Prevention of esophageal lesions during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation using esophageal temperature monitoring: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The use of esophageal temperature monitoring (ETM) for the prevention of esophageal injury during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is often advocated. However, evidence supporting its use is scarce and controversial. We therefore aimed to review the evidence assessing the efficacy of ETM for the prevention of esophageal injury.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis and systematic review of the available literature from inception to December 31, 2022. All studies comparing the use of ETM, versus no ETM, during radiofrequency (RF) AF ablation and which reported the incidence of endoscopically detected esophageal lesions (EDELs) were included.

RESULTS

Eleven studies with a total of 1112 patients undergoing RF AF ablation were identified. Of those patients, 627 were assigned to ETM (56%). The overall incidence of EDELs was 9.8%. The use of ETM during AF ablation was associated with a non significant increase in the incidence of EDELs (12.3% with ETM, vs. 6.6 % without ETM, odds ratio, 1.44, 95%CI, 0.49, 4.22, p = .51, I2 = 72%). The use of ETM was associated with a significant increase in the energy delivered specifically on the posterior wall compared to patients without ETM (mean power difference: 5.13 Watts, 95% CI, 1.52, 8.74, p = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ETM does not reduce the incidence of EDELs during RF AF ablation. The higher energy delivered on the posterior wall is likely attributable to a false sense of safety that may explain the lack of benefit of ETM. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to provide conclusive results.

The influence of cardiac arrhythmias on the detection of heartbeats in the photoplethysmogram: benchmarking open-source algorithms

Objective.Cardiac arrhythmias are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Wearable devices based on photoplethysmography give the opportunity to screen large populations, hence allowing for an earlier detection of pathological rhythms that might reduce the risks of complications and medical costs. While most of beat detection algorithms have been evaluated on normal sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation recordings, the performance of these algorithms in patients with other cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia or bigeminy, remain unknown to date.Approach. ThePPG-beatsopen-source framework, developed by Charlton and colleagues, evaluates the performance of the beat detectors namedQPPG,MSPTDandABDamong others. We applied thePPG-beatsframework on two newly acquired datasets, one containing seven different types of cardiac arrhythmia in hospital settings, and another dataset including two cardiac arrhythmias in ambulatory settings.Main Results. In a clinical setting, theQPPGbeat detector performed best on atrial fibrillation (with a medianF1score of 94.4%), atrial flutter (95.2%), atrial tachycardia (87.0%), sinus rhythm (97.7%), ventricular tachycardia (83.9%) and was ranked 2nd for bigeminy (75.7%) behindABDdetector (76.1%). In an ambulatory setting, theMSPTDbeat detector performed best on normal sinus rhythm (94.6%), and theQPPGdetector on atrial fibrillation (91.6%) and bigeminy (80.0%).Significance. Overall, the PPG beat detectorsQPPG,MSPTDandABDconsistently achieved higher performances than other detectors. However, the detection of beats from wrist-PPG signals is compromised in presence of bigeminy or ventricular tachycardia.

[Cardiology: what's new in 2023]

The year 2023 has been extremely rich in new publications in the various subfields of cardiology. Furthermore, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has issued revised guidelines focused on the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and endocarditis, as well as an update on the recommendations for the management of heart failure and cardiovascular prevention. The most significant updates according to the Cardiology Department of CHUV are summarized in this review article.

Multi-catheter cryotherapy for the treatment of resistant accessory pathways

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the utility of simultaneous multi-catheter cryotherapy for the treatment of APs that were previously resistant to standard radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation.

BACKGROUND

Catheter ablation is established in the treatment of accessory pathways (AP), with high rates of permanent procedural success with a single attempt. However, there are still instances of acute procedural failure and AP recurrences with standard RF and cryotherapy methods.

METHODS

Seven consecutive cases of pre-excitation syndromes with prior failed RF catheter ablation had the novel treatment. Cryotherapy was delivered using two 8 mm tip focal cryoablation catheters (Freezor® Max, Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA).

