Impact of different ablation strategies on the delayed cure after trans-catheter ablation for treating patients with atrial fibrillation

Background Delayed cure had been observed in recurrent cases after index ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), however, its mechanism and incidence have not been elucidated in detail. This study aims to investigate the impact of different ablation strategies on the incidence of delayed cure and its possible mechanisms after trans-catheter ablation of AF. Methods One hundred and fifty-one consecutive cases with highly symptomatic, drug refractory AF were included in this study ［M/F=109/42, mean age （56.0±11.2） (18-79) years］. Segmental pulmonary vein ablation (SPVA) was performed in 83 patients with the guidance of circular mapping catheter (SPVA Group), circumferential PV linear ablation (CPVA) was carried out in the rest 68 cases under the guidance of 3 dimensional mapping system in conjunction with circular mapping catheter (CPVA Group). Delayed cure was defined as that early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (AF, atrial tachycardia, or atrial flutter) after ablation procedure was no longer observed during subsequent follow-up, and stable sinus rhythm was maintained ≥2 months. Results Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias was detected in 41 cases from SPVA group and 23 cases from CPVA group, and delayed cure occurred in 21.9% (9/41) of the cases from SPVA group and 47.8% (11/23) of the cases from CPVA group, more delayed cure in later group was observed (P<0.05). Meanwhile, patients in SPVA group took a longer time to achieve a delayed cure ［(27.0±18.0) days vs （14.0±8.1） days, P<0.05］, and presented more recurrent episodes ［(3.50±1.08) times a week vs （2.42±1.11） times a week, P<0.05］. However, recurrent episodes after index ablation were markedly decreased in cases with delayed cure from both groups (P<0.05). Conclusions Despite of an early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythimas after index ablation of AF, delayed cure occurs in a significant number of patients undergoing either SPVA or CPVA. However, different ablation strategies place different impact on the delayed cure, more delayed cure is obtained with CPVA approach, and the delayed cure occurs earlier with this approach; the average recurrent episodes before delayed cure are also less frequently detected in CPVA group compared with those in SPVA group.     

Pulmonary vein tachycardia after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation has been developed to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and the electrophysiological endpoint of PV isolation is the disappearance or dissociation of pulmonary vein potentials (PVPs). Pulmonary vein tachycardia (PVT) is the dissociated PV rhythm with a rapid rate. However, the characteristics and significance of PVT after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with AF remains unclear. Methods From June 2003 to June 2005, a total of 285 consecutive patients with drug refractory AF were included in this study, and they underwent segmental pulmonary vein ablation (SPVA) or circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA). PV isolation was the initial endpoint for both approaches with documenting disappearance or dissociation of PVPs. PVT was characterized as dissociated activities within PVs with a circle length (CL) of <300 ms, and was classified into organized PVT or disorganized PVT according to the variance of CL. Systematic follow-up was conducted after initial procedures. Continuous variables were analyzed by Student’s t test and categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test.Results Three hundred and fifteen PVs were ablated in 85 patients underwent SPVA approach, 400 circular lesions surrounding ipsilateral PVs (including 790 PVs) were produced in the rest of 200 patients received CPVA approach. Electrical isolation was achieved in all of these PVs. Of these, PVPs were abolished in 89.8% (992/1105) of the ablated PVs, dissociated PV rhythms were documented in the rest 10.2 % (113/1105) of the treated PVs. Among the 113 dissociated PV rhythms, 28 met the criteria of PVT with mean CL of (155±43) ms (2 PVTs in 2 patients received SPVA, 26 PVTs in 18 patients underwent CPVA). PVT was more frequently documented in patients underwent CPVA approach [9.0% (18/200) vs 2.3% (2/85), P=0.04]. During the 6-month follow-up, it was indicated that no significant difference existed in AF free rate between patients with PVT and those without PVT (P=0.75). Conclusions PVT dissociated from LA activations can be documented after PV isolation, especially in patients underwent CPVA approach. However, PVT does not affect the follow-up results.     

