Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2025.10.010
Fabian Jordan MD , Behnam Subin MD , Corinne Isenegger MD , Jonas Brügger MD , Jeanne du Fay de Lavallaz MD, PhD , Christine S. Zuern MD , Emel Kaplan MD , David Spreen MD , Sven Knecht DSc , Philipp Krisai MD , Nicolas Schaerli MD , Beat Schär MD , Gian Völlmin MS , Felix Mahfoud MD , Christian Sticherling MD , Michael Kühne MD , Patrick Badertscher MD
Background
Previous studies on pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) using conventional thermal techniques have shown inconsistent sex-related outcomes. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel energy source offering myocardial-selective ablation. However, sex-specific data on its performance are limited.
Objective
This study aimed to compare procedural characteristics, safety, and clinical outcomes of PFA in female and male patients undergoing AF ablation.
Methods
This prospective study included consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing PFA-based PVI using a pentaspline catheter. Follow-up was conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months. A 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort was created to evaluate sex-specific outcomes.
Results
Among 425 patients, 134 (32%) were women. Compared with men, women were older (median 70 vs 65 years; P < .001), more frequently had paroxysmal AF (60% vs 45%; P = .006), and had lower rates of coronary artery disease (6% vs 14%; P = .029). Although overall procedural times were similar, female patients with paroxysmal AF had significantly longer procedure, left atrial dwell, and fluoroscopy times than males. Complication rates were comparable (1.5% in women vs 0.7% in men; P = .371). After propensity score matching (133 women to 133 men), arrhythmia recurrence at 1-year follow-up was higher in women (23% vs 12%; P = .017; hazard ratio 2.2; standard error 0.34).
Conclusion
Significant sex-related differences exist in clinical outcomes after PVI with PFA in AF. Further studies exploring underlying mechanisms and tailored approaches may enhance outcomes in female patients.
背景:以往关于肺静脉隔离(PVI)治疗心房颤动(AF)的传统热技术的研究显示出不一致的性别相关结果。脉冲场消融术(PFA)是一种新型的心肌选择性消融术。然而,关于其性能的性别数据是有限的。目的本研究旨在比较女性和男性房颤消融患者PFA的手术特点、安全性和临床结果。方法本前瞻性研究纳入了连续的阵发性或持续性房颤患者,这些患者使用pentaspline导管接受基于pfa的PVI治疗。随访时间为3、6、12个月。建立了一个1:1的倾向评分匹配队列来评估性别差异的结果。结果425例患者中,女性134例(32%)。与男性相比,女性年龄较大(中位年龄为70岁vs 65岁;P < .001),更频繁发生阵发性房颤(60% vs 45%; P = 0.006),冠状动脉疾病发生率较低(6% vs 14%; P = 0.029)。虽然总体手术时间相似,但女性阵发性房颤患者的手术时间、左心房停留时间和透视时间明显长于男性。并发症发生率相似(女性1.5% vs男性0.7%;P = 0.371)。倾向评分匹配后(133名女性对133名男性),1年随访时,女性心律失常复发率较高(23% vs 12%; P = 0.017;风险比2.2;标准误差0.34)。结论房颤患者PVI合并PFA后的临床结果存在显著的性别差异,进一步研究其潜在机制和针对性的治疗方法可能会改善女性患者的预后。
{"title":"Sex differences in procedural characteristics, safety, and clinical outcomes of pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation","authors":"Fabian Jordan MD , Behnam Subin MD , Corinne Isenegger MD , Jonas Brügger MD , Jeanne du Fay de Lavallaz MD, PhD , Christine S. Zuern MD , Emel Kaplan MD , David Spreen MD , Sven Knecht DSc , Philipp Krisai MD , Nicolas Schaerli MD , Beat Schär MD , Gian Völlmin MS , Felix Mahfoud MD , Christian Sticherling MD , Michael Kühne MD , Patrick Badertscher MD","doi":"10.1016/j.hroo.2025.10.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hroo.2025.10.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Previous studies on pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) using conventional thermal techniques have shown inconsistent sex-related outcomes. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel energy source offering myocardial-selective ablation. However, sex-specific data on its performance are limited.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to compare procedural characteristics, safety, and clinical outcomes of PFA in female and male patients undergoing AF ablation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This prospective study included consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing PFA-based PVI using a pentaspline catheter. Follow-up was conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months. A 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort was created to evaluate sex-specific outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 425 patients, 134 (32%) were women. Compared with men, women were older (median 70 vs 65 years; <em>P</em> < .001), more frequently had paroxysmal AF (60% vs 45%; <em>P</em> = .006), and had lower rates of coronary artery disease (6% vs 14%; <em>P</em> = .029). Although overall procedural times were similar, female patients with paroxysmal AF had significantly longer procedure, left atrial dwell, and fluoroscopy times than males. Complication rates were comparable (1.5% in women vs 0.7% in men; <em>P</em> = .371). After propensity score matching (133 women to 133 men), arrhythmia recurrence at 1-year follow-up was higher in women (23% vs 12%; <em>P</em> = .017; hazard ratio 2.2; standard error 0.34).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Significant sex-related differences exist in clinical outcomes after PVI with PFA in AF. Further studies exploring underlying mechanisms and tailored approaches may enhance outcomes in female patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29772,"journal":{"name":"Heart Rhythm O2","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 37-45"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145969352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) exhibit potential antiarrhythmic effects, but their influence on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation (CA) remains unclear.
