A Prospective Study Evaluating the Role of Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea for Outcomes After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

The results of this prospective study show that obesity, a modifiable risk factor, is an independent predictor of procedural failure after catheter ablation of AF. Whether treating obesity may improve the results of catheter ablation of AF warrants further investigation.

Effectiveness and safety of simultaneous hybrid thoracoscopic endocardial catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in obese and non-obese patients

“…Although the sample size was small, we found freedom from recurrence of AF at follow-up of 60% in obese and 72% in non-obese patients. Given the mixed reports on the benefits of ablation in obese patients (26,27), our results suggest that the hybrid procedure may be a viable option in obese and non-obese patients. Further trials are required, involving larger sample sizes in order to adequately assess the efficacy and safety of this procedure in obese versus non-obese patients.…”

“…There have been previous reports that obesity is an independent predictor of procedural failure after catheter ablation (26). On the other hand, some studies have reported no differences in efficacy of catheter ablation in obese and non-obese patients (27).…”

Sleep apnea does not predict atrial flutter recurrence after atrial flutter ablation

“…Recent studies have shown that cardiac arrhythmias are common in patients with SA and, in particular, there is a pronounced association with atrial fibrillation (AF) of 32-49% [2][3][4][5][6][7]. Additionally, SA has been shown to be a predictor of AF recurrence following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) [8][9][10]. The mechanisms of this association include increased sympathetic tone and systemic and pulmonary hypertension, intermittent hypoxia, and inflammation.…”

EHRA/HRS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus on atrial cardiomyopathies: definition, characterization, and clinical implication

“…447 In addition, emerging data suggest that treating these underlying causes may be central to improving long-term ablation outcomes. 199,200,448,449 In addition, LA ablation procedures may alter atrial size, structure, and mechanical atrial function. Catheter ablation may thus influence ongoing pathologies and atrial thrombogenesis.…”