Effect of anxiety and depression on the recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation

Background  The effects of anxiety and depression on the recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) are not clear. Whether CPVA can alleviate the anxiety and depression symptoms of persistent AF patients is unknown.

Methods  One hundred and sixty-four patients with persistent AF, of which 43 treated with CPVA (CPVA group) and 103 treated with anti-arrhythmics drugs (medicine group), were enrolled. The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were assessed before and 12 months after treatment in all patients.

Results  The scores of SAS (40.33±7.90 vs. 49.76±9.52, P <0.01) and SDS (42.33±8.73 vs. 48.17±8.77, P <0.01) decreased 12 months after CPVA. Over 12 months follow-up, AF relapsed in 17 patients in CPVA group. Compared with the data in the recurrent group (17 patients), the scores of SAS and SDS were significantly lower in the non-recurrent group (26 patients) at baseline. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed normal scores of SAS and SDS were the independent risk factors of AF recurrence after CPVA.

Conclusions  Anxiety and depression increase the recurrence risk of persistent AF after CPVA. CPVA can ameliorate the anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with persistent AF. 

     

Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation with maze procedure by radiofrequency ablation

Objective　To compare the results of treatment of atrial fibrillation (Af) with maze procedure by radiofrequency in 25 patients undergoing mitral valve replacement operation (MVRO) (treatment group) with those in 25 patients undergoing MVRO only (control group).Methods　The maze procedure modified was completed by radiofrequency ablation with macroscopy during MVRO in the treatment group, whereas the patients in the control group underwent MVRO only. No one in the two groups took antiarrhythmic drugs before and after operation.Results　The heart rhythm became stable sinus rhythm in 22 of 25 patients of the treatment group after operation and the success rate was 88.0%. Af recurred in none of the 22 patients during the follow-up for 3-24 months. In the control group, 5 patients showed transient sinus rhythm, but Af recurred when they left hospital.Conclusions　Maze procedure by radiofrequency ablation is an effective method to cure Af and its success rate was the same as that of surgical incision and cryolesion. But the former took 10-15 minutes only with light damage of atrial muscle and no bleeding, whereas the latter took 1-1.5 hours.     

RADIOFREQUENCY CATHETER ABLATION OF PERMANENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION UNDER GUIDANCE OF CARTO-MERGE TECHNIQUE

Objective To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) to treat permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) under the guidance of Carto-Merge technique. Methods Fifteen male patients with permanent AF underwent RFCA under the guidance of Carto-Merge technique. The mean age was 54.00±10.44 years, and duration of AF was 23.66±14.93 months. Cardiac magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed to obtain pre-procedural three-dimensional (3D) images on the anatomy of left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) before RFCA procedure. Then the electroanatomical map was integrated with 3D images of MRA to form Carto-Merge map that guided step-by-step ablation strategy of permanent AF. Circumferential PV ablation was performed first until complete PVs electric isolation confirmed by Lasso catheter. If AF was not terminated, lesion lines on roof of LA, mitral isthmus, and tricuspid isthmus were produced. Results The episodes of AF were terminated during RFCA in 2 patients, by direct current cardioversion in the remaining 13 patients. Transient AF occurred in 2 patients after ablation on 1st day and 1st week respectively, AF terminated spontaneously not long after taking metoprolol. One patient developed persistent atrial flutter (AFL) in 2 months after procedure and AFL was eliminated by the second ablation. Persistent AF recurred on 1st day, 1st and 5th week respectively in 3 patients, and did not terminate after 3 months even though amiodarone was given. The remaining 12 patients were all free of AF during 2-11 months of follow-up. The recent success rate for RFCA of permanent AF was 80%. Conclusions Carto-Merge technique can effectively guide RFCA of permanent AF. When combined with single Lasso mapping, it can simplify the mapping, lower expenses, and enhance the success rate of RFCA of permanent AF.     

