Recurrent unexplained palpitations (RUP) study comparison of implantable loop recorder versus conventional diagnostic strategy

Application of insertable cardiac monitors in the real world: an observational cohort study in China

BACKGROUND

Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) are increasingly used for long-term electrocardiographic monitoring. However, the data on ICMs remains limited in China.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated the real-world use and outcomes of patients consecutively receiving Reveal LINQ (Medtronic Ltd, Minneapolis, MN) devices from 2020 to 2022 at the Cardiovascular Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital. Patient characteristics, ECG parameters, ICM indications and follow-up data were collected. The outcomes including symptom documentation, arrhythmia detection and ICM-guided interventions were identified.

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients (age 64 ± 14 years; 52% males) receiving ICMs were enrolled (134 syncopes, 59 unexplained palpitations, 7 cryptogenic strokes). During median follow-up of 28 months, 98 patients (49%) had documented clinically significant arrhythmia. After ICM diagnosis, 89 (44.5%) of patients had ICM-guided actionable events. Pacemaker/defibrillator implantation (48, 24%), catheter ablation (27, 13.5%) and mediation management (11, 5.5%) were the majority of ICM-derived management. For syncope, age > 65 years (HR 1.032, p = 0.017), asymptomatic sinus bradycardia (45-55 beats / min) (HR 2.106, p = 0.043) and RR interval exceeding 2 s (HR 3.625, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with actionable events. The risk of arrhythmia requiring management changes was significantly stepwise higher with the prevalence of more risk factors (P < 0.001 by log-rank).

CONCLUSIONS

ICM utilization is associated with high efficacy in diagnoses and triggers important and optimal management in China. Age > 65 years, asymptomatic sinus bradycardia (45-55 beats / min) and RR interval exceeding 2 s are independent clinical predictors of ICM-guided clinical management for syncope.

Diagnostic yield of implantable loop recorders: results from the hellenic registry

OBJECTIVE

Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are increasingly being used for long-term cardiac monitoring in different clinical settings. The aim of this study was to investigate the real-world performance of ILRs-including the time to diagnosis-in unselected patients with different ILR indications.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this multicenter, observational study, 871 patients with an indication of pre-syncope/syncope (61.9%), unexplained palpitations (10.4%), and atrial fibrillation (AF) detection with a history of cryptogenic stroke (CS) (27.7%) underwent ILR implantation. The median follow-up was 28.8 ± 12.9 months. In the presyncope/syncope group, 167 (31%) received a diagnosis established by the device. Kaplan-Meier estimates indicated that 16.9% of patients had a diagnosis at 6 months, and the proportion increased to 22.5% at 1 year. Of 91 patients with palpitations, 20 (22%) received a diagnosis based on the device. The diagnosis was established in 12.2% of patients at 6 months, and the proportion increased to 13.3% at 1 year. Among 241 patients with CS, 47 (19.5%) were diagnosed with AF. The diagnostic yield of the device was 10.4% at 6 months and 12.4% at 1 year. In all cases, oral anticoagulation was initiated. Overall, ILR diagnosis altered the therapeutic strategy in 26.1% of the presyncope/syncope group, 2.2% of the palpitations group, and 3.7% of the CS group in addition to oral anticoagulation initiation.

CONCLUSION

In this real-world patient population, ILR determines diagnosis and initiates new therapeutic management for nearly one-fourth of patients. ILR implantation is valuable in the evaluation of patients with unexplained presyncope/syncope, CS, and palpitations.

Symptom burden guiding invasive electrophysiological study in paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: The believe SVT registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Patients with palpitations clinically suggestive of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) are often managed conservatively until ECG-documentation of the tachycardia, leading to high impact on life quality and healthcare resource utilization. We evaluated results of electrophysiological study (EPS), and ablation when appropriate, among these patients, with special focus on gender differences in management.

METHODS

BELIEVE SVT is a European multicenter, retrospective registry in tertiary hospitals performing EPS in patients with palpitations, without ECG-documentation of tachycardia or preexcitation, and considered highly suggestive of PSVT by a cardiologist or cardiac electrophysiologist. We analyzed clinical characteristics, results of EPS and ablation, complications, and clinical outcomes during follow-up.

RESULTS

Six-hundred eighty patients from 20 centers were included. EPS showed sustained tachycardia in 60.9% of patients, and substrate potentially enabling AVNRT in 14.7%. No major/permanent complications occurred. Minor/transient complications were reported in 0.84% of patients undergoing diagnostic-only EPS and 1.8% when followed by ablation. During a 3.4-year follow-up, 76.2% of patients remained free of palpitations recurrence. Ablation (OR: 0.34, P < .01) and male gender (OR: 0.58, P = .01) predicted no recurrence. Despite a higher female proportion among patients with recurrence, (77.2% vs 63.5% among those asymptomatic during follow-up, P < .01), 73% of women in this study reported no recurrence of palpitations after EPS.

CONCLUSIONS

EPS and ablation are safe and effective in preventing recurrence of nondocumented palpitations clinically suggestive of PSVT. Despite a lower efficacy, this strategy is also highly effective among women and warrants no gender differences in management.

New technologies for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases

Telemedicine enables the remote provision of medical care through information and communication technologies, facilitating data transmission, patient participation, promotion of heart-healthy habits, diagnosis, early detection of acute decompensation, and monitoring and follow-up of cardiovascular diseases. Wearable devices have multiple clinical applications, ranging from arrhythmia detection to remote monitoring of chronic diseases and risk factors. Integrating these technologies safely and effectively into routine clinical practice will require a multidisciplinary approach. Technological advances and data management will increase telemonitoring strategies, which will allow greater accessibility and equity, as well as more efficient and accurate patient care. However, there are still unresolved issues, such as identifying the most appropriate technological infrastructure, integrating these data into medical records, and addressing the digital divide, which can hamper patients' adoption of remote care. This article provides an updated overview of digital tools for a more comprehensive approach to atrial fibrillation, heart failure, risk factors, and treatment adherence.