RESULTS

Accessory pathway localisation was septal in 5 cases, left posterolateral in 1, right lateral in 1. In all cases, ablation of the AP was acutely successful with no procedural complications. Median procedure and fluoroscopy durations were 199 and 35 min, sequentially. Median Procedure duration fell significantly in the second half of series (174 min) compared to the first half (233 min, P = 0.05). One patient had evidence of a recurring AP conduction with pre-excitation at 5-week follow up. After a median follow up of 66.8+-6.5 months, 6 out of 7 patients remained asymptomatic and free of pre-excitation.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous multi-catheter cryotherapy is feasible, safe and can provide definitive cure of accessory pathways that were previously resistant to standard radiofrequency ablation. Further study is required in the assessment of this novel form of advanced cryotherapy to treat complex and resistant arrhythmias.

Recurrences of ventricular tachycardia after stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation arise outside the treated volume: analysis of the Swiss cohort

AIMS

Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) has been recently introduced for the management of therapy-refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT). VT recurrences have been reported after STAR but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. We analysed recurrences in our patients after STAR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From 09.2017 to 01.2020, 20 patients (68 ± 8 y, LVEF 37 ± 15%) suffering from refractory VT were enrolled, 16/20 with a history of at least one electrical storm. Before STAR, an invasive electroanatomical mapping (Carto3) of the VT substrate was performed. A mean dose of 23 ± 2 Gy was delivered to the planning target volume (PTV). The median ablation volume was 26 mL (range 14-115) and involved the interventricular septum in 75% of patients. During the first 6 months after STAR, VT burden decreased by 92% (median value, from 108 to 10 VT/semester). After a median follow-up of 25 months, 12/20 (60%) developed a recurrence and underwent a redo ablation. VT recurrence was located in the proximity of the treated substrate in nine cases, remote from the PTV in three cases and involved a larger substrate over ≥3 LV segments in two cases. No recurrences occurred inside the PTV. Voltage measurements showed a significant decrease in both bipolar and unipolar signal amplitude after STAR.

CONCLUSION

STAR is a new tool available for the treatment of VT, allowing for a significant reduction of VT burden. VT recurrences are common during follow-up, but no recurrences were observed inside the PTV. Local efficacy was supported by a significant decrease in both bipolar and unipolar signal amplitude.

Conduction System Pacing versus Conventional Biventricular Pacing for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Where Are We Heading?

Over the last few years, pacing of the conduction system (CSP) has emerged as the new standard pacing modality for bradycardia indications, allowing a more physiological ventricular activation compared to conventional right ventricular pacing. CSP has also emerged as an alternative modality to conventional biventricular pacing for the delivery of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure patients. However, if the initial clinical data seem to support this new physiological-based approach to CRT, the lack of large randomized studies confirming these preliminary results prevents CSP from being used routinely in clinical practice. Furthermore, concerns are still present regarding the long-term performance of pacing leads when employed for CSP, as well as their extractability. In this review article, we provide the state-of-the-art of CSP as an alternative to biventricular pacing for CRT delivery in heart failure patients. In particular, we describe the physiological concepts supporting this approach and we discuss the future perspectives of CSP in this context according to the implant techniques (His bundle pacing and left bundle branch area pacing) and the clinical data published so far.

Transvenous Lead Extraction during Cardiac Implantable Device Upgrade: Results from the Multicenter Swiss Lead Extraction Registry

BACKGROUND

Device patients may require upgrade interventions from simpler to more complex cardiac implantable electronic devices. Prior to upgrading interventions, clinicians need to balance the risks and benefits of transvenous lead extraction (TLE), additional lead implantation or lead abandonment. However, evidence on procedural outcomes of TLE at the time of device upgrade is scarce.

METHODS

This is a post hoc analysis of the investigator-initiated multicenter Swiss TLE registry. The objectives were to assess patient and procedural factors influencing TLE outcomes at the time of device upgrades.

