bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P1462Incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac resynchronization therapy and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients
Authors: Roubicek T , Morava J , Stros J , Kucera P , Polasek R
Published: June 2020

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
P983When should we measure biomarkers in patients with atrial fibrillation to predict recurrences?
Authors: Merino Merino A , Perez Rivera J A , Saez De La Maleta Ubeda R , Salgado Aranda R , Pascual Tejerina V , Martin Gonzalez J , Garcia Fernandez J , Al Kassam Martinez D
Published: June 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

No grants to declare

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in the most frequent arrhythmia. Remodeling and fibrosis phenomena are implicated in its development. ProBNP, galectin-3, ST2, urate, C reactive protein, troponin and fibrinogen are some biomarkers (BM) involved in these processes. 

Purpose

The aim of our study was to assess the implication of these BM in the recurrence of AF after an electrical cardioversion (ECV) and if the relation depends on the moment that they are measured.

Methods

We included 115 patients with persistent AF who underwent an ECV. We performed a 6-months (M) -follow-up. We assessed our patients in a clinical, analytical (a blood sample was extracted pre-ECV and at 6M) and electrocardiographic (with holter at 3M and an ECG at 6M). Any documentation of AF during the follow-up was defined as a recurrence. We assessed the relation between basal BM and recurrence by Kaplan-Meier method and the relation between BM at 6M and recurrence by tStudent with normal variables and U-Mann-Withney with no-normal ones. We performed a ROC curve with those BM that show statistical significance in order to define the best cut-off point to classify our patients. We also made a logistic regression analysis to assess the existence of independent association between BM and recurrence.

Results

71 patients had a recurrence (61.73%). These patients were older than those who did not, without any other significant clinical difference between both groups. None of the basal BM was related to recurrence during the follow-up. ProBNP and ST2 at 6M were significantly related to recurrence. ProBNP showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.774 (figure 1). The best cut-off point for proBNP was 300 pg/ml (sensibility (S) 72%, specificity (Sp) 72%) and for ST2 30.73 ng/ml (S 66% and Sp 58%). Only proBNP was independently related to recurrence (OR: 10.90; CI (3.87-30.75), P < 0.001.

Conclusions

BM measured pre-ECV do not predict recurrences in the follow-up, so they should not be used with that purpose. Those patients that suffered recurrence had higher levels of proBNP (distension BM) and ST2 (remodeling BM) measured at 6M. These 2 processes might be the most important pathophysiological factors in the maintenance of AF. The repeated measurement of these BM could lead the most accurate management in these patients.

Abstract Figure.
P516Permanent his bundle pacing: conclusions from the one-year experience of a romanian center
Authors: Pestrea C G , Gherghina A , Ortan F
Published: June 2020

Background

Long term right ventricular pacing has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure development due to pacing induced cardiomyopathy. Therefore, alternatives of more physiological pacing have been evaluated. Amongst them, His bundle pacing (HBP) has emerged in the past two decades as the most physiological method of ventricular pacing due to synchronous activation of both ventricles through the intrinsic conduction system. Although there is an already consistent experience in the United States, China and western Europe regarding His bundle pacing, some countries in central and eastern Europe have little or no experience in this matter. We present the results of our one-year experience after implementing His bundle pacing in a tertiary cardiac pacing center in Romania.

Material and methods

Between July 2018 and October 2019, HBP using the current available dedicated delivery system was attempted in 50 patients with permanent cardiac pacing indications. Patient characteristics and procedural results were analyzed during implant and at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year follow-ups.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 70,14 ± 10,58 years and 58 % were male. The main indication for cardiac pacing was atrioventricular block (66%) and 96 % received a dual-chamber pacemaker. No ventricular back-up leads were used. The acute procedural success (selective or nonselective His bundle capture) was achieved in 40 patients (80%). The rest of the patients received either right ventricular or left bundle branch pacing. Selective His bundle pacing was seen in 15 out of 40 patients, with nonselective His bundle pacing in the rest. The acute His pacing threshold was 1.77 ± 1.06 V at 1 ms, the sensed R wave amplitude was 4.2 ± 2.27 mV and total fluoroscopy time was 15.95 ± 10.9 min. The paced QRS duration was very similar to the baseline QRS duration in patients without bundle branch block and significantly narrower in patients with bundle branch block morphology (126,6 ± 23 ms vs. 95,5 ± 21,65 ms,  p < 0,001). The presence of a native QRS complex with a bundle branch block morphology was associated with an increased risk of procedural failure, longer fluoroscopy times and higher capture thresholds. Also, pacing threshold (1,91 ± 1,23 vs. 1,62 ± 0,84 V/1ms , p = 0,4) and fluoroscopy times (21,15 ± 10,35 vs. 10,75 ± 8,85 min, p = 0,002) were lower in the second half of the procedures as the learning curve was achieved.  There were no significant changes in pacing and sensing thresholds at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year follow-ups. There was only one case of lead dislodgement a week after the procedure that required reintervention.

Conclusion

His bundle pacing is feasible and easy to implement in an experienced device implantation center, with a high procedural success rate. Improvement of the procedural parameters is achieved while advancing the learning curve. Proper patient selection could influence the outcomes of the procedure.
842The effect of post TAVR pacemaker implantation on mid and long-term mortality
Authors: Hochsatdt A , Merdler I , Meridor Y , Schwartz A L , Steinvil A , Finkelstein A , Viskin S , Rosso R
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is standard of care for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis at high risk for surgery. Atrioventricular conduction defects remain a frequent complication of the procedure, and permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation has been associated with increased long-term mortality in some studies.

