经导管射频消融治疗老年阵发性心房颤动临床分析

目的评价射频消融治疗老年阵发性房颤患者的有效性和安全性。方法连续入选接受首次房颤射频消融术治疗的药物难治性阵发性房颤患者85例,按年龄大小分为老年人房颤组（≥60岁,45例）和非老年人房颤组（〈60岁,40例）,所有患者接受环肺静脉隔离术治疗。观察患者房颤的复发情况。结果通过（37.2±3.2）月的随访,85例患者中,共23例（27.1%）出现房颤复发,其中≥60岁与〈60岁年龄组在复发率上无显著性差异（12/45 vs 11/40,P=0.931）。85例患者中无1例出现消融相关严重并发症。结论经导管射频消融是治疗老年阵发性房颤的有效手段,其有效性及安全性与非老年人群并无临床差异。     

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Background Atrial fibrillation （AF） catheter ablation has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for AF, but has not been widely adopted in the elderly population. The present study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of AF catheter ablation in the elderly popula-tion. Methods and Results The study population consisted of 316 patients with paroxysmal AF who underwent left atrial ablation. Ninety-five patients were≥65 years （48 males, mean age 68.9 ± 3.0 years old） and 221 patients were〈65 years old （130 males, mean age 52.5 ± 10.4 years old）. After a mean follow-up period of 34.0 ± 15.1 months, 55 （57.9%） patients in the elderly group were free from ar-rhythmia recurrence compared with 149 （67.4%） patients in the younger group （P=0.169）. Procedural complications were uncommon in both study groups. In logistic regression analysis, left atrial diameter （P=0.003）, hypertension （P=0.001）, dyslipidemia （P=0.039）, and coronary artery disease （P=0.018） were independent predictors of AF recurrence in the elderly population. Conclusions Catheter ablation of AF is safe and effective in older patients. Invasive strategies should be considered as an alternative choice in symptomatic elderly patients with AF.     

心房颤动导管消融：更上一层楼

十余年来,心房颤动（房颤）导管消融已经从一项探索中的技术发展为广泛应用的房颤治疗方法,其进展日新月异.目前,房颤导管消融的技术更成熟,风险效益比更明确,普及更广泛,已然进入了快速发展的成熟时期.     

Effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation on left atrial cavity size

Left atrial (LA) remodeling is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Radiofrequency catheter ablation offers a good treatment option for AF, with reasonable long-term results. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether LA reverse remodeling occurs after successful catheter ablation. Fifty-seven consecutive patients (45 men; age 53 +/- 8 years) with symptomatic drug-refractory AF were treated with radiofrequency catheter ablation. The patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of AF recurrence as determined by Holter monitoring and 12-lead electrocardiographic findings at 6 weeks and 3 months of follow-up (sinus rhythm [SR] group, no recurrence; AF group, AF recurrence). At baseline and 3 months of follow-up, 2-dimensional echocardiography was performed to assess LA size and dimensions. Furthermore, LA volumes were measured at end-systole and end-diastole. After 3 months, 39 of 57 patients (68%) maintained SR. At 3 months of follow-up, the LA anteroposterior diameter showed a significant reduction in the SR group (4.5+/- 0.3 vs 4.2 +/- 0.2 cm, p <0.01), and an additional increase was observed in the AF group (4.5+/- 0.3 vs 4.8 +/- 0.3 cm, p <0.05). Furthermore, the LA end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes decreased significantly in the SR group from baseline to follow-up (59 +/- 12 vs 50 +/- 11 ml, p <0.01, and 37 +/- 9 vs 31 +/- 7 ml, p <0.01, respectively). However, a tendency toward an increase in LA volumes was observed in the AF group. In conclusion, the results of this study have demonstrated that LA reverse remodeling occurs after successful radiofrequency catheter ablation for AF.     