RESULTS

941 patients were included, whereof 83 (8.8%) had TLE due to a device upgrade. Rotational mechanical sheaths were more often used in upgraded patients (59% vs. 42.7%, p = 0.015) and total median procedure time was longer in these patients (160 min vs. 105 min, p < 0.001). Clinical success rates of upgraded patients compared to those who received TLE due to other reasons were not different (97.6% vs. 93.0%, p = 0.569). Moreover, multivariable analysis showed that upgrade procedures were not associated with a greater risk for complications (HR 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.14-1.57, p = 0.224; intraprocedural complication rate of upgraded patients 7.2% vs. 5.5%). Intraprocedural complications of upgraded patients were mostly associated with the implantation and not the extraction procedure (67% vs. 33% of complications).

CONCLUSIONS

TLE during device upgrade is effective and does not attribute a disproportionate risk to the upgrade procedure.

Case report: First-in-human combined low-dose whole-heart irradiation and high-dose stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation for immunosuppressive refractory cardiac sarcoidosis and ventricular tachycardia

Background

Cardiac sarcoidosis is associated with heart failure, conduction abnormalities, and life-threatening arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia (VT). Radiotherapy has been suggested as a treatment for extra-cardiac sarcoidosis in patients refractory to immunomodulatory treatment.

Methods

The effectiveness and safety of low-dose whole-heart radiotherapy for therapy refractory cardiac sarcoidosis were evaluated in a pre- and post-intervention case report comparing the 54 months before and after treatment. Immunomodulatory low-dose whole-heart irradiation as sarcoidosis treatment consisted of a 2 × 2 Gy scheme. Additionally, high-dose single-fraction stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation of 1 × 20 Gy was applied to the pro-arrhythmic region to manage the ventricular tachycardia episodes. Cardiac sarcoidosis disease activity was measured by hypermetabolic areas on repeated fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG)-PET/computed tomography (CT) scans and by evaluating changes in ventricular tachycardia episodes before and after treatment.

Results

One patient with therapy refractory progressive cardiac sarcoidosis and recurrent ventricular tachycardia was treated. The cardiac sarcoidosis disease activity showed a durable regression of inflammatory disease activity from 3 months onwards. The [18F]FDG-PET/CT scan at 54 months did not show any signs of active cardiac sarcoidosis, and a state of remission was achieved. The number of sustained VT episodes was reduced by 95%. We observed that the development of moderate aortic valve regurgitation was likely irradiation-related. No other irradiation-related adverse events occurred, and the left ventricular ejection fraction remained stable.

Conclusion

We report here for the first time on the beneficial and lasting effects of combined immunomodulatory low-dose whole-heart radiotherapy and high-dose stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation in a patient with therapy refractory cardiac sarcoidosis and recurrent VT.

Effects of Stereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation on left ventricular ejection fraction and valve function over time

Twenty patients (80% male) were included, 15 (75%) with a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. The radiotherapy dose was 20Gy (20;25) prescribed to a planning target volume (PTV) of 25cc (18;39) resulting in a median whole-heart dose of 6.1Gy. The follow-up duration before and after STAR was 2.1 (0.6;4.5) and 1.7 (0.9;3.9) years respectively. The number of echocardiograms was 5 (3;7) before and 4 (2;7) after STAR.

[Cardiology: what's new in 2022]

The year of 2022 was marked by many novelties in the fields of interventional cardiology, heart failure, electrophysiology, cardiac imaging, and congenital heart disease. These advances will certainly change our daily practice, on top of improving the diagnosis and treatment of many heart conditions. In addition, the European Society of Cardiology has updated its guidelines on pulmonary hypertension, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death, cardiovascular assessment of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The members of the Cardiology division of Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) here present the publications which they considered to be the most important of the past year.

Recurrences after stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation for refractory ventricular tachycardia

Introduction

Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) has been recently introduced for the management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) and catheter ablation (CA). VT recurrences were recently reported after STAR but the mechanisms remain poorly known.