New technologies for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases

Telemedicine enables the remote provision of medical care through information and communication technologies, facilitating data transmission, patient participation, promotion of heart-healthy habits, diagnosis, early detection of acute decompensation, and monitoring and follow-up of cardiovascular diseases. Wearable devices have multiple clinical applications, ranging from arrhythmia detection to remote monitoring of chronic diseases and risk factors. Integrating these technologies safely and effectively into routine clinical practice will require a multidisciplinary approach. Technological advances and data management will increase telemonitoring strategies, which will allow greater accessibility and equity, as well as more efficient and accurate patient care. However, there are still unresolved issues, such as identifying the most appropriate technological infrastructure, integrating these data into medical records, and addressing the digital divide, which can hamper patients' adoption of remote care. This article provides an updated overview of digital tools for a more comprehensive approach to atrial fibrillation, heart failure, risk factors, and treatment adherence.

Successful modified implantation of insertable cardiac monitor in a very young paediatric patient

Insertable cardiac monitors are minimally invasive devices designed for implantation in the chest wall of patients to record heart rhythms and relate them to symptoms over prolonged periods. The Jot Dx™ (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA) is the latest Food and Drug Administration-cleared insertable cardiac monitor that is Bluetooth™ enabled allowing for near-immediate transmission of data from patients to physicians. We report on the first paediatric patient, in a patient weighing 11.7 kg, to undergo a modified, vertical, parasternal implantation of a Jot Dx™.

Device-detected atrial fibrillation in a large remote-monitored cohort: implications for anticoagulation and need for new pathways of service delivery

BACKGROUND

Remote monitoring (RM) can facilitate early detection of subclinical and symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), providing an opportunity to evaluate the need for stroke prevention therapies. We aimed to characterize the burden of RM AF alerts and its impact on anticoagulation of patients with device-detected AF.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device, at least one AF episode, undergoing RM were included and assigned an estimated minimum CHA2DS2-VASc score based on age and device type. RM was provided via automated software system, providing rapid alert processing by device specialists and systematic, recurrent prompts for anticoagulation.

RESULTS

From 7651 individual, 389,188 AF episodes were identified, 3120 (40.8%) permanent pacemakers, 2260 (29.5%) implantable loop recorders (ILRs), 987 (12.9%) implantable cardioverter defibrillators, 968 (12.7%) cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) defibrillators, and 316 (4.1%) CRT pacemakers. ILRs transmitted 48.8% of all AF episodes. At twelve-months, 3404 (44.5%) AF < 6 min, 1367 (17.9%) 6 min-6 h, 1206 (15.8%) 6-24 h, and 1674 (21.9%) ≥ 24 h. A minimum CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 was assigned to 1704 (63.1%) of the patients with an AF episode of ≥ 6 h, 531 (31.2%) who were not anticoagulated at 12-months, and 1031 (61.6%) patients with an AF episode duration of ≥ 24 h, 290 (28.1%) were not anticoagulated.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite being intensively managed via RM software system incorporating cues for anticoagulation, a substantial proportion of patients with increased stroke risk remained unanticoagulated after a device-detected AF episode of significant duration. These data highlight the need for improved clinical response pathways and an integrated care approach to RM.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12620001232921.

An overview of the electrocardiographic monitoring devices in sports cardiology: Between present and future

BACKGROUND

Athletes represent a mainly healthy population, which however could be considered at risk of major arrhythmic events, especially in case of undiagnosed cardiomyopathies. For this reason, the periodical sports medicine examination and the electrocardiography are essential tools in the cardiovascular screening, even though they do not always succeed in identifying rhythm disturbances, particularly when asymptomatic or rarely symptomatic.

HYPOTHESIS

Prolonged cardiac monitoring often enables clinicians to stratify the arrhythmic risk and reach the diagnosis. The technological progress of the last decades has produced an always-increasing number of heart rhythm monitoring devices, starting from the 24-hour electrocardiogram Holter monitoring and ending with the wide world of wearable devices.

METHODS

In the literature, the extreme utility of this equipment in the patients affected by cardiovascular diseases and in the general population is well established. On the contrary, athletes-based randomized trials or large-scale epidemiological studies targeting the frequency of cardiac symptoms and the use of cardiac monitoring are missing, while an ever-growing number of case series and small observational studies are flourishing in recent years.

RESULTS

The present review showcases the available electrocardiographic monitoring options, principally in the medical setting, listing their characteristics, their indications, their supporting evidence, and their general pros and cons.

CONCLUSIONS

The ultimate goal of this review is guiding physicians through the wide variety of heart rhythm monitoring options in the specific subfield of sports cardiology, when an arrhythmia is suspected in an athlete, to tailor the diagnostic process and favor the best diagnostic accuracy.

