AIMS: The left atrial appendage (LAA) produces natriuretic peptides and its removal or occlusion might increase the risk of heart failure (HF). We aimed to investigate the incidence of HF after LAA occlusion or removal (LAAO) in the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Study (LAAOS III). METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients (n = 4811) with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2, who were having cardiac surgery for another indication, were randomized to undergo surgical LAAO or not. We compared the composite outcome of HF-related hospitalizations and HF death between the two groups. HF assessment required clinical and radiographic evidence of HF. Analyses included a landmark analysis before and after 30 days and subgroups. Mean age was 71.2 years, 67.5% were male and 57.0% had prior HF. Over a mean follow-up of 3.8 years, 396 (8.3%) patients met the composite HF outcome: 209 (8.8%) with LAAO (n = 2379) and 187 (7.8%) without LAAO (n = 2391) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-1.37, p = 0.25). There was no difference between the two groups in the first 30 days (1.6% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.12) and thereafter (7.6% vs. 7.1%; p = 0.57). Subgroups based on age, sex, body mass index, AF type, prior HF, cardiac rhythm or left ventricular ejection fraction showed consistent results. There was no difference in HF outcomes with LAAO between the cut-and-sew (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.70-1.23, p = 0.62) versus other closure methods (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.77-1.41, p = 0.77). CONCLUSIONS: Left atrial appendage occlusion or removal at the time of cardiac surgery does not appear to alter the risk of HF-related hospitalization or death. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01561651.

• MeSH
• fibrilace síní * chirurgie   komplikace   epidemiologie   MeSH
• incidence MeSH
• kardiochirurgické výkony metody   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• následné studie MeSH
• pooperační komplikace epidemiologie   MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• síňové ouško * chirurgie   MeSH
• srdeční selhání * epidemiologie   etiologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH

Cíl: Zjistit, zda časovaná preemptivní radiofrekvenční (RF) katétrová ablace povede k nižšímu výskytu arytmií a bude spojena s příznivějším klinickým průběhem ve srovnání se samotným CryoMaze u pacientů se strukturálním srdečním onemocněním indikovaným ke konkomitantní chirurgické léčbě fibrilace síní (FiS). Metody: Do studie byli zařazeni pacienti s neparoxysmální FiS podstupující koronární by-pass anebo chlopenní operaci, kteří byli po CryoMaze randomizováni k provedení následné RF katétrové ablace s odstupem 3 měsíců (sekvenční hybridní léčba) nebo ke konzervativnímu postupu. Primárním cílem byla účinnost, tj. rekurence arytmií (FiS nebo síňových tachykardií) bez antiarytmické léčby, což bylo hodnoceno pomocí implantabilních záznamníků. Primárním kompozitním klinickým cílem byla hospitalizace pro rekurenci arytmií, zhoršení srdečního selhání, kardioembolická příhoda nebo významné krvácení. Výsledky: Analyzovali jsme celkem 113 pacientů v hybridní skupině a 116 pacientů v konzervativní skupině, kteří byli sledováni po střední dobu 715 dnů (mezikvartilové rozpětí 528–1 072 dnů). Rekurence arytmií byla v hybridní skupině ve srovnání se samotným CryoMaze významně snížena (41,1 % vs. 67,4 %, HR = 0,38, 95 % CI:0,26–0,57, P < 0,001), stejně jako i výskyt primárního kompozitního cíle (19,9 % vs. 40,1 %, HR = 0,51, 95 % CI: 0,29–0,86, P = 0,012). Celková mortalita se mezi skupinami nelišila (10,6 % vs. 8,6 %, HR = 1,17, 95 % CI: 0,51–2,71, P = 0,71). Komplikace RF katétrové ablace byly relativně vzácné (1,9 %) a nevedly k žádným závažným klinickým konsekvencím. Závěr: Samotný konkomitantní CryoMaze nevede k optimální kontrole arytmií. Preemptivní RF katétrová ablace je bezpečná a vede k významnému snížení výskytu arytmií a následně i k příznivějšímu klinickému průběhu.

