Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: Long‐Term Follow‐Up Results

AF Ablation in Patients With Valvular Heart Disease . Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in patients with moderate valvular heart disease (VHD). Methods: In total, 534 consecutive patients who underwent AF ablation were enrolled. Patients with a history of valve surgery or other structural heart disease were excluded. Patients with clinically moderate VHD (group‐1, n = 45) were compared with those without VHD (control group‐2, n = 436). Ipsilateral pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) was performed with a double Lasso technique in all the patients. Left atrial (LA) linear ablation was undertaken in persistent AF patients, if AF was inducible after PVAI. Results: Patients in group‐1 were significantly older and had a larger LA. PVAI was successfully achieved in all the patients. Patients in group‐1 received LA linear ablation more frequently during the index procedure. After a median of 26 months from the index procedure, the freedom from AF was significantly lower in group‐1 than group‐2 off antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) (47% vs 69%, P = 0.002). Although there were more number of total procedures in group‐1 than group‐2, the freedom from AF was lower at median 24 months after the last procedure (78% vs 87%, P = 0.038). There was no significant difference in the freedom from AF on AADs (91% vs 95%, P = 0.356) or complication rate between the 2 groups. Atrial tachycardia following the index procedure was observed more frequently in group‐1 (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The patients with VHD undergoing AF ablation are less likely to remain in sinus rhythm at long term without AADs than those without VHD. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1193‐1198, November 2010)     

Pulmonary Vein Antral Isolation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Results from Long‐Term Follow‐Up

Long‐Term Follow‐Up After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation . Introduction: Pulmonary veins play an important role in triggering atrial fibrillation (AF). Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an effective treatment for patients with paroxysmal AF. However, the late AF recurrence rate in long‐term follow‐up of circumferential PV antral isolation (PVAI) is not well documented. We sought to determine the time to recurrence of arrhythmia after PVAI, and long‐term rates of sinus rhythm after circumferential PVAI. Methods: One hundred consecutive patients with a mean age of 54 ± 10 years, with paroxysmal AF who underwent PVAI procedure were analyzed. Isolation of pulmonary veins was based on an electrophysiological and anatomical approach, with a nonfluoroscopic navigation mapping system to guide antral PVI. Ablation endpoint was vein isolation confirmed with a circular mapping catheter at first and subsequent procedures. Clinical, ECG, and Holter follow‐up was undertaken every 3 months in the first year postablation, every 6 months thereafter, with additional prolonged monitoring if symptoms were reported. Time to arrhythmia recurrence, and representing arrhythmias, were documented. Results: Isolation of all 4 veins was successful in 97% patients with 3.9 ± 0.3 veins isolated/patient. Follow‐up after the last RF procedure was at a mean of 39 ± 10 months (range 21–66 months). After a single procedure, sinus rhythm was maintained at long‐term follow‐up in 49% patients without use of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). After repeat procedure, sinus rhythm was maintained in 57% patients without the use of AADs, and in 82% patients including patients with AADs. A total of 18 of 100 patients had 2 procedures and 4 of 100 patients had 3 procedures for recurrent AF/AT. Most (86%) AF/AT recurrences occurred ≤1 year after the first procedure. Mean time to recurrence was 6 ± 10 months. Kaplan–Meier analysis on antiarrhythmics showed AF free rate of 87% at 1 year and 80% at 4 years. There were no major complications. Conclusion: PVAI is an effective strategy for the prevention of AF in the majority of patients with PAF. Maintenance of SR requires repeat procedure or continuation of AADs in a significant proportion of patients. After maintenance of sinus rhythm 1‐year post‐PVAI, a minority of patients will subsequently develop late recurrence of AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 137‐141, February 2011)     

Long‐Term Clinical Follow‐Up after Drug‐Eluting Stent Implantation for Bare Metal In‐Stent Restenosis

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the long‐term safety and efficacy of drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation in the treatment of diffuse bare metal stent (BMS) restenosis as compared to the treatment of de novo coronary lesions in high restenosis risk patient population.