A comparison of Atrial Fibrillation Detection Strategies After Ischemic Stroke-A Retrospective Study

Objective of this retrospective study was to determine if long-term continuous cardiac monitoring with Implantable loop recorder (ILR) in patients with Cryptogenic strokes or TIA is superior at detecting Atrial Fibrillation (AF) than 30-day Event Monitor (EM) and 48-hour Holter Monitor (HM). Furthermore, we aimed to deduce if uncovering AF leads to lower risk of future ischemic strokes, or reduction in mortality. In 20%-30% cases, the cause of stroke remained unexplained after diagnostic workup which has led to coining of the term, Cryptogenic Stroke (CS). Undiagnosed AF is a prime suspect in CS, but guidelines do not recommend initiation of anticoagulation unless AF has formally been detected. IRB approved retrospective study included patients with at least 1 episode of ischemic stroke or TIA without identifiable cause and was monitored with either HM, EM or ILR to diagnose any undiscovered AF. All patients (n = 531) had at least 1 year, and up to 3 years, of follow-up after device placement. Chi-Squared analysis and Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated no statistically significant difference among 3 devices for detection of AF within 1 month of index stroke but a significant difference in AF detection was observed at 6, 12 and 24 months. Cox proportional hazard model showed device type had no significant impact on secondary outcomes: Subsequent ischemic stroke or TIA, Initiation of anticoagulation, Mortality and Incidence of major bleeding. Despite the superiority of AF detection by ILR, it is not superior to HM or EM in lowering the risk of subsequent stroke or TIA, or in reducing mortality.

Diagnostic usefulness of implantable loop recorder in patients with unexplained syncope or palpitation

Background

In a substantial proportion of patients with syncope, the exact cause is not identified because of the difficulty to document electrocardiograms correlated with the events during a syncope episode. Thus, an implantable loop recorder (ILR) was introduced for diagnosing hidden arrhythmia; however, its clinical use remains limited. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the diagnostic value of the ILR in patients with unexplained syncope or palpitations.

Methods

All patients who had undergone ILR implantation from May 2016 to January 2020, were studied retrospectively. We analyzed their electrocardiogram stored in the device.

Results

Among the 70 patients (mean age ± SD; 50.2 ± 20.3 years, 27 men) with unknown causes of syncope or palpitation, during two years follow-up, arrhythmia was detected in 26 patients (37.1%). Nineteen (73.1%) patients underwent permanent pacemaker implantation due to symptomatic bradycardia or atrioventricular block. All arrhythmias were detected within 6 days to 39 months after loop recorder implantation. Thirteen patients (50%) showed sick sinus syndrome (eight long pauses and five tachycardia-bradycardia syndromes). Eleven patients (42.3%) had paroxysmal atrioventricular block. Two patients who underwent permanent pacemaker implantation showed a positive tilt-table test. Three patients underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. The mean duration for the detection of first sign (arrhythmia or palpitations) was 7.5 months, and the time from the detection of arrhythmia to ablation or device implantation was 3.4 months.

Conclusion

ILR monitoring detected a substantial number of significant bradycardias in patients with unexplained syncope and palpitations, suggesting that it is an effective diagnostic method that can shorten the time required to identify the cause of arrhythmias.

Monitoring and diagnosis of intermittent arrhythmias: evidence-based guidance and role of novel monitoring strategies

Technological advances have made diagnosis of heart rhythm disturbances much easier, with a wide variety of options, including single-lead portable devices, smartphones/watches to sophisticated implantable cardiac monitors, allowing accurate data to be collected over different time periods depending on symptoms frequency. This review provides an overview of the novel and existing heart rhythm testing options, including a description of the supporting evidence for their use. A description of each of the tests is provided, along with discussion of their advantages and limitations. This is intended to help clinicians towards choosing the most appropriate test, thus improving diagnostic yield management of patients with suspected arrhythmias.

Implantable loop recorder in unexplained palpitations or syncope: A randomised study among young patients with structurally normal heart

Background

The utility of an implantable loop recorder (ILR) in the evaluation of unexplained syncope or palpitations in young patients in the absence of structural heart disease or ventricular dysfunction is limited. To compare the diagnostic yield of ILR with conventional extended Holter evaluation in the detection of arrhythmias among young patients with a structurally normal heart presenting with unexplained palpitations or syncope.

Methods

Open-label randomised control trial was conducted in a tertiary cardiac care centre among young patients with recurrent unexplained palpitations (≥3 episodes/year) or syncope (≥2 episodes) with normal electrocardiogram and echocardiography, after excluding non-cardiac causes. Patients were block randomised to either ILR implantation or conventional extended Holter monitoring.

Results

Fourteen patients in the ILR group and 16 patients in the conventional group completed the study. The mean age of the patients was 31.9 ± 5.5 and 31.2 ± 5.4 years. Males constituted 78.5% and 75% in the two groups, respectively. Diagnosis was established in 10 (71.5%) patients in the ILR group as compared to only 3 (18.7%) in the conventional group (p = 0.01), with an RR of 0.26 (95% CI 0.089-0.76, p = 0.01). The arrhythmias diagnosed with ILR were narrow complex tachycardia (30%), atrial fibrillation (20%), VPCs (20%), severe bradycardia with asystole due to sinus arrest (10%), VPCs with bigeminy (10%), and ventricular tachycardia (10%).

Conclusion

In young patients with unexplained syncope or palpitations, ILR has a higher diagnostic yield in the accurate detection of arrhythmia compared with conventional Holter strategy, resulting in better management.

Golden Standard or Obsolete Method? Review of ECG Applications in Clinical and Experimental Context

Cardiovascular system and its functions under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions have been studied for centuries. One of the most important steps in the cardiovascular research was the possibility to record cardiac electrical activity. Since then, numerous modifications and improvements have been introduced; however, an electrocardiogram still represents a golden standard in this field. This paper overviews possibilities of ECG recordings in research and clinical practice, deals with advantages and disadvantages of various approaches, and summarizes possibilities of advanced data analysis. Special emphasis is given to state-of-the-art deep learning techniques intensely expanded in a wide range of clinical applications and offering promising prospects in experimental branches. Since, according to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide, studying electrical activity of the heart is still of high importance for both experimental and clinical cardiology.