Aims: To assess whether the timely pre-emptive radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation would achieve higher freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial tachycardia (AT) and be associated with better clinical outcomes than surgical ablation (CryoMaze) alone in patients with structural heart disease indicated for concomitant AF treatment. Methods: The trial investigated patients with non-paroxysmal AF undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve repair/replacement with mandatory concomitant CryoMaze procedure who were randomly assigned to undergo either RF catheter ablation three months post CryoMaze (Hybrid Group) or no further treatment (Surgery Group). The primary efficacy endpoint was the first recurrence of AF/AT without antiarrhythmic drugs as assessed by implantable cardiac monitors. The primary clinical endpoint was a composite of hospitalization for arrhythmia recurrence, worsening of heart failure, cardioembolic event, or major bleeding. Results: We analyzed 113 and 116 patients in the Hybrid and Surgery Groups, respectively, with a median follow-up of 715 (IQR: 528-1072) days. The primary efficacy endpoint was significantly reduced in the Hybrid Group (41.1% vs 67.4%, hazard ratio (HR)= 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26-0.57, P<0.001) as well as the primary clinical endpoint (19.9% vs 40.1%, HR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.86, P=0.012). The trial groups did not differ in all-cause mortality (10.6% vs. 8.6%, HR=1.17, 95%CI: 0.51-2.71, P=0.71). The major complications of catheter ablation were infrequent (1.9%) and resulted in no clinical sequelae. Conclusions: Concomitant CryoMaze alone leads to suboptimal arrhythmia control. Pre-emptively performed catheter ablation after the CryoMaze procedure was safe and associated with higher freedom from AF/AT and consequently improved clinical outcomes.

• Klíčová slova
• studie SURHYB,
• MeSH
• fibrilace síní * chirurgie   terapie   MeSH
• katetrizační ablace metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• maze procedura metody   MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie jako téma MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Current recommendations support surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients indicated for cardiac surgery. These procedures are referred to as concomitant and may be carried out using radiofrequency energy or cryo-ablation. This study aimed to assess the electrophysiological findings in patients undergoing concomitant cryo-ablation. METHODS: Patients with non-paroxysmal AF undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve repair/replacement were included in the trial if concomitant cryo-ablation was part of the treatment plan according to current guidelines. The patients reported in this study were assigned to undergo staged percutaneous radiofrequency catheter ablation (PRFCA), i.e., hybrid treatment, as a part of the SURHYB trial protocol. RESULTS: We analyzed 103 patients who underwent PRFCA 105 ± 35 days after surgery. Left and right pulmonary veins (PVs) were found isolated in 65 (63.1%) and 63 (61.2%) patients, respectively. The LA posterior wall isolation and mitral isthmus conduction block were found in 38 (36.9%) and 18 (20.0%) patients, respectively. Electrical reconnections (gaps) in the left PVs were more often localized superiorly than inferiorly (57.9% vs. 26.3%, P = 0.005) and anteriorly than posteriorly (65.8% vs. 31.6%, P = 0.003). Gaps in the right PVs were more equally distributed anteroposteriorly but dominated in superior segments (72.5% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.003). There was a higher number of gaps on the roof line compared to the inferior line (131 (67.2%) vs. 67 (42.2%), P < 0.001). Compared to epicardial cryo-ablation, endocardial was more effective in creating PVs and LA posterior wall isolation (P < 0.05). Cryo-ablation using nitrous oxide (N20) or argon (Ar) gas as cooling agents was similarly effective (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of surgical cryo-ablation in achieving transmural and durable lesions in the left atrium is surprisingly low. Gaps are located predominantly in the superior and anterior portions of the PVs and on the roof line. Endocardial cryo-ablation is more effective than epicardial ablation, irrespective of the cooling agent used.