Purpose

We analyzed VT recurrences after STAR for refractory VT in order to assess the characteristics and delivered dose at sites of VT relapse.

Methods

From 09.2017 to 01.2020, 12 consecutive patients (pts) (66±8y, LVEF 40±14%) suffering from refractory VT were enrolled. The underlying cardiopathy was ischemic in 3, inflammatory in 3 and idiopathic in 6 pts. Nine (75%) out of 12 pts had a history of at least 1 electrical storm. Before STAR, an invasive electro-anatomical mapping (Carto3) of the VT substrate (VT-sub) was performed. A mean dose of 22±2Gy was delivered to the VT-sub using the Cyberknife® system.

Results

The ablation volume was 24±7cc and involved the basal interventricular septum (IVS) in 10 (83%) pts. During the first 6 months after STAR, VT burden decreased by 93% (mean value, from 640 to 46 VT/semester). After a median follow-up of 32±11 months, 10/12 (83%) developed ≥1 recurrence as a sustained VT and underwent a redo CA. Two (17%) pts presented 2 distinct VT recurrences from clearly different areas. VT recurrence was located at the border zone (BZ) of the treated VT-sub in 6 (50%) cases, involved both the BZ and a larger substrate in 2 (17%) cases, and occurred remote from the VT-sub in 4 (33%) cases (see Table 1). The dose delivered at sites of VT recurrence was 8.4±8.6 Gy with a large heterogeneity ranging from 0.11 to 28.37 Gy, for some pts due to dose constraints near critical structures (coronary arteries). Voltage mapping showed a small but significant reduction in both unipolar and bipolar EGM voltage in the irradiated area after STAR (before vs after, Bipolar: 1.8±1.2 vs 1.1±1.2 mV and Unipolar: 4.4±2.0 vs 3.4±2.3 mV, p=0.02 and 0.01 respectively). Importantly no pts developed a high-grade AV block after STAR despite IVS irradiation.

Conclusion

STAR appears to be an efficient tool for the management of refractory VT, leading to a strong VT burden reduction and no new high-grade AV block. Recurrences were nevertheless common, often at the border zone of the irradiated volume.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): CHUV

Yield of the electrophysiological study in patients with new-onset left bundle branch block after transcathether aortic valve replacement: The PR interval matters

Background

Studies suggest that performing an electrophysiological study (EPS) may be useful to identify patients with new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) post-TAVR at risk of atrioventricular block. However, tools to optimize the yield of such strategy are needed. We therefore aimed to investigate whether 12-lead ECG changes post-TAVR may help identify patients with abnormal EPS findings.

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients with new-onset LBBB post-TAVR who underwent EPS were included. PR and QRS intervals were measured on 12-lead ECG pre-TAVR and during EPS. Abnormal EPS was defined as an HV interval > 55 ms.

Results

Among 61 patients, 28 (46%) had an HV interval > 55 ms after TAVR. Post-TAVR PR interval and ΔPR (PR-post–pre-TAVR) were significantly longer in patients with prolonged HV (PR: 188 ± 38 vs. 228 ± 34 ms, p < 0.001, ΔPR: 10 ± 30 vs. 34 ± 23 ms, p = 0.001), while no difference was found in QRS duration. PR and ΔPR intervals both effectively discriminated patients with HV > 55 ms (AUC = 0.804 and 0.769, respectively; p < 0.001). A PR > 200 ms identified patients with abnormal EPS results with a sensitivity of 89% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 88%. ΔPR ≥ 20 ms alone provided a somewhat lower sensitivity (64%) but combining both criteria (i.e., PR > 200 ms or ΔPR ≥ 20 ms) identified almost every patients with abnormal HV (sensitivity = 96%, NPV = 95%). Selecting EPS candidate based on both criteria would avoid 1/3 of exams.

Conclusion

PR interval assessment may be useful to select patients with new-onset LBBB after TAVR who may benefit most from an EPS. In patients with PR ≤ 200 ms and ΔPR < 20 ms the likelihood of abnormal EPS is very low independently of QRS changes.