Clinical electrophysiology of the aging heart

INTRODUCTION

Advancements in medical and consumer-grade technologies have made it easier than ever to monitor a patient's heart rhythm and to diagnose arrhythmias. Octogenarians with symptomatic arrhythmias have unique management challenges due to their frailty, complex drug interactions, cognitive impairment, and competing comorbidities. The management decisions are further complicated by the lack of randomized evidence to guide treatment.

AREAS COVERED

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to outline various tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias and their management, the role of cardiac implantable electronic devices, cardiac ablations, and specific geriatric arrhythmia considerations as recommended in international guidelines.

EXPERT OPINION

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is arguably the most important arrhythmia in the elderly and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of AF, potentially with smart devices (wearables), has the potential to reduce the incidence of stroke, systemic emboli, and the risk of dementia. Bradyarrhythmias have a high incidence in the elderly as well, often requiring implantation of a permanent pacemaker. Leadless pacemakers implanted directly into the right ventricle are great options for gaining traction in elderly patients.

Mobile Health for Arrhythmia Diagnosis and Management

Palpitations are a common symptom managed by general practitioners and cardiologists; atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in adults. The recent commercial availability of smartphone-based devices and wearable technologies with arrhythmia detection capabilities has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of these common medical issues, as it has placed the power of arrhythmia detection into the hands of the patient. Numerous mobile health (mHealth) devices that can detect, record, and automatically interpret irregularities in heart rhythm and abrupt changes in heart rate using photoplethysmography (PPG)- and electrocardiogram-based technologies are now commercially available. As opposed to prescription-based external rhythm monitoring approaches, these devices are more inexpensive and allow for longer-term monitoring, thus increasing sensitivity for arrhythmia detection, particularly for patients with infrequent symptoms possibly due to cardiac arrhythmias. These devices can be used to correlate symptoms with cardiac arrhythmias, assess efficacy and toxicities of arrhythmia therapies, and screen the population for serious rhythm disturbances such as AF. Although several devices have received clearance for AF detection from the United States Food & Drug Administration, limitations include the need for ECG confirmation for arrhythmias detected by PPG alone, false positives, false negatives, charging requirements for the battery, and financial cost. In summary, the growth of commercially available devices for remote, patient-facing rhythm monitoring represents an exciting new opportunity in the care of patients with palpitations and known or suspected dysrhythmias. Physicians should be familiar with the evidence that underlies their added value to patient care and, importantly, their current limitations.

Subcutaneouscardiac Rhythm Monitors: A Comprehensive Review

Subcutaneous loop recorders (SCRMs) are subcutaneous electronic devices which have revolutionized the field of arrhythmia detection. They have become increasingly appealing due to advances such as miniaturization of device, longer battery life, bluetooth capabilities and relatively simple implantation technique without the need for complex surgical suites. They can be implanted in the office, patient bedside without the need to go to the operating room. One of the most common indications for their implantation is detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) after a cryptogenic stroke. They have also been utilized for assessing the success of rhythm control strategies such post pulmonary venous isolation. More recently studies have assessed the utility of SCRMs for detecting silent AF in at risk populations such as patients with sleep apnea or those on hemodialysis. In this paper, we review the evolution of SCRMs, the clinical studies assessing their value for different indications, their role incurrent clinical practice and future avenues in the era of smart wearable devices like apple watch etc.

Cardiac monitoring for patients with palpitations

Palpitations are one of the most common reasons for medical consultation. They tend to worry patients and can affect their quality of life. They are often a symptom associated with cardiac rhythm disorders, although there are other etiologies. For diagnosis, it is essential to be able to reliably correlate the symptoms with an electrocardiographic record allowing the identification or ruling out of a possible rhythm disorder. However, reaching a diagnosis is not always simple, given that they tend to be transitory symptoms and the patient is frequently asymptomatic at the time of assessment. In recent years, electrocardiographic monitoring systems have incorporated many technical improvements that solve several of the 24-h Holter monitor limitations. The objective of this review is to provide an update on the different monitoring methods currently available, remarking their indications and limitations, to help healthcare professionals to appropriately select and use them in the work-up of patients with palpitations.

Managing athletes with palpitations of unknown origin with an external loop recorder: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Palpitations in athletes are usually benign, but the presence of major cardiac arrhythmias should be ruled out despite the infrequent appraisal of symptoms. External loop recorders (ELR) are promising to identify arrhythmias in these circumstances, but experiences in athletes are lacking. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and diagnostic yield of an ELR in athletes with unexplained palpitations in a cohort study.

METHODS

122 consecutive subjects (61 athletes and 61 sedentary controls) with sporadic palpitations and inconclusive diagnosis were enrolled and equipped with an ELR. Findings were categorized as major and minor arrhythmic findings, non-arrhythmic findings or negative monitoring.

RESULTS

Long-term ELR monitoring was feasible in all subjects, with median duration of 12 (11; 15) days. Major arrhythmic events during palpitations were found in 9 (14.8%) athletes: 7 experienced sustained paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and 2 had non sustained ventricular tachycardia. Minor arrhythmic events (premature supraventricular or ventricular beats) were observed in 13 athletes (21.3%). Non-arrhythmic findings (i.e., sinus rhythm or sinus tachycardia) were recorded in 28 athletes (45.9%), whereas 11 (18%) had negative monitoring. In the sedentary group, arrhythmic events were similar for types and frequency to athletes. The diagnostic yield of loop monitoring was 82.8% in the overall population and 82.0% in the athlete's group.

