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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation
Dominik Linz1, Stanley Nattel2, Jonathan M Kalman3
1Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) contributes to atrial fibrillation (AF) through structural changes and electrical alterations. Treating OSA with continuous positive airway pressure may improve AF management and treatment success.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant factor in atrial fibrillation (AF) development and persistence.
- OSA causes both long-term structural remodeling and acute electrophysiological changes in the atria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate relationship between OSA and AF.
- To highlight the potential benefits of OSA treatment in AF management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing nonrandomized studies on OSA and AF.
- Analysis of the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on AF recurrence and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- OSA is found in a substantial percentage of AF patients (21%-74%).
- Evidence suggests CPAP therapy may aid in maintaining sinus rhythm post-cardioversion and enhance catheter ablation success.
Conclusions:
- OSA presents a complex substrate for AF, necessitating integrated care.
- Effective management of OSA is crucial for optimizing AF treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
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