Purpose

We evaluated the influence of PPM on mid and long-term mortality in a very large cohort of patients undergoing TAVR.

Methods

All patients undergoing TAVR in one tertiary cardiac catheterization center were included. Patients were categorized into three groups: 1) patients with a PPM implantation prior to the procedure, 2) patients with post procedural PPM implantation and 3) patients without PPM. Univariate and multivariate comparisons was preformed for all-cause mortality for up to 6 years. Sub-analyses were preformed according to ventricular pacing burden on outcome.

Results

A cohort of 1,306 post TAVR patients were followed for a median period of 38 [IQR 20-58] months. Risk factors associated with need for post procedural PPM implantation were male gender, dialysis treatment, NYHA ≥3 and pre procedural RBBB (p < 0.03 for all). Univariate mid-term (up to 12 months) and long-term (up to 72 months) mortality were similar for patients regardless of post procedural PPM (p = 0.361 and p = 0.287 accordingly), yet long term mortality was significantly higher in the pre-TAVR PPM group (OR 1.6, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of mortality by PPM group and patients" clinical characteristics did not show any independent mid or long-term survival effects of PPM either prior to or after the procedure (p = 0.974 and p = 0.300 accordingly).

Sub-analysis of the cohort according to average right ventricular pacing percent, showed no significant mid-term or long-term mortality difference between patients having high (>90%), moderate (40-90%), mild (mild 40-10%) and minimal (<10%) pacing burden (p > 0.320 for all comparisons). Analysis of patients with high pacing burden vs. non-paced patients showed similar mortality trends for both mid and long-term mortality (p = 0.537 and p = 0.127 accordingly).

Conclusion

This long-term cohort of consecutive patients undergoing TAVR showed that post procedure PPM was not associated with increased long-term mortality. This conclusion was not altered by ventricular pacing burden.

Abstract Figure. Survival curves for the three PPM groups
P426Routine use of transoesophageal echocardiography in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter undergoing cardioversion
Authors: Etsadashvili K , Kuridze N , Kavtiashvili T , Chaligava T S , Chumburidze V
Published: June 2020

Background. According to the recent guidelines, effective anticoagulation is recommended for a minimum of 3 weeks before the cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) could be considered, but is not mandatory to exclude/confirm the cardiac thrombus before the cardioversion in adequately anticoagulated patients.

Aim of the study was to reveal the incidence of thrombus or spontaneous echo contrasting (SEC) by TOE before cardioversion, despite effective anticoagulation.

Material and methods. Patients, where TOE was performed to evaluate the evidence of thrombus/SEC before the cardioversion of AF/Atrial flutter at our clinic in period of 2016-2018, were studied. Incidence of intracardiac thrombus and its relation to patients’ gender, age, hypertension, diabetes, atrial diameter, LVEF, duration of Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial flutter, as well as to anticoagulation regimen were evaluated. Results. All patients received recommended anticoagulation therapy, DOACs or VKAs, for a minimum of 3 weeks before the TOE. Finally 180 patients were divided in two groups: group 1 (121 patients) without evidence of thrombus and group 2 (59 patients) where TOE revealed the thrombus. Thrombus was found in 37 (20.5%) patients, and SEC was found in 22 (12.2%) patients. There were no difference between the two groups with respect to: gender (85 male (70%) in group 1 vs. 38 male (64%) in group 2, p = NS), age (62.8 ± 8.73 vs. 63.0 ± 9.04, p = NS), hypertension (78 (64.4%) vs. 44 (74.6%), p = NS), diabetes (17 (14%) vs. 7 (12%), p = NS), CHAD2DS2-VASc score (2.2 ± 1.8 vs. 2.4 ± 4.0, p = NS), LVEF (48.1 ± 7.1% vs. 46.4 ± 7.3%, p = NS), duration of arrhythmia (7.7 ± 11.6 months vs. 9.7 ± 14.0 months, p = NS), type on anticoagulation (DOACs 59 (48.3%) vs. 30 (50.8%), p = NS, VKA (Warfarin) 54 (44.6%) vs. 29 (49.1%), p = NS)) respectively. Only difference in atrial diameter was found statistically significant between the two groups: left atrial diameter (42.6 ± 3.3mm vs. 45.3 ± 3.6mm, p < 0.001) and right atrial diameter (39.4 ± 3.3mm vs. 40.8 ± 2.3mm, p = 0.001) respectively. Conclusion. Thrombus/SEC could persist despite the effective anticoagulation therapy for ≥3 weeks. Therefore all patients should perform TOE before the cardioversion to avoid the incidence of stroke.
P953Smartphone monitor kardia: an effective diagnostic tool for paroxysmal palpitations
Authors: Frey P , Irles D , Dompnier A , Akret C , Delfanne C
Published: June 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

no grants to declare

OnBehalf

not applicable

Background : Paroxysmal palpitations are diagnostic challenge because the ECG and the 24-hour holter ECG monitoring without palpitations is usually normal. We report a 1 year experience of a new diagnostic tool for paroxysmal palpitations: the smartphone monitor Kardia®. Patients with paroxysmal palpitation and negative 24 hour holter ECG was ask to sent iECG during symptoms during the 1 month follow-up.