Impact of age on the outcome of pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation using circular mapping technique and cooled-tip ablation catheter:

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective analysis was performed to define the impact of age on the outcomes and complications in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). PVI is an evolving technique for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). The impact of age on the risks, outcomes, and complications of PVI has not been well defined. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 323 patients (259 men and 64 women; age 18-79 years) underwent PVI for treatment of drug-refractory symptomatic AF. An ostial isolation of the pulmonary veins was done using a cooled-tip ablation catheter guided by circular mapping. The patients were divided into three groups based on age (group I: <50 years, group II: 51-60 years, group III: >60 years) and the results were compared. There were 106 patients in group I, 114 patients in group II, and 103 patients in group III (mean age 41.3 +/- 7.8 years, 55.4 +/- 2.75 years, and 66.6 +/- 4.18 years, respectively) who underwent PVI for paroxysmal (53.8%), persistent (10.8%), or permanent (35.3%) AF. Baseline characteristics were similar except for a higher prevalence of hypertension and/or structural heart disease in groups II and III (58% and 63% vs 33% in group I, respectively). The procedural variables were similar in all age groups. The overall risk of complications was similar in the three groups, except that the risk of stroke was significantly higher in patients >60 years of age (3% vs 0%; P < 0.05). The recurrence rates of AF were similar in the three age groups (15.1%, 16.7%, and 18.4%, respectively; P > 0.05). The risk of severe pulmonary vein stenosis (1.8%, 2.6%, and 0.9%, respectively) was low and did not vary with age. CONCLUSION: PVI is a safe and effective treatment for patients with drug-refractory symptomatic AF, and its benefits extend to all age groups. The risk of procedural complications, especially thromboembolic events, appears to be higher in the elderly age group. This observation needs to be considered while assessing potential candidates for the procedure.     

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in heart failure: untying the Gordian knot

Atrial fibrillation(AF) and heart failure(HF) are complex clinical entities that occur concomitantly in a significant population of patients, and their prevalence is rising in epidemic proportions. Traditionally, both rate and rhythm control strategies have been regarded as equivalent in the management of dysrhythmia in this AF-HF cohort with escalation of treatment largely guided by symptoms. Both disorders are involved in an elaborate pathophysiological interplay with shared cardiovascular risk factors that contribute to the development and sustenance of both AF and HF. Recent studies and continued development of evidence to support catheter ablation for AF has brought into question the traditional belief in equivalence between rate and rhythm control. Indeed, recent trials, in particular the CASTLE-AF(Catheter Ablation versus Standard Conventional Therapy in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Atrial Fibrillation) study, suggest that catheter ablation for AF improves survival and rates of hospitalisation in patients with concomitant HF and AF, threatening a paradigm shift in the management of this patient cohort. The evident mortality benefit from clinical trials suggests that catheter ablation for AF should be considered as a therapeutic intervention in all suitable patients with the AF-HF syndrome as these patients may derive the greatest benefit from restoration of sinus rhythm. Further research is needed to refine the evidence base, especially to determine which subgroup of HF patients benefit most from catheter ablation and what is the optimal timing.     

Atrial fibrillation -- interventional therapy with respect to age

Actual therapy of atrial fibrillation follows either the rate or rhythm control strategy. To stabilize sinus rhythm after cardioversion or in case of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, medical treatment is currently first line therapy. In patients who develop drug-refractory atrial fibrillation, further invasive treatment modalities like preventive pacing, hybrid therapy or catheter-based ablation techniques including pulmonary vein ablation or linear atrial lesion are available. However, interventional atrial fibrillation therapy should be reserved for the highly symptomatic patient due to its limited efficacy and risk of complication. Due to the higher relevance of the AF substrate in elderly patients, ablation therapy will be of limited use until substrate modification in addition to trigger elimination will reach an established stage as a clinical procedure. Hybrid therapy however, with ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus is as suitable in elderly patients as in the young or middle-aged.     

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation—A key role in heart failure therapy?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are epidemic cardiac diseases and are often detected in the same patient. Recent evidence suggests that this is not a mere coincidence but that the strategy of AF treatment may impact HF development. This review comprehensively summarizes current trial data on rhythm and rate control strategies in atrial fibrillation with a special focus on catheter ablation of AF in HF patients. For a long time , rate and rhythm control strategies for AF have been regarded as equal regarding long term mortality. Decision making has been based on the symptoms of patients. Current trials, however, show that the treatment strategy of AF and its effectiveness may significantly impact survival of HF patients. The benefits of rhythm control in HF patients may have been masked by side effects of antiarrhythmic drugs. If rhythm control, however, is achieved by catheter ablation, a reduction of HF related mortality can be observed. As catheter ablation of AF may reduce mortality in HF patients, AF ablation should be preferred over medical treatment in HF patients. In general, HF patients may profit most from rigorous AF treatment.     