Background

To date limited long‐term data are available about the treatment of BMS restenosis with DES.

Methods

Five hundred and fourteen consecutive patients who underwent DES implantation between January 2003 and October 2006 at our institute were studied: 201 patients received DES for treatment of BMS restenosis and 313 patients received DES for high restenosis risk de novo lesions. Outcomes were calculated using propensity score adjustment. Mean follow‐up length was 45.6 ± 21.5 months.

Results

The rates of acute coronary syndrome, three‐vessel disease, and diabetes were high in both restenosis and de novo groups: 44.8% versus 46.3%, 20.9% versus 28.7%, and 34.3% versus 38.9%, respectively. The incidence of ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) yielded similar results in the restenosis group and de novo group at 4 years (10.4% vs 12.4%, P = 0.490). All‐cause mortality was lower in the restenosis group at 4 years (7.4% vs 14.7%, P = 0.032); however, the incidence of definite and probable stent thrombosis did not differ (1.9% vs 1.6%, P = 0.708) between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

DESs are safe in the treatment of diffuse BMS restenosis and the rate of additional TLR is acceptable as compared to the use of DES in de novo lesions. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:271–277)

     

Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Coronary Venous Bypass Graft Lesions Treated with a New Generation Drug‐Eluting Stent with Bioabsorbable Polymer

Background

To date, no published data are available regarding long‐term follow‐up of new generation DES implanted in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) lesions.

Objectives

To assess the long‐term clinical outcome of patients receiving the new generation Biolimus A9‐coated drug‐eluting stent (DES) with biodegradable polymer in saphenous vein grafts (SVG).

Methods

Three thousand sixty‐seven patients were included in the NOBORI 2 registry: 71 patients with a total of 117 lesions received at least 1 biolimus A9 DES in SVG lesions and 2,959 patients received percutaneous coronary intervention in other lesions. Clinical follow‐up was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months, and annually up to 3 years.

Results

Compared to the non‐CABG group, patients with CABG lesions were older (P < 0.001), had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (P = 0.004), and presented more often with acute coronary syndrome (P = 0.02). At 3‐year follow‐up, cardiac death occurred in 9.7% versus 2.1% (P < 0.001), myocardial infarction (MI) in 8.3% versus 3.0% (P = 0.02), target lesion failure in 13.9% versus 6.4% (P = 0.03), and major adverse cardiac event in 18.1% versus 8.6% (P = 0.01). No differences were observed in TV‐MI and TLR, nor stent thrombosis (ST) which was generally low in both groups (1.4% vs 0.8%, P = NS).

Conclusion

Albeit 3‐year outcomes were less favorable in the CABG group, the higher cardiac mortality was apparently not driven by ST, target vessel MI, or TLR, but is likely due to advanced disease and age as well as comorbidity. The low TLR rate as well as the absence of late and very late ST suggest that BES are safe and effective for the treatment of CABG lesions. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:425‐433)

     

Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Patients with Syncope Evaluated by Head‐Up Tilt Test

Background: Clinicians may be tempted to consider a positive head‐up tilt test (HUTT) an unfavorable prognostic indicator. We investigated whether results of routine HUTT predict long‐term recurrence of syncope. Methods: We analyzed syncope recurrence at long‐term among 107 patients (mean age 51 ± 20 years) receiving HUTT for diagnostic evaluation of unexplained/suspected neurocardiogenic syncope in our Institute. Results: HUTT was positive in 76 patients (vasodepressive response, n = 58; cardioinhibitory, n = 5; mixed, n = 13). During a median follow‐up of 113 months (range, 7–161), 34 (32%) patients experienced recurrence (24 [32%] with positive HUTT during 110 months (7–159); 10 [32%] with negative HUTT during 120 [22–161] months). Actuarial freedom from recurrence at 10 years did not significantly differ for patients with positive/negative test results (after passive/active phases) or with different positive response patterns (vasodepressive, cardioinhibitory, mixed). By contrast, history of >4 syncopes in the 12 months preceding HUTT stratified risk of recurrence, irrespective of HUTT positivity/negativity. At Cox proportional hazards analysis, history of >4 syncopes in the 12 months preceding HUTT was the single independent risk factor for recurrence both in the overall study population (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.07–2.69) and within the subset of patients who tested positive (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.07–3.17). Conclusions: This long‐term follow‐up study reinforces the concept that a positive HUTT should not be considered an unfavorable prognostic indicator; frequency of recent occurrences may be a more valid predictor. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(2):101–106     