Results

Between January and December 2018, 20 patients have received Kardia®, mean age 40 years, the mean duration kardia-monitoring was 26 days. A total of 235 iECGs were sent by email, a median of 6 iECG/patients. 9 (45%) patients remained without rhythmic diagnosis (sinus rhythm, normal heart rate), 11 (55%) patients had at least one pathological iECG: 4 atrial fibrillation, 4 junctional tachycardia including 1 with paroxysmal pre-excitation, 2 atrial flutters. These diagnosis had therapeutic consequences: 2 AF ablations, 2 AF treated by antiarythmic drugs (AAD), 2 atrial flutters ablation, 1 ILR was implanted for absence of diagnosis with kardia®. The other patients without diagnosis at the time of palpitations were reassured on the absence of cardiac rhythm disturbance.

Conclusion

The purchase of 5 Kardia® as a new diagnostic tool for paroxtysmal palpitations is a reasonable investment for a cardiology derpartment, the diagnostic performance is higher than current standards (24 hours holters ECG monitoring), since it allows an arhythmic diagnosis in more than 50% of cases in 1 mounth. The main limitation is the selection of patients, most often young, who already have a smartphone and can send an email.

patient age (years) duration (days) i-ECG sent number diagnosis treatment patient 1 23 11 3 AF AF ablation patient 3 51 23 7 AF AA Drugs patient 10 65 20 5 AF AA Drugs patient 11 35 29 6 SVT : AVNRT no ablation patient 12 48 22 27 atrial flutter flutter ablation patient 13 34 1 13 SVT : AVNRT no ablation patient 14 56 7 18 atrial flutter flutter ablation patient 15 59 21 80 AF and PVC AF Ablation patient 16 50 1 3 SVT : AVRT no ablation patient 17 28 28 2 SVT : AVNRT no ablation patient 19 49 35 8 PVC AA Drugs 1 year kardia experience : diagnosis performance in the 11/20 patients with abnormal iECG

Abstract Figure. iECG : termination of SVT (patient 17)
P1443Accuracy of three algorithms in predicting accessory pathway localization in a pediatric population with ventricular pre-excitation
Authors: Ferrari P , Malanchini G , Leidi C , Gulletta S , De Filippo P
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Prediction of accessory pathway location is extremely important before scheduling ablation, even more in paediatric patients. Given the absence in the literature of conclusive and recent studies that established the best algorithm to predict location in these patients, especially after the introduction of 3D mapping systems, we designed a study to compare three previously published algorithms.

AIM

The aim of this study is to assess and compare the accuracy in predicting accessory pathway location of the algorithm by Arruda, Boersma and Chiang.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective clinical study based on the analysis of the resting 12-leads ECGs of children (aged 0-18 years) with ventricular pre-excitation pattern. The study lasts from January 2013 to June 2019. We analyzed the accuracy (defined as percentage of true positive values) of predicted location by each algorithm, which could include one or more than one of 13 regions around mitral and tricuspid annuli.

RESULTS

Study population was composed by 120 patients, mean age was 12.7 +/- 3.6 years (height 155.6 +/-19.3 cm and weight 48.3 +/- 17.1 kg). The algorithm by Boersma has the highest percentage of predicted pathway locations that are found to be concordant with the site of successful AP ablation (see table). When we corrected for pre-test probability, the algorithm by Arruda makes the possibility of one specific location 8 times higher, the one by Boersma 6.4 times higher and the one by Chiang 6.9 times higher than by chance. 

CONCLUSIONS

The algorithm by Boersma showed the highest accuracy in accessory pathway location, on the other hand the one by Arruda seems to have the highest corrected accuracy in accessory pathway among children.

table 1 Arruda Boersma Chiang Number of locations 13 9 13 Total accuracy 0,617 0,717 0,533 Corrected accuracy per locations 8,0158 6,4494 6,929

Abstract Figure. picture 1
1320Effectiveness of atrial flutter ablation line selection using SOUNDSTAR catheter
Authors: Yada H , Ito K , Naganuma T , Yumita Y , Kagami K , Osaki A , Yasuda R , Toya T , Namba T , Nagatomo Y , Masaki N , Adachi T
Published: June 2020

Background

Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation for atrial flutter (AFL) shows a high success rate and effective for patients. However, operators experience difficulties in CTI ablation in some cases and need additional ablation for repeated recurrence. We investigated whether the SOUNDSTAR® (Biosense. Webster, Diamond Barr, CA, USA) catheter would be effective to select a CTI line of high therapeutic effect.

Methods

We have investigated the anatomy of around CTI by SOUNDSTAR® catheter and decided the CTI line using the anatomical information in AFL ablation (Figure1). We assumed two CTI lines of medial and lateral line. Medial CTI (M-CTI) line was more common and shorter line. Lateral CTI (L-CTI) line was uncommon and slightly longer line. We use 3.5mm tip catheter with NxT steerable introducer. The target Ablation Index (AI) was 400, and the target VisTtag™ interval was 6 mm or less.

