Objective To report the preliminary results of intraoperative saline-irrigated radiofrequency modified maze procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) in mitral valve diseases. Methods From May 2003 to April 2004 forty-one patients underwent intraoperative saline-irrigated modified maze procedure. The patients included 13 male and 28 female. Their age ranged from 27-65 years (46±10 years). The duration of AF varied from 5 months to 15 years (4.5±3.6 years).The left atrial diameter varied from 37-93 mm (54±11mm). There were mitral stenosis 20, mitral regurgitation 1 and mitral stenosis with regurgitation 20 cases. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was established as usual. Ablation lines were made with Cardioblate (Medtronic, 25-30 W, 180-240ml/h). Having finished right-sided maze procedure, the aorta was cross-clamped and cold crystalloid or blood cardioplegia were used for myocardial protection. Left atrial incision was performed through the interatrial groove. The ablation lines were created to encircle the orifices of the left and right pulmonary veins respectively. The ablation lines were also performed from the left encircling line to the posterior mitral valvular annulus and to the orifice of left atrial appendage respectively. A ablation line was used to connect left and right pulmonary veins circumferential line. Concomitant procedures were performed (there were double valve replacement 10 cases, mitral valve replacement 31 cases, tricuspid annuloplasty 6 cases, removing the left atrial thrombi 6 cases). Results CPB time varied from 71-160 min (105±24 min) and cross-clamping time varied from 32-106 min (62±20 min). The ablation time varied from 4-22 min (11±4 min). One patient died during hospitalization and the death was caused by acute mechanic valve obstruction. During follow-up at discharge and 3 months 35% patients (14/40) were free of AF and the others were not. But at 6 months 67% patients (10/15) were free of AF. Conclusion The intraoperative saline-irrigated radiofrequency modified maze procedure is comparatively simpler and its efficacy is satisfactory.
ObjectiveTo explore the changes of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the fibrotic atrium of patients with valvular atrial fibrillation and explore its downstream signaling pathways.MethodsA total of 45 patients with mitral valve disease were included in this study and were divided into a valvular atrial fibrillation group (VAF, ≥6 months, 25 patients) and a sinus rhythm group (SR, 20 patients) based on having atrial fibrillation or not. The atrial appendage tissue was obtained during the operation , histopathological examination and Western blotting were performed. The degree of atrial fibrosis and changes in FAK and its downstream pathways in fibrotic myocardium were observed.ResultsThis study revealed a higher degree of atrial fibrosis in valvular atrial fibrillation and disordered cell arrangement. Expression of fibroblast differentiation marker alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was significantly increased in atrial fibrillation, and the expression of FAK and downstream AKT/S6K pathway proteins was up-regulated, while the other signal was observed, there was no significant change in ERK1/2 signaling pathway.ConclusionAtrial fibrosis in valvular atrial fibrillation is an important feature of atrial structural remodeling. We found overproduction of collagen fibers disrupted the continuity of atrial myocytes, leading to abnormal conduction and providing a matrix environment for the development of atrial fibrillation. The expression of focal adhesion kinase and downstream AKT/S6K signaling pathway in fibrotic myocardium may be involved in the process of atrial fibrosis, providing a basis for the study of its mechanism.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features and influencing factors for new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) early after coronary artery bypass grafting.MethodsThe clinical data of 339 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in our hospital from January 2012 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 267 males and 72 females with an average age of 37-83 (58.03±8.90) years. The clinical features and influencing factors for new-onset AF after surgery were investigated.ResultsThere were 234 patients of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG), with 36 (15.4%) new-onset AF patients after operation, among whom 16.1% were males and 12.5% were females. There were 105 patients of on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with 39 (37.1%) new-onset AF patients, among whom 40.7% were males and 25.0% were females. The incidence was higher after the CABG surgery than that after the OPCABG surgery (37.1% vs. 15.4%, P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the incidence rate between males and females (P>0.05). The incidence of new-onset AF after surgery was higher in ≥60 years patients for both operations (18.9% and 45.8%), which was significantly higher than that in <45 years patients (P<0.05). For both operations, the incidence of new-onset AF after surgery was high on the second day (24-48 h) after surgery, and most of the AF lasted for 1 day (P<0.05). The hypertension (OR=4.983, P=0.036), frequent premature atrial contraction or atrial tachycardia (OR=17.682, P=0.002), postoperative creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CKMB) (OR=0.152, P=0.042), left anterior and posterior diameters (OR=17.614, P<0.001) and preoperative ejection fraction (OR=7.094, P=0.011) were influencing factors for new-onset AF after OPCABG. Diabetes (OR=11.631, P=0.020), other cardiac malformations (OR=29.023, P=0.002), frequent premature ventricular contraction or ventricular tachycardia (OR=0.047, P=0.001), and postoperative CKMB (OR=3.672, P=0.040) were influencing factors for new-onset AF after CABG.ConclusionThe incidence of new-onset AF after CABG is higher than that after OPCABG, and it increases with age increasing. There is no difference in the incidence between males and females. The influencing factors for the two operations are different.
