{"title":"Optimization of Coronary Sinus Pacing Site Based on Cardiac Contractility Detected by a Right Atrial Lead–Embedded Accelerometer","authors":"Kosuke Muto, Yoshifumi Ikeda, Hitoshi Mori, Ritsushi Kato","doi":"10.1002/joa3.70182","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.70182","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A narrow QRS duration does not necessarily correlate with a high SonR value. To identify the optimal pacing site, comprehensive evaluation of all available parameters, including the use of MPP, may be necessary.\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":15174,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arrhythmia","volume":"41 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/joa3.70182","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144894303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Simultaneous Elimination of Left Atrial Posterior Wall Atrial Fibrillation and Creation of Mitral Isthmus Block by Ethanol Infusion in the Vein of Marshall","authors":"Yasuteru Yamauchi, Yuichiro Sagawa, Kaoru Okishige, Tetsuo Sasano, Kazutaka Aonuma","doi":"10.1002/joa3.70177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.70177","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Atrial fibrillation (AF) originating from the left atrial posterior wall recurred repeatedly, resulting in immediate recurrence of AF (IRAF). Ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall (VOM) successfully terminated the AF and simultaneously achieved complete mitral isthmus block. This dual effect underscores the potential utility of VOM ethanol infusion not only for mitral isthmus ablation but also for targeting non–pulmonary vein (non-PV) triggers in complex AF cases.\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":15174,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arrhythmia","volume":"41 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/joa3.70177","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144888337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Japanese Catheter Ablation Registry (J-AB): Annual Report in 2023","authors":"Kengo Kusano, Koichi Inoue, Koshiro Kanaoka, Koji Miyamoto, Yasuo Okumura, Yu-Ki Iwasaki, Kazuhiro Satomi, Seiji Takatsuki, Kohki Nakamura, Seigo Yamashita, Masaharu Masuda, Yoshitaka Iwanaga, Shoko Chishaki-Kawabata, Teiichi Yamane, Wataru Shimizu, Hiroshi Tada, J-AB registry investigators","doi":"10.1002/joa3.70173","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.70173","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The Japanese Catheter Ablation (J-AB) registry, started in August 2017, is a voluntary, nationwide, multicenter, prospective, observational registry performed by the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS) in collaboration with the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center. From January 2022, the data registration system was changed from the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system to the Fountayn system. The purpose of this registry is to collect the details of target arrhythmias, the ablation procedures, including the type of target arrhythmias, outcomes, and acute complications in real-world settings. During the year of 2023, we have collected a total of 102 584 procedures (mean age of 66.9 years and 65.2% male) from 549 participant hospitals. Detailed data were shown in figures and tables.</p>","PeriodicalId":15174,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arrhythmia","volume":"41 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/joa3.70173","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144888263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hiroyuki Kato, Taku Sakurai, Jun Sato, Kazumasa Suga, Hisashi Murakami
{"title":"Successful Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Using the Sheath-In-Sheath Technique in a Patient With Right Atrial Enlargement and Tricuspid Annuloplasty Ring","authors":"Hiroyuki Kato, Taku Sakurai, Jun Sato, Kazumasa Suga, Hisashi Murakami","doi":"10.1002/joa3.70180","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.70180","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We report a successful LBBAP lead implantation using the sheath-in-sheath technique in a patient with RA enlargement and a TAP ring. The sheath-in-sheath technique can serve as a valuable alternative approach in patients with structural heart abnormalities in whom LBBAP lead placement with a standard delivery system is technically challenging.\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":15174,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arrhythmia","volume":"41 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/joa3.70180","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144881299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of Left Atrial Ablation on the Atrial Contractile Function: Insights From Intracardiac Echocardiography and Electroanatomical Mapping in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation","authors":"Kazuki Noda, Shinichiro Sunamura, Masahiro Suzuki, Kazuyuki Shibutani, Atsushi Tanita, Tsuyoshi Ogata, Toru Takii, Ryoichi Ushigome, Yuji Wakayama, Koji Kumagai, Shigeto Namiuchi","doi":"10.1002/joa3.70179","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.70179","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A left atrial (LA) posterior wall isolation (PWI) is a common additional strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) ablation; yet its impact on the LA function remains unclear.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the PWI on the LA contractile function using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Patients who underwent catheter ablation of PeAF were categorized into extensive encircling pulmonary vein isolation (EEPVI) and PWI groups. The LA contractile function was assessed using the PV reversal wave (PVa) velocity measured by ICE.