Morphology and location of thrombus and sludge in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Background: Stroke and thromboembolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) primarily arise from thrombi or sludge in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Comprehensive insight into the characteristics of these formations is essential for effective risk assessment and management.

Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational of 176 consecutive NVAF patients with confirmed atrial/appendage thrombus or sludge determined by a pre-ablation transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) from December 2017 to April 2019.

Transseptal approach versus retrograde aortic approach in mapping and ablation of ventricular arrhythmias from anterolateral papillary muscles.

Introduction: The anterior and lateral position of the anterolateral papillary muscle (ALPM) has found to be reached with better catheter stability and less mechanical bumping via the transseptal (TS) compared to the retrograde aortic (RA) approach. The aim of this study is to compare the TS and RA approaches on mapping and ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from ALPMs.

Methods: Thirty-two patients with ALPM-VAs undergoing mapping and ablation via the TS approach were included and compared with 31 patients via the RA approach within the same period.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with left bundle branch block.

Background: Left bundle branch block (LBBB) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are commonly coexisting conditions. The impact of LBBB on catheter ablation of AF has not been well determined. This study aims to explore the long-term outcomes of patients with AF and LBBB after catheter ablation.

The ABC-Death Score for Mortality Prediction in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Catheter Ablation.

Background: Data on the performance of risk scores in predicting mortality risk after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablations are limited.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations of mortality with preablation biomarkers and evaluate the performance of age, biomarker, and clinical history (ABC)-death score in patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation.

Methods: Patients with AF undergoing catheter ablations between 2013 and 2019 in the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry were enrolled.

Predictive value of valvular calcification for the recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Background: Valvular calcification (VC) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between VC and atrial fibrillation is not clear.

Hypothesis: We treated the aortic valve, mitral valve, and tricuspid valve as a whole and considered the possible association between VC and recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Impact of pre-ablation left appendage flow velocities on long term recurrence of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Background: Despite undergoing a single ablation, many patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) experience a gradually increasing recurrence rate. This study aims to examine the relationship between left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAeV) and filling velocity (LAAfV) profiles and 3-year recurrence of AF after ablation.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 658 consecutive PAF patients who underwent their first ablation between January 2018 and December 2019.

Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation among hospitalized patients: clinical correlates and in-hospital outcomes in Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Atrial Fibrillation.

Aims: The clinical correlates and outcomes of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in hospitalized patients are largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the clinical correlates and in-hospital outcomes of asymptomatic AF in hospitalized Chinese patients.

Methods And Results: We conducted a cross-sectional registry study of inpatients with AF enrolled in the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Atrial Fibrillation Project between February 2015 and December 2019.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with autoimmune disease: A propensity score matching study based on the China Atrial Fibrillation Registry.

Background: Evidence on outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with autoimmune disease (AD) is limited.

Hypothesis: Patients with AD had worse outcomes after CA procedures for AF.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in patients undergoing AF ablation between 2012 and 2021.

Prospective randomized comparison between upgraded '2C3L' vs. PVI approach for catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: PROMPT-AF trial design.

Background: In randomized studies, the strategy of pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVI) plus linear ablation has failed to increase success rates for persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) ablation when compared with PVI alone. Peri-mitral reentry related atrial tachycardia due to incomplete linear block is an important cause of clinical failures of a first ablation procedure. Ethanol infusion (EI) into the vein of Marshall (EI-VOM) has been demonstrated to facilitate a durable mitral isthmus linear lesion.

Fascicular ventricular tachycardia arising from the left side His and its adjacent region: a subset of upper septal idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia.

Aims: Fascicular ventricle tachycardia (FVT) arising from the proximal aspect of left His-Purkinje system (HPS) has not been specially addressed. Current study was to investigate its clinical, electrocardiographic, and electrophysiological characteristics.

Methods And Results: Eighteen patients who were identified as this rare FVT were consecutively enrolled, and their scalar electrocardiogram and electrophysiological data were collected and analysed.

Performance of the ABC-bleeding risk score for assessing major bleeding risk in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulation therapy: A real-world study.

Objective: To evaluate performance of the ABC (Age, Biomarkers, Clinical history)-bleeding risk score in estimating major bleeding risk in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy in real-world practice.

Methods: Data were collected from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study (CAFR). Patients were stratified into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups based on ABC-bleeding risk score with 1-year major bleeding risk (<1%, 1-2%, and > 2%) and modified HAS-BLED score (≤1, 2, and > 2 points).

Direct autotransfusion in the management of acute pericardial tamponade during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: An imperfect but practical method.

Background: Acute pericardial tamponade (APT) is one of the most serious complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF-CA). Direct autotransfusion (DAT) is a method of reinjecting pericardial blood directly into patients through vein access without a cell-salvage system. Data regarding DAT for APT are rare and provide limited information.

