Coronary artery perforation successfully treated with a second drug-eluting stent

A coronary artery perforation is a rare, but potentially lethal, complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. We present a case of massive main vessel coronary perforation of the right coronary artery in a patient with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, which was successfully treated with a second drug-eluting stent. This uncommon therapeutic approach was used to preserve flow to the large side branch. Early recognition, rapid balloon re-inflation at the perforation site and a "ping-pong" guiding technique allowed us to prepare the optimal strategy and to treat the perforation without developing cardiac tamponade.

Evaluation of left ventricular dyssynchrony by ultra-high-frequency ECG in patients with non-LBBB conduction disorder treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

LBBB is a reliable left ventricular (LV) electrical dyssynchrony indicator. Patients with RBBB/IVCD are a heterogeneous group, where even with "larger" QRS complex expansion, LV dyssynchrony may not be present. Ultra-high-frequency (UHF) 14-lead ECG is a non-invasive method based on signal averaging that allows better assessment of local electrical activation of the ventricles than standard ECG. Our study aims to test the hypothesis of the usefulness of UHF ECG to select non-LBBB patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) based on evidence of electrical dyssynchrony.

Methods

Using UHF ECG we analysed patients who underwent CRT implantation. The groups of patients with RBBB, IVCD, and LBBB were compared and the presence of electrical dyssynchrony (e-DYS) as a parameter of global ventricular activation, and delayed activation of the left ventricular lateral wall (LVLWd) as a marker of LV intravenricular dyssynchrony was assessed.

Results

UHF ECG was recorded in 49 patients treated with CRT. IVCD patients had lower e-DYS compared to LBBB patients (26±17 ms vs. 86±20 ms; p<0.0001) and lower LVLWd (26±16 ms vs. 83±22 ms; p<0.0001). In RBBB patients, e-DYS was -52±22 ms, corresponding to right ventricular delay. Delayed left ventricular free wall activation ("RBBB masking LBBB" activation pattern) was not found in any RBBB patient.

Conclusion

UHF ECG appears to be a promising tool to detect LV electrical dyssynchrony in non-LBBB candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy. Delayed left ventricular free wall activation was not found in any RBBB patient. Our findings are consistent with the lack of effect of CRT in this group of patients.

CPR-related injuries after non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: survivors versus non-survivors

AIM

There have been no direct comparisons of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-related injuries between those who die during CPR and those who survive to intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This study aimed to compare the incidence, severity, and impact on survival rate of these injuries and potential influencing factors.

METHOD

This retrospective multicenter study analyzed autopsy reports of patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and were not admitted to hospital. CPR-related injuries were compared to OHCA patients with clinical suspicion of CPR-related injury confirmed on imaging when admitted to the ICU.

RESULTS

A total of 859 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) were divided into 2 groups: those who died during CPR and underwent autopsy (DEAD [n=628]); and those who experienced return of spontaneous circulation and admitted to the ICU (ICU [n=231]). Multivariable analyses revealed that independent factors of 30-day mortality included no bystander arrest, cardiac etiology, no shockable rhythm, and CPR-related injury. Trauma was independently associated with older age, bystander CPR, cardiac etiology, duration of CPR, and no defibrillation. CPR-related injury occurred in 30 (13%) patients in the ICU group and 547 (87%) in the DEAD group (p<0.0001). Comparison of injuries revealed that those in the DEAD group experienced more thoracic injuries, rib(s) and sternal fractures, and fewer liver injuries compared to those in the ICU group, without differences in injury severity.

CONCLUSION

CPR-related injuries were observed more frequently in those who died compared with those who survived to ICU admission. Injury was an independent factor of 30-day mortality.

