To the best of our knowledge, the possible predictive relationship between pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has not yet been examined in the literature. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether there was a predictive relationship of PIV with new-onset AF in young patients undergoing off-pump CABG.

A retrospective observational cohort study.

Tertiary referral hospital in Turkey.

A total of 223 young patients (age ≤50 years) undergoing off-pump CABG.

The patients were categorized into two groups as AF group (n = 31) and non-AF group (n = 192). The groups were compared with regard to preoperative basic clinical features, laboratory parameters, and operative and postoperative data of patients. Following univariate analyses, logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of postoperative new-onset AF, and receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to determine the optimum cut-off values of identified independent predictors. PIV measurement was the primary outcome of the study.

No significant differences were found between the groups with regard to preoperative basic clinical features and operative and postoperative data, except for length of hospital stay. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts as well as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index, systemic inflammation response index, and PIV. In logistic regression analysis, PIV and NLR were detected to be significant hematological variables, and thus these indices were considered independent predictors of postoperative new-onset AF (odds ratio 1.001, 95% CI 1.000-1.002 for PIV). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed that for predicting postoperative AF, PIV of 307.9 constituted the optimum cut-off value with 93.5% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity rates.

Our study demonstrated for the first time in the literature that the PIV and the NLR significantly and independently predicted new-onset AF following off-pump CABG.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT) are prevalent in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

The purpose of this study was to analyze procedural and long-term outcomes in AF patients with underlying CKD and KFRT after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device implantation.

Data were extracted from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry LAAO Registry from January 2017 to December 2019 and linked to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services billing claims. Patients were stratified into 3 groups: no CKD, CKD, and KFRT. Multivariate analyses were used to assess the associations of CKD and KFRT with procedural and long-term outcomes, respectively.

A total of 59,190 patients were enrolled in our study. CKD and KFRT were found to be independently associated with any complication from the procedure (odds ratio [OR] 1.149, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.058-1.;247 and OR 2.163, 95% CI 1.763-2.652) and in-hospital death (OR 1.603, 95% CI 1.054-2.437; and OR 5.488, 95% CI 2.686-11.213). At 1 year, CKD and KFRT were associated with a higher risk of any major adverse event (hazard ratio [HR] 1.402, 95% CI 1.333-1.474; and HR 2.506, 95% CI 2.236-2.809) and death (HR 1.662, 95% CI 1.553-1.779; and HR 3.422, 95% CI 2.989-3.919), but no difference in the competing risk of stroke (HR 0.972, 95% CI 0.819-1.152; and HR 0.794, 95% CI 0.434-1.451).

CKD and KFRT were associated with higher rates of procedural complications and 1-year adverse events and death, but no difference in the 1-year rate of stroke.

ObjectivesThere is substantial practice variation in the management strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) with rapid ventricular rate (RVR) and hemodynamic instability in critically ill patients. This study aimed to evaluate the use and effectiveness of direct current cardioversion (DCCV) for unstable AF RVR in the intensive care unit (ICU).DesignMulticenter retrospective cohort study.SettingNon-cardiac/cardiovascular surgery ICUs of the Mayo Clinic Hospitals in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, and Arizona.PatientsAdult patients who developed paroxysmal AF RVR with hemodynamic instability (heart rate ≥ 130 beats per minute and a documented SBP ≤ 90 mmHg or the need for vasopressors) during ICU stay.InterventionsEmergency DCCV.Measurements and Main ResultsPrimary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, hospital-, ICU-, and organ support-free days. Secondary outcomes were return to sinus rhythm rate before and after discharge. Among 691 patients eligible for inclusion, 47 (6.8%) received emergent DCCV in the ICU. The frequency of DCCV was higher for patients located in surgical ICUs (14.5% vs 6.1%, P = .04). Patients were 1:2 propensity-score matched. The comparative analyses were conducted on 141 patients. Those who underwent DCCV were more likely to restore sinus rhythm (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 5.2 [1.30 20.8]). However, DCCV was not associated with increased odds of having sinus rhythm at discharge, lower mortality, or higher number of ICU-, or hospital-free days. The number of organ support-free days was significantly lower in the DCCV group (estimate ± standard error, -5.0 ± 2.0, P = .012).ConclusionsEmergency DCCV is rarely used to treat unstable AF in non-cardiac ICUs. Despite increased likelihood of immediate sinus rhythm restoration, DCCV was not associated with improvement in patient-centered outcomes. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate harms and benefits of DCCV in non-cardiac critically ill patients with unstable AF where the driver of hemodynamic instability is often an underlying condition rather than arrhythmia per se.

To develop and validate a risk prediction model for adverse outcomes in patients with angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) confirmed by invasive coronary angiography.

Retrospective cohort study.

A tertiary cardiovascular care centre in China.

From 17 816 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease, 5934 met ANOCA criteria after rigorous exclusion: (1) significant stenosis (≥50% luminal narrowing), (2) established coronary artery disease history, (3) incomplete baseline/follow-up data, (4) non-cardiovascular life-limiting conditions.

The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and repeat percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The secondary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events, defined as cardiac-related death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, repeat PCI and CABG.

The derivation cohort (n=4452) and validation cohort (n=1482) demonstrated comparable baseline characteristics. The nomogram incorporated eight prognosticators: age, haemoglobin, serum urea, serum sodium, alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase ratio, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left atrial diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction. The prediction model showed robust discrimination for primary endpoint, achieving area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.82 (1 year), 0.90 (2 years) and 0.89 (3 years) in the derivation cohort, with corresponding validation cohort AUCs of 0.75, 0.77 and 0.78. Calibration plots revealed close alignment between predicted and actual event-free survival probabilities in both cohorts. Risk stratification identified two distinct prognostic groups with significant survival differences (log-rank p<0.0001).

This predictive model integrates routinely available clinical parameters to accurately stratify mortality and cardiovascular risk in ANOCA patients, providing a potential valuable decision-support tool for personalised therapeutic strategies.

