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Balaji S, Rychik J, Moore JP. Fontan Junctional Rhythm-Innocent Bystander or Silent Killer? JAMA Cardiol 2024; 9:495-496. [PMID: 38656381 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2024.0689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
This Viewpoint discusses the impact of sinus node dysfunction and escape junctional rhythm associated with the Fontan procedure on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seshadri Balaji
- Pediatric Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Jack Rychik
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Jeremy P Moore
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, UCLA Health System, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles
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Balaji S, Etheridge SP. Arrhythmias and the extracardiac conduit Fontan: promise unfulfilled? Europace 2024; 26:euae099. [PMID: 38650056 PMCID: PMC11055498 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Seshadri Balaji
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University and Boise St. Luke's Medical Center, 600 East Jefferson Ave, Boise ID 83712, USA
| | - Susan P Etheridge
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University and Boise St. Luke's Medical Center, 600 East Jefferson Ave, Boise ID 83712, USA
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Yang EL, Evers PD, Long MJ, Mostafavifar M, Balaji S. Impact of Atrial Pacing in Fontan Patients with Junctional Rhythm: A Prospective Echocardiographic Study. Pediatr Cardiol 2024; 45:361-367. [PMID: 38062259 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Sinus node dysfunction (SND) with junctional rhythm (JR) is common after the Fontan operation. Atrial pacing (AP) restores atrioventricular (AV) synchrony, but the placement of a pacemaker carries significant morbidity. To study the impact of AP on echocardiographic parameters of function in Fontan patients with SND and JR. Nine Fontan patients with AP for SND and JR were prospectively studied with echocardiography in the following conditions-baseline paced rhythm, underlying JR and, if possible, slow-paced rhythm below their baseline paced rate (~ 10 bpm faster than their JR rate). Cardiac index was significantly lower in JR (3 ± 1.1 L/min/m2) vs AP (4.2 ± 1.4 L/min/m2; p = 0.002). Diastolic function also significantly worsened with increased ratio of early diastolic systemic AV valve inflow velocity to early diastolic systemic AV valve annulus velocity (E/e' ratio) by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in JR (11.6 ± 4.6) vs AP (8.8 ± 2.2, p = 0.016). Pulmonary venous flow reversal was present in 7/9 patients in JR vs 0/9 in AP (p = 0.016). There were no significant differences in these echocardiographic measurements between the paced and slow-paced conditions. When compared to AP, JR was associated with a significant reduction in cardiac output and diastolic function, and an increased prevalence of pulmonary vein flow reversal. There were no differences between paced and slow-paced conditions, suggesting that AV synchrony rather than heart rate was primarily contributing to cardiac output. Further studies are needed to understand the chronic impact of JR on Fontan outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Yang
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaines Street, Mail code: CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Patrick D Evers
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaines Street, Mail code: CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Mia J Long
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaines Street, Mail code: CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Mina Mostafavifar
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaines Street, Mail code: CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Seshadri Balaji
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaines Street, Mail code: CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Balaji S, Evers PD, Batra AS, Moore J. Management of Junctional Rhythm in Patients After the Fontan Operation: A Multicenter Congenital Cardiology Survey. Pediatr Cardiol 2024; 45:63-67. [PMID: 37740738 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03296-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Sinus node dysfunction with concomitant junctional rhythm (JR) is frequently observed among Fontan patients and has been recognized as a contributor to heart failure. The impact and management of JR is unclear. A survey was mailed to all members of the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology society (PACES) and members were asked to forward the questionnaire to their non-electrophysiology colleagues. Responses were received from 154 physicians (88 electrophysiologists (EP's) and 66 non-EP's (46 pediatric cardiologists and 20 adult congenital cardiologists). There were few differences in the response between EP's and non-EP's. Overall, 57% recommended an annual ambulatory ECG (AECG). A significant majority (80%) opted to continue to follow patients with significant periods of JR on AECG as long as the patients were asymptomatic, and showed no echocardiographic signs of cardiac decompensation. However, 84% would place a pacemaker in a patient with JR who was having open chest surgery for other reasons. Finally, pacemaker placement would be performed by 91% if a patient with JR showed signs of heart failure. Most congenital cardiologists would not recommend pacemaker placement in asymptomatic Fontan patients with JR. Further studies are needed on the Fontan population to determine the impact of SND and JR on longer term outcomes and to determine the role and optimal timing of pacemaker placement in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seshadri Balaji
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, 707, SW Gaines Street, Mailcode: CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Patrick D Evers
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, 707, SW Gaines Street, Mailcode: CDRC-P, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Anjan S Batra
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Moore
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Calvert P, Yeo C, Rao A, Neequaye S, Mayhew D, Ashrafi R. Transcarotid implantation of a leadless pacemaker in a patient with Fontan circulation. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2022; 9:53-58. [PMID: 36685685 PMCID: PMC9845646 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Calvert
- Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Cheng Yeo
- Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Archana Rao
- Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Neequaye
- Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom,Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David Mayhew
- Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Reza Ashrafi
- Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom,Address reprint requests and correspondence: Dr Reza Ashrafi, Northwest Congenital Heart Disease Partnership, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Thomas Dr, Liverpool, England, UK L14 3PE.
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Mondésert B, Moore JP, Khairy P. Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices in the Fontan Patient. Can J Cardiol 2022; 38:1048-1058. [PMID: 35588949 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of remarkable progress in operative techniques and cardiology care during childhood, Fontan patients continue to age and require team-based multidisciplinary expertise to manage complications encountered in adulthood. They face particular challenges in terms of altered hemodynamic stressors, cardiac and hepatic failure, and arrhythmias. Arrhythmias in Fontan patients are highly prevalent and associated with underlying anatomy, surgical technique, and postoperative sequelae. Diagnostic tools, treatments, and device strategies for arrhythmias in Fontan patients should be adapted to the specific anatomy, type of surgical repair, and clinical status. Great strides in our understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms, options and techniques to obtain access to relevant cardiac structures, and application of both old and new technologies have contributed to improving cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) therapies for this unique population. In this state-of-the-art review, we discuss the various arrhythmias encountered in Fontan patients, their diagnosis, and options for treatment and prevention, with a focus on CIEDs. Throughout, access challenges particular to the Fontan circulation are considered. Recently developed technologies, such as the sub-cutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator carry the potential to be transformative but require awareness of Fontan-specific issues. Moreover, new leadless pacing technology represents a promising strategy that may soon become applicable to Fontan patients with sinus node dysfunction. CIEDs are essential tools in managing Fontan patients but the complex clinical scenarios that arise in this patient population are among the most challenging for the congenital electrophysiologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Mondésert
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Medicine Department, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Jeremy P Moore
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, Los Angeles, CA; UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, UCLA Health System, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Health System, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Paul Khairy
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Medicine Department, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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