Long-Term Impact of Body Mass Index on Survival of Patients Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: A Multi-Centre Study

Obesity is a risk factor for heart failure (HF), but its presence among HF patients may be associated with favorable outcomes. We investigated the long-term outcomes across different body mass index (BMI) groups, after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and whether defibrillator back-up (CRT-D) confers survival benefit. One thousand two-hundred seventy-seven (1,277) consecutive patients (mean age: 67.0 ± 12.7 years, 44.1% women, and mean BMI: 28.3 ± 5.6 Kg/m²) who underwent CRT implantation in 5 centers between 2000-2014 were followed-up for a median period of 4.9 years (IQR 2.4 to 7.5). More than 10% of patients had follow-up for ≥10 years. Patients were classified according to BMI as normal: <25.0 Kg/m², overweight: 25.0 to 29.9 Kg/m² and obese: ≥30.0 Kg/m². 364 patients had normal weight, 494 were overweight and 419 were obese. CRT-Ds were implanted in >75% of patients, but were used less frequently in obese individuals. The composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or cardiac transplant/left ventricular assist device (LVAD) occurred in 50.9% of patients. At 10-year follow-up, less than a quarter of patients in the lowest and highest BMI categories were still alive and free from heart transplant/LVAD. After adjustment BMI of 25 to 29.9 Kg/m² (HR = 0.73 [95%CI 0.56 to 0.96], p = 0.023) and use of CRT-D (HR = 0.74 [95% CI 0.55 to 0.98], p = 0.039) were independent predictors of survival free from LVAD/heart transplant. BMI of 25 to 29.9 Kg/m² at the time of implant was independently associated with favourable long-term 10-year survival. Use of CRT-D was associated with improved survival irrespective of BMI class.

Malignant mesothelioma associated with localized myocardial fibrosis: a case report

Left ventricular dysfunction is a common reason for patients' referral to cardiology departments for examination. Cardiac involvement is one of the possible yet rare presentations of malignant mesothelioma. We present a case of a patient in whom a routine cardiac examination and imaging revealed malignant mesothelioma. We discuss a possible association between a malignant tumor and myocardial scarring and how the oncologic treatment is influenced by concomitant heart failure. This article aims to raise awareness of the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation and thinking beyond the daily routine of our specialty to ensure the quality care of our patients. It also forced us to think about the possible causes of the association between malignant mesothelioma and myocardial fibrosis.

The comparison of cardiopulmonary resuscitation-related trauma: Mechanical versus manual chest compressions

INTRODUCTION

AIM:: To compare injuries after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) caused by manual or mechanical chest compressions in resuscitated patients with non-traumatic cardiac arrest.

METHODS

This retrospective, multicenter study was based on autopsy reports of patients who died after CPR; individuals with a traumatic cause(s) of cardiac arrest were excluded. Patients were divided into two CPR groups: mechanical and manual. The Abbreviated Injury Scale was used to objectively evaluate the most serious injuries and the New Injury Scale Score was used to summarize all injuries.

RESULTS

Of 704 patients, data from 630 individuals were analyzed after exclusion of those with trauma-related cardiac arrest. Manual CPR was performed in 559 patients and mechanical in 64 subjects. There were no differences in sex, bystander CPR, or etiology of cardiac arrest between the two groups, however, mechanical CPR was significantly longer (X vs. Y, p = 0.0005) and patients in this group were younger (X vs. Y, p = 0.0067). No differences were found in the incidence of CPR-related injuries between the groups. The median number of the most serious injury (according to Abbreviated Injury Scale) was 3, which was not statistically different; the median number of injuries according to the New Injury Severity Score was 13 in both groups (low probability of fatal injury). Type of injuries were also similar with the exception of pericardial damage that was more prevalent in mechanical CPR group. Only age and bystander CPR were found to be independently associated with the autopsy-documented trauma.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that mechanical chest compressions do not increase the incidence and severity of CPR-related injury in comparison with manual methods despite significantly longer CPR duration.