Electroanatomical systems to guided circumferential pulmonary veins ablation for atrial fibrillation: initial experience from comparison between the Ensite/NavX and CARTO system

Background The circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) has been proved effective for atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment and is becoming more widely accepted and practiced. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of the CARTO and the Ensite/NavX system and draw a comparison between them on the aspects of procedural parameters and clinical effectiveness.Methods Seventy-five cases with paroxysmal or chronic symptomatic AF were randomly assigned to CPVA procedure guided by the Ensite/NavX system (group Ⅰ, n=40) and by the CARTO system (group Ⅱ, n=35). After successful transseptal procedure, the geometry of left atrium was created under the guidance of the two systems. Radiofrequency energy was applied to circumferentially ablate tissues out of pulmonary veins’ (PVs’) ostia. In cases with chronic AF, linear ablation was applied to modify the substrate of left atrium （LA）. The endpoint of the procedure was complete PVs isolation. Results Seventy-five cases underwent the procedure successfully. The total procedure and fluoroscopic durations in group Ⅱ were significantly shorter than in group Ⅰ ［(150±23) min and (18±17) min versus (170±34) min and (25±16) min, P=0.03 and 0.04, respectively］. There was no significant difference in the fluoroscopic and procedure durations for geometry creation between group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ ［(8±4) min and (16±11) min versus (5±4) min and (14±8) min, respectively］. The fluoroscopic durations for CPVA were (15±5) min in group Ⅰ versus (10±6) min in group Ⅱ (P=0.05), and the CPVA procedural durations were significantly shorter in group Ⅱ than in group Ⅰ ［(18±11) min versus (25±10) min, P=0.04］. AF was terminated by radio frequency delivery in 14 cases (35%) in group Ⅰ versus 5 cases (14%) in group Ⅱ (P=0.035). After CPVA complete PV isolation was attained in 26 cases (65%) in group Ⅰ versus 11 cases (31%) in group Ⅱ (P=0.004). During a mean follow-up of 7 months, 32 (80%) cases in group Ⅰ and 24 (69%) cases in group Ⅱ were arrhythmia-free (P=0.06). One case developed pericardium effusion and another one case was found to have intestinal artery thrombosis in group Ⅱ. One case had moderate hemothorax in group Ⅰ. All the complications were cured by proper treatment. No PV stenosis was observed. Conclusions The CPVA procedure for atrial fibrillation is effective and safe. Although there is difference between the CARTO and the Ensite/NavX system, the CPVA procedure guided by either of them yields similar clinical results.     

Mechanisms of organized atrial tachycardia during catheter ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation by stepwise approach

Background Extensive atrial fibrillation （AF） ablation is associated with an increased success rate of catheter ablation in chronic AF patients and an increased rate of atrial tachycardia （AT） during the procedure. The mechanism of these Ats varies in previous studies. Our study aimed to report the mechanism of organized AT occurring during the stepwise ablation procedure of chronic AF.Methods A prospective cohort of 86 consecutive patients who underwent an ablation procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation （CAF） was investigated. The stepwise procedure was performed in the following order： circumferential pulmonary vein ablation, complex fractionated atrial electrograms ablation, mapping and ablation of AT. The endpoint was noninducibility of AF/AT after sinus rhythm （SR） was restored or the procedure time was beyond 6 hours.Results Sixty-nine （80%） of patients converted to SR via AT. A total of 179 sustained ATs were observed in 69 patients during the procedure. There were 81% （n=145） macroreentrant ATs which included 65 perimitral circuits, 48 peritricuspid tachycardia and 32 roof dependent circuits, 12% （n=21） localized reentrant and 7% （n=13） focal ATs. Thirty （15%） patients experienced significant left atrium （LA） and LA appendage （LAA） conduction delay or dissociation in the procedure or during the follow-up period.Conclusions Most CAF patients converted to SR via ablation of organized AT occurring during the stepwise procedure. The mechanism of most of these ATs was macro-reentry.     

