bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality, appropriate and inappropriate shocks - observations from an institutional implantable cardioverter defibrillator registry
Authors: Prepolec I , Pasara V , Ciglenecki E , Bogdanic JE , Putric Posavec J , Pezo-Nikolic B , Matasic R , Krpan M , Lovric-Bencic M , Puljevic M , Puljevic D , Milicic D , Velagic V 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is an effective therapy for primary (PP) and secondary prevention (SP) of sudden cardiac death (SCD). ICD adverse events include inappropriate shocks (IS), device infection and failure.

Methods
We analysed the data concerning all newly implanted ICDs in our institution from 2011 to 2017. Follow-up data was collected until the end of 2019.

Results
In total, 507 ICDs were implanted (85.4% male, 57.6 ± 14.0 years-old), 375 (74.0%) for PP and 132 (26.0%) for SP. The mean follow-up was 34.3 ± 23.8 months. ICD delivered therapy in 42.4% of SP and in 28.8% of PP patients (p = 0.15). In PP, shocks were delivered in 25.7% of non-ischaemic heart disease (NIHD) and in 17.6% ischaemic heart disease (IHD) patients (p = 0.81). IS were significantly more common in NIHD patients (13.8% vs 2.4% in IHD group, p &lt; 0.0001). PP patients with NIHD also had a higher shock burden (average of 8.0 ± 17.4 shocks compared to 2.7 ± 3.0 in the IHD group). However, it failed to reach the level of statistical significance (p = 0.052). In SP, the rate of ICD activation and that of IS were similar in both groups (IHD and NIHD). In total, 32.6% of SP patients received appropriate shock (AS) and 5.3% of them received at least one IS (average number of AS and IS being 8.7 ± 11.5 and 1.1 ± 0.4 respectively). Mortality was significantly higher in SP than in PP (34.8% vs 13.9%, p &lt; 0.001). In PP, significantly more deaths occurred among IHD than NIHD patients (18.8% vs 10.0%, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
The prevalence of AS and IS was relatively higher than reported elsewhere. Same was true for mortality. Interestingly, the rate of IS was somewhat higher in NIHD than in IHD, which was unexpected. ICD outcomes Primary prevention Secondary prevention Total IHD NIHD Total IHD NIHD Patients, n 375 165 210 132 88 44 Patients with ICD activation, n (%) 108 (28.8) 46 (27.9) 62 (29.5) 56 (42.4) 33 (37.5) 22 (50.0) Patientns with AS, n (%) 60 (16.0) 27 (16.4) 33 (15.7) 43 (32.6) 29 (33.0) 14 (31.8) Patientns with IS, n (%) 33 (8.8) 4 (2.4) 29 (13.8) 7 (5.3) 5 (5.7) 2 (4.5) AS delivered (mean ± SD) 5.6 ± 13.3 2.7 ± 3.0 8.0 ± 17.4 8.7 ± 11.5 9.9 ± 12.2 9.7 ± 17.6 IS delivered (mean ± SD) 3.2 ± 5.1 1.2 ± 0.5 3.5 ± 5.4 1.1 ± 0.4 1.0 ± 0 3.2 ± 5.2 Deaths, n (%) 52 (13.9) 31 (18.8) 21 (10.0) 46 (34.8) 32 (36.4) 14 (31.8) Time to death (months, mean ± SD) 20.3 ± 13.9 19.9 ± 12.6 21.1 ± 16.5 27.1 ± 25.7 28.9 ± 24.9 22.6 ± 28.1 ICD, implantable cardioverter defibrillator; IHD, ischemic heart disease; NIHD, non-ischemic heart disease; AS, appropriate shock; IS, inappropriate shock
Cardiac operations and interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide perspective
Authors: Leyva F , Zegard A , Okafor O , Stegemann B , Ludman P , Qiu T 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Aims
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decline in hospitalizations for non-COVID-19 related conditions. We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac operations and interventions undertaken in England.

Methods
An administrative database covering hospital activity for England, the Health Episodes Statistics, was used to assess a total of 286,697 hospitalizations for cardiac operations and interventions, as well as 227,257 hospitalizations for myocardial infarction (MI) and 453,799 for heart failure (HF) from 7th January 2019 to 26th July 2020.

Results
Over the 3 months of ‘lockdown’, total numbers and mean reductions in weekly rates (n [-%]), compared with the same time period in 2019, were: coronary artery bypass grafting (-2507 [-64%]); percutaneous coronary intervention (-5245 [-28%]; surgical (-1324 [-41%]) and transcatheter (-284 [-21%]) aortic valve replacement; mitral valve replacement; implantation of pacemakers (-6450 [-44%]), cardiac resynchronization therapy with (-356 [-42%]) or without (-491 [-46%] defibrillation devices, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (-501 [-45%]); atrial fibrillation ablation (-1902 [-83%]), and other ablations (-1712 [-64%]) (all p &lt; 0.001). Over this period, there were 21,038 fewer procedures than in the reference period in 2019 (p &lt; 0.001). These changes paralleled reductions in hospitalizations for MI (-10,794 [-27%]) and HF (-63,058 [-28%]) (both p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to substantial reductions in the number of cardiac operations and interventions undertaken. An alternative strategy for healthcare delivery to patients with cardiac conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic is urgently needed. Abstract Figure.
Chronic electrical performance of a new ultra-thin left ventricular quadripolar pacing lead
Authors: Anselme F , Ziglio F , Shan N , Heckman LIB , Kuiper M , Prinzen FW 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): H2020-FTI [Fast Track to Innovation] Pilot-2016 and MicroPort CRM