Cardiac Resynchronization and Defibrillator Therapy (CRT-D) or CRT Alone (CRT-P) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) high-risk markers - CRT-REALITY study - Study design and rationale

BACKGROUND

Primary preventive implantation of implantable defibrillator (ICD) is according to current guidelines indicated in patients with heart failure NYHA (New York Heart Association) class II/III and LVEF <35%. Thanks to advances in heart failure pharmacotherapy, a decrease in mortality could render a benefit of ICD insufficient to justify its implantation in some patients.

METHODS

Study design: multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial evaluating the benefit of implantation of Cardiac Resynchronization and Defibrillator Therapy (CRT-D) or CRT Alone (CRT-P) in non-ischemic patients with reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and optimal pharmacotherapy without significant mid-wall myocardial fibrosis detected by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The primary end-point: Re-hospitalization for heart failure, ventricular tachycardia, major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The secondary end-points: Sudden cardiac death, cardiovascular death, resuscitated cardiac arrest or sustained ventricular tachycardia, device-related complications, and change in quality of life. Course of the study: After a pharmacotherapy is optimized and significant mid-wall myocardial fibrosis excluded, patients will be randomized 1:1 to CRT-P or CRT-D implantation.

DISCUSSION

If our hypothesis is confirmed, this could provide evidence for the management of these patients with a significant impact on common daily praxis and health care expenditures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04139460.

Bypassing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients to a regional cardiac center: Impact on hemodynamic parameters and outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines recommend systematic care for patients who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and the development of cardiac arrest centers (CACs). However, data regarding prolonged transport time of these often hemodynamically unstable patients are limited.

METHODS

Data from a prospective OHCA registry of a regional CAC collected between 2013 and 2017, when all OHCA patients from the district were required to be transferred directly to the CAC, were analyzed. Patients were divided into two subgroups: CAC, when the CAC was the nearest hospital; and bypass, when OHCA occurred in a region of another local hospital but the subject was transferred directly to the CAC (7 hospitals in the district). Data included transport time, baseline characteristics, hemodynamic and laboratory parameters on admission (systolic blood pressure, lactate, pH, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and initial doses of vasopressors and inotropes), and final outcomes (30-day in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit stay, days on artificial ventilation, and cerebral performance capacity at 1 year).

RESULTS

A total of 258 subjects experienced OHCA in the study period; however, 27 were excluded due to insufficient data and 17 for secondary transfer to CAC. As such, 214 patients were analyzed, 111 in the CAC group and 103 in the bypass group. The median transport time was significantly longer for the bypass group than the CAC group (40.5 min [IQR 28.3-55.0 min] versus 20.0 min [IQR 13.0-34.0], respectively; p˂0.0001). There were no differences in 30-day in-hospital mortality, 1-year neurological outcome, or median length of mechanical ventilation. There were no differences in baseline characteristics, initial hemodynamic parameters on admission, catecholamine dosage(s).

CONCLUSION

Individuals who experienced OHCA and taken to a CAC incurred significantly prolonged transport times; however, hemodynamic parameters and/or outcomes were not affected. These findings shows the safety of bypassing local hospitals for a CAC.

CPR related injuries

Introduction

CPR related injuries were not properly observed since were established new guidlines for resuscitation (CPR) 2015

Objectives

To describe incidency and seriousness of injuries related to CPR, compare it and try identify factors for seriousness of injury.

Methods

Multicentric study, retrospective analysis of autopsy reports of patients after CPR, trauma were excluded.

We objectivised the most serious injury with Abbreviated injury scale (AIS)and summary of all injuries with New injury severity score (NISS).