Results

A total 30 of AFL ablated cases were investigated retrospectively. We surveyed 15 cases in M-CTI group and 15 cases in L-CTI group. Comparing the length of CTI in all cases, the length of M-CTI line was shorter than L-CTI line (M-CTI 32.1 ± 6.6mm vs. L-CTI 38.4 ± 8.3mm, n = 30, p <0.01). The atrial wall thickness of midsection and tricuspid valve (TV) side were thicker in M-CTI line (Midsection: M-CTI 4.0 ± 1.2mm vs. L-CTI 3.3 ± 0.8mm, n = 30, p <0.05, TV side: M-CTI 5.4 ± 1.4mm vs. L-CTI 4.3 ± 1.1mm, n = 30, p <0.05,). There was no difference in the required number of points to complete initial line (M-CTI 8.4 ± 1.6 vs. L-CTI 8.1 ± 1.7, n = 15, ns). Eustachian ridge in IVC side was thicker and higher in the M-CTI group (3.4 ± 3.3mm vs. 0.9 ± 1.9mm, n =30, p <0.01) and ablation on the Eustachian ridge showed instability of catheter placement. A lot of RF delivery was required on Eustachian ridge in M-CTI (2.6 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7, n =15, p <0.05) and AI had resulted lower in M-CTI (351 ± 42.8 vs. 381 ± 27.1, n =15, p <0.05). Recurrence is more common in M-CTI group (9/15, 60% vs. 3/15, 20%). Recurrence sites in M-CTI group were distributed ((IVC side 3/9 (33%), midsection 5/9 (56%), TV side 5/9 (56%)) and multiple recurrences occurred in 3/9 (33%). Recurrence sites in L-CTI were only midsection of CTI (3/3, 100%).

Conclusions

CTI ablation at the shorter distance M-CTI, which is commonly selected, resulted in more recurrences due to the unevenness including Eustachian ridge and the myocardium thickness. However, ablation at slightly longer L-CTI line showed lower recurrence and effective for CTI ablation.

Abstract Figure 1
P1470Outcome of leadless pacemaker implantation in a referral centre for lead extraction: a comparison with transvenous pacemaker
Authors: Tolve S , Zucchelli G , Barletta V , Parollo M , Di Cori A , Della Tommasina V , De Lucia R , Giannotti Santoro M , Mazzocchetti L , Cellamaro T , Viani S , Segreti L , Paperini L , Soldati E , Bongiorni M G
Published: June 2020

Background

Leadless cardiac pacing is a promising technology in terms of efficacy and safety.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the long-term clinical and electrical performance of Micra leadless pacemaker with ventricular single-chamber transvenous pacemaker (VVI TV-PM) in a high-volume centre for transvenous lead extraction (TLE).

Methods

Between May 2014 and April 2019, 100 patients (group 1) underwent Micra implant at our centre. We identified 100 patients (group 2) who underwent VVI TV-PM implant in the same period for a 1:1 comparison matched by age, sex, left ventricular systolic ejection fraction and  previous TLE.

Results

The implant procedure was successful in all patients. In group 1, the procedure duration was lower than in group 2 (43.86 ± 22.38 vs 58.38 ± 17.85 min, p < 0.001), while the fluoroscopy time was longer (12.25 ± 6.84 vs 5.32 ± 4.42 min, p < 0.001). There was no difference about the rate of septal deployment at the right ventricle (group 1 vs group 2: 76% vs 86%, p = 0.10). Patients were followed-up for a median of 12 months. We did not observe any acute and chronic procedure-related complications in group 1, while we reported acute complications in seven patients (0 vs 7%, p = 0.02) and long-term complications in three patients (0 vs 3%, p = 0.24), needing for a system revisions in 6 cases (0 vs 6%, p = 0.038) in group 2. One systemic infection occurred during follow-up in a patient with VVI TV-PM. Electrical measurements were stable during follow-up in both groups, with a longer estimated battery life in group 1 (mean delivered energy at implant group 1 vs group 2: 0.14 ± 0.21 vs 0.26 ± 0.22 μJ, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Micra pacemaker implant is a safe and effective procedure, with a lower rate of acute complications and system revisions and a longer estimated battery life compared to VVI TV-PM, even in a real life setting including patients who underwent TLE.
P1182Asymptomatic masses on the pacing leads - influence on long term survival
Authors: Polewczyk A , Nowosielecka D , Tomaszewski A , Brzozowski W , Szczesniak-Stanczyk D , Polewczyk M , Jachec W , Kutarski A
Published: June 2020

Background

Asymptomatic Masses on Endocardiac Leads  (AMELs) are relatively often found in echocardiography in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) but their clinical significance is unknown.

Purpose

Aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of AMELs and assesment of their influence on long term survival (mean follow up- 4,28 ± 3,13 years) of patients undergoing transvenous leads extraction (TLE).

Methods

We analyzed the clinical data of patients undergoing TLE in single center in years 2006-2019. Echocardiography before TLE was performed in 2558  patients (60,4% male). AMELs were detected in 426 (16,7%) cases. Classifications of AMELs included connective tissue surronding the leads, clots, alike vegetations masses.  Additionally, real vegetations, thickening of the leads and strong connective tissue scars were distinguished. Long term survival was compared between individual types of AMELs and patients without any additional masses on the leads.

Results are presented in the table.

Conclusion

Poor long-term survival was observed in patients with AMELs on the pacing leads.