CONCLUSIONS

In the management of an athlete symptomatic with unexplained palpitations after 24-hour ECG monitoring and stress test, ELR is an efficient tool to identify major arrhythmic events, which can be present in up to 10% of symptomatic athletes during practice and competition.

The 2020 ESC Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation

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Implantable loop recorders in patients with heart disease: comparison between patients with and without syncope

OBJECTIVE

Patients with heart disease are at increased risk for sudden cardiac death. Guidelines recommend an implantable loop recorder (ILR) for symptomatic patients when symptoms are sporadic and possibly arrhythmia-related. In clinical practice, an ILR is mainly used in patients with unexplained syncope. We aimed to compare the clinical value of an ILR in patients with heart disease and a history of syncope versus those with non-syncopal symptoms.

METHODS

In this observational single-centre study, we included symptomatic patients with heart disease who received an ILR. The primary endpoint was an actionable event which was defined as an arrhythmic event leading to a change in clinical management. The secondary endpoint was an event leading to device implantation.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty patients (mean age 47±17 years, 49% men) were included. The underlying disease substrate was inherited cardiomyopathy (31%), congenital heart disease (28%), channelopathy (23%) and other (18%). Group A consisted of 43 patients with prior syncope and group B consisted of 77 patients with palpitations and/or near-syncope. The median follow-up duration was 19 months (IQR 8-36). The 3-year cumulative event rate was similar between groups with regard to the primary endpoint (38% vs 39% for group A and B, respectively, logrank p=0.54). There was also no difference in the 3-year cumulative rate of device implantation (21% vs 13% for group A and B, respectively, logrank p=0.65).

CONCLUSION

In symptomatic patients with heart disease, there is no difference in the yield of an ILR in patients presenting with or without syncope.

Subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitors: state of the art review

Introduction: Subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitors (SCRMs) provide continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring for surveillance of known and identification of infrequent arrhythmias. SCRMs have proven to be helpful for the evaluation of unexplained symptoms and correlation with intermittent cardiac arrhythmias. Successful functioning of SCRM is dependent on accurate detection and successful transmission of the data to the device clinic. As the use of SCRM is steadily increasing, the amount of data that requires timely adjudication requires substantial resources. Newer algorithms for accurate detection and modified workflow systems have been proposed by physicians and the manufacturers to circumvent the issue of data deluge.Areas covered: This paper provides an overview of the various aspects of ambulatory rhythm monitoring with SCRMs including indications, implantation techniques, programming strategies, troubleshooting for issue of false positive and intermittent connectivity and strategies to circumvent data deluge.Expert opinion: SCRM is an invaluable technology for prolonged rhythm monitoring. The clinical benefits from SCRM hinge on accurate arrhythmia detection, reliable transmission of the data and timely adjudication for possible intervention. Further improvement in SCRM technology is needed to minimize false-positive detection, improve connectivity to the central web-based server, and devise strategies to minimize data deluge.

Diagnostic value of implantable loop recorders in patients with unexplained syncope or palpitations

Background

The implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small cardiac rhythm‐monitoring device. Our aim was to determine ILR diagnostic value in patients with unexplained syncope, presyncope, or palpitations suggesting cardiac arrhythmias.

Methods

This has been a retrospective, observational, single‐center study. We included 181 patients in whom ILR was implanted at the Clinical Center of Serbia between January 2006 and July 2019. An event was marked as diagnostic if it led to a diagnosis and ILR was considered diagnostic if it verified or excluded an arrhythmia as the cause of syncope or palpitations.

Results

The mean age was 51.8 ± 17.8 years and 94 (51.9%) were male. The mean follow‐up period was 20.2 ± 15.8 months. ILR was diagnostic in 98 patients (54.1%). There was no significant difference in diagnostic value of ILR in regard to the baseline patients’ characteristics. The mean time to occurrence of the diagnostic event was 11.1 ± 9.6 months. The time to occurrence of a diagnostic event did not differ significantly between patients who underwent basic as compared to extended diagnostics before ILR implantation.

Conclusions

ILR was able to achieve an etiological diagnosis in 54.1% of patients with unexplained syncope, presyncope, or palpitations suggesting cardiac arrhythmias. In a subgroup of patients with recurrent palpitations, ILR was significantly less diagnostic than in patients with syncope or presyncope. ILR should be implanted beforehand in syncope evaluation process.

Sex differences in echocardiographic predictors of bradycardia detected by implantable loop recorder in patients with syncope and palpitations

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to investigate whether echocardiography may aid in identifying patients, specifically men, at risk of bradycardia as detected by implantable loop recorders (ILR) in patients evaluated for syncope and palpitations.

METHODS

We included ambulatory patients undergoing ILR implantation for syncope (84%), presyncope (9%), and palpitations (8%). Echocardiographic examination was performed prior to implantation (2.9 months [IQR 1.0-6.0 months]). Echocardiograms were analyzed for conventional and speckle tracking parameters. We examined time to first event of bradycardia, defined as (a) heart rate <30 beats/min and (b) ≥4 beats, including sinus arrest, asystole, sinoatrial block, and second- and third-degree atrioventricular nodal block. We applied Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

A total of 285 patients we enrolled, and during a median time of 2.7 years [IQR 1.0, 3.3 years] of continuous heart rhythm monitoring, 84 (29%) had bradycardia detected by ILR. Patients with bradycardia were older (61 ± 19 years vs 55 ± 18 years, P = .01) and more frequently men (62% vs 44%, P = .01). Sex modified the association between echocardiographic parameters and bradycardia (P interaction <0.05 for all), such that left ventricular LV mass index (HR: 1.02 per 1g/m² increase [1.01-1.04], P < .001), LV ejection fraction (HR: 1.04 per 1% decrease [1.01-1.08], P = .02), and global longitudinal strain (HR: 1.09 per 1% decrease [1.01-1.19], P = .03) were associated with bradycardia in men but not women (P > .05 for all in female). After adjusting for baseline clinical characteristics, medical therapy, and loop indication, the abovementioned parameters remained significantly associated with incident bradycardia in men.