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an alternative to chronic oral anticoagulation (OAT) for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with contraindications to OAT. Postprocedure antithrombotic therapy (ATT) is essential to reduce the risk of device-related thrombosis (DRT), but the optimal regimen remains uncertain.

This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of low-dose direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following LAAO.

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science was conducted in August 2024. Studies comparing low-dose DOACs and DAPT post-LAAO were included. The primary outcomes were a composite efficacy endpoint (DRT, strokes, and systemic embolism [SE]) and major bleeding events as the safety endpoint. Secondary outcomes included all bleeding events, all-cause mortality, and a composite of efficacy and safety endpoints.

Four studies with 727 patients were included. Low-dose DOACs were associated with lower rates of the primary composite efficacy endpoint compared to DAPT (OR = 0.36; 95% CI [0.16, 0.85], p = 0.01). No significant difference in major bleeding events was observed (OR = 0.36; 95% CI [0.11, 1.18]; p = 0.091; I² = 0%). Compared to DAPT, low-dose DOACs were also associated with lower rates of DRT events (OR = 0.36; 95% CI [0.16, 0.79], p = 0.011).

Low-dose DOACs effectively reduce thromboembolic events post-LAAO without increasing bleeding risk. These findings support their use as a viable ATT option, but larger trials are needed to confirm optimal regimens.

The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) is a recognized marker of vascular endothelial health but has limited application in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to explore the association between EASIX and prognosis in critically ill patients with AF.

The patient's data were extracted from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV(MIMIC-IV) database. EASIX was calculated as lactate dehydrogenase (U/L) × creatinine (mg/dL)/platelets (109 cells/L) and log2-transformed for statistical analysis. The Boruta algorithm and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso) Regression were used for feature selection. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were employed to assess EASIX as a risk factor, with nonlinear relationships evaluated using restricted cubic spline curves. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was utilized to compare the predictive performance of EASIX with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis based on EASIX quartiles (with Q1 as the reference) and stratified analyses were conducted to further explore these associations.

A total of 4896 patients with complete data were included. In-hospital, 28-day, and 365-day all-cause mortality rates were26.04%, 29.25%, and 49.75%, respectively. The median EASIX was 5.64 (4.56, 6.84). Higher EASIX was significantly associated with increased in-hospital, short-term, and long-term all-cause mortality after multivariable adjustment. Patients in quartiles Q2, Q3, and Q4 had significantly higher mortality than those in Q1, showing a clear trend. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed that patients with higher EASIX scores had significantly lower survival. The AUC showed that the performance of EASIX in predicting both short-term and long-term all-cause mortality was comparable to the SOFA and higher than the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score. Stratified analyses indicated that the association remained robust across subgroups, accounting for various underlying conditions and hospital interventions.

EASIX is a reliable predictor of both short- and long-term mortality in critically ill patients with AF. Future prospective studies are necessary to confirm its broader applicability in other populations.

Background: Atrial flutter (AFL) is a macro-reentrant tachycardia classified as cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent or non-CTI-dependent based on its reliance on the CTI for conduction. CTI dependence can present as type I ECG (sawtooth flutter waves in inferior leads and positive P-waves in V1) or type II ECG (absence of these characteristics). This study aimed to identify clinical and electrophysiological parameters to improve CTI dependence prediction in AFL. Methods: Patients at the Ulm University Heart Center between 2010 and 2019 with AFL undergoing electrophysiological studies and ablation were enrolled. Clinical and electrophysiological parameters such as age, gender, prior comorbidities, interventions, and medication use were analyzed. Results: The study included 383 patients, with 70% presenting with type I ECG AFL. CTI dependence was observed in 242 (90.3%) type I ECG patients and 52 (45.2%) type II ECG patients. CTI-dependent AFL patients were younger and had fewer comorbidities. Predictors for CTI dependence in type I ECG included male gender (p = 0.006), absence of beta-blocker use (p = 0.031), no prior atrial fibrillation (p = 0.035), and no prior pulmonary vein isolation (p < 0.001). In type II ECG, predictors for CTI dependence included younger age (p = 0.016), male gender (p = 0.007), absence of arterial hypertension (p = 0.036), and longer atrial cycle length (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Identifying clinical and electrophysiological parameters enhances the ability to predict CTI dependence in AFL, offering valuable insights for tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Coupling these parameters with ECG findings holds promise for refining prediction accuracy and optimizing patient care.

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a non-thermal energy source for catheter ablation associated with shorter procedure time, less risk of esophageal injury, and less dependence on absolute catheter stability compared with radiofrequency ablation. Limited data are available on performing the procedure with deep sedation (DS) as an alternative to general anesthesia (GA) utilizing endotracheal intubation.

Patients who underwent PFA using DS between March and August 2024 were retrospectively included. DS was administered by anesthesia staff, consisting of propofol, dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, and midazolam, at the discretion of the practitioner. The primary endpoint was the rate of airway complications or requirement for conversion to GA. Secondary endpoints were the rate of acute procedural success, total time in the EP lab, procedure time, and non-procedure time.

A total of 100 patients (mean age 71.9 ± 11.6 years, BMI 30.1 ± 7.1, 51% females) were included in the analysis. There were no instances of airway complications or conversion from DS to GA. There was a 100% rate of acute isolation of pulmonary veins. The average total time in the lab was 149.7 ± 44.7 min, consisting of a mean procedure time of 98.3 ± 40.5 min and a non-procedure time of 51.4 ± 12.2 min.

In this study conducted at a single health system, DS for PFA was feasible and associated with no instances of airway complications nor conversion to GA. The findings may not apply to patients with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea or other pulmonary diseases.