Epicardial isolation of pulmonary veins with ethanol in open chest dogs

Background  Radiofrequency (RF) ablation has become a widely accepted treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to identify the efficacy and safety of pulmonary vein (PV) ablation with ethanol and to explore an alternative energy source for catheter ablation of AF.

Methods  Twelve open-chest mongrel dogs were randomized into ethanol ablation group and control group. Both the injections and electrophysiological mapping procedures were performed epicardialy. In ethanol ablation group (n=6), injections were performed to circumferentially ablate the root of each PV (0.2 ml each site, 3 mm apart) with 95% ethanol using an 1 ml injector. In control group (n=6), saline was injected other than ethanol. PV isolation was confirmed with a circular catheter immediately after the procedure and at follow up of 30 days. PV isolation was defined as the absence of PV potentials at each electrode of the circular catheter positioned at the PV side of the lesions, as well as complete conduction block into left atrium (LA) during PV pacing.

Results  PV electrical isolation with complete bidirectional conduction block was achieved with ethanol immediately and at 30 days in 95% of PVs, while saline injection caused only transient conduction changes between LA and PVs. In ethanol group, histologic analysis showed transmural lesions at 30 days. And there was no evidence of PV stenosis or thrombus formation. Mean LA diameter was not significantly different between baseline and 30 days.

Conclusion  Ethanol is a safe energy source to effectively isolate PV in canine model and may be promising in endocardial ablation procedure of AF patients in the future.

     

Limited posterior left atrial linear radiofrequency ablation for patients with chronic atrial fibrillation undergoing rheumatic valvular heart surgery

Since 1996, we have begun to successfully treat atrial fibrillation (AF) with the maze procedure, replacing surgical incisions with radiofrequency (RF) ablation.^1,2 Recent data show that the posterior wall of the left atrium seems to be a critical area for the occurrence and the maintenance of AF in patients with valvular heart disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether limited surgical RF ablation of the posterior region of the left atrium is safe and effective in curing chronic AF in patients also suffering from valvular heart disease.     

Stepwise approach to substrate modification of ventricular tachycardia after myocardial infarction

Background Recently, substrate mapping (SM) has been described to facilitate catheter ablation of stable and unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT) after myocardial infarction. However, SM is time consuming with potential disadvantages of multiple ablation lines such as impairment of ventricular function or proarrhythmia. The aim of the present study was to delineate a stepwise approach to SM to shorten procedure time and limit the possibility of complications. Methods SM was performed in 14 infarct survivors referred for VT ablation using an electroanatomical mapping system (CARTO) to define infarct regions. A new stepwise approach for SM was designed as follows. The initial ablation site was identified by pace- and entrainment mapping in case of stable VT and by pace mapping only in case of unstable VT. Based on the CARTO voltage mapping, linear ablation was done from this site to the center of the scar and perpendicular to the boundary of the scar or to the mitral annulus. Additional lines were performed only when VT remained inducible. A maximum of 3 ablation lines were created during one procedure. Results A total of 57 VTs (21 stable, 36 unstable) were induced during the procedures. VT was no longer inducible after the first linear ablation in 2 patients, after the second linear ablation in 6 patients and after the third linear ablation in 3 patients. Either VT or ventricular fibrillation was still inducible at the end of the procedure in 3 patients. Procedure time averaged (291 + 85) minutes, fluoroscopy time (10+7) minutes. VT recurred in 3 patients. Following a second procedure in 2 patients, there were no further VT recurrences. Overall, there was a significant reduction in VT episodes 3 months after [median: 0, interquartile ranges (IQR): 0-1] compared with 3 months before ablation (median: 25, IQR: 16-105, P<0.01). Conclusions This stepwise approach to SM is effective in facilitating ablation of stable and unstable VT. It reduces procedure and fluoroscopy time, and may help to improve the risk-benefit ratio of VT ablation.     