Single-catheter radiofrequency ablation of a permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia in a premature neonate

A 34-week premature neonate presented with drug-refractory permanent junctional incessant tachycardia and haemodynamic compromise. The patient underwent successful radiofrequency catheter ablation using a single-catheter approach. The child remains in sinus rhythm, without pharmacological treatment, 2 years after the procedure.     

Atrial fibrillation in heart failure: catheter and surgical interventional therapies

Atrial fibrillation and heart failure commonly coexist in the same patient. Each may adversely affect the other. Atrial fibrillation leads to heart failure exacerbation, left ventricular function deterioration and an increase in thrombo-embolic risk. Therapeutic options targeting atrial fibrillation in heart failure patients include pharmacological and non-pharmacological means. Pharmacological therapy is directed at either rate control using nodal blocking agents or rhythm control using anti-arrhythmic agents, of which the options are limited in patients with heart failure. The landmark AF–CHF trial did not show any benefit of rhythm control strategy as opposed to rate control in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. However, patients in this trial as well as in others used mostly amiodarone for rhythm control. This might have negated any positive effects of achieving normal sinus rhythm. Non-pharmacological therapy both for rate and rhythm control is appealing. This includes AV node ablation for rate control, catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and surgical therapy of atrial fibrillation. This review will address non-pharmacologic treatment of AF in heart failure patients.     

递进式消融法治疗持续性心房颤动的初步体会

目的评价一种递进式消融法治疗持续性心房颤动（房颤）的疗效。方法34例持续性房颤患者,年龄（54．8±11．4）岁,病程（36．5±9．8）个月。按以下顺序进行递进式消融：环肺静脉前庭消融达肺静脉电学隔离,左心房顶部和二尖瓣环峡部线性消融,心房碎裂电位消融,针对房颤转变的心房扑动（房扑）／房性心动过速（房速）行Carto激动标测结合拖带技术以明确其机制,并力求通过消融终止。结果递进式消融法使88．2％患者房颤节律发生变化（直接终止或转变为房扑／房速）,61．8％直接通过消融恢复窦性心律。随访（12．6±6．2）个月,82．4％患者维持窦性心律（其中42．9％服用胺碘酮）。结论递进式消融是治疗持续性房颤的一种有效方案。     

Do we need pharmacological therapy for atrial fibrillation in the ablation era?

Management of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains one of the most difficult problems of modern cardiology. Pharmacological antiarrhythmic therapy is used both for termination of episodes of AF and for prevention of AF recurrences. Recently, major trials have compared the strategy of maintenance of sinus rhythm, called rhythm control, with the strategy of heart rate control during AF and found that the rhythm control strategy was not superior to rate control in terms of mortality. Although subsequent analysis identified rhythm control as a factor of improved survival, these large trials have markedly influenced the management of AF. One of the hypotheses explaining the non-superiority of the rhythm control strategy was that the benefit of sinus rhythm was offset by the side effects of antiarrhythmic agents. As a consequence, attention was directed to non-pharmacological therapies, particularly to catheter ablation of the trigger or/and the atrial substrate using radiofrequency current or cryothermia. However, despite the reported good results of various types of interventions in the hands of highly qualified teams, catheter ablation cannot be applied to all patients with AF or to all types of AF. Furthermore, catheter ablation of AF requires sophisticated electrophysiologic laboratories equipped with expensive imaging techniques and a well-trained staff that cannot be available in sufficient number to cover the growing epidemic of AF with acceptable efficacy and safety even in rich countries. Therefore, there is still a need for pharmacological therapy aimed at the prevention of AF recurrences for the majority of AF patients. So far, attempts to provide the physician with efficient antiarrhythmic agents having a good safety profile have not been successful. However, recent research resulted in promising new approaches including prevention of AF using converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin 2 receptor blockers, new antiarrhythmic agents with multichannel effects such as dronedarone and tedisamil and atrial specific agents that theoretically should have no ventricular proarrhythmic effect as they target specific atrial channels such as I_KAch and I_Kur which are absent at the ventricular level. Other possible mechanisms of AF that represent potential targets, such as modification of stretch-activated ion channels, intervention of altered connexin expression and altered gap-junctional conductance, are currently investigated.     

Atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Opinion statement Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults, and its incidence and prevalence increase progressively with age. As a result, AF-associated morbidity and mortality increase with age. Therefore, because even asymptomatic AF markedly increases the risk of stroke and other embolic events, aggressive treatment is warranted in order to avoid the potentially devastating sequelae of this condition. Goals for the treatment of AF in the elderly population should primarily focus on alleviation of symptoms and prevention of strokes, while minimizing potential toxic effects of polypharmacy. Rate control should be optimized with atrioventricular (AV) nodal-blocking agents. The decision of anticoagulation should be individualized for each patient, balancing the risk of stroke against the risk for major bleeding complications. In elderly patients without symptoms, rate control and anticoagulation is the preferred method of treatment. Antiarrhythmic therapy to maintain sinus rhythm is generally reserved for patients with significant symptoms attributable to AF. However, simply maintaining sinus rhythm has not been proven to decrease stroke risk; therefore, longterm anticoagulation is recommended even in patients who are in sinus rhythm on antiarrhythmic drugs. AV nodal ablation with implantation of a pacemaker is a safe and excellent method of rate control for elderly patients who do not respond adequately to pharmacotherapy. Other invasive procedures, such as pulmonary vein isolation and Cox-Maze operations, are associated with high risks of complications in the elderly and are generally not recommended. Postoperative AF is common in the elderly population, and its development in high-risk patients should be anticipated and promptly treated to avoid potential hemodynamic compromise and prolonged hospitalization.     

Cost analysis of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Its management requires high healthcare expenditures; 52%–70% of expenses for AF care are constituted by hospitalization costs. The current management strategies of pharmacological rhythm control and pharmacological or invasive rate control show no difference in impact on major outcomes in patients with AF. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) has been shown to reduce the risk of AF recurrence, improve quality of life and reduce hospitalization rate as compared to pharmacological rhythm control and rate control strategies. This review summarizes current knowledge on cost and cost-effectiveness analysis of RFA for patients with atrial fibrillation.     

Present concepts in management of atrial fibrillation: From drug therapy to ablation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) management requires knowledge of its pattern of presentation, underlying conditions, and decisions about restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm, control of the ventricular rate, and anti-thrombotic therapy. Maintenance of sinus rhythm is a desirable goal in AF patients because the prevention of recurrence may improve cardiac function, relieve symptoms and reduce the likelihood of adverse events. Anti-arrhythmic drug therapy is the first-line treatment for patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF based on current guidelines. However, currently used drugs have limited efficacy and cause cardiac and extracardiac toxicity. Thus, there is a continued need to develop new drugs, device and ablative approaches to rhythm management. Additionally, simpler and safer stroke prevention regimens are needed for AF patients on life-long anticoagulation, including occlusion of the left atrial appendage. The results of the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulant Therapy study are encouraging in these settings. Knowledge on the pathophysiology of AF is rapidly expanding and identification of focally localized triggers has led to the development of new treatment options for this arrhythmia. Conversely, the clinical decision whether to restore and maintain sinus rhythm or simply control the ventricular rate has remained a matter of intense debate. In the minority of patients in whom AF cannot be adequately managed by pharmacological therapy, the most appropriate type of non-pharmacological therapy must be selected on an individualized basis. Curative treatment of AF with catheter ablation is now a legitimate option for a large number of patients. The evolution of hybrid therapy, in which two or more different strategies are employed in the same patient, may be an effective approach to management of AF. In any case, planning a treatment regimen for AF should include evaluation of the risks inherent in the use of various drugs as well as more invasive strategies.     

老年心房颤动患者射频消融治疗的临床特征及疗效

目的:了解接受射频消融治疗的老年心房颤动患者的临床特征及疗效。方法:本研究入选2010年6月至2011年6月,在我院接受导管消融治疗的668例心房颤动患者,按年龄分为:老年心房颤动组(≥60岁,308例)和非老年心房颤动组(<60岁,360例)。消融终点包括:完成所有预设的消融径线;全部肺静脉均达电隔离;阴性诱发结果。随访成功的定义为:未服用抗心律失常药物及无任何房性心律失常发作至少3个月以上。结果:①老年心房颤动患者的临床特征:女性心房颤动患者、合并高血压比例患者和CHADS2评分≥2的患者所占的比例,显著高于非老年心房颤动组(P<0.001);②导管消融过程及安全性,首次手术成功率和严重并发症,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);③术后随访:随访时间为术后6～12个月。非老年组和老年组的心房颤动再次消融患者比例和总消融成功率,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:尽管老年心房颤动患者临床合并症较多,但导管消融成功率及术后合并症与非老年心房颤动患者无差异。因此导管射频消融对于老年心房颤动患者也是安全有效的治疗方法。     