Although several studies have demonstrated the relationship between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), more attention needs to be paid to patients with AF in intensive care units because the prevalence of AF is as high as one-third of the population. This study investigated the relationship between the TyG index and short-term prognosis in patients with critical care AF. We selected critically ill patients with AF from the MIMIC-IV database and categorized them into quartiles based on their TyG index levels. The primary outcome assessed was 30-day all-cause mortality, with secondary outcomes of 7-day and 15-day all-cause mortality. We utilized Kaplan-Meier survival curves, restricted cubic spline, and Cox proportional hazards regression models to illustrate the relationship between the TyG index and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with AF. 1,146 critically ill patients with AF were included in this study, with a mean age of 75.90. The female population accounted for 48.43% of the total. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated a significant association between the TyG index and all-cause mortality at 7, 15, and 30 days. Cox proportional hazards analysis, after adjusting for multiple confounders, revealed a substantial increase in all-cause mortality in the fourth quartile of the TyG index compared to the first quartile (HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.17-2.49). Restricted cubic spline further illustrated that higher TyG index were associated with an elevated risk of all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with AF. The stratified analysis provided additional support for the robustness of this association. The TyG index demonstrated a significant association with 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with AF. These findings suggest that the TyG index may serve as a useful tool in identifying AF patients at a higher risk of all-cause mortality, enabling early and effective intervention strategies.

(1) Objective: To examine the efficiency and efficacy of using endovascular mapping and pulsed field ablation in the setting of a hybrid video-assisted thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedure. (2) Methods: Eleven consecutive patients underwent hybrid video-assisted thoracoscopic epicardial ablation and left atrial appendage exclusion followed by endocardial ablation using pulsed field ablation energy. The completeness of epicardial and endocardial lesion sets were assessed using 3D electro-anatomical mapping. (3) Results: Left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion and durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and posterior wall isolation (PWI) were achieved in all patients. The endovascular part of the necessary lesion set using PFA energy was successful in 100% of the patients. All patients remained in SR during the 12-month follow-up period. (4) Conclusions: Our study confirms the feasibility of using endovascular pulsed field ablation to complete previously performed epicardial lesion sets during the hybrid AF ablation procedures, without extending the procedure time or increasing the risk of complications.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent tachyarrhythmia, and a comprehensive understanding of its clinical features is essential for optimizing therapeutic management. However, the unregulated use of anticoagulants in AF remains a concern, as their efficacy and safety profiles are not yet fully understood.

Data from AF patients were collected in 2013, 2018, and 2023. First, cross-sectional data on AF patients were gathered during each period to longitudinally evaluate long-term trends in AF characteristics and the progression of anticoagulation therapy. Additionally, predictors of non-regulated dosing of oral anticoagulants (OAC) were analyzed. Second, patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) were prospectively followed for 24 and 60 months with different NOAC doses to assess the risk of clinical outcome events and to analyze independent risk factors for clinical outcomes.

This study included 2825 AF patients, with 394 patients undergoing longitudinal follow-up. Paroxysmal AF (49.70%) and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) (86.30%) were the most prevalent forms with advanced age being a prominent characteristic. Independent predictors of unregulated NOAC use included age, renal insufficiency, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, and bleeding risk. At the 24-month follow-up, patients who received overdosed NOAC exhibited a higher mortality rate compared to those who were inappropriately underdosed (18.75 vs.10.92 events/patient-year, P = 0.017). At the 60-month follow-up, both all-cause mortality (10.00 vs. 6.49 events per patient-year, P = 0.019; 10.00 vs. 6.21 events per patient-year, P = 0.005) and the composite endpoint event rate (12.50 vs. 9.61 events per patient-year, P = 0.017; 12.50 vs. 9.32 events per patient-year, P = 0.013) were significantly higher in the overdosing group compared to standard and underdosing groups. Age and anemia were identified as risk factors for all-cause mortality, while renal insufficiency was associated with an increased risk of composite endpoint events.

AF remains a major disease burden, especially in elderly patients. For Asians, NOAC underdosing was still effective in preventing stroke, but its efficacy and safety need to be further validated through larger-scale clinical trials. Meanwhile, overdosing of NOAC should be avoided.

Not applicable.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent arrhythmia, is associated with an increased risk of stroke, systemic embolism, and death.

This study aimed to investigate the secular trends in AF incidence rates (IRs) in different age, sex, and comorbidity subgroups in a Chinese population from 2000 to 2021.

This retrospective study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan; determined AF cases by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes; and calculated and stratified the annual age-standardized IRs by age, sex, and comorbidity status.

The total number of AF cases increased from 24,450 in 2000 to 32,817 in 2021; the standardized IR (SIR) decreased from 170.62 to 112.38 per 100,000 person-years. Male patients demonstrated higher IRs than female patients across all age groups. The annual IRs substantially increased with age. IRs exhibited a declining trend, except in men aged 20-49 years and women aged 20-34 years. The trends of SIRs showed distinct patterns in patients with different comorbidity burdens. Individuals with lower comorbidity burden demonstrated lower SIRs and earlier declines in SIRs.

This study revealed complex secular trends of AF incidence in the past 21 years, with decreasing overall SIRs but increasing annual IRs in younger populations. The intricate interplay between AF incidence, age, and sex emphasizes the need for age- and sex-specific strategies in AF prevention and management. The observed relationship between comorbidity burden and AF incidence suggests differential effectiveness of cardiovascular risk management across patient subgroups.

The P wave on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) undergoes characteristic changes before development of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the relationship between P-wave parameters and lifetime risk of AF remains poorly characterized.

We sought to determine the association between baseline ECG P-wave parameters and lifetime risk of AF.

We conducted a pooled analysis of 25,508 participants from 4 prospective cohort studies. P-wave parameters were analyzed on the basis of contemporary consensus criteria, including advanced interatrial block, P-terminal force in V1, P-wave axis, P-wave voltage in lead I, P-wave area in lead II, and P-wave dispersion. Using a modified Kaplan-Meier analysis accounting for competing risks, we calculated lifetime risk of AF stratified by individual and cumulative ECG abnormalities.

During follow-up, AF developed in 2877 participants (11.3%). At index age 45 years, interatrial block showed the strongest association with lifetime AF risk (35.4% vs 23.9%), followed by lead II area (30.0% vs 24.6%) and P-wave dispersion >70 ms (28.8% vs 23.6%). A dose-response relationship was observed with cumulative abnormalities: participants with 0-1 abnormalities had a lifetime risk of 22.9%, increasing to 27.0%, 30.7%, and 35.7% for 2, 3, and 4+ abnormalities, respectively. Participants with 4+ ECG abnormalities lived an average of 17.1 years free of AF compared with 21.7 years for those with none.