Results

We have analyzed 628 autopsies: 80,4% men, age median 67 years, out of hospital cardiac arrests 89,2%, bystander CPR 56,8% and cardiac ethiology 78,2%. Ribs injury were founded by 94,6%, injury of lung by 9,9%, sternal injury by 62,4%, liver by 2,5% and spleen by 1,8% Median of the most serious injury was 3 (AIS) and median of summry of injuries was 13 by NISS-low risk of fatal injury. By out of hospital cardiac arrest was hifgher incidency of pleural injury and thorax vessles injuries without influence on total seriousness of injury compared to hospital cardiac arrests. Bystanders provided CPR had similar incidency and seriousness of injury like CPR provided only by professional emergency stuff. Women are significant older (p=0,0001), frequency of their injuries are similar to men, but seriousness of their injuries by NISS is significant higher (p=0,01). Patients with life threatening injury (AIS 4 and more) has similar baseline profil to their without injury (AIS 0), except of significant higher cardiac etiology of cardiac arrest by AIS 4+. Manually CPR were provided by 559 patients and mechanical by 64 (11,4%) patients. Both groups are no diferent in baseline. Mechanical

CRP was significantly longer (p=0,0005). Both groups have no diferences in incidency of injuries of visceral organs. We have observed injuries by 80% of manual and 87,5% of mechanical CPR (p=0,18). The most frequent was thorax sceleton injury 85,5% vs. 87,5%. Median of the most seriuos injury was 3 (serious by AIS), median of summary of injuries (NISS) was 13 in both groups (low probability of fatal injury). If we analysed CPR by LUCAS 2 compared to manual, results are similar, only pericard injuries are higher with LUCAS 2.

Conclusion

Incidency of CPR related injuries from autopsy reports is very high, but life threatening injuries create only 3%. The highest incidency have injuries of thoreax sceleton, especially ribs. There is no difereneces if patients were resuscitated by bystander or compared to those by professional stuff or manually. Women has similar frequency of injuries like men, but significant more serious by NISS. Incidency a seriousness of CPR related injuries according to autopsy reports are no diferent in comapring of manually and mechanical CPR. Mechanical CPR is significant longer a LUCAS 2 leads to significant more pericard injuries without influence to total seriousness of injury

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

P1462Incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac resynchronization therapy and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients

Introduction

Implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy combined with cardioverter-defibrillator (CRT-D) is now common practice. Our study looked at the occurrence of the first adequate CRT-D therapy with respect to gender, treatment indication (primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death) and the etiology of heart failure in long-term follow-up.

Methods

In the database of CRT-D patients implanted between 2005 and 2013 we analyzed the occurrence of treated episodes of ventricular arrhythmia (first shock or anti-tachycardic pacing).

Results

250 patients (22.8% females) with left bundle branch block or non-specific interventricular conduction delay were enrolled. 80% of patients were implanted in the primary and 20% in the secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. During the follow-up of 5.5 ± 2.5 years, 46.4% of patients died for cardiac (25.6%) or non-cardiac (20.8%) reasons. CRT-D therapy occurred in 33.2% of patients (20.8% shock). In patients implanted in the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death the incidence of therapies was 25.5% vs. 64.0% in patients implanted in the secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (P˂0.00001). The incidence of therapies between the group of patients with coronary artery disease and other causes of heart failure did not differ (33.3% vs. 32.9%, P = NS). Women were at a significantly lower risk of adequate shock (women 10.5% vs. men 23.8%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Adequate CRT-D therapy occurred in a quarter of patients implanted in the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. In patients implanted in the secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death the incidence of therapies is significantly more frequent. The female gender predicts significantly lower incidence of adequate shock.

Abstract Figure. Adequate shock therapy

Occlusion of Epicardial Coronary Arteries by Localized Pericardial Calcification

Localized pericardial calcification is a relatively rare finding of often unknown etiology. We present the case of a 68-year-old man who was found to have bulky pericardial calcification, resulting in external compression of epicardial coronary arteries. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

The ESC ACCA EAPCI EORP acute coronary syndrome ST-elevation myocardial infarction registry

Aims 

The Acute Cardiac Care Association (ACCA)–European Association of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (EAPCI) Registry on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) of the EurObservational programme (EORP) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) registry aimed to determine the current state of the use of reperfusion therapy in ESC member and ESC affiliated countries and the adherence to ESC STEMI guidelines in patients with STEMI.