Feasibility and safety of vaginal myomectomy: analysis of 90 cases

Background Vaginal myomectomy was firstly reported in 1994, however, it is a relatively new technique in China. The feasibility and safety of the procedure is still controversial in this country. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of vaginal myomectomy in 90 patients and to investigate the feasibility and safety of the surgery.Methods From June 2001 to June 2004, 90 patients with uterine leiomyoma were treated with vaginal myomectomy in our hospital (vaginal group). The indications, operative performance, postoperative complications, and recovery of the patients were analyzed and compared with those of 93 patients with uterine leiomyoma treated by laparotomic myomectomy from January 2000 to January 2001 (laparotomy group). The Student’s t test was used to compare the continuous variables between the two groups, and the chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables. The vaginal and laparotomy groups were followed up for 10－34 months (median, 21) and 15－24 months (median, 30), respectively.Results Vaginal myomectomy was performed successfully in 87 of the 90 patients (96.7%). In the other 3 patients, the procedure failed and laparotomy was carried out. In both groups, the uterus was enlarged to 8－16 weeks gestational size (median, 10 gestational weeks). The number of resected tumors was 1－12 (median, 2) in the vaginal group and 1－15 (median, 4) in the laparotomy group, respectively (P&gt;0.05). The mean operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were (52±21) minutes, (230±44) ml, and (7.0±1.2) days in the vaginal group, and (65±32) minutes, (200±56) ml, and (7.0±1.5) days in the laparotomy group (P&gt;0.05). The mean top postoperative temperature was (38.4±1.1)&#730;C and (37.8±0.6)&#730;C in the two groups respectively (P&lt;0.05). Both groups had one recurrent case during the follow-up (P&gt;0.05). Conclusions Vaginal myomectomy is feasible and safe in treating uterine leiomyoma. To some extent, it is superior to laparotomic myomectomy by avoiding severe trauma during the surgery.     

Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation in patients with hypert rophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Objective To evaluate theimmediate and follow-up results of percutaneous transluminal s eptal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyo pathy (HOCM). Methods Fifteen symptomatic, drug-refractory patients with HOCM underwent PTSMA procedu res with application of a myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) intra-proc edure. Before and after the procedure, clinical evaluations were obtained in al l patients, who were followed up for a mean period of 8. 6±3. 8 (6-20) months. Results Immediate left ventricular outflow tract gradient (LVOTG) reduction was achie ved (77. 93±22 mm Hg vs 14. 8±15 mm Hg, P&lt;0. 0001) after the procedure with a mean decrease of5. 75±2. 87 mm Hg of left ventricular end diastolic pressure (P&lt;0. 001). Follow up results revealed that ventricular remodelli ng occurred mainly 1-3 months after the procedure, but without evidence of ventr icular dilation and contract dysfunction. Heart function (NYHA) was greatly imp roved （3. 4±0. 5 vs 1. 1±0. 4, P&lt;0. 001) and exercise endurance increased . A renewed increase of LVOTG was found in 2 patients during follow-up. Conclusions LVOTG was greatly decreased in HOCM patients undergoing a PTSMA procedure, and t heir symptoms were greatly improved without cardiac complications during follow -up. Sub-selection and re-opening of target vesselswere the causes of rene wed increase of LVOTG, and this can be avoided with the accumulation ofexperie nce. This is a promising method for the treatment of symptomatic patients with HOCM.     

Pathological study on right atrium myocardium in rheumatic heart dis-ease patients with atrial fibrillation

Objective: To study the pathological basis of right atrial fibrillation in rheumatic heart disease (RHD) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Twenty-nine patients with mitral valve replacement of RHD were divided into AF group (n=13) and sinus rhythm group (SN group) (n=16). There was no significant statistical difference in clinical factors between the 2 groups. During the operation of valve replace-ment, the samples of right atrial appendages were taken and the qualitative and quantitative study were made by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Results: (1) Light microscope: The interstitial fibrosis and the arrangement of myocardium was more disordered in AF group than that in SN group. However, no statistic difference was found in interstitial fibrosis and cellar hypertrophy degree between the 2 groups. (2) Electron microscope: Mitochondrial crosta broke and dissolved obviously in AF group. The mitochondrial volume in AF group was smaller than that in SN group. Volume density, average area and average perimeter in AF group were less than that in SN group ; specific surface in AF group was bigger than that in SN group. There was significant difference of above factors between the 2 groups; but there was no significant difference of surface density and numerical density on area in the 2 groups. Volume density of myofibril in AF group and SN group were less than that in SN group. (3)Split of Intercalated disc(ID) gap was found in AF group, and there was marrowing and floccular substance in ID gap. Conclusion : There were significant differences in the pathological changes of right atrial myocardium between AF and SN with RHD, these changes may be the im-portant pathological basis for RA fibrillation of AF patients with RHD.     