• MeSH
• fibrilace síní * chirurgie   MeSH
• katetrizační ablace * metody   MeSH
• koronární bypass metody   MeSH
• kryochirurgie * metody   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• venae pulmonales * chirurgie   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Aims: We aimed to compare patients' quality of life (QoL) after two types of atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment: a hybrid ablation strategy and a surgical CryoMaze procedure alone. Methods and results: Patients with non-paroxysmal AF undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve repair/replacement with concomitant CryoMaze procedure were randomly assigned to undergo either radiofrequency catheter ablation after three months (Hybrid Group) or no further treatment (Surgery Group). QoL was compared using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) questionnaire. The AFEQT score was converted to the scale of 0 to 100 per cent points, i.e., a score of 0 corresponds to complete disability (or responding "extremely" limited, difficult, or bothersome to all questions answered), and a score of 100 corresponds to no disability (or responding "not at all" limited, difficult, or bothersome to all questions answered). In 106 Hybrid Group patients and 109 Surgery Group patients, both baseline and 12-month AFEQT data were available for final analysis. Patients' QoL did not differ between the Hybrid and Surgery Groups at baseline. At 12 months post-procedure, QoL improved significantly in both groups (from 61.9 ± 16.3 to 86.5 ± 13.4 and from 58.6 ± 14.9 to 81.5 ± 16.7 in the Hybrid Group and Surgery Group, respectively, P < 0.001). The 12-month AFEQT score was significantly higher in the Hybrid Group compared to the Surgery Group (P = 0.017). In an analysis based on AF recurrence, the QoL at 12 months was significantly higher in patients without AF recurrences compared to patients with AF recurrences (86.2 ± 14.0 vs 80.2 ± 16.8, P = 0.005). Conclusion: Compared to the CryoMaze procedure alone, the hybrid ablation strategy was associated with higher QoL 12 months post-procedure in patients with non-paroxysmal AF undergoing cardiac surgery for structural heart disease. Arrhythmia recurrence was the most significant denominator of the QoL after concomitant AF surgery.

• Klíčová slova
• CryoMaze,
• MeSH
• fibrilace síní * chirurgie   MeSH
• kardiochirurgické výkony metody   MeSH
• katetrizační ablace metody   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• koronární bypass metody   MeSH
• kvalita života MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• maze procedura * metody   MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• statistika jako téma MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

AIMS: Data on the hybrid atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment are lacking in patients with structural heart disease undergoing concomitant CryoMaze procedures. The aim was to assess whether the timely pre-emptive catheter ablation would achieve higher freedom from AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) and be associated with better clinical outcomes than surgical ablation alone. METHODS AND RESULTS: The trial investigated patients with non-paroxysmal AF undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve repair/replacement with mandatory concomitant CryoMaze procedure who were randomly assigned to undergo either radiofrequency catheter ablation [Hybrid Group (HG)] or no further treatment (Surgery Group). The primary efficacy endpoint was the first recurrence of AF/AT without class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs as assessed by implantable cardiac monitors. The primary clinical endpoint was a composite of hospitalization for arrhythmia recurrence, worsening of heart failure, cardioembolic event, or major bleeding. We analysed 113 and 116 patients in the Hybrid and Surgery Groups, respectively, with a median follow-up of 715 (IQR: 528-1072) days. The primary efficacy endpoint was significantly reduced in the HG [41.1% vs. 67.4%, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26-0.57, P < 0.001] as well as the primary clinical endpoint (19.9% vs. 40.1%, HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.86, P = 0.012). The trial groups did not differ in all-cause mortality (10.6% vs. 8.6%, HR = 1.17, 95%CI: 0.51-2.71, P = 0.71). The major complications of catheter ablation were infrequent (1.9%). CONCLUSION: Pre-emptively performed catheter ablation after the CryoMaze procedure was safe and associated with higher freedom from AF/AT and improved clinical outcomes.