Refractory ventricular tachycardia treated by a second session of stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation

•

Arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is effective in refractory ventricular tachycardia.

•

We report the first cases of successful re-irradiation of arrhythmogenic substrate.

•

No radiation toxicity was observed after the second STAR.

•

Caution is advised as data on early and late toxicities remain scarce.

Purpose

Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is an effective treatment for refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT), but recurrences after STAR were recently published. Herein, we report two cases of successful re-irradiation of the arrhythmogenic substrate.

Cases

We present two cases of re-irradiation after recurrence of a previously treated VT with radioablation at a dose of 20 Gy. The VT exit was localized on the border zone of the irradiated volume, which responded positively to re-irradiation at follow-up.

Conclusion

These two cases show the technical feasibility of re-irradiation to control recurrent VT after a first STAR.

[Epicardial adipose tissue and atrial fibrillation]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in adults; it is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. Obesity is a risk factor contributing to AF occurrence. Recently, interest has focused on epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), defined as a fatty deposit located between the epicardium and the visceral pericardium. Its characteristics are distinct from classic adipose deposits: it infiltrates the epicardial myocardium and secretes cytokines, which modulate cardiomyocyte electrophysiology and cardiac remodeling. Different studies show that EAT can be an independent risk factor for AF and that EAT thickness, as measured by CT or MRI, could predict the presence, severity and recurrence of AF.

Programmed ventricular stimulation for risk stratification in patients with myocardial scarring and an ejection fraction above or equal to 40%

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the leading causes of death, particularly among patients with myocardial scars. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are recommended in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35%. Another recognised indication is the induction of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) during programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) in post-myocardial infarction patients with non-sustained VT and a LVEF between 35% and 40%. However, no recommendation exists to guide the use of prophylactic ICD implantation in patients with less altered LVEF, even though they represent the majority of SCDs.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of PVS in patients with myocardial scars and a relatively preserved LVEF (≥ 40%).

Methods

Patients with evidence of a chronic myocardial scar and a LVEF ≥ 40%, who underwent PVS at two hospital centers were considered for inclusion. Ischemic and non-ischemic myocardial scars were included. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of a Major Arrhythmic Event (MAE), namely SCD, clinical VT/ventricular fibrillation, or appropriate ICD therapy.

Results

134 patients were included (mean age 62.4 ± 12.5 years, LVEF 54.7 ± 8.6 %). Indication for PVS was mostly non-sustained VT and/or syncope (84%). Post-myocardial infarction patients represented about half of the cases (53%). Inducibility during PVS was observed in 17 patients (13%). There was a nonsignificant trend towards higher inducibility rates in ischemic versus nonischemic scars (17% and 8%, respectively; p-value = 0.1). Of these patients, 15 received an ICD (88%). Over a mean follow-up of 49 (±42) months, a MAE occurred in 7 patients (41.2%) with positive PVS, versus 4 patients (3.4%) with negative PVS. MAE-free survival at 10 years was 91% and 43% in PVS-negative and PVS-positive patients, respectively (p-value &lt; 0.001). One SCD occurred in a PVS-positive patient who denied prophylactic ICD implantation. Inducibility during PVS provided a 64% sensitivity and a 97% negative predictive value (PV) to predict the occurrence of MAE (specificity 92%, positive PV 41%).

Conclusion

PVS is a useful tool to discriminate patients with myocardial scars and LVEF ≥ 40% at increased arrhythmic risk. Effective utilisation of ICD may be anticipated in case of positive PVS, while non-inducible patients are at lower MAE risk.

Risk factors for gram-negative infection of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices: retrospective multicenter study - CarDINe study

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Dr. Fabbricatore is supported by a research grant from the CardioPaTh PhD Program

Background

Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are unfrequently isolated from patients with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection. However, data about risk factors for GNB-CIED-infection and associated clinical outcome are missing.

Methods

Multicenter, retrospective case-control-control study. Adult patients undergoing CIED implantation from Jan 2015 to Dec 2019 were included and classified as case (C) if diagnosed of GNB-CIED-infection; control 1 (C1) if diagnosed with Gram positive bacteria (GPB)-CIED infection; and control 2 (C2) if no CIED-infection was diagnosed during the study period. Patients were matched by center and risk period (from CIED implantation to infection diagnosis ±1 month), with a minimum follow-up period after infection diagnosis of 180 days.

Results

Study cohort consisted of 134 patients (33 C, 53 C1 and 42 C2) from 11 centers. Overall, 99 (73.9%) were male, median age 73 (IQR 66-81) years. Cardiac diseases leading to CIED implantation were bradi-arrythmia (48%), hearth failure (23.5), and primary prevention (20.6%). There were not differences for demographic variables and Charlson Index between C, C1 and C2. Time from implantation to infection diagnosis was similar between C and C1 [274 (39-621) vs 220 (58-866) days, p=0.581]. Shariff score was lower in C compared with C1 [1(1-2) vs 2 (1-3); p&lt;0.001]. C reported more frequently than C1 a prior infection (not CIED related) (33% vs 16%, p=0.08). GN and GP causative agents of CIED-infection are depicted in Fig.1. No differences regarding CIED-infection type (pocket site, endocarditis) were observed between C and C1. Interestingly, PET-FDG was more frequently performed in C compared with C1 (41.2% vs 17%, p=0.013), with a trend toward higher yielding (83% vs. 50%, p=0.16). CIED extraction was performed in 79.4% and 92.5% (p=0.07) of C and C1, respectively. Length of stay was similar between groups [17 (7-39) vs23 (12-41) days, p=0.326]. 6-month survival was significantly lower in C compared with C1 and C2 at Kaplan Meier analysis (Fig.2).

Conclusions

GNB-CIED infection is associated with higher 6-month mortality than GPB- or no-CIED infections, prior GNB infection may favor subsequent GNB-CIED infection, the role of PET-FDG in diagnosing GNB-CIED infection seems to be key.

Recurrences after stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation for refractory ventricular tachycardia

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) has been recently introduced for the management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter ablation (CA). VT recurrences have been reported after STAR but the mechanisms remain poorly known. We analyzed recurrences in our patients (pts) after STAR for refractory VT.

Methods

From 09.2017 to 01.2020, 12 pts (66±8y, LVEF 40±14%) suffering from refractory VT were enrolled. The underlying cardiopathy was ischemic in 3, inflammatory in 3 and idiopathic in 6 pts. Nine out of 12 pts had a history of at least 1 electrical storm. Before STAR, an invasive electro-anatomical mapping of the VT substrate (VT-sub) was performed. A mean dose of 22±2Gy was delivered to the VT-sub using the Cyberknife system.

Results

The ablation volume was 24±7cc and involved the basal interventricular septum (IVS) in 10 pts. During the first 6 months after STAR, VT burden decreased by 95% (mean value, from 930 to 46 VT/semester). After a median follow-up of 14±10 months, 10/12 (83%) developed a recurrence as a sustained VT and underwent a redo CA. VT recurrence was located at the border zone (BZ) of the treated VT-sub in 6 cases, involved both the BZ and a larger substrate in 2 cases, and occurred remote from the VT-sub in 2 cases (see Table). The dose delivered at sites of VT recurrence was 9.9±8.6 Gy with a large heterogeneity ranging from 0.11 to 28.37 Gy, for some patients due to dose constraints near critical structures. Importantly no pts developed an AV block after STAR.

Conclusion

STAR appears to be an efficient tool for the management of IVS refractory VT, leading to a strong VT burden reduction and no AV block. Recurrences were nevertheless common, often at the border zone of the irradiated volume.

Patient Related Outcomes of Mechanical lead Extraction Techniques (PROMET) study: A comparison of two professions

BACKGROUND

With an increasing number of cardiac implantable electronic devices, there has been a paralleled increase in demand for transvenous lead extraction (TLE). Cardiac surgeons (CS) and cardiologists perform TLE; however, data comparing the two groups of operators is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

We compared the outcomes of TLE performed by cardiologists and CS from six European lead extraction units.