Objective
This study aimed to assess the association between SGLT2i therapy and the risk of recurrent AF after CA through an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Methods
A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus (inception to July 2025) identified eligible observational studies. Pooled hazard ratios for AF recurrence after CA were estimated using Mantel–Haenszel random-effects models, with heterogeneity assessed by I2. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024620765).
Results
6 observational studies were included, comprising 2165 patients (mean age 65.2 years; 34.9% female), of whom 663 received SGLT2i therapy and 1502 did not. The average follow-up duration was 19.9 months. Pooled analysis showed a significantly reduced risk of AF recurrence in patients treated with SGLT2i compared with those not receiving SGLT2i (hazard ratio 0.49; 95% confidence interval 0.36–0.67; P < .0001; I2 = 68.3%). Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent benefits in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients and with the use of radiofrequency or cryoablation. A multivariable meta-regression model including age, female sex, diabetes mellitus, and follow-up duration accounted for a significant portion of the observed heterogeneity (R2 = 58.1%; P = .01).
Conclusion
SGLT2i therapy is associated with a significantly lower risk of AF recurrence after CA, independent of diabetic status. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms underlying this association.
{"title":"SGLT2 inhibitors and risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies","authors":"Marco Zuin MD, MS, FESC, FACC, FANMCO , Francesco Vitali MD, PhD , Luca Canovi MD , Michele Malagù MD , Cristina Balla MD, PhD , Matteo Serenelli MD , Alessandro Fucili MD, PhD , Matteo Bertini MD, PhD, FAIAC","doi":"10.1016/j.hroo.2025.10.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hroo.2025.10.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) exhibit potential antiarrhythmic effects, but their influence on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation (CA) remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the association between SGLT2i therapy and the risk of recurrent AF after CA through an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus (inception to July 2025) identified eligible observational studies. Pooled hazard ratios for AF recurrence after CA were estimated using Mantel–Haenszel random-effects models, with heterogeneity assessed by I<sup>2</sup>. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024620765).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>6 observational studies were included, comprising 2165 patients (mean age 65.2 years; 34.9% female), of whom 663 received SGLT2i therapy and 1502 did not. The average follow-up duration was 19.9 months. Pooled analysis showed a significantly reduced risk of AF recurrence in patients treated with SGLT2i compared with those not receiving SGLT2i (hazard ratio 0.49; 95% confidence interval 0.36–0.67; <em>P</em> < .0001; I<sup>2</sup> = 68.3%). Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent benefits in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients and with the use of radiofrequency or cryoablation. A multivariable meta-regression model including age, female sex, diabetes mellitus, and follow-up duration accounted for a significant portion of the observed heterogeneity (R<sup>2</sup> = 58.1%; <em>P</em> = .01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SGLT2i therapy is associated with a significantly lower risk of AF recurrence after CA, independent of diabetic status. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms underlying this association.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29772,"journal":{"name":"Heart Rhythm O2","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 53-60"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145969354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2025.10.018
Dihui Cai MMed , Jie Xu MD, PhD , Yuheng Jiao MMSc , Yinyin Shen BMed , Yingying Liao BMed , Wei Han MD, PhD
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with left atrial (LA) abnormalities, yet the causality between them is not well defined.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the genetic correlations and bidirectional causality between AF and LA traits.
Methods
We used genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from FinnGen and other cohorts. Linkage disequilibrium score regression was applied for estimates of genetic correlations, and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted for causality analysis.