CONCLUSION

Echocardiographic parameters of LV structure and function may potentially be more useful for predicting bradycardia in men than women, among patients undergoing ILR implantation for syncope, presyncope, and palpations.

Clinical outcomes following rhythm control for atrial fibrillation: is early better?

Introduction: An integral aspect of atrial fibrillation (AF) management involves better symptom control, incorporating a rate control, rhythm control, or a combination strategy. The 2020 ESC Guidelines suggest that rhythm control strategy should be recommended for symptomatic patients, to mitigate their symptoms and improve the quality of life. However, adequately powered randomized control trials and prospective 'real-world' registries are needed to fully assess the impact of early rhythm control strategies on clinical outcomes in patients with AF.Objective: In this narrative review, we discuss clinical outcomes following rhythm management approach among patients with AF, considering the effectiveness of an early intervention strategy.Expert opinion: Patients involvement and shared decision-making are crucial when deciding the optimal management strategy among patients with AF. For those with newly diagnosed symptomatic AF, an early invasive approach such as catheter ablation may have a role in preventing AF progression and subsequent pathophysiological changes.

The mammographic appearance of the BioMonitor implantable loop recorder

The imaging appearance of implantable loop recorders (ILR's) have been described in literature (Steinberger and Margolies, 2017; Mayo and Leung, 2017; Tsau and Berger, 2004)^1-3; however, the mammographic appearance of the BioMonitor ILR produced by BIOTRONIK has not been described. It is important for radiologists interpreting breast imaging to become familiar with the appearance of different implantable cardiac devices on mammograms in order to create accurate reports and adjust imaging protocols to improve imaging quality and lessen patient discomfort as needed.

Remote Monitoring Alert Burden: An Analysis of Transmission in >26,000 Patients

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the remote monitoring (RM) alert burden in a multicenter cohort of patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED).

BACKGROUND

RM of CIEDs allows timely recognition of patient and device events requiring intervention. Most RM involves burdensome manual workflow occurring exclusively on weekdays during office hours. Automated software may reduce such a burden, streamlining real-time alert responses.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 26,713 consecutive patients with a CIED undergoing managed RM utilizing PaceMate software between November 2018 and November 2019. Alerts were analyzed according to type, acuity (red indicates urgent, and yellow indicates nonurgent) and CIED category.

RESULTS

In total, 12,473 (46.7%) patients had a permanent pacemaker (PPM), 9,208 (34.5%) had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), and 5,032 (18.8%) had an implantable loop recorder (ILR). Overall, 82,797 of the 205,804 RM transmissions were alerts, with the remainder being scheduled transmissions. A total of 14,638 (54.8%) patients transmitted at least 1 alert. Permanent pacemakers were responsible for 25,700 (31.0%) alerts, ICDs for 15,643 (18.9%) alerts, and ILRs for 41,454 (50.1%) alerts, with 3,935 (4.8%) red alerts and 78,862 (95.2%) yellow alerts. ICDs transmitted 2,073 (52.7%) red alerts; 5,024 (32.1%) ICD alerts were for ventricular tachyarrhythmias and antitachycardia pacing/shock delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

In an RM cohort of 26,713 patients with CIEDs, 54.8% of patients transmitted at least 1 alert during a 12-month period, totaling over 82,000 alerts. ILRs were overrepresented, and ICDs were underrepresented, in these alerts. The enormity of the number of transmissions and the growing ILR alert burden highlight the need for new management pathways for RM.

A New Scoring System Detecting the Supraventricular Tachycardia Inducibility and Radiofrequency Ablation With High Specificity in Electrophysiological Study

Aim

The relationship between arrhythmia induction and ablation with palpitation characteristics has been demonstrated in electrophysiological study (EPS) patients. However, there is insufficient data on palpitation characteristics and their sensitivity and specificity. We aimed to identify the relationship between scoring composed of palpitation characteristics with the supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) induction and the success rate of the procedure.

Method

A total of 119 patients, diagnosed as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) by electrocardiography, rhythm Holter or symptoms, and underwent EPS, were enrolled in the study. A psychiatrist administered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) questionnaire.

Results

In SVT induced group, palpitation duration (p = 0.048), palpitation spread to neck (p 0.004), responsiveness to medication (p = 0.008), induction with stress (p = 0.007), admission to emergency (p = 0.021) and documented PSVT (p = 0.017) were more common. Atropine administration (p = 0.001) was higher, and the Wenckebach cycle length (p < 0.001) was longer in the non-induced arrhythmia group. The presence of dual AV pathways was higher in SVT induced group (p = 0.002). There were no differences between groups in terms of anxiety score (p = 0.192), depression score (p = 0.730), and total psychiatric results (p = 0.280) in the HADS questionnaire. In scoring designed by the palpitation characteristics, the score of four and over predicted SVT induction with 63.6% sensitivity and 92.5% specificity. Radio-frequency ablation (RFA) was performed succesfully in 82.1% of patients with a score of ≥4.