Multiple P-wave parameters are associated with increased lifetime risk of AF, with a strong dose-response relationship for cumulative abnormalities. These findings suggest that comprehensive ECG analysis may enhance long-term AF risk assessment.

The optimal approach to repeat catheter ablation for recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is unknown.

Consecutive patients undergoing repeat PAF ablation were studied. The following 6-step approach was used in all cases: re-isolation of reconnected pulmonary veins (PVs); ablation of left atrial low-voltage areas (LVAs); targeted ablation of clinical or inducible atrial flutter/tachycardia; non-PV trigger ablation; ablation of inducible supraventricular tachycardia; and additional empirical ablation based on operator judgement. The primary study outcome was atrial arrhythmia-free survival at 1 year.

One hundred thirteen patients were included in the study (mean age 63.7 ± 8.6 years, 28.3% women). In this cohort, 73.5% had PV reconnection(s), 31.9% had LVAs, 10.6% had identifiable non-PV triggers, 5.3% had inducible atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia, 31.9% underwent atrial flutter/tachycardia ablation, and 12.4% had additional empirical ablation performed. Arrhythmia-free survival at 1 year was 53.1%. Patients with arrhythmia recurrence were more likely to be older, female, have hypertension, have durably isolated PVs, and to have undergone LVA ablation. In multivariable analysis, female sex and LVA ablation remained predictive of arrhythmia recurrence. Among patients with durably isolated PVs, only female sex was (negatively) associated with procedural success.

A comprehensive protocol for repeat PAF ablation resulted in arrhythmia-free survival at 1 year in 53% of patients. Durably isolated PVs were observed in 26.5% of cases. None of the ablation protocol's steps was suggested to independently improve procedural success. Further research to determine the optimal ablation strategy in patients undergoing repeat ablation for PAF is needed, a growing proportion of whom are expected to have durably isolated PVs.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Differences have been identified between medical care delivered in urban and rural settings, and rurality-based disparities may exist in AF care. We performed a systematic review investigating the effect of rurality on AF care and outcomes in the United States. PubMed was queried for entries on AF and rurality: ("atrial fibrillation" OR "atrial flutter") AND ("rural" OR "urban" OR "rurality" OR "metro" OR "metropolitan") AND ("united states" OR "US" OR "U.S.") published up to September 24, 2023. Anticoagulation, rhythm control, settings of care, outcomes, and all-cause mortality were reviewed in relevant studies. The search identified 395 total articles. After screening, 14 relevant articles were included in the review. These studies ranged from 1993 to 2020 and analyzed approximately 41.7 million AF patient encounters. The use of catheter ablation for AF per electrophysiologist was similar across the rural-urban spectrum. Patients with AF and rural residence were less likely to receive a direct oral anticoagulant and more likely to remain on warfarin (relative risk, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.88-0.92]). Patients in rural communities were less likely to receive non-emergent AF care (odds ratio [OR], 0.96 [95% CI, 0.93-0.98]). In-hospital mortality for patients with AF admitted to rural hospitals was higher than urban hospitals (OR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.01-1.39)]. Measurable differences exist in both treatments and outcomes of patients with AF between rural and urban settings in the United States. These differences should inform future investigations and strategies to improve health in people with AF.

Bursting nonsustained cardiac arrhythmia events are a common observation during sleep.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that nocturnal arrhythmia episode durations could follow a power law, whose exponent could predict long-term clinical outcomes.

We defined "nocturnal arrhythmia avalanche" (NAA) as any instance of a drop in electrocardiographic (ECG) template-matched R-R intervals ≥30% of R-R baseline, followed by a return to 90% of baseline. We studied NAA in ECG recordings obtained from the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS), Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS) Study, and Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). The association of nocturnal arrhythmia durations with a power-law distribution was evaluated and the association of derived power-law exponents (α) with major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality assessed with multivariable Cox regression.

A total of 9176 participants were studied. NAA episodes distribution was consistent with power-law vs comparator distributions in all datasets studied (positive log likelihood ratio of power-law vs exponential in MESA: 83%; SHHS: 69%; MrOS: 81%; power-law vs log-normal in MESA: 95%; SHHS: 35%; MrOS: 64%). The NAA power-law exponent (α) showed a significant association of with adverse CV outcomes (association with CV mortality: SHHS hazard ratio 1.39 [1.07-1.79], P = .012; MrOS hazard ratio 1.42 [1.02-1.94], P = .039; association with CV events: MESA HR 3.46 [1.46-8.21], P = .005) in multivariable Cox regression, after adjusting for conventional CV risk factors and nocturnal ectopic rate.

The NAA power-law exponent is a reproducible, predictive marker for incident CV events and mortality.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the United States and the most common cause of embolic cerebrovascular events, with the majority of these thrombi originating in the left atrial appendage. The left atrial appendage (LAA) has separate developmental, ultrastructural, and physiological characteristics from the left atrium. Although LAA anatomy is highly variable, it can be categorized into 4 types: cactus, cauliflower, chicken wing, and windsock. The cauliflower type is associated with higher stroke risk in patients with nonvalvular AF. Although the cornerstone of therapy to prevent embolic strokes from AF has been anticoagulation with thrombin inhibitors, a large group of patients are unable to tolerate anticoagulation due to bleeding. This has led to the development and advancement of multiple surgical and percutaneous LAA closure devices to prevent embolic cerebrovascular accidents without the need for anticoagulation. In this article, we discuss the outcomes of major studies that utilized surgical LAA occlusion and its effectiveness. Furthermore, we summarize nonsurgical methods of LAA closure and future directions regarding LAA closure.

The strongest genetic risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) are DNA variants on chromosome 4q25 near the transcription factor gene PITX2 (Pitx2:Paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2). Mice deficient in Pitx2 (Pitx2+/-) have increased AF susceptibility, although the molecular mechanism(s) remains controversial. Pitx2 encodes a transcription factor that activates an antioxidant response to promote cardiac repair. Increased reactive oxygen species causing oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids generates reactive lipid dicarbonyl moieties that adduct to proteins and other macromolecules to promote cellular injury. We tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress, and specifically isolevuglandins, the most reactive lipid dicarbonyls identified, are increased in the setting of Pitx2 deficiency to promote proarrhythmic remodeling and AF.

