Outcomes of an expedited same-day discharge protocol following cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation

BACKGROUND

With increasing constraints on healthcare resources, greater attention is being focused on improved resource utilization. Prior studies have demonstrated safety of same-day discharge following CIED implantation but are limited by vague protocols with long observation periods. In this study, we evaluate the safety of an expedited 2 hour same-day discharge protocol following CIED implantation.

METHODS

Patients undergoing CIED implantation at three centers between 2015 and 2021 were included. Procedural, demographic, and adverse event data were abstracted from the electronic health record. Patients were divided into same-day discharge (SDD) and delayed discharge (DD) cohorts. The primary outcome was complications including lead malfunction requiring revision, pneumothorax, hemothorax, lead dislodgement, lead perforation with tamponade, and mortality within 30 days of procedure. Outcomes were compared between the two cohorts using the χ2 test.

RESULTS

A total of 4543 CIED implantation procedures were included with 1557 patients (34%) in the SDD cohort. SDD patients were comparatively younger, were more likely to be male, and had fewer comorbidities than DD patients. Among SDD patients, the mean time to post-operative chest X-ray was 2.6 h. SDD had lower rates of complications (1.3% vs 2.1%, p = 0.0487) and acute care utilization post-discharge (9.6% vs 14.0%, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in the 90-day infection rate between the cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

An expedited 2 hour same-day discharge protocol is safe and effective with low rates of complications, infection, and post-operative acute care utilization.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy from an iliac approach in a patient without superior access: a case report

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown to benefit patients with heart failure and left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, CRT implantation is challenging when the superior venous access is not feasible.

Case summary

A 50-year-old man with a history of dilated cardiomyopathy and complete LBBB was referred to our hospital for CRT management. Angiography showed that the left and right brachiocephalic veins were occluded. Cardiac resynchronization therapy was finally implanted via the iliac vein. Follow-up echocardiography showed improved cardiac function, and the pacing system was functioning properly.

Discussion

The iliac vein access is feasible for CRT implantation with good stability, which can be a viable alternative to avoid unnecessary risk associated with thoracotomy and epicardial lead placement.

Correlation of newer indices of dyssynchrony with clinical response in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronisation therapy

The benefits of CRT in select subsets of systolic heart failure patients with LBBB are proven. We prospectively evaluated conventional and newer echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular dyssynchrony in 35 patients who underwent CRT and were followed up after 6 months. Of the 33 surviving patients, 21 were echocardiographic responders and 24 were clinical responders. The parameters in clinical responders and non-responders were compared. The anatomic M Mode parameters of delays improved, while the radial strain and the mitral valve velocity time integral (MVVTI) did not show any significant change after CRT.

Should His Bundle Pacing Be Preferred over Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Following Atrioventricular Junction Ablation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are associated with high morbidity and mortality, which is particularly detrimental when patients develop rapid ventricular rates (RVR). Atrioventricular junction (AVJ) ablation with pacemaker implantation has been used as a method of achieving rate control in patients with incessant AF with RVR. Right ventricular only pacing is known to be harmful in the setting of HF. His bundle pacing (HBP) and biventricular (BiV) pacing both offer durable pacing solutions that offer more physiologic activation. This review describes the benefits and drawbacks of HBP and BiV pacing in HF patients after AVJ ablation.

How to Implant Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in a Busy Clinical Practice

Implantation of cardiac resynchronization therapy devices represents one of the more challenging and time-consuming procedures for the clinical electrophysiologist. This article reviews several strategies used to improve efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation. The cornerstone of our strategy to improve efficiency, safety, and quality of cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation is the use of a telescoping guide system with high-quality venography. Competency in subclavian venoplasty and snaring techniques are essential to maintain efficiency and effectiveness during difficult cases.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the setting of complete heart block

Few cases of coincident takotsubo cardiomyopathy and complete heart block (CHB) have been reported. A 62-year-old woman presented with typical chest pain and was found to have CHB with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% and apical ballooning on ventriculogram. The patient was transvenously paced and a permanent biventricular pacemaker was placed when the CHB did not resolve. Repeat echocardiography 15 days after the event showed the ejection fraction to be 50%. This case highlights management strategies in this unique situation.

Biventricular pacemaker/defibrillators versus biventricular pacemakers in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

The decision to employ defibrillator therapy in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is driven by reduction in mortality. The strength of data supporting this therapy has led to its incorporation in medical guidelines and general practice across the world. Cardiac resynchronization therapy has also been proven to reduce heart failure hospitalization and improve quality of life. Although trends toward reduction in arrhythmic events have been observed, results in multicenter, randomized controlled trials have not been compelling for stand-alone use in most patients who currently meet criteria for defibrillator therapy.