Catheter ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation

The past several years have witnessed a significant growth in the number of institutions offering catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). This growth has been a result of a better understanding of pathophysiology of AF and use of instruments and approaches that made catheter ablation of AF a safe and an effective alternative to the drug therapy. The procedure increasingly is becoming a therapy of choice for a select group of symptomatic, drug-refractory patients without structural heart disease, and it is being offered to a rapidly widening patient pool. This article reviews the procedural aspects and clinical evidence supporting this wider use of AF ablation. In addition, new techniques and technologies for AF ablation and new avenues of research in this area are explored.     

胸腔镜辅助微创与导管射频消融治疗持续性心房颤动的对比研究

目的 回顾性研究胸腔镜辅助微创与导管射频消融治疗持续性心房颤动(房颤)的临床疗效.方法 对北京安贞医院172例持续性房颤患者进行射频消融,83例行胸腔镜辅助微创射频消融(微创组),另89例行环同侧肺静脉左心房线性消融(导管组).其中男116例,女56例;年龄32～80(56±12)岁.房颤病史平均(72 ±68)个月....     

老年心房颤动患者接受导管消融疗效的研究

目的:了解老年心房颤动患者接受导管消融治疗后生活质量的改善情况。方法:本研究入选2010年6月至2011年6月,在我院接受导管消融治疗的668例心房颤动患者,按年龄分为:老年心房颤动组(≥60岁,308例)和非老年心房颤动组(<60岁,360例)。术后随访至少6个月以上,随访内容包括:心房颤动有无发作,生活质量有无改善等。结果:随访发现,两组比较从未发作者所占的比例(62.3%和65.6%,P>0.05),发作很少(22.9%和21.8%,P>0.05)所占的比例在各组之间差异无统计学意义;并且≥60岁心房颤动组患者自述生活质量明显改善(68.2%和70.5%,P>0.05)与有所改善(15.7%和15.1%,P>0.05)的比例差异无统计学意义。结论:老年心房颤动患者接受导管消融后与非老年心房颤动患者一样,也可以减轻症状,改善生活质量。     

CARTO系统引导下导管消融治疗老年心房颤动患者50例临床疗效及安全性分析

目的：分析在CARTO系统引导下以环肺静脉口消融术为核心联合其他消融术式导管消融治疗老年心房颤动（房颤）的疗效和安全性,并分析其术后复发的危险因素。方法于2009年7月至2011年7月在解放军第252医院住院并随访接受导管射频消融治疗的50例老年房颤患者,男37例,女13例,年龄60～76（66.78±4.09）岁。其中阵发性房颤43例,持续性房颤5例,永久性房颤（＜2年）2例。采取CARTO三维标测系统指导下以环肺静脉口消融术为核心联合其他术式导管射频消融治疗,消融的主要终点为肺静脉完全电隔离。术后连续跟踪随访12个月,观察手术的成功率、复发率、复发的相关因素分析和并发症发生情况。结果50例患者术后即刻成功率为100%。术后随访显示,术后1年消融成功率为80%。术后发生心包填塞1例（2%）,经心包穿刺置管术后缓解;术后发生无压塞症状的心包少量积液2例（4%）,术后出现双侧少量渗出性胸腔积液1例（2%）;术后穿刺部位血肿2例（4%）。射频消融术后6个月,窦性心律维持成功的（成功组）40例患者,心脏彩超检查显示左房内径（LAD）均有不同程度的缩小,而窦性心律未能维持的（复发组）10例患者,LAD无明显变化;两组治疗前后平均LAD差值差异具有统计学意义[（4.64±1.12） vs （0.40±0.61）mm,P＜0.01],但两组患者的左室射血分数较术前均无明显变化。术后12个月,共复发10例（20%）,其中2例（4%）为永久性房颤患者,3例（6%）为持续性房颤患者,5例（10%）为阵发性房颤患者。老年持续性房颤、永久性房颤和术前LAD是房颤经导管射频消融术后复发的危险因素。结论 CARTO三维标测系统指导下导管射频消融治疗老年房颤是安全有效的。