Longer and better lives for patients with atrial fibrillation:the 9th AFNET/EHRA consensus conference

Aims: Recent trial data demonstrate beneficial effects of active rhythm management in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and support the concept that a low arrhythmia burden is associated with a low risk of AF-related complications. The aim of this document is to summarize the key outcomes of the 9th AFNET/EHRA Consensus Conference of the Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA). Methods and results: Eighty-three international experts met in Münster for 2 days in September 2023. Key findings are as follows: (i) Active rhythm management should be part of the default initial treatment for all suitable patients with AF. (ii) Patients with device-detected AF have a low burden of AF and a low risk of stroke. Anticoagulation prevents some strokes and also increases major but non-lethal bleeding. (iii) More research is needed to improve stroke risk prediction in patients with AF, especially in those with a low AF burden. Biomolecules, genetics, and imaging can support this. (iv) The presence of AF should trigger systematic workup and comprehensive treatment of concomitant cardiovascular conditions. (v) Machine learning algorithms have been used to improve detection or likely development of AF. Cooperation between clinicians and data scientists is needed to leverage the potential of data science applications for patients with AF. Conclusions: Patients with AF and a low arrhythmia burden have a lower risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events than those with a high arrhythmia burden. Combining active rhythm control, anticoagulation, rate control, and therapy of concomitant cardiovascular conditions can improve the lives of patients with AF

Outcomes in patients with dual antegrade conduction in the atrioventricular node: insights from a multicentre observational study

Background Supraventricular tachycardias induced by dual antegrade conduction via the atrioventricular (AV) node are rare but often misdiagnosed with severe consequences for the affected patients. As long-term follow-up in these patients was not available so far, this study investigates outcomes in patients with dual antegrade conduction in the AV node. Methods and results In this multicentre observational study, patients from six European centres were studied. Catheter ablation was performed in 17 patients (52 +/- 16 years) with dual antegrade conduction via both AV nodal pathways between 2012 and 2018. Patients with the final diagnosis of a manifest dual AV nodal non-re-entrant tachycardia had a mean delay of the correct diagnosis of over 1 year (range 2-31 months). Two patients received prescription of non-indicated oral anticoagulation, two further patients suffered from inappropriate shocks of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In 12 patients, a co-existence of dual antegrade and re-entry conduction in the AV node was present. Mean fast pathway conduction time was 138 +/- 61 ms and mean slow pathway conduction time was 593 +/- 134 ms. Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed in all patients. Post-procedurally oral anticoagulation was discontinued, without detection of cerebrovascular events or atrial fibrillation during a long-term follow-up of median 17 months (range 6-72 months). Conclusion This first multicentre study investigating patients with supraventricular tachycardia and dual antegrade conduction in the AV node demonstrates that catheter ablation is safe and effective while long-term patient outcome is good. Autonomic tone dependent changes in ante- vs. retrograde conduction via slow and/or fast pathway can challenge the diagnosis and therapy in some patients. [GRAPHICS]

Reduction of atrial fibrillation burden by atrial overdrive pacing: experience with an improved algorithm to reduce early recurrences of atrial fibrillation

Two independent studies have revealed a potential limitation of post-mode switch overdrive pacing (PMOP), which is its delayed start. We conducted a prospective, randomized, single blind, crossover design study (the post-long pause overdrive pacing study) to test the efficacy of an improved version of PMOP (PMOPenhanced). A total of 45 patients were enrolled, of whom 41 were analysed. The median number of atrial tachycardia/atrial fibrillation (AT/AF) episodes per day (1.38 vs. 1.19), the median number of early recurrences of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) per day (0.56 vs. 0.51), and the median AT/AF burden (time per day spent in AT/AF) (2.47 vs. 2.51 h) were not significantly different during the control and active study periods. Based on the median number of episodes per week recorded 90 days prior to enrolment, the patients were stratified by the median and then split into two groups, Group A (lower 2-Quartiles) and Group B (upper 2-Quartiles). The median AT/AF burden was significantly lower in Group B during the active study period (3.71 vs. 1.71 h, P = 0.02).The median number of AT/AF episodes per day and the median number of ERAF per day in Group B showed a trend towards reduction when the algorithm was turned on (3.79 vs. 2.44 and 2.77 vs. 1.86, respectively). In contrast, in Group A we did not demonstrate any difference in AT/AF frequency, ERAF frequency, or burden. The main finding of this study is that temporary overdrive pacing at 90 bpm for 10 min starting just prior to device-classified AT/AF termination does not show a positive effect on the overall study population. However, when enabled in patients who suffer from a high percentage of ERAF, a significant reduction in the AT/AF burden could be demonstrated. Based on these findings, further prospective studies on a more targeted patient population are needed to confirm our results

Effect of PR interval and pacing mode on persistent atrial fibrillation incidence in dual chamber pacemaker patients: a sub-study of the international randomized MINERVA trial

Aims Per standard of care, dual-chamber pacemakers are programmed in DDDR mode with fixed atrioventricular (AV) delay or with long AV delay to minimize ventricular pacing. We aimed to evaluate whether the PR interval may be a specific criterion of choice between standard DDDR, to preserve AV synchrony in long PR patients, and managed ventricular pacing (MVP), to avoid ventricular desynchronization imposed by right ventricle apical pacing, in short PR patients. Methods and results In the MINERVA trial, 1166 patients were randomized to Control DDDR, MVP, or atrial anti-tachycardia pacing plus MVP (DDDRP + MVP). We evaluated the interaction of PR interval with pacing mode by comparing the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) longer than 7 consecutive days as a function of PR interval. Out of 906 patients with available data, the median PR interval was 180ms. The PR interval was found to significantly (P=0.012) interact with pacing mode for AF incidence: the risk of AF>7days was lower [hazard ratio (HR) 0.58, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.34-0.99; P=0.047] in patients with short PR (shorter than median PR) if programmed in MVP mode compared with DDDR mode and it was lower (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.99; P=0.049) in patients with long PR (equal to or longer than median PR) if programmed in DDDR mode compared with MVP. Conclusion Our data show that PR interval may be used as a selection criterion to identify the optimal physiological pacing mode. Persistent AF incidence was lower in short PR patients treated by right ventricular pacing minimization and in long PR patients treated by standard dual-chamber pacing

New-generation atrial antitachycardia pacing (Reactive ATP) is associated with reduced risk of persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation in patients with bradycardia: Results from the MINERVA randomized multicenter international trial

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with pacemaker and is a recognized cause of mortality, morbidity, and quality-of-life impairment. The international MINimizE Right Ventricular pacing to prevent Atrial fibrillation and heart failure trial established that atrial preventive pacing and atrial antitachycardia pacing (DDDRP) in combination with managed ventricular pacing (MVP) reduce permanent AF occurrence in comparison with standard dual-chamber pacing (DDDR). OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the role of new-generation atrial antitachycardia pacing (Reactive ATP) in preventing AF disease progression. METHODS Patients with dual-chamber pacemaker and with previous atrial tachyarrhythmias were randomly assigned to DDDR (n = 385 (3310)), MVP (n = 398 (34%)), or DDDRP+MVP (n = 383 (33%)) group. The incidence of permanent AF, as defined by the study investigator, or persistent AF, defined as >= 7 consecutive days with AF, was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, while its association with patients’ characteristics was evaluated via multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS At 2 years, the incidence of permanent or persistent AF was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22%-31%) in the DDDR group, 25% (95% CI 21%-30%) in the MVP group, and 15% (95% CI 12%-20%) in the DDDRP+MVP group (P < .001 vs DDDR; P = .002 vs MVP). Generalized estimating equation-adjusted Reactive ATP efficacy was 44.4% (95% CI 41.3%-47.6%). Multivariate modeling identified high Reactive ATP efficacy (> 44.4%) as a significant predictor of reduced permanent or persistent AF risk (hazard ratio 0.32; 95% CI 0.13-0.781; P = .012) and episodes’ characteristics, such as long atrial arrhythmia cycle length, regularity, and the number of rhythm transitions, as predictors of high ATP efficacy. CONCLUSION In patients with bradycardia, DDDRP+MVP delays AF disease progression, with Reactive ATP efficacy being an independent predictor of permanent or persistent AF reduction

Adenosine following pulmonary vein isolation to target dormant conduction elimination (ADVICE): methods and rationale

Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) has emerged as an effective therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, AF recurs in up to 50% of patients, generally because of recovery of PV conduction. Adenosine given during the initial procedure may reveal dormant PV conduction, thereby identifying the need for additional ablation, leading to improved outcomes. The Adenosine Following Pulmonary Vein Isolation to Target Dormant Conduction Elimination (ADVICE) study is a prospective multicentre randomized trial assessing the impact of adenosine-guided PVI in preventing AF recurrences

Adenosine-guided pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: an international, multicentre, randomised superiority trial

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation is increasingly used to manage atrial fibrillation, but arrhythmia recurrences are common. Adenosine might identify pulmonary veins at risk of reconnection by unmasking dormant conduction, and thereby guide additional ablation to improve arrhythmia-free survival. We assessed whether adenosine-guided pulmonary vein isolation could prevent arrhythmia recurrence in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We did this randomised trial at 18 hospitals in Australia, Europe, and North America. We enrolled patients aged older than 18 years who had had at least three symptomatic atrial fibrillation episodes in the past 6 months, and for whom treatment with an antiarrhythmic drug failed. After pulmonary vein isolation, intravenous adenosine was administered. If dormant conduction was present, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to additional adenosine-guided ablation to abolish dormant conduction or to no further ablation. If no dormant conduction was revealed, randomly selected patients were included in a registry. Patients were masked to treatment allocation and outcomes were assessed by a masked adjudicating committee. Patients were followed up for 1 year. The primary outcome was time to symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia after a single procedure in the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01058980. FINDINGS: Adenosine unmasked dormant pulmonary vein conduction in 284 (53%) of 534 patients. 102 (69·4%) of 147 patients with additional adenosine-guided ablation were free from symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia compared with 58 (42·3%) of 137 patients with no further ablation, corresponding to an absolute risk reduction of 27·1% (95% CI 15·9-38·2; p<0·0001) and a hazard ratio of 0·44 (95% CI 0·31-0·64; p<0·0001). Of 115 patients without dormant pulmonary vein conduction, 64 (55·7%) remained free from symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia (p=0·0191 vs dormant conduction with no further ablation). Occurrences of serious adverse events were similar in each group. One death (massive stroke) was deemed probably related to ablation in a patient included in the registry. INTERPRETATION: Adenosine testing to identify and target dormant pulmonary vein conduction during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is a safe and highly effective strategy to improve arrhythmia-free survival in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. This approach should be considered for incorporation into routine clinical practice. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes of Health Research, St Jude Medical, Biosense-Webster, and M Lachapelle (Montreal Heart Institute Foundation)

Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with a pacemaker system designed for the magnetic resonance environment

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pacemaker patients is contraindicated due to documented potential risks to the patient from hazardous interactions between the MRI and pacemaker system. Objective The purpose of this prospective, randomized, controlled, worldwide clinical trial was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a pacemaker system designed for safe use in MRI for any bradycardia indicated patient. Methods Patients (n = 464) were randomized to undergo an MRI scan between 9 and 12 weeks postimplant (MRI group, n = 258) or not to undergo MRI (control group, n = 206) after successful implantation of the specially designed dual-chamber pacemaker and leads. Patients were monitored for arrhythmias, symptoms, and pacemaker system function during 14 nonclinically indicated relevant brain and lumbar MRI sequences. Sequences were performed at 1.5 T and included scans with high radiofrequency power deposition and/or high gradient dB/dt exposure. Clinical evaluation of the pacemaker system function occurred immediately before and after MRI, 1 week and 1 month post-MRI, and at corresponding times for the control group. Primary endpoints for safety analyzed the MRI procedure complication-free rate and for effectiveness compared capture and sensing performance between MRI and control groups. Results No MRI-related complications occurred during or after MRI, including sustained ventricular arrhythmias, pacemaker inhibition or output failures, electrical resets, or other pacemaker malfunctions. Pacing capture threshold and sensed electrogram amplitude changes were minimal and similar between study groups. Conclusion This trial documented the ability of this pacemaker system to be exposed in a controlled fashion to MRI in a 1.5 T scanner without adverse impact on patient outcomes or pacemaker system function

Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Insights From the ADVICE Trial.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The incidence of PV stenosis after routine post-ablation imaging remains unclear and is limited to single-centre studies. Our objective was to determine the incidence and predictors of PV stenosis following circumferential radiofrequency ablation in the multicentre Adenosine Following Pulmonary Vein Isolation to Target Dormant Conduction Elimination (ADVICE) trial. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic AF underwent circumferential radiofrequency ablation in one of 13 trial centres. Computed tomographic (CTA) or magnetic resonance (MRA) angiography was performed before ablation and 90 days after ablation. Two blinded reviewers measured PV diameters and areas. PVs with stenosis were classified as severe (> 70%), moderate (50%-70%), or mild (< 50%). Predictors of PV stenosis were identified by means of multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients (median age 59.5 years, 29.4% women) were included in this substudy. PV stenosis was identified in 41 patients (20.8%) and 47 (8.2%) of 573 ablated PVs. PV stenosis was classified as mild in 42 PVs (7.3%) and moderate in 5 PVs (0.9%). No PVs had severe stenosis. Both cross-sectional area and diameter yielded similar classifications for severity of PV stenosis. Diabetes was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of PV stenosis (OR 4.91, 95% CI 1.45-16.66). CONCLUSIONS: In the first systematic multicentre evaluation of post-ablation PV stenosis, no patient acquired severe PV stenosis. Although the results are encouraging for the safety of AF ablation, 20.8% of patients had mild or moderate PV stenosis, in which the long-term effects are unknown