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>No significant difference in the PVa velocity was observed between the EEPVI and PWI group. The EEPVI group patients were categorized into four groups based on scar extent: low-scar, anterior wall (AW)-scar-only, posterior wall (PW)-scar-only, and both walls-scarred. Compared to the low-scar group, the both walls-scar group had significantly lower PVa velocities; though no significant difference was found compared to the PW-scar-only group. The PVa velocity had a significant correlation with the AW scar. Furthermore, all patients enrolled in this study were also categorized into four groups based on the scar presence, similar to the previous study. Compared with the low-scar group, the PVa velocities were significantly lower in the AW-scar-only and both walls-scar groups; however, there was no significant difference in the PW-scar-only group. The PVa velocity was significantly correlated with the AW scar.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>An LA PWI did not significantly impair the LA contractile function. AW scarring appeared to have a greater impact on the LA contractility than the PWI or scarring.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15174,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arrhythmia","volume":"41 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/joa3.70179","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144888259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malik Abdul Rehman Rasheed, Maham Ejaz, Muhammad Furqan Ahsan, Elham Shenawa
{"title":"Challenges to the Long-Term Safety Claims of Extremely Low-Dose Amiodarone: Pulmonary, Thyroid, Hepatic, and Statistical Concerns","authors":"Malik Abdul Rehman Rasheed, Maham Ejaz, Muhammad Furqan Ahsan, Elham Shenawa","doi":"10.1002/joa3.70174","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.70174","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The recent article by Yoshida et al. on the long-term safety of extremely low-dose amiodarone (50 mg daily) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation provides valuable insights into potential rhythm control strategies for a challenging patient population [<span>1</span>]. However, while the study highlights the apparent safety in a select cohort, its conclusions regarding the overall safety and efficacy may be overstated, overlooking key risks supported by contemporary evidence. Herein, we present substantial objections that challenge the findings on scientific, clinical, and statistical grounds.</p><p>The assertion of pulmonary safety with extremely low-dose amiodarone underestimates the risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD), even at low doses. The study reports no clinical pulmonary toxicity; yet this may reflect insufficient power or follow-up to detect subtle, cumulative effects. Clinically, amiodarone's phospholipidosis and oxidative stress mechanisms can manifest as ILD irrespective of dose, particularly in long-term use, contradicting the claim of negligible risk. This is evidenced by Tsaban et al. (2024), who demonstrated a trend toward increased ILD risk with low-dose amiodarone in a nationwide atrial fibrillation cohort, highlighting a relative risk elevation that warrants caution beyond the study's optimistic view [<span>2</span>]. Hence, regarding negligible pulmonary risk with extremely low-dose amiodarone, emerging evidence underscores the need for heightened caution regarding ILD, advocating for more rigorous, long-term monitoring in clinical practice to mitigate potential adverse outcomes.</p><p>The study inadequately addresses thyroid toxicity, concluding minimal side effects despite amiodarone's well-known iodine content disrupting thyroid homeostasis. Scientifically, even low doses can lead to cumulative iodine overload, causing hypothyroidism or thyrotoxicosis through destructive or autoimmune pathways, which the study's monitoring may have missed in longer horizons. This challenges the safety profile, as clinical progression can be insidious and impact quality of life. Contradicting evidence comes from Guðjónsson et al., reporting a 40% incidence of thyroid dysfunction after 5 years of amiodarone exposure in a nationwide study, far exceeding prior estimates and emphasizing dose-independent risks in prolonged therapy [<span>3</span>].</p><p>Hepatic safety is overstated, as the study dismisses liver risks without comprehensive enzyme or imaging surveillance beyond baseline. Amiodarone's lipophilic nature promotes hepatic accumulation, fostering steatosis or fibrosis via mitochondrial toxicity, even at low doses, which could explain unreported subclinical changes. Clinically, this poses risks in comorbid patients, undermining the conclusion of broad tolerability. This is countered by Lv and Zhao, who documented increased hepatic iodine density and potential damage via dual-energy CT in patients on low-dose oral amioda","PeriodicalId":15174,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arrhythmia","volume":"41 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/joa3.70174","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144869196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Active Fixation Atrial Pacemaker Lead Placement With a Modified Guiding Catheter in Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: A Rare Case Report","authors":"Junichi Sugiura, Taku Nishida, Tomoko Kikawa, Kenichi Ishigami","doi":"10.1002/joa3.70178","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.70178","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The active fixation atrial pacemaker lead was successfully placed in the proximal part of the persistent left superior vena cava via a retrograde approach with a J-shaped stylet and the modified guiding catheter, which was cut proximally by approximately 10 cm and held at the edge with forceps.\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":15174,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arrhythmia","volume":"41 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/joa3.70178","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144869765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuka Oda, Akihiko Nogami, Ryuichi Usui, Kikuya Uno