• MeSH
• antiarytmika terapeutické užití   MeSH
• fibrilace síní * diagnóza   chirurgie   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• katetrizační ablace * škodlivé účinky   metody   MeSH
• krvácení MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• recidiva MeSH
• supraventrikulární tachykardie * chirurgie   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH

BACKGROUND: Comparative data regarding the effect of percutaneous and thoracoscopic ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) on cognitive function are very limited. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the effect of both types of ablations on patient cognitive functions in the mid-term. METHODS: Patients with AF indicated for ablation procedure were included. Forty-six patients underwent thoracoscopic, off-pump ablation using the COBRA Fusion radiofrequency system, followed by a catheter ablation three months afterward (Hybrid group). A comparative cohort of 53 AF patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation only (PVI group). Neuropsychological examinations were done before and nine months after the surgical or catheter ablation procedure. Neuropsychological testing comprised 13 subtests of seven domains, and the results were expressed as post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) nine months after the procedure. RESULTS: Patients in both groups were similar with respect to the baseline clinical characteristics; only non-paroxysmal AF was more common in the hybrid group (98% vs. 34%). Major POCD was present in eight (17.4%) of hybrid patients versus three (5.7%) of PVI patients (p = 0.11), combined (major/minor) worsened cognitive decline was present in 10 (21.7%) hybrid patients versus three (5.6%) PVI patients (p = 0.034). On the other hand, combined (major/minor) improvement was present in 15 (32.6%) hybrid patients versus nine (16.9%) patients in the PVI group (p = 0.099). CONCLUSION: Hybrid ablation, a combination of thoracoscopic and percutaneous ablation, is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline compared to sole percutaneous ablation.

• MeSH
• fibrilace síní * chirurgie   MeSH
• katetrizační ablace * metody   MeSH
• kognice MeSH
• kognitivní dysfunkce * etiologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• recidiva MeSH
• venae pulmonales * chirurgie   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

PURPOSE: Post-operative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) occurs in ~ 30% of patients after cardiac surgery. The etiology of PoAF is complex, but a disbalance in autonomic systems plays an important role. The goal of this study was to assess whether pre-operative heart rate variability analysis can predict the risk of PoAF. METHODS: Patients without a history of AF with an indication for cardiac surgery were included. Two-hour ECG recordings one day before surgery was used for the HRV analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression, including all HRV parameters, their combination, and clinical variables, were calculated to find the best predictive model for post-operative AF. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven patients (33 women) were enrolled in the study. PoAF occurred in 48 patients (35%, AF group); the remaining 89 patients were in the NoAF group. AF patients were significantly older (69.1 ± 8.6 vs. 63.4 ± 10.5 yrs., p = 0.002), and had higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (3 ± 1.4 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3, p = 0.01). In the multivariate regression model, parameters independently associated with higher risk of AF were pNN50, TINN, absolute power VLF, LF and HF, total power, SD2, and the Porta index. A combination of clinical variables with HRV parameters in the ROC analysis achieved an AUC of 0.86, a sensitivity of 0.95, and a specificity of 0.57 and was more effective in PoAF prediction than a combination of clinical variables alone. CONCLUSION: A combination of several HRV parameters is helpful in predicting the risk of PoAF. Attenuation of heart rate variability increases the risk for PoAF.

• MeSH
• fibrilace síní * diagnóza   epidemiologie   etiologie   MeSH
• kardiochirurgické výkony * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• pooperační komplikace diagnóza   etiologie   MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• ROC křivka MeSH
• srdeční frekvence fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is common in patients with structural heart disease who are undergoing cardiac surgery. Surgical CryoMaze has been shown to be an effective treatment in several trials, but success rates have varied considerably, between 47-95%. The sequential hybrid approach, combining surgical CryoMaze followed by radiofrequency catheter ablation, can achieve high freedom from atrial arrhythmias. However, in patients with concomitant surgical atrial fibrillation treatment, data comparing the hybrid approach to CryoMaze alone are lacking. METHODS: The SurHyb study was designed as a prospective, open-label, multicentre randomized trial. Patients with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who were scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting or valve repair/replacement were randomized to either surgical CryoMaze alone or surgical CryoMaze followed by radiofrequency catheter ablation 3 months post-surgery. The primary outcome measure was arrhythmia-free survival without class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs, which has been evaluated using implantable cardiac monitors. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first randomized study that compares concomitant surgical CryoMaze alone with the staged hybrid surgical CryoMaze followed by catheter ablation, in patients with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using rigorous rhythm monitoring. The results may contribute to the optimization of the treatment in patients undergoing concomitant CryoMaze for atrial fibrillation.

