Background
Enlarged left atrium is an established predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation but arrhythmia recurrence is also observed in patients with normal anatomy of the left atrium. The aim of the study is to evaluate arrhythmia recurrence predictors in patients with normal anatomy of the left atrium.
Methods
The study included 182 patients with normal anatomy of the left atrium who underwent pulmonary vein isolation using catheter ablation. Various parameters were also compared, including age, gender, history of arrhythmia, arterial hypertension, concomitant coronary pathology, echocardiography findings, such as mitral valve and tricuspid valve regurgitation and procedure parameters, between patients with and without relapses. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics‐19 software.
Results
Transthoracic echocardiography was performed by independent specialists with extensive experience. Trans‐esophageal echocardiography was performed before each ablation procedure. Standard trans‐septal puncture was performed under fluoroscopic control. Radiofrequency ablation was performed in the ipsilateral pulmonary vein antrum with a wide capture of nearby lung tissue.
Conclusions
It was concluded that the tricuspid valve regurgitation and arterial hypertension correlate with atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with normal left atrial anatomy.
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Leadless pacemakers (L-PM) are a new safe alternative technology for pacing the right ventricle. However, not enough information is available on their potential benefits for quality of life (QoL) in patients with L-PM. The purpose of the study was the quality of life comparison of patients with L-PM and conventional pacemakers (C-PM).
Methods
The study included patients who underwent implantation of a single-chamber pacemaker from December 2018 to March 2022. We used the SF-36 Questionnaire to assess quality of life at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of follow-up. We also used a questionnaire consisting of 10 specific questions related to the implantation procedure.
Results
Total of 32 patients were included (16 L-PM; 16 C-PM). There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups (L-PM vs. C-PM), except for age (47.5 vs. 57.3 years; P = 0.012) and diabetes 28% vs. 21%; P = 0.021). Baseline SF-36 did not differ between groups. After 6 months of follow-up, patients in the L-PM group showed significantly higher scores on physical function (47 vs 32; P<0.001), physical role (53 vs 37; P=0.004) and mental health (67 vs 52; P=0.017), even after adjusting for covariates. Pacemaker-related discomfort and physical limitations were significantly lower in the L-PM group.
Conclusion
L-PM is associated with a better quality of life than C-PM, both in terms of physical and mental health. Patients who underwent L-PM implantation reported less procedure-related discomfort, physical limitations, and anxiety.
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