Radiofrequency ablation of atrial tachycardia in patients with repaired atrial septal defect

Objective ： To evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia （AT） in patients with repaired atrial septal defects（ASD）. Methods： In 76 consecutive patients with AT who underwent the electrophysiological study and radiofrequency catheter ablation （RFCA）, 4 patients （one male and three female aged 35.5±11.5 years） had AT-related myocardial scar or incision. Earliest activation combined with entrainment mapping was adopted to determine a critical isthmus. Results： Re-entry related to the lateral atriotomy scar was inducible in 3 of 4 patients. With entrainment mapping, the PPI-TCL difference was 〈30 ms when pacing at the inferior margins of the right lateral atriotomy scar. Among them, 2 patients had successful linear ablation between scar area to inferior vena cava, and 1 patient between scar areas to tricuspid annulus. Re-entry involving an ASD patch was demonstrated in 1 of 4 patients. PPI-TCL differences 〈30 ms were found when entraining tachycardia at sites near the septal patch. But linear ablation failed in terminating AT. There was no complication during procedure. No recurrence of incision-related AT was found during follow-up except for the failed patient. Conclusion： Under conventional electrophysiological mapping, adopting linear ablation from scar area to anatomic barrier, successful ablation also can be obtained in patients with IRAT related to myocardial scar or incision.     

Initial experiences with circumferential pulmonary vein ablation guided by CartoMerge

Backgrounds This study was to report the initial experiences of the technique of fusion of either MSCT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with three-dimensional (3-D) electroanatomic mapping (CartoMerge) to guide circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods Fifty-five patients [42 men, mean age (SS 14) years] with symptomatic drug-refractory AF underwent MRI or 64-slice MSCT 1 to 3 days prior to the ablation procedure. Using the new CartoMerge?Image Integration Module, 3-D anatomic images of the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) derived from MRI/MSCT were established and fused with the electroanatomic map. The end-point of CPVA was abolish or dissociation of pulmonary vein potentials (PVPs). Results MRI and 64-slice MSCT was performed in 30 and 25 patients, respectively. A mean of (49±13) mapping points was used to establish the electroanatomic model of the LA/PVs. In all patients, MRI/MSCT images could be fused with the 3-D electroanatomic map. Mean distance between the mapping points and the MRI/MSCT surfaces ranged from (1.16±0.89) mm to (2.20±1.76) mm.Conclusions Integration of MRI/MSCT image and the 3-D electroanatomic mapping is a useful tool to facilitate ablation procedure for AF. However, the accuracy of the fusion procedure is dependent on the precision of electroanatomic mapping.     

Efficacy of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator thrombolysis and primary coronary stenting after acute myocardial infarction