Pitx2+/- and Pitx2+/+ wild-type littermate control mice were treated orally with vehicle, the lipid dicarbonyl scavenger 2-hydroxybenzylamine, or an inactive control compound at weaning, until study at age 16 to 18 weeks.

Pitx2+/- mice demonstrated increased P wave duration indicative of slowed atrial conduction, as well as increased inducible AF burden and sustained AF, compared with wild type, and these abnormalities were prevented by 2-hydroxybenzylamine. Both reactive oxygen species and isolevuglandin protein adducts were elevated in Pitx2+/- atria with reduced expression of reactive oxygen species-protective genes. High-resolution respirometry demonstrated impaired mitochondrial function in Pitx2+/- atria, with disruption of mitochondrial integrity and cell-cell junctions with connexin lateralization, as well as decreased mitochondrial biogenesis gene expression. Proarrhythmic ionic current remodeling in Pitx2+/- atrial myocytes included elevated resting membrane potential, abbreviated action potential duration, and reduced maximum phase 0 upstroke velocity compared with wild type. Most of these abnormalities were ameliorated or prevented by 2-hydroxybenzylamine.

These results demonstrate a critical role for lipid dicarbonyl mediators of oxidative stress in the proarrhythmic remodeling and AF susceptibility that occurs with Pitx2 deficiency, implying the possibility of genotype-specific therapy to prevent AF.

Very elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are at high risk for both ischemic and hemorrhagic events. This study aimed to understand the characteristics and real-world treatment of very elderly patients with NVAF in Japan.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic health records and claims data from acute care hospitals for very elderly patients with NVAF with medical records available on or after their 80th birthday. The outcomes of interest were (1) characteristics of very elderly patients and (2) patterns of anticoagulation and impact of clinical condition on anticoagulation.

Of 1,278,404 patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF), 443,820 were eligible for the analysis. Mean ± standard deviation age was 84.5 ± 5.5 years, CHADS2 score was 2.4 ± 1.0, and CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.3 ± 1.3. Among patients diagnosed with NVAF before age 80 years, 39.1% were not receiving anticoagulation therapy, while among those diagnosed with NVAF at age ≥ 90 years, 46.1% were not prescribed any anticoagulant. Patients diagnosed with NVAF before 80 years of age tended to stop anticoagulation therapy, especially those receiving warfarin, upon reaching 80 years of age. Among those who were newly diagnosed with NVAF after 80 years, most received reduced doses of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

A significant proportion of very elderly patients with NVAF in Japan were diagnosed with NVAF after the age of 80 years and were not receiving anticoagulation therapy, particularly with increasing age. Furthermore, warfarin use declined with age, and patients on DOACs frequently received reduced doses.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become a cornerstone in treating cardiac arrhythmias, offering a minimally invasive approach to managing conditions such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and other rhythm disorders. The historical evolution of RFA, from its early inception to its current state, underscores the technological advancements that have significantly enhanced its efficacy and safety. Global trends indicate a steady increase in the adoption of RFA, with notable research contributions from North America, Europe, and Asia. Comparative studies reveal outcome variability driven by differences in patient populations, procedural techniques, and healthcare infrastructures. Despite its success, RFA faces challenges, including complications related to the procedure, patient selection, and long-term efficacy. Emerging technologies, such as integrating artificial intelligence and enhanced imaging modalities, hold promise for overcoming these barriers and further refining the procedure. Gaps in current research are identified, particularly in understanding the long-term outcomes of RFA and its application in complex arrhythmias. The critical role of RFA in modern cardiology is emphasized, along with the potential for future innovations that could expand its therapeutic utility. This synthesis of the latest evidence provides valuable insights for optimizing the use of RFA in managing cardiac arrhythmias.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia and seriously affects human health. Key targets of AF bioinformatics analysis can help to better understand the pathogenesis of AF and develop therapeutic targets. The left atrial appendage tissue of 20 patients with AF and 10 patients with sinus rhythm were collected for sequencing, and the expression data of the atrial tissue were obtained. Based on this, 2578 differentially expressed genes were obtained through differential analysis. Different express genes (DEGs) were functionally enriched on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), mainly focusing on neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, neuronal cell body pathways, regulation of neurogenesis, and neuronal death, regulation of neuronal death, etc. Secondly, 14 significant module genes were obtained by analyzing the weighted gene co-expression network of DEGs. Next, LASSO and SVM analyzes were performed on the differential genes, and the results were in good agreement with the calibration curve of the nomogram model for predicting AF constructed by the weighted gene co-expression network key genes. The significant module genes obtained by the area under the ROC curve (AUC) analysis were analyzed. Through crossover, two key disease characteristic genes related to AF, HOXA2 and RND2, were screened out. RND2 was selected for further research, and qPCR verified the expression of RND2 in sinus rhythm patients and AF patients. Patients with sinus rhythm were significantly higher than those in AF patients. Our research indicates that RND2 is significantly associated with the onset of AF and can serve as a potential target for studying its pathogenesis.

Recent data showed an association between malnutrition and increased all-cause mortality and thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of malnutrition on the clinical outcomes for patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF is still debated. Our study aimed to examine this relationship using all existing available data.

We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to April 2024, analyzing the association between malnutrition, assessed by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and the risk of AF recurrence in patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF, compared to those without malnutrition. Relative Risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CIs were retrieved from each study and combined using the generic inverse variance method.

We included 3 cohort studies with 1697 participants undergoing AF ablation (10.9%) who had malnutrition indicated by GNRI score below 98. Patients with malnutrition had a higher risk of AF recurrence following catheter ablation for AF compared to those without malnutrition (Pooled RR = 2.74, 95% CI 1.36-5.51, I 2 = 67%, p = .005).

Our pooled analysis indicates that malnourished patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF have an increased risk of AF recurrence compared to non-malnourished patients.