Atrial fibrillation is a common and refractory atrial arrhythmia. Changes of atrial mechanical circumstances are closely related to the occurrence and maintenance of atrial fibrillation. Mechanical factors can increase the automaticity, slow conduction velocity and shorten the effective refractory period of the atrium by causing electrical and structural remodeling, and eventually increase the inducibility of atrial fibrillation. The intracellular calcium level, function and structure of cytoskeleton, local renin-angiotensin system, integrin and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway might take part in the process. Here we analyze and review the underlining mechano-electric feedback process of atrial fibrillation and its related research in order to provide a theoretical basis for further research and elucidating of the mechanical mechanism of atrial fibrillation.
Objective
To evaluate efficacy of amiodarone in the prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting.
Methods
CBM (from January 1978 to August 2017), CNKI (from January 1987 to August 2017), VIP (from January 1989 to August 2017), Wanfang (from January 1998 to August 2017) and PubMed (from January 1989 to August 2017) databases were searched. The articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality of articles was assessed by improved Jadad scale. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.
Results
There were 19 articles meeting inclusion criteria including 2 817 patients and all were randomized controlled trial (RCT). There were 16 articles with high quality and 3 articles with low quality by improved Jadad scale. Compared with the placebo, amiodarone had a significant effect on reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting (RR=0.37, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.50, P<0.000 01) and different administration models and time of amiodarone had effect on the atrial fibrillation after aterial bypass grafting (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Compared with the placebo, amiodarone is effective in reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting.
ObjectiveTo investigate the technique and efficacy of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) in elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsFrom 2013 to 2018, 84 elderly patients with CAD and AF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF< 50%) underwent OPCABG in our department. There were 54 males and 30 females at age of 70-82 years. They were divided into a left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion group (n=56) and a non-LAA occlusion group (n=28). Postoperative antithrombotic therapy: the LAA occlusion group was given warfarin + aspirin + clopidogrel “triple antithrombotic therapy” for 3 months after operation, then was changed to aspirin + clopidogrel “dual antiplatelet” for long-term antithrombotic; the non-LAA occlusion group was given warfarin + aspirin + clopidogrel “triple antithrombotic” for long-term antithrombotic after operation. The clinical effectiveness of the two groups was compared.ResultsAll patients underwent the surgery successfully. There were 56 patients in the LAA occlusion group, including 44 patients of LAA exclusion and 12 patients of LAA clip. The time of LAA occlusion was 3 to 8 minutes. There was no injury of graft vessels and anastomotic stoma. Early postoperative death occurred in 2 patients (2.4%). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in postoperative hospital stay (P=0.115). Postoperative LVEF of the two groups significantly improved compared with that before operation (P<0.05). There was no stroke or bleeding in important organs during hospitalization. During follow-up of 1 year, no cerebral infarction occurred in both groups, but the incidence of bleeding related complications in the LAA occlusion group was significantly lower than that in the non-LAA occlusion group (3.6% vs. 18.5%, P=0.036).ConclusionFor elderly patients with CAD and AF with reduced LVEF, LAA occlusion during OPCABG can effectively reduce the risk of stroke and bleeding related complications, and without increasing the risk of surgery.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation with mitral valve replacement under totally thoracoscopic surgery.MethodsThe clinical data of 107 patients with rheumatic mitral disease and atrial fibrillation who underwent mitral valve replacement and radiofrequency ablation at the same time in our hospital from January 2014 to October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: a totally thoracoscopic surgery group (n=51, including 20 males and 31 females, aged 50.57±5.24 years) and a median sternotomy group (n=56, including 21 males and 35 females, aged 52.12±5.59 years) according to the surgical methods. The preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data of the patients were compared.ResultsAll operations were successfully completed without death. In terms of bleeding volume, drainage volume, ventilator-assisted breathing time, hospital stay and incision length, the totally thoracoscopic surgery group was better than the median sternotomy group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The cardiopulmonary bypass time and radiofrequency ablation time in the totally thoracoscopic surgery group were longer than those in the median sternotomy group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation time, aortic occlusion time, postoperative complications, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter and sinus rhythm maintenance between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no atrioventricular block, pulmonary vein stenosis, atrioesophageal fistula, coronary artery injury, stroke or hemorrhage during the follow-up.ConclusionRadiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation with mitral valve replacement under totally thoracoscopic surgery is safe and effective, and it is worthy of clinical application.