Objective To compare the efficacy of low dose recombin ant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) thrombolysis with primary corona ry stenting after acute myocardial infarction. Methods Of 261 patients with first acute myocardial i nfarction, 131 were given low dose rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis, and 130 primary coronary stenting. Results The age, time from onset of chest pain to hosp ital presentation and infarct location between these two groups were comparable . The patency rate of the infarct-related artery (IRA) in patients in the thro mbolysis group was significantly lower than that of patients in the primary sten ting group (P&lt;0.001). Recurrent myocardial infarction, and selective coron ary stenting of patients with thrombolytic therapy were higher than that of pat ients in the primary stenting group (7.6% vs 1.5%, P&lt;0.05; 20.6% vs 0, P&lt;0.001, respectively). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patie nts in the thrombolysis group was lower than that of the stent group (55.6%±13 .4% vs 65.8%±9.2%, P&lt;0.001). Total hospitalization time of the thrombo lysis group was longer than that of the stent group （16±7 d vs 11±4 d, P &lt;0.001). Mortality in the thrombolysis group was higher than that of the stent group, but this difference was not significant （6.1% vs 3.1%,P&gt;0 .05） Conclusion Comparing with low dose rt-PA thrombolytic therapy after acute myocardial infarction, primary coronary stenting has a highe r patency rate of the IRA, better cardiac function and shorter hospitalization time.     

The clinical use of interventional chemotherapy and intravesical instillation for preventing recurrence of superficial bladder cancer

Objective To study the therapeutic efficacy of combined interventional chemotherapy and intravesical instillation of mitomycin on preventing bladder cancers from recurring after local ablation. Methods 28 patients with superficial bladder cancers were randomized into combined interventional chemotherapy and intravesical instillation of mitomycin or intravesical instillation of mitomycin alone for preventing recurrence after local ablation. The result was assessed by x2 test. Results The patients have been followed up for 12-26 months (mean 21 months). 1 case has had tumor recurrence in the combined modality therapy group and 4 in the intravesical instillation alone group, the tumor recurrence rate being 7% (1/14) and 29% (4/14) respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion Combined use of interventional chemotherapy and intravesical instillation of mitomycin is effective in preventing superficial bladder cancer from recurring after local ablation with fewer adverse effects. The ragimen is not only reliable but also     

Effect of catheter radiofrequency ablation on C-reactive protein, brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiograph in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation

Background Radiofrequency catheter ablation （RFCA） for atrial fibrillation （AF） has developed rapidly,and is a commonly performed ablation in many major hospitals throughout the world,due to its satisfactory results.The aim of this study was to detect the effect of RFCA on C-reactive protein （CRP）,brain natriuretic peptide （BNP）,and echocardiograph in patients with persistent and permanent AF.Methods A total of 120 patients （71 males,mean age （50.8＆#177;12.0） years） with persistent and permanent AF undergoing RFCA under guidance of the Carto merge technique were studied.Left atrial diameter （LAD）,right atrial diameter （RAD）,left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）,CRP,and BNP were observed 3,6 and 12 months after RFCA and compared with results before RFCA.The recurrence of atrial arrhythmias was observed 3 and 12 months after the procedure.Results Compared with that before RFCA,LAD and RAD decreased and LVEF increased significantly after RFCA.Meanwhile,the levels of CRP and BNP were reduced significantly at 3,6,and 12 months after RFCA （P〈0.05）.In the non-recurrent patients,LVEF was increased significantly compared with the recurrent patients at 3,6,and 12 months after RFCA （P〈0.05）.CRP and BNP levels were decreased significantly in the non-recurrent patients compared with the recurrent patients at 3,6,and 12 months after RFCA （P〈0.05）.After one or two applications of RFCA,during a follow-up of 12 months,12 patients （10.0%） had AF,10 patients （8.3%） had atrial flutter,and 5 patients had atrial tachycardia （4.2%）.Conclusions Conversion of AF to sinus rhythm by RFCA,has been shown to reduce LA size and improve LVEF.It can also significantly decrease the levels of CRP and BNP in patients with persistent and permanent AF and reduce the risk of inflammation and developing heart failure.     