Atrial fibrillation accounts for 1/6 of all strokes, potentially leading to significant disability and death. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the primary location for thrombus formation. Excluding the LAA has been hypothesized to decrease the risk of ischemic stroke. This study examines LAA occlusion (LAAO) with otherwise indicated cardiac surgery and its effect on surgical outcomes. We followed the standards recommended by the Cochrane Collaborative Group and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist to prepare this systematic review and meta-analysis. Studies were retrieved through an online bibliographic search, studies were screened, and data were extracted. We compared the 2 study arms (LAAO and cardiac surgery without LAAO). A total of 10 studies have been included in this study, and 6 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis, with data pooled from over 10,000 patients. LAAO is associated with no significant difference in the overall mortality (p = 0.98) and systemic embolism (p = 0.31). Strokes, particularly, ischemic strokes, have significantly lower risk in patients who underwent LAAO (p <0.0001 and p = 0.0007), respectively. In conclusion, LAAO can be done safely as a concomitant surgery with other cardiac surgeries, with a minimal incremental cost when performed concurrently. LAAO is associated with a lower risk of all stroke and ischemic strokes. Further studies are needed to shape guidance on the continuation versus discontinuation of anticoagulation after LAAO, especially in patient populations with a higher risk of bleeding.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia that increases the risk of stroke, primarily due to thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices offer an alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention. However, the complex and variable anatomy of the LAA presents significant challenges to device design and deployment. Current benchtop models fail to replicate both anatomical variability and physiological hemodynamics, limiting their utility. This study introduces a novel left atrial cardiac simulator that incorporates patient-derived LAA models within a benchtop circulatory flow loop, enabling high-fidelity LAAO device testing and development.

A rigid, patient-derived left atrium (LA) model was 3D printed from segmented MRI data and modified to accommodate attachment of patient-specific LAA models. A library of LAA geometries was fabricated using silicone casting techniques to replicate the mechanical properties of native tissue. The LA-LAA model was integrated into a circulatory flow loop equipped with a pulsatile pump, pressure sensors, and flow probes, allowing real-time hemodynamic analysis. System tunability was demonstrated by varying heart rate, stroke volume, resistance, and compliance to simulate physiological and pathological conditions.

The simulator accurately replicated LA pressure and flow waveforms, closely approximating physiological conditions. Changes in heart rate, stroke volume, and compliance effectively modulated LAP and LA inflow before and after LAAO. Distinct pressure and flow waveforms were observed with different LAA geometries. Hemodynamic analysis revealed increased left atrial pulse pressure after occlusion, with the greatest increase occurring after complete exclusion of the LAA. The simulator facilitated the evaluation of LAAO device performance, including metrics such as seal and PDL, and served as an effective training tool for iterative device deployment and recapture with visual and imaging-guided feedback.

The left atrial cardiac simulator offers a highly tunable and realistic platform for testing and developing LAAO devices. It also serves as an effective procedural training tool, allowing for the simulation of patient-specific anatomical and hemodynamic conditions. By enabling these advanced simulations, the simulator enhances pre-procedural planning, device sizing, and placement. This innovation represents a significant step toward advancing personalized medicine in atrial fibrillation management and improving LAAO outcomes.

LAAO is an interventional, prophylactic treatment to prevent cardioembolic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

The aim of this study was to assess gender differences and age-related in-hospital course of all patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in Germany.

The Research Data Center of the Federal Statistical Office accessed interrogation of its Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) statistics database. In a retrospective observational manner, all German in-hospital cases from 2016 to 2022 with a coded LAAO procedure were analyzed.

LAAO was performed on a total of 40,435 patients, 39.2% of whom were female. The relative frequency of procedures in the German male population over the age of 60 was twice as high as in the German female population. The median age was 78 (IQR: 72-82) years. Compared to 28.3% in 2016, in 2022 40.1% of all patients were over 80 years of age (increased by 152%). Cases of patients over 85 years of age increased from 7.7 to 11.4% during the same time period. We found an in-hospital death rate for patients < 70, 70-75, 80-85 and > 85 years of age of 0.8, 1.0, 1.4 and 2.2% respectively. Further, we saw significantly higher MACE rates (< 75 years: 4%, 75-85 years: 5%, > 85 years: 7%) in patients with a higher age. Gender was not significantly associated with a higher rate of in-hospital mortality.

In Germany, LAAO is increasingly performed in older patients with a strong gender imbalance. Age was independently associated with higher in-hospital MACE and mortality rates. This data provides a further basis to balance risks and benefits of LAAO as a preventive procedure and highlights the need for further prospective studies.

Little is known about age and clinical intervention after implantable loop recorder (ILR) insertion. This study investigated the association between age and clinical intervention after ILR implantation.

Data were obtained from a multicenter registry of ILR in Korea (2017-2020, n = 795). ILRs were inserted with indications of unexplained syncope, recurrent palpitation, or cryptogenic stroke. The primary outcome was clinically actionable event that was a composite of the newly detected atrial fibrillation (AF), pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation, catheter ablation, and anticoagulation initiation. The mean age was 64.3 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 20.6 months. Clinically actionable events were observed in 322 (40.5%) patients. Compared to younger age (< 50 years), older age (≥ 50 years) showed higher prevalence of newly detected AF (3.7% vs. 15.8%; p = 0.001), pacemaker implantation (11.2% vs. 21.2%; p = 0.022), and initiation of anticoagulation (3.7% vs. 18.6%; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in ICD implantation (1.9% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.996) or catheter ablation (3.8% vs. 6.0%; p = 0.512). The older age group more frequently experienced clinically actionable events compared to the younger age group (hazard ratio 2.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.86-3.41; p < 0.001). A significant association was found in the increase of age (per 1-year) and the risk of clinically actionable events (adjusted hazard ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.04; p < 0.001).

Advanced age is a significant risk factor for clinical intervention after ILR insertion. ILR should be considered more actively in older patients requiring prolonged rhythm monitoring.

