%, %blockade). Thirty-one patients demonstrated a partial block of RAPW, and the %blockade during PCL1-3 was 49.4 ± 19.8%, 39.5 ± 19.2%, and 35.0 ± 22.9% in this group, respectively. Functional block areas were frequently observed above the fixed block area adjacent to the RA-inferior vena cava junction. Transverse conduction block was more frequently observed in patients with typical AFL at any longitudinal level of RAPW. Conclusion RAPW transverse conduction block is lower-side dominant and greater in patients with typical AFL than those without.

Detailed mapping studies of accessory pathway (AP) conduction have not been previously performed using ultra-high resolution mapping systems. We sought to evaluate the clinical utility of ultra-high resolution mapping systems and the novel “Lumipoint” algorithm in AP ablation. This study included 17 patients who underwent AP mapping using minielectrode basket catheters and Rhythmia systems. Ablation was performed with 4-mm irrigated-tip catheters. Antegrade and retrograde AP conduction was observed in 6 and 16 patients. Atrial activation map was obtained during orthodromic tachycardia and ventricular pacing in 13 (76.5%) and 14 (82.3%) patients, and the earliest activation area was identical. Ventricular activation maps were created during atrial pacing in 3 patients. All maps showed focal activation patterns on global activation histograms, and the valley on the histogram highlighted the earliest activation area. “Complex activation” features further highlighted limited areas with continuous electrical activity during the time period in the majority. APs were located at the mitral and tricuspid annuli in 15 and 2 patients, and all were successfully eliminated with 3.4 ± 0.6 s applications. No patients had recurrences during a median follow-up of 15 [10.5–22.5] months. At successful ablation sites, the local atrial and ventricular electrogram amplitudes and ratio tended to be greater, and fusion or continuous electrical activity between the atrial and ventricular components was more frequently observed on the minielectrode than ablation catheter (17/17 vs. 12/17, p = 0.005). Ultra-high resolution activation mapping and a novel algorithm facilitated the AP localization. The local electrogram characteristics differed between the minielectrode and ablation catheters.

Background Perimitral atrial tachycardias (PMATs) are common atrial tachycardias (ATs), yet their mechanisms vary. Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize clinical spontaneous PMATs using an ultra–high-resolution (UHR) mapping system. Methods The study included 32 consecutive PMATs in 31 patients who had undergone AT mapping/ablation using a UHR mapping system. Results Six, 10, 11, and 5 PMATs occurred in cardiac intervention-naive (group A), post-lateral/posterior mitral isthmus linear ablation (group B), post-atrial fibrillation ablation without mitral isthmus linear ablation (group C), and post-cardiac surgery (group D) patients, respectively. Group A patients tended to be older, more likely were female, and had sinus node or atrioventricular conduction disturbances more frequently. A 12-lead synchronous isoelectric interval was observed in 15 PMATs (46.9%). Coronary sinus activation was proximal to distal or distal to proximal except in 3 PMATs with straight patterns due to epicardial gaps. Left atrial anterior/septal wall (LAASW) low-voltage areas were smallest in group B. Slow conduction areas (SCAs) were identified in 26 PMATs (81.2%) and were located on the LAASW in all group A and group D patients. Conduction velocity in the SCAs was slowest in group B. In group B, all PMATs were terminated by single applications, and the gaps were located epicardially in 5 of 10 (50%). Anterior (n = 23) or lateral/posterior (n = 9) mitral isthmus linear block was successfully created without any complications in all. Twenty-five concomitant ATs among 18 patients (58.1%) also were eliminated. During a median of 20.0 (11.0–40.0) months of follow-up, 28 patients (90.3%) were free from any atrial tachyarrhythmias. Conclusion An UHR mapping-guided approach with identification of the individual tachycardia mechanism should be the preferred strategy given the distinct and complex arrhythmia mechanisms.

Outflow tract premature ventricular contractions sometimes demonstrate multiple exit sites in the right and left outflow tracts with preferential pathways. Here we present a case of outflow tract premature ventricular contractions, which were eliminated by ablation from the right ventricular outflow tract accompanied by additional ablation from the very distant endocardial left ventricular outflow tract. The findings during the ablation indicated there was a single origin with multiple exit sites rather than multiple origins for each QRS morphology. This case illustrates that the preferential pathways can demonstrate very distant multiple exit sites.