Abstract Table
P524Serratus anterior plane block in subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation: a case-control analysis
Authors: Ziacchi M , Bisignani G , Palmisano P , Scalone A , Martignani C , Mocavero P E , Caravati F , Della Cioppa N , Mazzuero A , Pecora D , Vicentini A , Landolina M E , Lovecchio M , Valsecchi S , Droghetti A
Published: June 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

No Funding

OnBehalf

RHYTHM DETECT study group

Background

A two-incision technique, in association with inter-muscular positioning of the subcutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD), is now the most frequently adopted implantation approach in Europe. Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) has been proposed in order to provide anesthesia/analgesia during S-ICD implantation.

Objective

We performed a case-control analysis in which a standardized SAPB approach was compared with the typical local anesthesia and sedation approach.

Methods

91 consecutive patients underwent implantation of an S-ICD with the SAPB approach for anesthesia/analgesia at 10 centers. The control group consisted of 55 consecutive patients who underwent S-ICD implantation with standard local approach.

Results

The mean procedure duration was 59 ± 15min in the SAPB group and 76 ± 23min in the control group (p < 0.001). No operative complications were reported in either group. During the procedure, 79 (87%) patients in the SAPB group and 25 (46%) patients in the control group (p < 0.001) remained awake. Lower values of pain intensity at the device pocket (p = 0.005) and the lateral tunneling site (p = 0.046) were reported in the SAPB group. The difference in static (p = 0.002) and dynamic (p = 0.007) pain intensity between the groups persisted at 1 hour, while no differences were observed 6 hours after the end of the procedure.

Conclusions

SAPB is feasible and effective in providing anesthesia/analgesia during S-ICD implantation. The procedures were successfully accomplished and no complications occurred in either group. However, SAPB was associated with lower pain levels, enabling the need for sedation to be reduced and more patients to remain awake. Moreover, it resulted in shorter procedure durations.
P1107First results of molecular autopsy examinations in sudden cardiac death drawn from nationwide multidisciplinary and multicentric collaboration in the Czech Republic
Authors: Krebsova A , Votypka P , Peldova P , Rucklova K , Pilin A , Kulvajtova M , Pohlova -Kucerova S , Blankova A , Tavacova T , Petrkova J , Tomasek P , Macek Sr M , Macek Jr M , Janousek J , Kautzner J
Published: June 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

Supported by Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, grant nr. NV18-02-00237. All rights reserved."

Introduction

"Molecular autopsy" in sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an important diagnostic tool for primary prevention of cardiac arrest in victim´s relatives and requires multicentric and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Purpose

To establish a national network for SCD diagnostics, to assess the acceptance of genetic testing in at risk relatives and to elucidate the genetic etiology of SCD in a representative Czech cohort aged below 45 years.

Patients and Methods

Between 2016 and 2019 we ascertained 70 SCD (50 M / 20 F), with positive family history for cardiac arrest in 8/70 cases. Only one family did not agree with molecular autopsy. Genetic counselling and cardiological screening examination was carried out in first degree relatives of SCD survivors accompanied by custom-made targeted panel massively parallel DNA sequencing comprising 100 cardiac conditions-related genes. Presence of pathogenic variants was validated by Sanger DNA sequencing and through family segregation analyses.

Results

According to post-mortem diagnosis most victims died of HCM (17/70), ACM (16/70), no structural heart disease was found in 15/70 cases, DCM/LVNC in 9/70, 6/70 were SIDS cases, other rare diagnoses comprised aortic dissection, or myocarditis. Most of victims died at sleep, only 9/70 victims died during strenuous activities. About 50% of SCD victims did not have cardiac complaints before death. Very likely or certain molecular etiology (i.e. based on presence of ACMG.net Class 4 to 5 variants) was disclosed in 12/70 (17%) in RYR2, FLNC, TTN, KCNH2 and KCNQ1 genes, whilst potentially causative DNA variants (Classes 3-4) were observed in 13/70 (18%) cases. In SIDS we did not find any pathogenic variants. Interestingly, the KCNE1 p.Asp85Asn (LQT 5 lite) variant, was detected in 3/70 cases as a recognized risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias.

Conclusion

The multidisciplinary cooperation in Czech Republic has been established, family survivors are willing to receive genetic and cardiological care, while centralised molecular genetic analysis enables reliable results which are in accordance with other multicentric studies. The molecular autopsy should, especially in SIDS, be expanded to whole exome sequencing.
P333Left atrial function by echocardiography is independent of degree of left atrial electrical scar
Authors: Gallen R , Herczeg S , Mcgorrian C , Carron J , Walsh K , Keelan T , Galvin J , Szeplaki G , Keaney J
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Assessment of left atrial function via transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is performed most commonly by measuring the transmitral A wave in sinus rhythm. Left atrial (LA) fibrosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis and perpetuation of Atrial Fibrillation (AF). It may be identified by bipolar voltage (BiV) mapping, which can easily be performed at the beginning of a Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) procedure. The relationship between the degree of LA fibrosis, characterised with mapping, and LA function, determined by echocardiography, has not previously been elucidated.

Methods

Patients were enrolled in a project to evaluate the degree of fibrosis during PVI procedures. Pre-procedure TTEs of those presenting in sinus rhythm were assessed and the transmitral A wave was measured and compared to the degree of scarring seen. The high density electroanatomic maps (HD-EAMs) created during the PVIs were analysed using a novel VHA algorithm after the procedure. All points with voltages < 0.5mV were defined to have electrical scar. Patients were classified into 4 quartiles based on the levels of scar seen (Figure 1).