Methods and results 

Between 1 January 2015 and 31 March 2018, a total of 11 462 patients admitted with an initial diagnosis of STEMI according to the 2012 ESC STEMI guidelines were enrolled. Individual patient data were collected across 196 centres and 29 countries. Among the centres, there were 136 percutaneous coronary intervention centres and 91 with cardiac surgery on-site. The majority of centres (129/196) were part of a STEMI network. The main objective of this study was to describe the demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics of patients with STEMI. Other objectives include to assess management patterns and in particular the current use of reperfusion therapies and to evaluate how recommendations of most recent STEMI European guidelines regarding reperfusion therapies and adjunctive pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are adopted in clinical practice and how their application can impact on patients’ outcomes. Patients will be followed for 1 year after admission.

Conclusion 

The ESC ACCA-EAPCI EORP ACS STEMI registry is an international registry of care and outcomes of patients hospitalized with STEMI. It will provide insights into the contemporary patient profile, management patterns, and 1-year outcome of patients with STEMI.

Combination of left ventricular reverse remodeling and brain natriuretic peptide level at one year after cardiac resynchronization therapy predicts long-term clinical outcome

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of long-term clinical outcome of heart failure (HF) patients who survived first year after initiation of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods

This was a single-center observational cohort study of CRT patients implanted because of symptomatic HF with reduced ejection fraction between 2005 and 2013. Left ventricle (LV) diameters and ejection fraction, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and level of N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were assessed at baseline and 12 months after CRT implantation. Their predictive power for long-term HF hospitalization and mortality, and cardiac and all-cause mortality was investigated.

Results

A total of 315 patients with left bundle branch block or intraventricular conduction delay who survived >1 year after CRT implantation were analyzed in the current study. During a follow-up period of 4.8±2.1 years from CRT implantation, 35.2% patients died from cardiac (19.3%) or non-cardiac (15.9%) causes. Post-CRT LV ejection fraction and LV end-systolic diameter (either 12-month value or the change from baseline) were equally predictive for clinical events. For NT-proBNP, however, the 12-month level was a stronger predictor than the change from baseline. Both reverse LV remodeling and 12-month level of NT-proBNP were independent and comparable predictors of CRT-related clinical outcome, while NT-proBNP response had the strongest association with all-cause mortality. When post-CRT relative change of LV end-systolic diameter and 12-month level of NT-proBNP (dichotomized at -12.3% and 1230 ng/L, respectively) were combined, subgroups of very-high and very-low risk patients were identified.

Conclusion

The level of NT-proBNP and reverse LV remodeling at one year after CRT are independent and complementary predictors of future clinical events. Their combination may help to improve the risk stratification of CRT patients.

Very long-term survival and late sudden cardiac death in cardiac resynchronization therapy patients

AIMS

The very long-term outcome of patients who survive the first few years after receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been well described thus far. We aimed to provide long-term outcomes, especially with regard to the occurrence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), in CRT patients without (CRT-P) and with defibrillator (CRT-D).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 1775 patients, with ischaemic or non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy, who were alive 5 years after CRT implantation, were enrolled in this multicentre European observational cohort study. Overall long-term mortality rates and specific causes of death were assessed, with a focus on late SCD. Over a mean follow-up of 30 months (interquartile range 10-42 months) beyond the first 5 years, we observed 473 deaths. The annual age-standardized mortality rates of CRT-D and CRT-P patients were 40.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 35.3-45.5] and 97.2 (95% CI 85.5-109.9) per 1000 patient-years, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 0.99 (95% CI 0.79-1.22). Twenty-nine patients in total died of late SCD (14 with CRT-P, 15 with CRT-D), corresponding to 6.1% of all causes of death in both device groups. Specific annual SCD rates were 8.5 and 5.8 per 1000 patient-years in CRT-P and CRT-D patients, respectively, with no significant difference between groups (adjusted HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.45-2.44). Death due to progressive heart failure represented the principal cause of death (42.8% in CRT-P patients and 52.6% among CRT-D recipients), whereas approximately one-third of deaths in both device groups were due to non-cardiovascular death.