{"title":"Progressive Atrial Exit Shift in Fast-Slow Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia With Right Inferior Extension of the Slow Pathway: Insights From High-Density Mapping","authors":"Yuka Oda, Akihiko Nogami, Ryuichi Usui, Kikuya Uno","doi":"10.1002/joa3.70176","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.70176","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The optimal ablation target in cases of fast-slow atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia with a long right inferior extension remains controversial. Repeated high-density activation mapping during tachycardia may be useful for identifying the optimal ablation site in the cases with atrial exit shift by radiofrequency applications.\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":15174,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arrhythmia","volume":"41 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/joa3.70176","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144861833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Battery Longevity in Modern Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-Defibrillators","authors":"Kotaro Nishino, Taro Temma, Masaya Watanabe, Motoki Nakao, Masahiro Kawasaki, Kintaro Shimano, Kei Kawakami, Shota Saito, Jiro Koya, Daishiro Tatsuta, Hiroyuki Natsui, Takuya Koizumi, Takahide Kadosaka, Taro Koya, Kiwamu Kamiya, Toshiyuki Nagai, Toshihisa Anzai","doi":"10.1002/joa3.70175","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.70175","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Battery longevity in high-voltage devices (HVDs), specifically implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillators (CRT-Ds), is critical for reducing the frequency of generator replacements, minimizing procedural risks, and enhancing patient outcomes. Despite technological advancements, significant variability in battery performance remains among the major manufacturers. This study aimed to evaluate the battery longevity among ICDs and CRT-Ds from the major manufacturers implanted at a single institution and identify the factors influencing battery depletion.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conducted a retrospective analysis of 353 patients implanted with HVDs (63 Abbott, 150 Boston Scientific, 140 Medtronic) at Hokkaido University Hospital between 2012 and 2021. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the device longevity, with a primary endpoint of the time to battery depletion, defined by the elective replacement indicator. A multivariate analysis adjusted for the potential confounders.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Boston Scientific devices exhibited a significantly longer battery life than Abbott and Medtronic devices (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with a 6-year replacement-free survival of 99% for ICDs and 93% for CRT-Ds. A multivariate analysis identified the device manufacturer, device type (ICD vs. CRT-D), and ventricular pacing rate as independent predictors of battery depletion (<i>p</i> < 0.001).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Battery longevity differed significantly by the manufacturer, which may influence device selection. Devices with a longer battery life may help reduce the replacement frequency and could potentially contribute to improved patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15174,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arrhythmia","volume":"41 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/joa3.70175","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144843682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence, Characteristics, and Arrhythmogenic Substrate of Mitral Annular Disjunction Assessed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Apparently Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmia","authors":"Saori Asada, Hiroshi Morita, Norihisa Toh, Takuro Masuda, Akira Ueoka, Masakazu Miyamoto, Koji Nakagawa, Nobuhiro Nishii, Kazufumi Nakamura, Shinsuke Yuasa","doi":"10.1002/joa3.70172","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joa3.70172","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is linked to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, but its association with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in Japanese patients is unclear.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We retrospectively analyzed 129 Japanese patients with VAs and no overt structural heart disease who underwent echocardiography and cardiac MRI.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>MAD was diagnosed in 7.0%, and in 14% of patients with VAs originating from the mitral valve apparatus. MAD was significantly associated with multifocal VAs, late gadolinium enhancement in the papillary muscles, and greater mitral regurgitation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>MAD may be an important arrhythmogenic substrate in apparently idiopathic VAs among Japanese patients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15174,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arrhythmia","volume":"41 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/joa3.70172","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144811299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}