Rotablation in the Drug Eluting Era: Immediate and Long‐Term Results from a Single Center Experience

The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and long‐term outcome of patients who were treated with rotational atherectomy (RA) to facilitate the delivery of drug eluting stents (DES) in heavily calcified lesions. We analyzed 150 consecutive patients who underwent RA and subsequently DES implantation in our institution. The patients had heavily calcified coronary artery lesions requiring plaque modification prior to conventional angioplasty and stent implantation. Rotational atherectomy was performed using the standard Boston Scientific Rotablator^® system. A 2‐burr stepped approach was selected in most of the cases. Following successful modification of the plaque, the angioplasty was performed with a balloon at low pressure to avoid dissection and a DES was implanted. The mean follow up period was 3 years (max. 78 months). Follow‐up data included all cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), recurrent angina, re‐hospitalization, target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), and long‐term duration of dual antiplatelet therapy. The rate of recurrent angina and MI during follow up was low (3.3%) and the overall major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was 11.3%. No MACE occurred during hospitalization. There was no relationship between discontinuation of clopidogrel and occurrence of death or MI. The combined approach of RA‐DES has a favorable effect when dealing with heavily calcified lesions in both the angiographic and clinical outcomes. No safety concerns are observed up to 6 years. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:249–253)     

Associations of Hemodynamic Load and Ventricular Repolarization in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Essential Hypertension: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study

The evolution of QT interval and its dispersion (QTd) were studied in 135 newly diagnosed nondiabetic patients, as well as the relationship between changes of these left ventricular (LV) repolarization parameters with blood pressure (BP) and LV mass changes, which were prospectively studied for a median period of 3.8 years. At baseline and at last follow‐up visit, all patients underwent ambulatory BP monitoring, echocardiographic assessment, and 12‐lead electrocardiography. At the end of follow‐up, responders of antihypertensive treatment based on a reduced 24‐hour systolic BP (n=122) exhibited a reduction in LV mass index (by 7.6 g/m², P<.001) and corrected QT (by 4.3, P=.038), while corrected QTd was unchanged. In nonresponders (n=13), although no difference in LV mass index was observed, corrected QT increased by 12.4 ms (P=.048) and corrected QTd by 8.2 ms (P=.027). Changes in parameters of LV repolarization were related to BP changes but not to changes of myocardial size.     

Racial Differences in Long‐Term Outcomes after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Paclitaxel‐Eluting Coronary Stents

Objectives

To assess the influence of race on long‐term outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES).

Background

Data on the influence of race on long‐term outcomes following PCI with drug‐eluting stents are limited because of severe underrepresentation of minority populations in randomized trials.

Methods

We compared 5‐year outcomes of 2,301 Whites, 127 Blacks, and 169 Asians treated with PES in the TAXUS IV, V, and ATLAS trials. Outcomes were adjusted using a propensity score logistic regression model with 1:4 matching.

Results

Blacks were more likely than Whites to be female, have a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and stroke, but were less likely to have prior coronary artery disease. Compared with Whites, Asians were younger, more likely to be male, have stable angina, and left anterior descending disease, and less likely to have silent ischemia, previous coronary artery bypass surgery, prior coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and to receive glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Despite higher antiplatelet compliance, the adjusted 5‐year rates of myocardial infarction (15.4% vs. 5.4%, P < 0.001) and stent thrombosis (5.6% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.002) were higher in Blacks than Whites. Despite lower antiplatelet compliance, Asians had no differences in myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis compared with Whites. Mortality and revascularization rates were similar between the three groups.