Conclusion

Supraventricular tachycardia induction score obtained from the palpitations characteristics and arrhythmia documentation can be useful in predicting the induction of SVT and the success of RFA.

Cardiac Electronic Devices: Future Directions and Challenges

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are essential management options for patients with brady- and tachyarrhythmias or heart failure with concomitant optimal pharmacotherapy. Despite increasing technological advances, there are still gaps in the management of CIED patients, eg, the growing number of lead- and pocket-related long-term complications, including cardiac device–related infective endocarditis, requires the greatest care. Likewise, patients with CIEDs should be monitored remotely as a part of a comprehensive, holistic management approach. In addition, novel technologies used in smartwatches may be a convenient tool for long-term atrial fibrillation (AF) screening, especially in high-risk populations. Early detection of AF may reduce the risk of stroke and other AF-related complications. The objective of this review article was to provide an overview of novel technologies in cardiac rhythm–management devices and future challenges related to CIEDs.

The diagnostic yield of implantable loop recorders stratified by indication: "real-world" use in a large academic hospital

PURPOSE

To report on the clinical utility of implantable loop recorders (ILRs) in a large academic hospital setting over a 4-year period.

METHODS

Retrospective study (2013-2016) of patients receiving ILRs for any indication including syncope, cryptogenic stroke (CrS), atrial fibrillation (AF) burden, palpitations, ventricular arrhythmias (VA), and other. Remote checks, symptomatic transmissions, and in-person checks were reviewed. Time to diagnosis was documented.

RESULTS

A total of 263 patients (54% male, mean age 63 ± 15 years, mean follow-up 601 (range 9-1714) days) received ILRs for 324 indications; multiple indications were noted in 53/263 (20.2%) patients. ILR indications were 126 (39%) syncope, 81 (25%) CrS, 46 (14%) AF, 37 (11%) palpitations, 10 (3%) VA, and 24 (7%) other. Diagnostic yield for each indication was compared to the overall yield for all other indications. Three indications showed a significantly higher yield: AF (65% vs. 22%, p < 0.002), palpitations (60% vs. 24%, p < 0.001), and VA (70% vs. 28%, p < 0.004). For all other indications, there were no significant differences. Syncope had nearly half the diagnostic yield of previously published trials (28% vs. 43-56%). We observed a fourfold increase in ILR implant rate over the study duration.

CONCLUSIONS

In a "real-world" academic hospital setting, the diagnostic rate of ILRs was highest for AF, palpitations, and VA; however, these high yield indications comprised only 29% of all indications. The diagnostic yield for the commonest indication (syncope) was approximately half that reported in the previously published trials. With increasing implantation rates, additional studies are required to refine guideline-based indications for ILR implantation to improve diagnostic yield.

Palpitation: Extended Electrocardiogram Monitoring: Which Tests to Use and When

Palpitation is common. It is often accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, near syncope, and even syncope. It may be difficult to confirm a diagnosis in patients with infrequent symptoms. Several tools are available to document arrhythmias in the workup of a patient with palpitation, including 24-hour Holter monitoring, 30-day external continuous monitoring, and implantable loop recorders. A number of private companies are now able to empower patients to monitor heart rates and even give accurate rhythm strips. This article reviews the current data on how to make the diagnosis and which tools to use in the primary care setting.

Diagnostic Yield and Economic Assessment of a Diagnostic Protocol With Systematic Use of an External Loop Recorder for Patients With Palpitations

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To assess the diagnostic yield and cost-effectiveness of a diagnostic protocol based on the systematic use of latest-generation external loop recorders (ELRs) compared with the classic diagnostic strategy for patients with recurrent unexplained palpitations.

METHODS

Two cohorts of consecutive patients referred for diagnosis of unexplained palpitations to the outpatient clinic of the arrhythmia unit were compared: a prospective cohort after the implementation of a new diagnostic protocol based on the systematic use of ELRs, and another, retrospective, cohort before the implementation of the protocol. The cost of diagnosis was calculated based on the number of complementary examinations, visits to outpatient clinics, or emergency department visits required to reach a diagnosis, and its costs according the prices published for the local health system.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-nine patients were included (91 in the ELR group, 58 in the control group). The diagnostic yield was higher in the ELR group (79 [86.8%] definitive diagnoses in the ELR group vs 12 [20.7%] in the control group, P < .001). The cost per diagnosis was €375.13 in the ELR group and €5184.75 in the control group (P < .001). The cost-effectiveness study revealed that the systematic use of ELR resulted in a cost reduction of €11.30 for each percentage point of increase in diagnosis yield.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with recurrent unexplained palpitations, evaluation by means of a study protocol that considers the systematic use of a latest-generation ELR increases diagnostic yield while reducing the cost per diagnosis.

Recommendations for the use of electrophysiological study: Update 2018

The field of cardiac electrophysiology has greatly developed during the past decades. Consequently, the use of electrophysiological studies (EPSs) in clinical practice has also significantly augmented, with a progressively increasing number of certified electrophysiology centers and specialists. Since Zipes et al published the Guidelines for Clinical Intracardiac Electrophysiology and Catheter Ablation Procedures in 1995, no official document summarizing current EPS indications has been published. The current paper focuses on summarizing all relevant data of the role of EPS in patients with different types of cardiac pathologies and provides up-to-date recommendations on this topic. For this purpose, the PubMed database was screened for relevant articles in English up to December 2018 and ESC and ACC/AHA Clinical Practice Guidelines, and EHRA/HRS/APHRS position statements related to the current topic were analyzed. Current recommendations for the use of EPS in clinical practice are discussed and presented in 17 distinct cardiac pathologies. A short rationale, evidence, and indications are provided for each cardiac disease/group of diseases. In conclusion, because of its capability to establish a diagnosis in patients with a variety of cardiac pathologies, the EPS remains a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disorders and is capable of establishing indications for cardiac device implantation and guide catheter ablation procedures.