Repeat ablation strategy for recurrent persistent atrial fibrillation: A propensity-matched score comparison between "2C3L" and "extensive ablation" approach.

Background: Debates exist in the repeat ablation strategy for patients with recurrence presenting as persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) after initial persistent AF ablation.

Objective: To compare the outcome between the "2C3L" and "extensive ablation" approach in patients undergoing repeat procedures for recurrent persistent AF.

Methods: Propensity-score matching was performed in 196 patients with AF recurrence undergoing repeat ablation, and 79 patients treated with "2C3L" strategy were matched to 79 patients treated with "extensive ablation" strategy.

Risk Factors for Left Ventricular Thrombus Formation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Background:  Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a common complication of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), causing morbidity and mortality.

Methods:  This study retrospectively analyzed patients with DCM from January 2002 to August 2020 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital. Clinical characteristics were compared between the LVT group and the age and sex 1:4 matched with the LVT absent group.

Outcome of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) frequently coexist. This study aimed to assess the long-term outcome of catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF and SCAD.

Methods: In total, 12,104 patients with paroxysmal AF underwent catheter ablation in the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry between 2011 and 2019 were screened.

Impact of Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels on Outcomes in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Results from the China Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study.

BACKGROUND Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction improves cardiovascular outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between lipid levels and outcomes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation by LDL-C quarters. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled from 31 typical hospitals in China.

Use of oral anticoagulants and its associated factors among nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with new-onset acute ischemic stroke: A report from the China Atrial Fibrillation Registry study.

Background: The adherence of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy among nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in China during recent years was unclear, and the possible factors that influenced the initiation and persistent use of OAC were needed to be explored.

Methods: A total of 1085 NVAF patients, who experienced new-onset and nonfatal AIS from August 2011 to December 2020 during follow-ups in the China Atrial Fibrillation Registry (China-AF), were enrolled. Information including patients' demographic characteristics, medical history, medication usage, which were collected before and after the index stroke, were used in the analysis.

Chronic kidney disease and risks of adverse clinical events in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the association between CKD and clinical consequences in AF patients is still under debate.

Methods: We included 19,079 nonvalvular AF patients with available estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values in the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry from 2011 to 2018.

Integrated Care of Atrial Fibrillation Using the ABC (Atrial fibrillation Better Care) Pathway Improves Clinical Outcomes in Chinese Population: An Analysis From the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry.

"Atrial fibrillation Better Care" (ABC) pathway has been proposed to improve the management of patients suffered from atrial fibrillation (AF). This integrated or holistic management approach comprise of three aspects, including "A" Avoid stroke or Anticoagulation; "B" Better symptom control with rate or rhythm control strategies; "C" Cardiovascular risk factor and Concomitant diseases management. We aimed to confirm the beneficial evidence of ABC pathway compliance in a Chinese AF cohort.

Antithrombotic strategy and its relationship with outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic coronary syndrome.

This study aimed to explore antithrombotic strategy and its relationship with outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at high risk for stroke and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) in real-world clinical practice. Patients with AF at high risk for stroke complicated with CCS from China Atrial Fibrillation Registry (CAFR) were enrolled. The patients were divided into non-antithrombotic (Non-AT) group, oral anticoagulants (OAC) group, antiplatelet therapy (APT) group (aspirin or clopidogrel), and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) group (aspirin + clopidogrel) according to their antithrombotic strategies at baseline.

A strategy of idarucizumab for pericardial tamponade during perioperative period of atrial fibrillation ablation.

Objective: To investigate theoptimal idarucizumab (dabigatran antagonist) usage strategy for patients with acute pericardial tamponade receiving uninterrupted dabigatran during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: Ten patients presenting acute pericardial tamponade while receiving uninterrupted dabigatran during catheter ablation for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2019 to July 2020 were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. A "wait and see" strategy of idarucizumab was carried out for all patients; in brief, idarucizumab was applied following pericardiocentesis, comprehensive evaluation of bleeding and hemostasis.

Comparison of prognosis and outcomes of catheter ablation versus drug therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease: A prospective propensity-score matched cohort study.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) frequently coexist.

Hypothesis: To investigate the prognosis of catheter ablation versus drug therapy in patients with AF and SCAD.

Methods: In total, 25 512 patients with AF in the Chinese AF Registry between 2011 and 2019 were screened for SCAD.

Incidence and risk factors of post-operative cognitive decline after ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Background: Catheter ablation is widely used in atrial fibrillation (AF) management. In this study, we are aimed to investigate the incidence of postprocedural cognitive decline in a larger population undergoing AF ablation under local anesthesia, and to evaluate the associated risk factors.

Methods: This study included 287 patients with normal cognitive functions, with 190 ablated AF patients (study group) and 97 AF patients who are awaiting ablation (practice group).