METHOD

Data was collected retrospectively of 2205 patients who had 3849 leads extracted (PROMET) between 2005-2018. Patient demographics and procedural outcomes were compared between the CS and cardiologist groups, using propensity score matching. A multivariate regression analysis was also performed for variables associated with 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Cardiac surgeons performed the majority of extractions (59.8%), of leads with longer dwell times (90 [57-129 interquartile range (IQR)] vs 62 [31-102 IQR] months, CS vs cardiologists, p < 0.001) and with pre-dominantly non-infectious indications (57.4% vs 50.2%, CS vs cardiologists, p < 0.001). Cardiac surgeons achieved a higher complete success per lead than the cardiologists (98.1% vs 95.7%, respectively, p < 0.01), with a higher number of minor complications (5.51% vs 2.1%, p < 0.01) and similar number of major complications (0.47% vs 1.3%, p = 0.12). Thirty-day mortality was similarly low in the CS and cardiologist groups (1.76% vs 0.94%,p = 0.21). Unmatched data multivariate analysis revealed infection indication (OR 6.12 [1.9-20.3], p < 0.01), procedure duration (OR 1.01 [1.01-1.02], p < 0.01) and CS operator (OR 2.67, [1.12-6.37], p = 0.027) were associated with 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

Transvenous lead extraction by CS was performed with similar safety and higher efficacy compared to cardiologists in high and medium-volume lead extraction centres. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

New Insights in Central Venous Disorders. The Role of Transvenous Lead Extractions

Over the last decades, the implementation of new technology in cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators as well as the increasing life expectancy have been associated with a higher incidence of transvenous lead complications over time. Variable degrees of venous stenosis at the level of the subclavian vein, the innominate trunk and the superior vena cava are reported in up to 50% of implanted patients. Importantly, the number of implanted leads seems to be the main risk factor for such complications. Extraction of abandoned or dysfunctional leads is a potential solution to overcome venous stenosis in case of device upgrades requiring additional leads, but also, in addition to venous angioplasty and stenting, to reduce symptoms related to the venous stenosis itself, i.e., the superior vena cava syndrome. This review explores the role of transvenous lead extraction procedures as therapeutical option in case of central venous disorders related to transvenous cardiac leads. We also describe the different extraction techniques available and other clinical indications for lead extractions such as lead infections. Finally, we discuss the alternative therapeutic options for cardiac stimulation or defibrillation in case of chronic venous occlusions that preclude the implant of conventional transvenous cardiac devices.

[Cardiology]

Significant advances have been made in 2021 in the areas of interventional cardiology, heart failure, cardiac imaging, electrophysiology and congenital heart disease. In addition to improving the screening, diagnosis and management of many heart diseases, these advances will change our daily practice. Moreover, the European Society of Cardiology has updated its guidelines on heart failure, valve disease, cardiac pacing and cardiovascular disease prevention. As in previous years, members of the Cardiology division of Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) came together to select and present to you the papers that they considered to be the most important of the past year.

Feasibility of adenosine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance perfusion imaging in patients with MR-conditional transvenous permanent pacemakers and defibrillators

BACKGROUND

The use of stress perfusion-cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging remains limited in patients with implantable devices. The primary goal of the study was to assess the safety, image quality, and the diagnostic value of stress perfusion-CMR in patients with MR-conditional transvenous permanent pacemakers (PPM) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with a transvenous PPM or ICD referred for adenosine stress-CMR were enrolled in this single-center longitudinal study. The CMR protocol was performed using a 1.5 T system according to current guidelines while all devices were put in MR-mode. Quality of cine, late-gadolinium-enhancement (LGE), and stress perfusion sequences were assessed. An ischemia burden of ≥ 1.5 segments was considered significant. We assessed the safety, image quality and the occurrence of interference of the magnetic field with the implantable device. In case of ischemia, we also assessed the correlation with the presence of significant coronary lesions on coronary angiography.