Recommendations on the use of innovative medical technologies in cardiology and cardiac surgery and solutions leading to increased availability for Polish patients

There is a great need for innovative technologies that will improve the health and quality of life (QoL) of Polish patients with cardiac problems. It is important that the safety and effectiveness of the technology are confirmed by scientific evidence on which guidelines and clinical recommendations are based. Scientific evidence for medical devices is also increasingly important for decision-making in finance approval from public funds. New technologies in cardiology and cardiac surgery contribute to improved patient QoL, increased treatment effectiveness and facilitated diagnosis. Hence, it is necessary to increase accessibility to such technologies, primarily through the development of clinical recommendations, and education of medical personnel in conjunction with public funding. The aim of this publication is to present the recommendations of leading experts in the field of cardiology and cardiosurgery, supported by clinical research results, regarding the use of the cited innovative medical technologies and solutions leading to their increased availability for Polish patients.

Implantable loop recorder in clinical practice

The implantable loop recorder (ILR), also known as insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) is a subcutaneous device used for diagnosing heart rhythm disorders. These devices have been strongly improved and miniaturized during the last years showing several reliable features along with the availability of remote monitoring which improves the diagnostic timing and the follow-up strategy with a potential reduction of costs for health care. The recent advent of injectable ILRs makes the procedure even easier and more tolerated by patients. ILR allows the investigation of unexplained recurrent syncope with uncertain diagnosis, revealing a possible relationship with cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, it has recently been equipped with sophisticated algorithms able to detect atrial fibrillation episodes. This new opportunity may provide to the physicians systematic heart rhythm screening with possible effects on patient antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant therapy management. The use of such devices will surely increase, since they may be helpful to diagnose a wide range of disorders and pathologies. Indeed, further studies should be performed in order to identify all the potentialities of these tools.

Clinical Approach to Patients with Palpitations

Palpitations are among the most common symptoms that prompt patients to consult a physician. In the diagnostic workup of patients with palpitations, the initial evaluation involves history, physical examination, and 12-lead electrocardiogram. These investigations yield a prognostic stratification of the patients, and a definitive suspected diagnosis of the cause of symptoms in a good proportion of cases. When the initial evaluation results are negative and the patient is suffering from heart disease, or if the palpitations are frequent or poorly tolerated and with a high probability of an arrhythmic origin, ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring and/or electrophysiological study should be undertaken.

Insertable cardiac monitors: current indications and devices

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent unexplained syncope is a well-established indication for an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM). Recently, the indications for an ICM have been expanded.

AREAS COVERED

This review article discusses the current indications for ICMs and gives an overview of the latest generation of commercially available ICMs.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

The 2018 ESC Syncope guidelines have expanded the indications for an ICM to patients with inherited cardiomyopathy, inherited channelopathy, suspected unproven epilepsy, and unexplained falls. ICMs are also increasingly used for the detection of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Whether treatment of subclinical AF (SCAF) with oral anticoagulation prevents recurrent stroke is yet unknown. The current generation of ICMs are smaller, easier to implant, have better diagnostics, and are capable of remote monitoring. The Reveal LINQ (Medtronic) is the smallest ICM and has the most extensive performance and clinical data. The BioMonitor 2 (Biotronik) is the largest ICM but has excellent R-wave amplitudes, longest longevity, and reliable remote monitoring. The Confirm Rx (Abbott) is capable to provide mobile data transmission enabled by a smartphone app. Future generation of ICMs will incorporate heart failures indices to facilitate remote monitoring of heart failure patients.

Chest Radiographic Appearance of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Implants and Support Devices: What the Radiologist Needs to Know

Minimally invasive implantable cardiac devices used in valve repair and replacement, cardiovascular support, and partial chamber and appendageal occlusion represent a burgeoning area of both bioengineering and clinical innovation. In addition to familiarizing the reader with the radiographic appearance of the most commonly utilized and encountered newer devices, this review will also address the relevant clinical and pathophysiological indications for usage and deployment as well as potentially encountered complications.

Trends in Subcutaneous Cardiac Monitoring Technology

Ambulatory cardiac monitoring is a rapidly expanding field and one that is likely to progress beyond electrocardiographic (ECG) and blood pressure recordings. To date, the primary cardiac monitoring focus has been ambulatory ECG (AECG) monitoring. In this setting, AECG monitoring has become a diagnostic tool used daily by physicians of many specialties. In this regard, both wearable and subcutaneous ECG monitoring technologies are now widely available, with the appropriate choice for a given patient being best determined by the frequency with which the patient’s symptom recurrences are expected. In other words, the less frequent the symptomatic events, then the longer the monitoring duration requirement should be. However, multiple factors other than the technology used impact success. For example, wearable AECG systems are only capable of monitoring patients for a period of a few days to several weeks due to limited battery longevity, patient intolerance to cutaneous ECG electrodes, the cumbersome nature of the device, or a combination of these factors. Current-generation insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs), on the other hand, offer three years of monitoring and infrequent skin irritation. Additionally, automatic remote download, a valuable feature in many cases, is only offered by certain wearable technologies, but is an option in all currently available ICMs. This report focuses on the current status of subcutaneous ICMs and their indications and limitations. The goal is to highlight the variety of utility of current ICM technologies and to provide insight into potential future subcutaneous ICM applications.