While there are several completed clinical trials that address treatment strategies in patients with symptomatic and recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF), there are no randomized clinical trials that address first-line rhythm control of new-onset AF. Recent data suggest that early initiation of rhythm control within 1 year can improve outcomes.

In this open-label pragmatic clinical trial nested within the Get with The Guidelines Atrial Fibrillation registry, approximately 3,000 patients with first-detected AF will be enrolled at approximately 200 sites. Participants will be randomized (1:1) to treatment with dronedarone in addition to usual care versus usual care alone. The primary endpoint will be time to first cardiovascular (CV) hospitalization or death from any cause through 12 months from randomization. Secondary endpoints will include a WIN ratio (all-cause death, ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, heart failure hospitalization, acute coronary hospitalization), CV hospitalization, and all-cause mortality. Patient reported outcomes will be analyzed based on change in Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) and change in Mayo AF-Specific Symptom Inventory (MAFSI) from baseline to 12 months.

CHANGE AFIB will determine if treatment with dronedarone in addition to usual care is superior to usual care alone for the prevention of CV hospitalization or death from any cause in patients with first-detected AF. The trial will also determine whether initiation of rhythm control at the time of first-detected AF affects CV events or improves patient reported outcomes.

- NCT05130268.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to impaired exercise capacity, and catheter ablation (CA) for AF improves exercise capacity. However, the precise changes in daily activities after CA for AF remain unclear. The authors aimed to evaluate the changes in daily activities following CA for AF using a wristwatch-type pulse wave monitor (PWM), which tracks steps and exercise time, estimates burnt daily calories, and records sleep duration, in addition to establishing the rhythm diagnosis of AF or non-AF.

One hundred and twenty-three patients with AF (97 paroxysmal, 26 persistent) wore a wristwatch-type PWM for 1 week duration at three time points: before, 1 month after, and 3 months after ablation. Daily activity data were compared. Steps did not change in both groups, and the number of burnt daily calories and total exercise time increased after CA in patients with paroxysmal AF (burnt daily calories: before, 1591 kcal/day; 1 month, 1688 kcal/day; and 3 months, 1624 kcal/day; P < 0.001 and exercise time: before, 45.8 min; 1 month, 51.2 min; and 3 months, 56.3 min; P = 0.023). Sleep hours significantly increased (paroxysmal AF: before, 6.8 h; 1 month, 7.1 h; and 3 months, 7.1 h; P = 0.039 and persistent AF: before, 6.0 h; 1 month, 7.0 h; and 3 months, 7.0 h; P = 0.007).

Using a wristwatch-type PWM, we demonstrated changes in daily activities after CA in patients with AF.

jRCT1030210022.

The long-term effects of catheter ablation (CA) compared with medical therapy on cardiovascular outcomes for atrial fibrillation (AF) remain undetermined.

Using a population-based cohort, we sought to determine what the association between CA and medical therapy was on these outcomes.

By use of Alberta administrative data, patients with AF as the primary diagnosis during hospitalization, emergency department visit, or physician visit were included between October 1, 2008, and March 31, 2018. Based on therapy received, patients were assigned to categories of CA, rate control, or rhythm control with medication. The association of treatment with the primary composite outcome of all-cause death, hospitalization for heart failure, or stroke was examined after adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, and baseline medications.

Of 39,966 treated AF patients, 2077 (5.2%), 29,467 (73.7%), and 8422 (21.1%) were treated with CA, rate control, and rhythm control with medication, respectively. Patients in the CA group had a lower incidence of the primary outcome (4.0/100 person-years) compared with the rate control group (8.7/100 person-years) or the rhythm control with medication group (6.8/100 person-years) during a median follow-up of 6.3 years. In multivariable analysis, compared with CA, both rate control (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.50) and rhythm control with medication (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.43) were associated with a higher risk of the primary outcome.

In this cohort study, patients who received CA demonstrated a reduction in the risk of long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes compared with medical therapy in patients with AF, providing some data to indicate the effects of CA in the long-term.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Given its often-paroxysmal nature, screening at a single time point, using a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor, has limited benefit. The AliveCor KardiaMobile device is a validated ECG recorder that can be used for patient-directed arrhythmia diagnosis and symptom-rhythm correlation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether using the KardiaMobile device could reduce the time-to-diagnosis, for AF as well as other arrhythmias. We hypothesized that providing patients with a KardiaMobile device during their waiting period for specialist care could reduce the length of time that passes before ECG detection of arrhythmia.

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either standard monitoring (ECG and a Holter monitor) or enhanced monitoring (ECG, a Holter monitor, and a KardiaMobile device). Patients were instructed to upload ECG recordings if they had cardiac symptoms, so that symptom-rhythm correlation could be achieved. The primary outcome was the time-to-diagnosis for AF. The secondary endpoint was the time-to-diagnosis for any arrhythmias.

From October 2018 to October 2022, a total of 69 patients were enrolled, and they were followed up to 12 months. Overall, 6 of the 7 patients diagnosed with AF were in the enhanced-monitoring group (P = 0.106). The time-to-diagnosis was not significantly different in the 2 groups (P = 0.053). Overall arrhythmias were diagnosed in 10 patients (29%) in the standard-monitoring arm, compared to 22 patients (63%) in the enhanced-monitoring arm (P = 0.008). The time-to-diagnosis was reduced in the enhanced-monitoring arm (P = 0.010).

The time-to-diagnosis of any arrhythmia was reduced significantly in patients randomized to receive KardiaMobile device monitoring. Providing patients with a KardiaMobile device may expedite the diagnosis of arrhythmias during the waiting period for specialist care.

NCT04302311.

Over the last decade, direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have become preferred over warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). The objectives of this study were to quantify the shift over time from warfarin to DOACs and parallel changes in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke rates in AF.

This community-based retrospective study was undertaken within a single integrated health care network from 2011 to 2021. Changes over time in warfarin and DOAC use were quantified by year, both overall and stratified by CHA2DS2-VASc score. Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke rate changes over time were evaluated by Poisson regression. Stroke rates were evaluated in different time eras: 2011-2015 and 2016-2021.