CONCLUSION

In this first description of very long-term outcomes among CRT recipients, progressive heart failure death still represented the most frequent cause of death in patients surviving the first 5 years after CRT implant. In contrast, SCD represents a very low proportion of late mortality irrespective of the presence of a defibrillator.

Very long-term survival and late sudden cardiac death in cardiac resynchronization therapy patients

Aims

The very long-term outcome of patients who survive the first few years after receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been well described thus far. We aimed to provide long-term outcomes, especially with regard to the occurrence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), in CRT patients without (CRT-P) and with defibrillator (CRT-D).

Methods and results

A total of 1775 patients, with ischaemic or non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy, who were alive 5 years after CRT implantation, were enrolled in this multicentre European observational cohort study. Overall long-term mortality rates and specific causes of death were assessed, with a focus on late SCD. Over a mean follow-up of 30 months (interquartile range 10–42 months) beyond the first 5 years, we observed 473 deaths. The annual age-standardized mortality rates of CRT-D and CRT-P patients were 40.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 35.3–45.5] and 97.2 (95% CI 85.5–109.9) per 1000 patient-years, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 0.99 (95% CI 0.79–1.22). Twenty-nine patients in total died of late SCD (14 with CRT-P, 15 with CRT-D), corresponding to 6.1% of all causes of death in both device groups. Specific annual SCD rates were 8.5 and 5.8 per 1000 patient-years in CRT-P and CRT-D patients, respectively, with no significant difference between groups (adjusted HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.45–2.44). Death due to progressive heart failure represented the principal cause of death (42.8% in CRT-P patients and 52.6% among CRT-D recipients), whereas approximately one-third of deaths in both device groups were due to non-cardiovascular death.

Conclusion

In this first description of very long-term outcomes among CRT recipients, progressive heart failure death still represented the most frequent cause of death in patients surviving the first 5 years after CRT implant. In contrast, SCD represents a very low proportion of late mortality irrespective of the presence of a defibrillator.

High-density epicardial activation mapping to optimize the site for video-thoracoscopic left ventricular lead implant

Background

The left ventricular (LV) lead local electrogram (EGM) delay from the beginning of the QRS complex (QLV) is considered a strong predictor of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy. We have developed a method for fast epicardial QLV mapping during video-thoracoscopic surgery to guide LV lead placement.

Methods

A three-port, video-thoracoscopic approach was used for LV free wall epicardial mapping and lead implantation. A decapolar electrophysiological catheter was introduced through one port and systematically attached to multiple accessible LV sites. The pacing lead was targeted to the site with maximum QLV. The LV free wall activation pattern was analyzed in 16 pre-specified anatomical segments.

Results

We implanted LV leads in 13 patients with LBBB or IVCD. The procedural and mapping times were 142 ± 39 minutes and 20 ± 9 minutes, respectively. A total of 15.0 ± 2.2 LV segments were mappable with variable spatial distribution of QLV-optimum. The QLV ratio (QLV/QRSd) at the optimum segment was significantly higher (by 0.17 ± 0.08, p < 0.00001) as compared to an empirical midventricular lateral segment. The LV lead was implanted at the optimum segment in 11 patients (at an adjacent segment in 2 patients) achieving a QLV ratio of 0.82 ± 0.09 (range 0.63–0.93) and 99.5 ± 0.6% match with intraprocedural mapping.

Conclusion

Video-thoracoscopic LV lead implantation can be effectively and safely guided by epicardial QLV mapping. This strategy was highly successful in targeting the selected LV segment and resulted in significantly higher QLV ratios compared to an empirical midventricular lateral segment.