Results

39 patients were included in the evaluation. Average age was 60.6 +/- 13.2 years. 32 (82.0%) of the patients were male. Mean CHADS2VASc score was 1.5. The mean percentage of scar was calculated as 19.6 +/- 15.9%. The average A wave was 0.62 +/- 0.18 ms-1. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed no relationship between LA scar and either A wave velocities (r = 0.26, p = 0.11) or E:A ratio (r=-0.02, p = 0.91). A significant correlation between A wave velocity and CHADS2VASc was observed (r = 0.49, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates no relationship between degree of LA scarring and reduced LA function on TTE as assessed by the A wave. It has been established that structural remodelling in AF (such as atrial dilatation) may occur independently of the electrical remodelling. A potential explanation for our findings is that the electrical scarring in AF, which results in alterations in refractory periods, precedes the negative remodelling which ultimately results in reduced atrial function. This hypothesis would need to be further evaluated in larger studies.

Abstract Figure 1
P1171Optimal fusion vs. biventricular pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy: long-term results of 540 consecutive patients
Authors: Radu D A , Iorgulescu C N , Bogdan S N , Deaconu A I , Nastasa A , Badiul A , Cojocaru C , Vatasescu R G
Published: June 2020

Background

Right ventricular (RV) stimulation induces supplemental dyssynchrony in case of left bundle branch block (LBBB) patients. Isolated left ventricular (LV) pacing has been proven superior to biventricular pacing (BiV) in terms of acute hemodynamic response.

Purpose

We sought to determine whether an optimised isolated LV pacing algorithm called "optimal fusion" (OFu) produces better and sustainable effects when compared to BiV in the long term.

Methods

540/760 (reasonable data collection) consecutive patients implanted with CRT in CEHB were analysed. The follow-up included 7 hospital visits for each patient (between baseline and 3 years). Demographics, risk factors, usual serum levels, pre-procedural planning factors, clinical, ECG, TTE and biochemical markers were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using software. Data were reported as either p-values from crosstabs (discrete) or mean differences, p-values and confidence intervals from t-tests (continuous). A p-value of .05 was chosen for statistical significance (SS).

Results

The overall group consisted of 51% OFu (275) and the rest BiV patients. Subjects in OFu were younger (-4.379 ys; <.001; (-7.028;-1.729)), more often females (40.9 vs. 24.9%; <.002), more obese (40.1 vs. 29.6%; <0.40) and had more structural disease other than ischaemic scar burden (10.8 vs. 2.7%; <.005). Procedures in OFu were mainly "de novo" (93 vs. 73.4%; <.000), more often CRT-Ds (58.2 vs. 42.9%; <.005) and more frequently in sinus rhythm (99.4 vs. 62.3%; <.000) and with typical LBBB (77.2 vs. 45%; <.000). Baseline PR interval was shorter in OFu (-32.20 msec; <.033; (-61.58;-2.58)). Notably, OFu patients started from a lower EF (-3.29%; <.001; (-5.156;-1.441)), had more dyssynchrony as evaluated by Pitzalis’ index (34.32 msec; <.017; (6.132;62.522)) and poorer initial mechanical performance by dP/dt (-104.83 mm Hg/sec; <.012; (-185.301;-24.366)). There was no SS difference in clinical parameters at 3 years. Mean EF was higher in OFu (38.59 vs. 34.82%; NS; (4.183;-4.755)) while both EDVs (170.40 vs. 161.40 ml; NS; (-82.40;100.40)) and ESVs (115.36 vs. 102.67 ml; NS; (-82.65;108.03)) were lower. When looking at absolute Δs, OFu performed much better in the long term: EF (+15.81 vs. +8.86%; NS; (-17.06877;3.17710)), EDV (-46.07 vs. – 10.1 ml; NS; (-19.88;102.60)) and ESV (-55.91 vs. -17.46 ml; NS; (-39.88;124.71)). The cumulated super-responder/responder (SR/R) percentage at 1 year was much higher in OFu (83.43 vs. 57.75; <.040).

Conclusions

The benefit of OFu is definitely sustainable in the long term. Structural response is constantly superior with OFu when compared to BiV although the current data set did not yield SS when comparing absolute means. However, parameter Δs are clearly in favor of OFu which produced a SS higher cumulated rate of SR/Rs over 3 years of follow-up.
P1092Syncope in the emergency department: can 24-hour holter monitoring be of any help?
Authors: Lopes J , Saleiro C , Campos D , Sousa J , Puga L , Gomes R , Ribeiro J , Silva J , Goncalves L
Published: June 2020

Background 

Syncope is a very common reason for presenting to the emergency department (ED). The existence of a telemetry unit is crucial but it is not the reality in some hospitals. In order to avoid unnecessary ward admission, 24-hour Holter (24HH) monitoring could be useful to help with the diagnosis (when the arrhythmic etiology is suspected and the symptoms are frequent enough) and also be important to safely discharge a patient. 

Purpose 

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 24HH monitoring, during a syncope episode in the ER, and to compare the readmission rates between patients with normal and abnormal not diagnostic 24HH monitoring. 