Cardiac electromechanical mapping in analyzing the mechanism of left ventricular remodeling immediately after percutaneous transluminal septal ablation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Background Effect of percutaneous transluminal septal ablation (PTSA) with ethanol injection on electromechanical remodeling of left ventricule still remains unknown. This study was conducted to assess the potential significance of cardiac electromechanical mapping (CEMM) in analyzing the left ventricular remodeling before and immediately after percutaneous transseptal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).Methods Eight patients with drug-refractory HOCM and 6 patients with hypertrophic cardiopathy (HM) without increased left ventricular outtract gradien (LVOTG) were enrolled into the present study. CEMM was undergone in patients with HOCM before and immediately after PTSA procedure, and in patients with HM.Results PTSA was successful in all patients with HOCM, LVOTG significantly decreased from (62.87±21.16) mmHg to (12.73±3.05) mmHg immediately after ablation procedure. Value of UVP in septal-base segment in HM group was higher than that in HOCM group ［(22.79±2.34)mV vs (18.54±1.76)mV］.In patients with HOCM, lateral-middle and -base segments had lowest value of UVP ［(15.93±1.11) mV and (15.83±1.07)mV］ before PTSA. Value of UVP at posterior-middle segment decreased from (23.58±2.21)mV pre-PTSA to (18.89±1.91)mV post-procedure, PTSA led to significant increase of UVP at lateral-middle segment. Septal region in patients with HM and septal-middle, septal-base, posterior-base segments in HOCM had lower value of local linear shortening (LLS) among all patients in both HOCM and HM groups. PTSA resulted in significant reduction of LLS in anterior region and at septal-apex segment. Anterior-base and septal-middle segments in patients with HM had lowest value of local active time (LAT), and significantly differentiated from that in patients with HOCM ［(-8.57±0.68)ms vs (-18.61±1.02)ms, (-6.75±0.37)ms vs (-21.90±0.96)ms, respectively］.LAT at septal-middle and -base segments in patients with HOCM was decreased significantly ［(-21.90±0.96)ms vs (-13.80±1.04)ms, P&lt;0.002; and (-15.20±1.06)ms vs (-6.33±0.52)ms, respectively］ immediately after PTSA.Conclusions Posterior-lateral and anterior region probably played important roles in electromechanical remodeling. Significant electromechanical remodeling disassociation (uncoupling) was detected in most left ventricular regions, which would be important in differentiating of HOCM from HM, and in predicting the prognosis in patients with HOCM after PTSA procedure. Chin Med J 2005; 118(21):1779-1785     

Hypercoagulability existing in the local left atrium of patient with mitral stenosis

Objective To investigate the pathogenesis of thromboembolism in patients with mitral stenosis in a pre-thrombotic state.Methods The biochemical markers’ levels in plasma for platelet activity ［soluble P-selectin (GMP-140)］, states of thrombin generation ［antithrombin　Ⅲ　(AT Ⅲ) and protein C (PC)］, fibrinolysis ［D-dimer (DD), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and FDP］ and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were determined from blood specimens obtained from the femoral veins and arteries and the right and left atria of 43 consecutive patients (20 with atrial fibrillation and 23 with sinus rhythm) with mitral stenosis (MS), undergoing percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty. The same parameters were compared with those of 15 control subjects, who had no detectable heart disease, but with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of the left accessory pathway through a transseptal passage. Results Blood from the left atrium contained an excessive amount of platelet activity, thrombin generation and fibrinolysis compared with the blood from the right atrium, and the femoral veins and arteries. However blood from the right atrium was much lower in these activities when compared with those from the left atrium, and the femoral veins and arteries in both groups. Compared with those in the control subjects, GMP-140 in the left atrium was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) and AT Ⅲ was significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) in patients with MS. Compared with the patients with MS and spontaneous left atrial echocontrast (LASEC)≤1, the patients with MS and LASEC≥2 had significantly higher levels of GMP-140 in plasma (P&lt;0.05), and significantly lower levels of AT Ⅲ (P&lt;0.05) and PC (P&lt;0.01) levels in the left atrium. However, there were no significant differences between patients with atrial fibrillation and those with sinus rhythm regarding amounts of plasma coagulation markers in the left atrium. Univariate regression analysis revealed that LASEC was negatively correlated with plasma levels of blood from the left atria in the patients with MS. Conclusion Coagulability is increased in the left atria of patients with MS and is positively correlated with LASEC.