Conclusions

The long‐term risk of major thrombotic events after PCI with PES was higher in Blacks, but not Asians, compared with Whites. The mechanisms underlying these racial differences warrant further investigation. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:49–57)

     

Prognostic Significance of Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Diphtheritic Myocarditis After Hospital Discharge: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study

Objective: We aimed to investigate the long‐term cardiac mortality and the relationship between cardiac mortality and electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with diphtheritic myocarditis who survived after hospital discharge. Materials and Methods: Between 1991 and 1996, 32 patients (all males, mean age 21.00 ± 3.77 years) surviving diphtheritic myocarditis were included in the study and they were followed up for an average of 16.3 months (range 10.3–26.8 months) after hospital discharge. Clinical evaluation, ECG, and echocardiography were performed on admission, daily while in hospital and at the time of discharge. ECG changes were permanent during the follow‐up period. The causes of death of the patients during follow‐up period were inferred from the death records of the patients and talking to the people witnessing cardiac arrest. Results: We observed that the patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and T wave inversion at hospital discharge had lower survival rates than that of the patients without these ECG changes in the long term. Although univariate Cox regression analysis identified LBBB (P = 0.001) and T wave inversion (P = 0.014) as the predictors of survival, only LBBB was an independent predictor of survival in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Adjusted hazard ratio was calculated as 13.67 for LBBB (P = 0.001; CI = 2.81–66.28). Conclusion: Diphtheritic myocarditis does not only demonstrate a malignant clinical course during acute phase of the disease, but also during the long‐term follow‐up period, especially in patients with LBBB and T wave inversion. Besides, T wave inversion and LBBB can help us to predict survival rate of the patients in long term. Moreover, LBBB is an independent predictor of long‐term survival in diphtheritic myocarditis.     

Real World,Long‐Term Outcomes Comparison Between Paclitaxel‐Eluting and Sirolimus‐Eluting Stent Platforms

We compare real‐world, extended target vessel revascularization (TVR)‐free survival following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients receiving either sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) or paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES) following an index drug‐eluting stent (DES) supported procedure. We analyzed 2,363 consecutive patients having first DES‐supported PCI at receiving PES (n = 1,012) or SES (n = 1,332) from April 2004 to July 2006. Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes were recorded during the time of the index procedure and extended clinical outcomes data were obtained thereafter. TVR and all cause mortality were identified during the study period. Adjusted Kaplan‐Meier and Cox's proportional hazard survival methods were performed. TVR‐free survival at 2.3 years was 91.3% for SES compared with 88.9% for PES (P = 0.06). Kaplan‐Meier survival curves did not significantly differ (adjusted hazard ratio ?1.39 [95% CI 0.99–1.97]) between the SES and PES patient cohorts. TVR was similar between the stent platforms at one (96.6% for SES [95% CI 95.3–97.6] vs. 95.7% for PES [95% CI 94.1–96.9]) and two (95.0%[95% CI 93.0–96.4] for SES vs. 93.7% for PES [95% CI 91.6–95.3]) years. Overall survival at 2 years was 96.2% for SES (95% CI 94.7–97.3) and 95.3% for PES (95% CI 93.7–96.5). SES and PES drug‐eluting stent platforms have good and similar extended outcomes in this real world registry of unselected patients having PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:167‐175)     

Side Balloon Stenting of the Left Main Bifurcation: A Three‐Year Angiographic Follow‐Up

None of the currently used interventional techniques yield durable results for coronary bifurcation lesions. We successfully treated a patient with unprotected left main bifurcation disease using a side balloon stent technique with a drug‐eluting stent (DES). This technique produced excellent immediate and long‐term results.