Local electrogram delay recorded from left ventricular lead at implant predicts response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: retrospective study with 1 year follow up

Background

Considerable proportion of patients does not respond to the cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). This study investigated clinical relevance of left ventricular electrode local electrogram delay from the beginning of QRS (QLV). We hypothesized that longer QLV indicating more optimal lead placement in the late activated regions is associated with the higher probability of positive CRT response.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, single–centre analysis of 161 consecutive patients with heart failure and LBBB or nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (IVCD) treated with CRT. We routinely intend to implant the LV lead in a region with long QLV. Clinical response to CRT, left ventricular (LV) reverse remodelling (i.e. decrease in LV end-systolic diameter - LVESD ≥10%) and reduction in plasma level of NT-proBNP >30% at 12-month post-implant were the study endpoints. We analyzed association between pre-implant variables and the study endpoints.

Results

Clinical CRT response rate reached 58%, 84% and 92% in the lowest (≤105 ms), middle (106-130 ms) and the highest (>130 ms) QLV tertile (p < 0.0001), respectively. Longer QRS duration (p = 0.002), smaller LVESD and a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (both p = 0.02) were also univariately associated with positive clinical CRT response. In a multivariate analysis, QLV remained the strongest predictor of clinical CRT response (p < 0.00001), followed by LVESD (p = 0.01) and etiology of LV dysfunction (p = 0.04). Comparable predictive power of QLV for LV reverse remodelling and NT-proBNP response rates was observed.

Conclusion

LV lead position assessed by duration of the QLV interval was found the strongest independent predictor of beneficial clinical response to CRT.

Otamixaban for the treatment of patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (SEPIA-ACS1 TIMI 42): a randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Otamixaban is an intravenous direct factor Xa inhibitor. We aimed to assess its efficacy and safety in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes and to identify the optimum dose range for further assessment in a phase 3 study.

METHODS

In this double-blind, phase 2 trial undertaken in 196 sites in 36 countries, 3241 patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes were randomly assigned via a central, telephone-based interactive voice response system to one of five doses of otamixaban (0.08 mg/kg bolus followed by infusions of 0.035 [n=125], 0.070 [676], 0.105 [662], 0.140 [658], or 0.175 [671] mg/kg/h) or to a control of unfractionated heparin (60 IU/kg intravenous bolus followed by an infusion of 12 IU/kg/h) plus eptifibatide (180 microg/kg intravenous bolus followed by an infusion of 1.0-2.0 microg/kg/min [n=449]). Both investigators and patients were unaware of treatment allocation. Enrolment into the lowest dose group was stopped early at the recommendation of the Data Monitoring Committee. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, urgent revascularisation, or bailout glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use up to 7 days. The primary safety endpoint was TIMI major or minor bleeding not related to coronary-artery bypass grafting. Efficacy analyses were by intention to treat; safety analyses were in treated patients. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00317395.

FINDINGS

Rates of the primary efficacy endpoint in the five otamixaban doses were 7.2% (nine of 125) with 0.035 mg/kg/h, 4.6% (31/676) with 0.070 mg/kg/h, 3.8% (25/662) with 0.105 mg/kg/h, 3.6% (24/658) with 0.140 mg/kg/h, and 4.3% (29/671) with 0.175 mg/kg/h (p=0.34 for trend). In the control group, the rate was 6.2% (28/449), yielding relative risks for the five otamixaban doses of 1.16 (95% CI 0.56-2.38), 0.74 (0.45-1.21), 0.61 (0.36-1.02), 0.58 (0.34-1.00), and 0.69 (0.42-1.15), respectively. Rates of the primary safety endpoint in the five otamixaban doses were 1.6% (two of 122), 1.6% (11/669), 3.1% (20/651), 3.4% (22/651), and 5.4% (36/664), respectively (p=0.0001 for trend); the rate in the control group was 2.7% (12/448).

INTERPRETATION

In patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes, otamixaban infusions of 0.100-0.140 mg/kg/h might reduce ischaemic events and have a safety profile similar to unfractionated heparin plus eptifibatide. Further testing in a phase 3 trial is warranted.

FUNDING

Sanofi-Aventis.