Methods 

A cohort study of consecutive patients (P) who were monitored with 24HH in one hospital in the ED, between January 2015 and December 2017, were included. All the 24HH results were seen by a senior cardiologist and divided in three groups: A - normal, B - abnormal Holter study unlikely to explain syncope and C- Holter study considered to be diagnostic. 

Groups A and B were compared using chi-square independence test to evaluate association between the result of the 24HH and readmission rates at 30 days and 1 year, as well as mortality and device implantation at 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression was used to look for other confounders. 

Results 

A total of 111 P were included in this study. Mean age was 75 ± 14 years old, with 55.6% male patients. 

A previous emergency episode with syncope was present in 56.9% of P. The mortality at one-year follow-up was 11.9%. The 24HH was considered diagnostic in 25.2% of P (28 P), with 18.9% of all the P with necessity of pacemaker (PM) implantation. In the patients with a non-diagnostic 24HH, 6,4% implanted a loop recorder before discharge. 

Group B patients had a higher 30-day readmission rate to the ED when compared with group A (OR = 4.050 CI 95 [1.13 – 14.497], p = 0.033), but no difference in one-year readmission rate (p= 0.065). There was no difference in one-year mortality between the two groups (p= 0.731) or in one-year implantation of pacemaker (p= 0.431). 

Conclusion 

The use of 24HH in the ED could be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of rhythm disorders that cause syncope.  An abnormal non diagnostic result can still be a predictor of 30-day readmission to the ED with similar complaints.
P1433Prevalence and location of residual leaks following percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion: the importance of 3D transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Lopes J , Teixeira R , Campos D , Saleiro C , Sousa J , Puga L , Ribeiro J , Silva J , Goncalves L
Published: June 2020

Background

The left atrial appendage (LAA) shape and size are very variable, and incomplete appendage closure or persistent leaks around the device are common following device placement. Limited studies reported the rate of peri-device leaks (PDL) after percutaneous left atrial appendage closure, and the impact of 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) on the detection of those leaks.

Aim

To describe the rate and location of leaks 1 month after percutaneous closure of the LAA, with and without the use of 3D-TEE.

Methods

A cohort study of consecutive patients (P) who were submitted to a percutaneous LAA closure with success in one interventional cardiology centre, between May 2010 and October 2018, were included. Clinical and echocardiography data were recorded and analysed. Two groups were created: Group A (GA) included patients until August 2015 submitted to 2D TEE on follow up (N= 48) versus Group B (GB), which was composed of patients submitted to 3D-TEE after August 2015 (N= 76).

Results

A total of 124 P had an in-hospital admission for LAA closure, with control TEE 1 month after the procedure. Mean age was 73 ± 7 years old, with 62.9% male patients. The procedure was guided by TEE (52%) or intra cardiac echocardiography (ICE) (48%).Transeptal puncture was preferred (95% of the procedures). The most used device was Amulet (62%) vs ACP (23%) and Watchman (15%).

In the follow up TEE, 20% of patients had only 1 leak and 2% had 2 leaks. Of the detected leaks,31% were considered minor (< 1 mm), 35% moderate (1-3 mm) and 34% major (> 3 mm). Patients with leaks had a larger LAA diameter (22 ± 4 mm vs. 17 ± 3 mm, P = 0.01).

Of the detected leaks, 50% were located in the superior portion of the device, 23% were located in the inferior portion, 8% in the posterior portion and 8% in the lateral portion.

In GA the rate of leaks was 14% vs 24.5% in GB, with differences also when specified the size of the leak –  minor (GA 2% vs GB 8.8%), moderate (GA 8% vs GB 8.1%) and major (GA 4% vs GB 7.6%).

Conclusion

The use of 3D echocardiography, 1 month after successful percutaneous LAA closure, augmented the rate of detection of device leaks. It remains to be studied the clinical impact of this finding.
P513Electrocardiographic and clinical predictors for permanent pacemaker requirement after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a 10-year single center experience
Authors: Errigo D , Golzio P G , D"ascenzo F , Ragaglia E , Salizzoni S , Peyracchia M , Bruno F , Baldi E , Castagno D , Budano C , D"amico M , Giustetto C , De Ferrari G M
Published: June 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

None of the author have conflict of interest to disclose.

Background

 As transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) procedures have increased, the need of a permanent pacemaker (PPM) is a complication to be taken into account. 

Objective

 The aim of this study is to identify clinical, electrocardiographic (ECG) and procedural predictors for PPM requirement after TAVI.

Methods

 The present is a single centre, retrospective study. All consecutive patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI had continuous ECG monitoring. Pre and post TAVI 12-leads ECG were analysed. We arbitrarily divided the patients into early and late PPM implantation (beyond the 3rd day after TAVI). The primary endpoint of the study was to identify electrocardiographic predictors of PPM implantation after TAVI, and the secondary endpoint was to identify other clinical or procedure-related predictive factors.

Results

 Of 431 patients who underwent TAVI, 77 (18%) required a PPM, and 30 (7%) had late PPM implantations. Pre-operative RBBB implies more than five-fold increase of the risk of PPM implantation after TAVI (OR 5,43, CI 2.11 - 13.99, P = 0.000), whereas the history of syncope is associated with a two-fold increase of the risk (OR 2.00, CI 1.01 - 3.96, P = 0.044), and maintains its predictive value also in the late PPM subgroup (OR 2.76, CI 1.11 – 6.82, P = 0.028).