Objective The objective of this research was to develop a core traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes set for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). MethodsA dataset of TCM syndrome names via systematic review and medical records was developed, and common TCM syndromes classification for NVAF via cross-sectional study were identified. A questionnaire was then developed according to the results of cross-sectional study and the TCM syndrome names dataset. Two rounds of the Delphi survey were carried; clinicians, researchers of TCM/integrated medicine, and nurses were included in the Delphi survey. After a face to face consensus meeting, a core TCM syndromes set for NVAF was developed. ResultsThe core TCM syndromes set for NVAF included four core TCM syndromes, which involved qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome (core symptoms/signs: palpitations, chest distress or pain, dark purple tongue, or tongue with ecchymosis or petechial, irregular pulse or uneven pulse), heart-kidney yang deficiency syndrome (core symptoms/signs: palpitation, chest distress, fatigue, weakness, chills, pale complexion, frequent urination, wheezing, edema on the face or both lower extremities, oliguria, slippery pulse or slender pulse or deep pulse), qi and yin deficiency (core symptoms/signs: palpitation, chest distress, fatigue, shortness of breath, fine pulse, spontaneous perspiration, night sweats, forgetfulness, lassitude, red tongue, little or no moss on the tongue, and fine pulse), heart and spleen deficiency (core symptoms/signs: palpitation, chest tightness, spontaneous perspiration, abdominal distension after eating, loose stools, pale tongue, weak pulse). ConclusionsThe core TCM syndromes set of NVAF may improve the consistency of TCM syndromes efficacy evaluation in clinical trials of NVAF.
Objective
To compare the effect of monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and concomitant rheumatic heart disease.
Methods
The clinical data of 261 patients who underwent valve replacement and radiofrequency Maze Ⅲ procedure in Shanghai First People's Hospital from 2010 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the radiofrequency ablation system, patients were assigned to a monopolar radiofrequency ablation group (n=209, 129 males, 80 females, aged 59.6±9.7 years) and a bipolar radiofrequency ablation group (n=52, 36 males, 16 females, aged 58.6±11.2 years). After procedures, clinical factors such as patients' basic information, perioperative complication and mortality, the elimination rate of atrial fibrillation were measured.
Results
There was no statistic difference in perioperative morbidity and mortality between two groups. The ablation time of the monopolar radiofrequency ablation group was longer than that of the bipolar group (29.7±3.3 minvs. 22.3±7.8 min,P=0.035). Postoperative diameter of left atrium was reduced in both groups. Compared with the monopolar radiofrequency ablation group, bipolar group had a better elimination rate of atrial fibrillation at three months and one year follow-up (82.0%vs. 66.3%,P=0.037; 80.0%vs. 59.6%,P=0.008).
Conclusion
Valve replacement combined with radiofrequency Maze Ⅲ procedure is safe and efficient. Compared with monopolar radiofrequency ablation, bipolar radiofrequency ablation has advantage on elimination rate of atrial fibrillation, ablation time and cardiopulmonary bypass time.
Non-valvular atrial fibrillation has a high morbidity. Cox Ⅲ surgery is the gold standard for treating all kinds of atrial fibrillation. However, which needs to be performed with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the trauma caused by it is severe. It is placed emphasis on minimal invasion, safety and efficacy for contemporary surgery so as to minimally invasive intervention is important in the treating non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Although the results of epicardial ablation with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) are better than that of transcatheter ablation, it also has some disadvantages and shortages under certain circumstance. Epicardial ablation with VATS combined with transcatheter ablation is complemantary which becomes the hot spot for treatment of novalvular atrial fibrillation.