RESULTS

Among 3743 perfusion-CMR examinations, 66 patients had implantable devices (1.7%). Image quality proved diagnostic in 98% of cases. No device damage or malfunction was reported immediately and at 1 year. Fifty patients were continuously paced during CMR. Heart rate and systolic blood pressure remained unchanged during adenosine stress, while diastolic blood pressure decreased (p = 0.007). Six patients (9%) had an ischemia-positive stress CMR and significant coronary stenoses were confirmed by coronary angiography in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Stress perfusion-CMR is safe, allows reliable ischemia detection, and provides good diagnostic value.

Feasibility and prognostic value of adenosine stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patient with implantable device

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

stress CMR has a limited use in patients with implantable device, in order to the possible artefacts due to the metallic component and to the risk of adenosine interaction with cardiac pacing. The aim of the study was to assess the global feasibility and to assess the prognostic value of stress perfusion CMR in patients with implantable device.

Materials and Methods

we conducted a retrospective single-center longitudinal analysis of consecutive patients with an implantable device referred for stress CMR, performed using a 1.5 Tesla unit (Siemens Healthcare,MAGNETOM Aera, Erlangen-Germany). Protocol was adapted according to current guidelines. Cardiac follow-up [6 months to 7 years] was obtained by medical records of direct contact with patient’s cardiologist referral. 

Results

44 patients were enrolled. 34 patients needed a continuous pacing during adenosine stress, that was settled in DOO in 14 (32%) and in VOO in 20 (45%). Device integrity was not compromised by CMR and not competitive atrial or ventricular stimulation was observed during examination. Image quality was good in 95% cases. 26% cases had a perfusion deficit corresponding to a previous scar, while 12% of patients had a positive stress test. All of them needed continuous pacing during stress test and underwent to a coronary angiography who confirmed the coronary stenosis.  In patients without inducible ischemia 2 patients experienced a Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction after 6 and 2 years while no other cardiac symptoms or cardiac hospitalisation was remarkable during follow up.

Conclusion

adenosine stress CMR in patient who are pacemaker dependent during scanner is feasible, with an overall good image quality, proving an excellent diagnostic and prognostic value in a long term follow up even. Adenosine administration is safe and no the magnetic field interference with the correct functioning of the device have been shown in short or long term follow-up.

Transvenous lead extraction: The influence of age on patient outcomes in the PROMET study cohort

BACKGROUND

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) therapy contributes to an improvement in morbidity and mortality across all patient demographics. Patient age is a recognized risk factor for unfavorable outcomes in invasive procedures. This is the largest series of non-laser transvenous lead extraction (TLE) evaluating the association between patient age and procedure outcomes.

METHODS

Data of 2205 (3849 leads) patients was collected retrospectively from six European TLE centers between January 2005-December 2018 in the PROMET study. Of these, 153 patients with 319 leads were excluded for incomplete data. A comparison of outcomes was performed between the age groups young [< 50 years], young intermediate [50-69 years], older intermediate [70-79 years], and octogenarian [≥80 years].

RESULTS

Infection was most common indication for TLE in the octogenarian cohort, less common in the younger population (60.1% vs. 33.2%, respectively, p < .01). High-voltage leads were extracted most frequently from young patients, less frequently from octogenarians (31.6% vs. 10%, p < .001), while the opposite was evident for pacemaker leads (p < .001). Rotational sheath use was equally prevalent across all patient groups (p = .79). Minor and major complications across all the age groups were statistically similar, as was procedural success; the 30-day mortality was most significant in the octogenarian and least in the young patients (4.9% vs. 0.4%, p = .005). Propensity matching multivariate analysis found systemic infection, lead dwell time, and patient age (p = .013, OR 1.064 [1.013-1.116]) increased risk of 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

TLE is safe and effective across all age groups. 30-day mortality risk is significantly higher in the older patients.