Results
Linkage disequilibrium score regression revealed significant genetic correlations between LA traits and AF. Forward MR analyses established causal associations of AF on LA active emptying fraction (LAaEF) (β = −0.092; P = 2.29 × 10−14), LA minimum volume (LAmin) (β = 0.083; P = 1.11 × 10−11), and LA maximum volume (β = 0.063; P = 5.43 × 10−8), whereas no causal relationship was observed with LA passive emptying fraction. Reverse MR indicated a causal effect of LAaEF on AF (odds ratio [OR] 0.736; P = .003). Epigenetic MR identified 3 CpG sites for AF (cg27529934, cg13639451, and cg07191189), which showed causal relationships with LA traits. Moreover, LA traits were causally associated with heart failure (LAaEF, OR 0.879; P = .013; LAmin, OR 1.119; P = .037) and cardioembolic stroke (LAaEF, OR 0.689; P = .010; LA passive emptying fraction, OR 0.556; P = .002; LAmin, OR 1.733; P = .045).
Conclusion
LAaEF is bidirectionally causally linked with AF, underscoring its importance in the management of AF. Epigenetic modifications, as evidenced by specific CpG sites, may contribute to atrial remodeling in AF, offering new avenues for research into the AF pathophysiology.
背景:心房颤动(AF)与左心房(LA)异常相关,但两者之间的因果关系尚不明确。目的探讨AF与LA性状的遗传相关性和双向因果关系。方法使用来自FinnGen和其他队列的全基因组关联研究(GWAS)数据。遗传相关性估计采用连锁不平衡评分回归,因果关系分析采用孟德尔随机化分析。结果连锁不平衡评分回归分析显示,AF与LA主动排空分数(LAaEF) (β =−0.092,P = 2.29 × 10−14)、LA最小体积(LAmin) (β = 0.083, P = 1.11 × 10−11)和LA最大体积(β = 0.063, P = 5.43 × 10−8)存在显著的因果关系,而与LA被动排空分数没有因果关系。反向MR提示LAaEF对房颤有因果关系(比值比[OR] 0.736; P = 0.003)。表观遗传MR鉴定出AF的3个CpG位点(cg27529934、cg13639451和cg07191189),与LA性状存在因果关系。此外,LA特征与心力衰竭(LAaEF, OR 0.879; P = 0.013; LAmin, OR 1.119; P = 0.037)和心脏栓塞性卒中(LAaEF, OR 0.689; P = 0.010; LA被动排空分数,OR 0.556; P = 0.002; LAmin, OR 1.733; P = 0.045)存在因果关系。结论laaef与房颤存在双向因果关系,在房颤治疗中具有重要意义。CpG特异位点的表观遗传修饰可能参与房颤的心房重构,为房颤病理生理研究提供了新的途径。
{"title":"Causality of atrial fibrillation and left atrial traits: Genetic and epigenetic perspectives","authors":"Dihui Cai MMed , Jie Xu MD, PhD , Yuheng Jiao MMSc , Yinyin Shen BMed , Yingying Liao BMed , Wei Han MD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.hroo.2025.10.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hroo.2025.10.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with left atrial (LA) abnormalities, yet the causality between them is not well defined.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the genetic correlations and bidirectional causality between AF and LA traits.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We used genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from FinnGen and other cohorts. Linkage disequilibrium score regression was applied for estimates of genetic correlations, and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted for causality analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Linkage disequilibrium score regression revealed significant genetic correlations between LA traits and AF. Forward MR analyses established causal associations of AF on LA active emptying fraction (LAaEF) (β = −0.092; <em>P</em> = 2.29 × 10<sup>−14</sup>), LA minimum volume (LAmin) (β = 0.083; <em>P</em> = 1.11 × 10<sup>−11</sup>), and LA maximum volume (β = 0.063; <em>P</em> = 5.43 × 10<sup>−8</sup>), whereas no causal relationship was observed with LA passive emptying fraction. Reverse MR indicated a causal effect of LAaEF on AF (odds ratio [OR] 0.736; <em>P</em> = .003). Epigenetic MR identified 3 CpG sites for AF (cg27529934, cg13639451, and cg07191189), which showed causal relationships with LA traits. Moreover, LA traits were causally associated with heart failure (LAaEF, OR 0.879; <em>P</em> = .013; LAmin, OR 1.119; <em>P</em> = .037) and cardioembolic stroke (LAaEF, OR 0.689; <em>P</em> = .010; LA passive emptying fraction, OR 0.556; <em>P</em> = .002; LAmin, OR 1.733; <em>P</em> = .045).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>LAaEF is bidirectionally causally linked with AF, underscoring its importance in the management of AF. Epigenetic modifications, as evidenced by specific CpG sites, may contribute to atrial remodeling in AF, offering new avenues for research into the AF pathophysiology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":29772,"journal":{"name":"Heart Rhythm O2","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 143-151"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145969367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}