• MeSH
• antiarytmika terapeutické užití   MeSH
• fibrilace síní * chirurgie   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• kardiochirurgické výkony * metody   MeSH
• katetrizační ablace * metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• multicentrické studie jako téma MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie jako téma MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• protokol klinické studie MeSH

Background: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement via upper partial sternotomy (MiniAVR) provides very good short-term results and delivers certain advantages in the postoperative course. There is limited data regarding the mid-term mortality and morbidity following this minimally invasive surgery. Methods: We provide a retrospective analysis of the patients, undergoing MiniAVR versus full sternotomy (FS) for aortic valve replacement with biological prosthesis. As the primary combined end-point the combination of death, stroke, and rehospitalization within 3 years postoperatively was defined. Data have been collected from National Cardiac Surgery Registry and insurance companies. Results: Two hundred consecutive patients with aortic valve replacement (100 ministernotomy in MiniAVR group and 100 full sternotomy in FS group) with biological prosthesis were included in this study. Ministernotomy had longer cross-clamp and bypass times (median difference 6.5 min, P=0.005, and 8.5 min, P=0.002 respectively). Patients operated via upper partial sternotomy had a lower postoperative bleeding [300 mL (IQR, 290) vs. 365 mL (IQR, 207), P=0.031]. There was no difference in the 3-year mortality (14% vs. 11%, P=0.485). The mean number of readmission 3 years after surgery per capita was almost the same in both groups (1.65 vs. 1.60, P=0.836). Median time to the first readmission was longer in the MiniAVR group (difference 8.9 months). The incidence of combined end-point during 3 years postoperatively in both groups was not statistically different (P=0.148), as well as readmissions from cardio-vascular reasons (subhazard ratio 0.90, P=0.693). Conclusions: Upper partial sternotomy can be performed safely for aortic valve replacement, without increased risk of death, stroke or re-admission in 3 years postoperatively.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Background: Invasive treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF) pose a risk of ischemic stroke due to periprocedural brain embolization, which may be manifest or silent. The primary aim of our study was to compare the rate of silent strokes after percutaneous catheter-based and thoracoscopic epicardial ablation for AF. The secondary aim was to evaluate the development of silent strokes over time. Methods: We included 39 subjects (aged 64.1±8.9 years) treated for persistent symptomatic AF with thoracoscopic ablation and 30 subjects (aged 64.1±10.5 years) treated for paroxysmal or persistent symptomatic AF with catheter ablation. Subjects underwent brain MRI before and early after the ablation, moreover, the surgical group underwent late MRI 6 months after therapy. On early MRI, the presence of silent strokes and their number and size were evaluated. On late MRI, transformation of previously-detected acute ischemic lesions into chronic infarction or their reversibility were assessed. Results: Initially, different chronic ischemic findings were found in 64% of patients from the surgical group and in 70% from catheter group. Early MRI results: acute ischemic lesions were detected in 2 (6.7%) subjects (overall 3 lesions sized <5 mm) in the catheter group and in 17 (43.6%) subjects in surgical group. Most subjects in the surgical group showed multiple lesions (88%); 195 lesions were detected, a median 6 (IQR 8) lesions per case. Eighty-two percent of lesions were <5 mm, 12% 5-10 mm, 5% 10-30 mm, and 2% were large territorial ischemia. Only 1 case was symptomatic, the rest were silent strokes. On late MRI, 53.5% of all acute lesions were reversible. Lesions <5 mm were reversible in 63.1% of cases, lesions 5-10 mm were reversible in 21.7% and all lesions larger than 10 mm persisted. In 29.4% of patients all acute ischemic lesions were fully reversible. Conclusions: Periprocedural silent strokes were significantly more common after thoracoscopic epicardial ablation compared to catheter ablation considering both the number of affected patients and number of lesions. The majority of acute ischemic brain lesions were small, up to 5 mm in diameter, roughly half of which were reversible. Reversibility of acute ischemic lesions decreased with size. However, in 29.4% of affected patients, all lesions were fully reversible.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH