The potential role of scar mapping in assessing of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoballoon application

Cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has become a frequently used therapy after failure of at least one antiarrhythmic drug. The main target of AF ablation has been durable pulmonary vein isolation. However, it is unclear if ablation strategies need to be modified after recurrence. Herein, we presented a female patient undergoing successful pulmonary vein re-connection ablation after left atrial scar mapping. In electroanatomical mapping, gray area shows intense scar tissue. Gray, red, and purple areas indicate atrial potentials <0.5 mV, 0.5–1.5 mV, and >1.5 mV, respectively. Please note that there is a non-scar area in the bottom of right inferior pulmonary vein (arrow)

The Effect of Treatment Strategy of Chronic Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation on Long-Term Outcomes in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Abstract Objective: To investigate the mid- and long-term outcomes of case-based selective strategy of mitral ring annuloplasty during coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with coronary artery disease accompanied by chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation. Methods: 132 patients who were diagnosed ischemic moderate to severe mitral regurgitation undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the same center with the same surgical team were divided into 2 groups and investigated retrospectively. Patients undergoing simultaneous mitral ring annuloplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled to group 1 (n=58), patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled in group 2 (n=74). Results: The mean age of the patients were 65.0 ± 9.4 years and 39 (29.5%) of them were female. Preoperative New York Heart Association (NHYA) class (P=0.0001), atrial fibrillation (P=0.006) and the grade of mitral regurgitation (P=0.0001) were significantly different between the groups. Hospitalization for heart failure was required in 6 (10.6%) patients in group 1 and 19 (27.1%) patients in Group 2 (P=0.02). Hospital mortality and one-month postoperative mortality occurred in 2 (3.4%) patients in Group 1 and in 4 (5.4%) patients in Group 2 (P=0.69). Clinical follow-up was completed with 117 (88.6%) patients. Conclusion: Mitral ring annuloplasty in addition to the coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with improved NYHA functional class, increased ejection fraction, decreased residual mitral regurgitation. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of combined surgery on long-term outcomes. With proper tools and according to the decisions made by heart teams, both management strategies can be safely performed

Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness for Predicting Future Cardiovascular Events in Patients with ST Segment Elevation and Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background. Arterial stiffness parameters in patients who experienced MACE after acute MI have not been studied sufficiently. We investigated arterial stiffness parameters in patients with ST segment elevation (STEMI) and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods. Ninety-four patients with acute MI (45 STEMI and 49 NSTEMI) were included in the study. Arterial stiffness was assessed noninvasively by using TensioMed Arteriograph. Results. Arterial stiffness parameters were found to be higher in NSTEMI group but did not achieve statistical significance apart from pulse pressure (P=0.007). There was no significant difference at MACE rates between two groups. Pulse pressure and heart rate were also significantly higher in MACE observed group. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), aortic augmentation index (AI), systolic area index (SAI), heart rate, and pulse pressure were higher; ejection fraction, the return time (RT), diastolic reflex area (DRA), and diastolic area index (DAI) were significantly lower in patients with major cardiovascular events. However, PWV, heart rate, and ejection fraction were independent indicators at development of MACE. Conclusions. Parameters of arterial stiffness and MACE rates were similar in patients with STEMI and NSTEMI in one year followup. The independent prognostic indicator aortic PWV may be an easy and reliable method for determining the risk of future events in patients hospitalized with acute MI