Conclusions

 It is hard to predict the need of a PPM in the individual patients, but careful evaluation of pre-operative 12-lead ECG looking for pre-existing RBBB and an history of syncope, can individuate the group of patients with an increased risk of PPM requirement.
P1361Impact of radiation/chemotherapy for breast cancer on the electroanatomic features in patients receiving catheter ablation for left atrial arrhythmia
Authors: Schenker N , Hashiguchi N , Maurer T , Lemes C , Rottner L , Reissmann B , Rillig A , Kuck K H , Ouyang F , Mathew S
Published: June 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia and catheter ablation a viable treatment option for patients with AF. Extensive left atrial (LA) scars, frequently seen in patients with persistent AF, can limit its efficacy. Radiation for breast cancer treatment is known to have serious long-term effects (e.g. fibrosis) on the targeted tissue. At the same time, chemotherapy often leads to organ dysfunction. We sought to examine the effects of radiation and chemotherapy on the electroanatomic features of the LA in patients who received catheter ablation for left atrial arrhythmias with prior breast cancer treatment.

Methods and Results

We compared 38 patients (mean age 68.4 ± 7.1 years) who underwent catheter ablation for LA arrhythmia and had a previous diagnosis of breast cancer with 38 patients (mean age 65.4 ± 7.3 years) without breast cancer who formed our control group. LA scar area, as well as its distribution was measured during the electrophysiology (EP) study and graded according to the Utah classification.

The existence of LA scarring did not differ significantly between both groups (71.1% vs. 76.3%, p = 0.602). LA scar area (excluding PVs) was 107.5cm2 ± 19.0cm2 in the breast cancer group compared to 110.1cm2 ± 18.5cm2 in the control group (p = 0.536). The distribution of the scar area revealed no significant difference between both groups, however an involvement of the anterior wall was common (65.8% vs. 73.7%; p = 0.454). We further investigated whether the location of breast cancer had an impact on the LA scar development of the patients in our study cohort. Here, we found no significant difference in the amount of LA scarring when comparing patients with left-sided breast cancer to patients with right-sided breast cancer (66.7% vs. 73.9%). In a sub-analysis patients with breast cancer and persistent AF showed a non-significant trend towards greater LA scar areas (17.4cm2 vs. 6.8cm2) in comparison to patients of the control group with similar LA volumes.

The patient’s age (>65 years) was the only independent predictor for greater LA scarring we could identify. Neither former radiotherapy, nor chemotherapy showed a positive correlation with greater LA scarring.

Conclusion

There is no change in the distribution as well as an increase of the extent of LA scars after thoracic irradiation and/or chemotherapy. A trend towards greater LA scar areas was seen in patients with breast cancer and persistent AF. The patient’s age was identified as an independent predictor for LA scar development.
1242The flexibility, ease of using, and leaving curve of a standardized ablation index workflow for catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gupta D , Vijgen J , De Potter T , Scherr D , Van Herendael H , Knecht S , Kobza R , Berte B , Sandgaard N , Albenque J , Szeplaki G , Stevenhagen Y , Taghji P , Wright M , Duytschaever M
Published: June 2020

Background/Introduction

The ‘CLOSE’ protocol, incorporating standardized ablation index (AI) targets in conjunction with defined inter-tag distance (ITD) has been shown to improve the acute and long-term success of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) when treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). The reproducibility and learning curve for this protocol has not been studied.

Purpose

To assess the acute and long-term efficacy of CLOSE PVI across multiple operators (n = 37) in the 17-centre European study ‘VISTAX’.

Methods

329 patients with PAF (61.8% male, 61.3 ± 10.1 years) underwent PVI according to the CLOSE protocol, with target AI values for each lesion of ≥400 on the posterior wall and ≥550 on the anterior wall, and target ITD of ≤6mm. Each 3-dimensional electroanatomic map was evaluated at a core lab where adherence to each of these criteria was assessed. 281/329 patients (85.1%) fulfilled all standardized workflow requirements and were adjudicated as having their PVI per-protocol (PP). First pass PVI and acute effectiveness (adenosine-proof first pass PVI at 30-minute challenge) were recorded. Clinical effectiveness was assessed as freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence through 12 months recorded via transtelephonic monitoring (weekly and symptomatically), in addition to holter and electrocardiogram monitoring during 3,6,12 month follow up visits. Learning curve analysis was evaluated on all investigators.

Results

First pass PVI rates were similar in the overall (86%) and PP cohorts (85%), as was acute effectiveness (82% in both cohorts). Freedom from atrial arrhythmia at 12 months too was identical for both cohorts (79%). Total procedure time and total ablation time decreased by an average 8 minutes and 10 minutes respectively after the first procedure and then showed further steady decreases over the number of ablations performed by the investigator (Figure).  The procedural efficiencies and clinical success were reproducible across different centers. No significant deviations were found from individual sites.

Conclusion

The standardized CLOSE workflow is reproducible across centres, and is ‘forgiving’ without impacting on high efficacy of almost 80%. The learning curve is short, suggesting that the excellent clinical results can be replicated widely and easily.

Abstract Figure. Learning Curves- Procedure & Ablation