Among 31,978 AF patients followed an average of 5.5 years, any OAC use increased from 50.2 % (2011) to 59.4 % (2020) (p < 0.001). Warfarin use decreased from 49.3 % to 30.8 %, while DOAC use increased from 2.0 % to 30.8 % (both p < 0.001). In 2020, patients with CHA2DS2-VASc 0-1 and 2-5 were more likely to use DOACs than warfarin (18.6 % vs. 6.7 %; 33.0 % vs. 28.2 %), whereas in CHA2DS2-VASc 6-9 DOACs were used less frequently (30.0 % vs. 40.8 %). Ischemic stroke rates significantly increased by 19 % (95 % CI: 7 %, 32 %) from 2011 to 2015, but significantly decreased by 18 % (10 %, 26 %) from 2016 to 2021. Hemorrhagic stroke rates stabilized in 2016-2021 (+3 %; -18 %, 30 %) after increasing in 2011-2015 (+36 %; 4 %, 78 %).

Improvements in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke rates coincided temporally with increased uptake of OACs and a shift toward increased uptake of DOACs relative to warfarin.

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Eight databases were searched. The search time limit is from January 2000 to November 2023. All randomized controlled trials on acupuncture treatment of AF were included. After the literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation were carried out independently according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the included literature was analyzed by Meta using RevMan 5.4 software.

A total of 15 research studies on randomized controlled trials were included, involving 1960 patients. The results of the meta-analysis showed that acupuncture therapy could increase the sinus cardioversion rate of patients with AF, and the difference was statistically significant (relative risk = 1.21, 25% confidence interval (CI) [1.11, 1.31], P < .001). The clinically effective rate of the acupuncture plus drug treatment group was higher than that of the drug treatment group (relative risk = 1.32, 95% CI [1.19, 1.46], P < .01). Acupuncture plus other conventional therapies treatment was more helpful in reducing the ventricular rate of patients with AF (mean difference = -7.89, 95% CI [-14.52, -1.26], P = .006). The cardioversion time of patients with AF treated with acupuncture plus conventional therapies was shorter than those treated with traditional therapies alone (standardized mean difference = -1.82, 95% CI [-3.28, -0.35], P = .01). No severe adverse reactions such as hemorrhage, hematoma, or local infection caused by acupuncture were reported in the study.

The available evidence shows that acupuncture can effectively improve the total clinical effective rate and sinus rhythm recovery rate, shorten the recovery time of sinus rhythm, and reduce the ventricular rate, and there are no apparent adverse reactions. However, a limited number of studies may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future studies should include more extensive and diverse studies to enhance the power and generalizability of the findings.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained tachyarrhythmia and its increasing prevalence has resulted in a growing healthcare burden. A recent landmark randomized trial, the EAST-AFNET 4 (Early Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation for Stroke Prevention Trial), highlighted the importance of early rhythm control in AF, which was previously underemphasized. Rhythm control therapy includes antiarrhythmic drugs, direct-current cardioversion, and catheter ablation. Currently, catheter ablation is indicated for patients with AF who are either refractory or intolerant to antiarrhythmic drugs or who exhibit decreased left ventricular systolic function. Catheter ablation can be categorized according to the energy source used, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation, laser ablation, and the recently emerging pulsed field ablation (PFA). Catheter ablation techniques can also be divided into the point-by-point ablation method, which ablates the pulmonary vein (PV) antrum one point at a time, and the single-shot technique, which uses a spherical catheter to ablate the PV antrum in a single application. PFA is known to be applicable to both point-by-point and single-shot techniques and is expected to be promising owing to its tissue specificity, resulting in less collateral damage than catheter ablation involving thermal energy, such as RFA and cryoablation. In this review, we aimed to outline catheter ablation for rhythm control in AF by reviewing previous studies.

Owing to its low incidence, small trauma, fast recovery, and high efficiency, left atrial appendage occlusion has become a new strategy for preventing stroke caused by atrial fibrillation. Due to a lack of relevant research information on this emerging technology, the effectiveness, stability, or related complications of occluders are mostly observed from a clinical perspective. However, there are fewer studies on the mechanical properties and safety of these occluders. In this study, a new left atrial appendage occluder is proposed, and a complete numerical simulation analysis framework is established through the finite element method to simulate the actual implantation and service process of the left atrial appendage occluder. Besides, the influence of the structural size and release scale of the occluder on its support performance, occluding effect, and safety is also explored. The results demonstrate that the structural size and release scale exert a significant impact on the support performance, occluding effect, and safety of the occluder. The structural optimization of the occluder contributes to enhancing its mechanical performance, thus ensuring its stability and effectiveness after implantation. Overall, these efforts may lay a scientific foundation for the structural optimization, safety evaluation, and effectiveness prediction of the occluder. Furthermore, these findings also provide effective reference for the application of numerical simulation technology in the research on the left atrial appendage occlusion.

Aging affects the cardiovascular system, and this process may be accelerated in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. The main vascular changes include arterial wall thickening, calcification, and stiffening, together with aortic dilatation and elongation. With aging, we can observe left ventricular hypertrophy with myocardial fibrosis and left atrial dilatation. These changes may lead to heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Using multimodality imaging, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible to detect these changes. Additionally, multimodality imaging, mainly via CT measurements of coronary artery calcium or ultrasound carotid intima-media thickness, enables advanced cardiovascular risk stratification and helps in decision-making about preventive strategies. The focus of this manuscript is to briefly review cardiovascular changes that occur with aging, as well as to describe how multimodality imaging may be used for the assessment of these changes and risk stratification of asymptomatic individuals.

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing elective procedures are at risk for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and symptomatic bleeding. We aimed to identify risk factors to guide perioperative risk stratification.

We conducted a post-hoc analysis of the "Bridging Anticoagulation in Patients who Require Temporary Interruption of Warfarin Therapy for an Elective Invasive Procedure or Surgery" randomized trial. The primary outcomes were MACE and symptomatic bleeding. Our statistical approach encompassed standard univariate analysis, logistic stepwise regression, and Cox regression models. Additional interaction analyses evaluated the interplay between low-molecular-weight heparin bridge therapy and other identified risk factors.