Background
Left ventricular (LV) lead positioning is an important contributor to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response. Multiple additional LV sites could be stimulated by passing a new ultra-thin (1.2 Fr, 0.4 mm) quadripolar microlead from one LV vein into another via venous collaterals.

Purpose
Study the acute and chronic stability and electrical pacing performance of a novel 1.2 Fr quadripolar microlead ("Axone 4LV").

Methods
Seven healthy adult dogs underwent CRT defibrillator implantation, including a right ventricular lead and the microlead. The microlead was advanced into the coronary sinus network using a dedicated microguide catheter. The animals were followed up at 1, 15, 30 and 90 days post-implant to evaluate chronic stability and electrical pacing performance.

Results
Successful uncomplicated implantation was achieved in all cases. Despite the small diameter of the distal veins and collaterals, placement of the pacing electrodes in two different LV veins was feasible via available collateral passages. Lead position was stable in all cases and over the entire study period. Capture threshold and pacing impedance at 90 days post-implant were 1.7 ± 0.5 V with 1323 ± 245 Ω, respectively, at 0.5 ms pulse width. The mean pacing energy to get capture was 1.1 ± 0.5 µJ and less than 2 µJ in all cases (2 µJ ≈ 1.4 V @500 Ω, 0.5 ms). No phrenic nerve stimulation was observed during pacing.

Conclusions
The novel 1.2 Fr quadripolar microlead demonstrated adequate stability and good electrical performance allied to low energy consumption. This quadripolar microlead may extend pacing options while increasing device longevity in CRT. Changes in pacing parameters over time Post-implant Follow-up Pacing Threshold Pacing Impedance Pacing Energy 1 day 1.4 ± 0.7 V 1294 ± 270 Ω 0.8 ± 0.7 µJ 15 days 1.9 ± 0.9 V 1336 ± 274 Ω 1.8 ± 1.8 µJ 30 days 1.8 ± 0.7 V 1187 ± 303 Ω 1.5 ± 1.2 µJ 90 days 1.7 ± 0.5 V 1323 ± 245 Ω 1.1 ± 0.5 µJ
Acute hemodynamic response of epicardial and endocardial cardiac resynchronization therapy, His bundle pacing and left bundle branch pacing
Authors: Elliott MK , Strocchi M , Sidhu BS , Mehta V , Porter B , Gould J , Niederer S , Rinaldi CA 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Medtronic
Background / Introduction
Endocardial pacing and conduction system pacing are emerging as alternative methods to deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and have been shown to achieve superior acute hemodynamic response (AHR) compared to conventional epicardial pacing. However, a direct comparison of all the methods of delivering CRT has not yet been performed.

Purpose
To directly compare the AHR of conventional CRT (BiV Epi), endocardial pacing (BiV Endo), His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) during a temporary CRT study.

Methods
4 patients underwent a temporary CRT and hemodynamic study. Temporary pacing was achieved using quadripolar catheters in the right atrium and coronary sinus, and roving decapolar catheters in the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) via retrograde aortic access. Hemodynamic assessment was performed with a PressureWire X (Abbott, CA, USA) in the LV cavity. AHR was calculated as the percentage improvement in LV dP/dtmax from baseline AAI or RV pacing (if underlying complete heart block).

Results
The patients had a mean age of 67.5 ±5.8 years and all had non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with severe LV impairment (mean ejection fraction 22.5 ±7.4%). 3 patients had left bundle branch block and 1 patient had complete heart block with an RV paced rhythm (mean QRS duration 157 ±24 ms). All methods of delivering CRT achieved a mean AHR of &gt;10%, which is considered clinically significant and is predictive of LV remodelling at 6 months. Mean AHR during BiV Epi pacing was 12.6 ±5.0%. There was a trend towards higher AHR for BiV Endo pacing (23.6 ±7.6%), HBP (17.4 ± 9.5%) and LBBP (16.1 ±7.8%) as shown in figure 1, however there was no significant difference between groups on one-way analysis of variance (p = 0.348).

Conclusions
All methods of delivering CRT achieved an AHR &gt;10%. The AHR during BiV Endo pacing, HBP and LBBP was higher than for BiV Epi pacing, but this did not reach statistical significance. Further investigation with larger studies is required to determine which method of delivering CRT achieves the best hemodynamic response.
Figure 1. Box plot of acute hemodynamic response (AHR) for conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy (BiV Epi), endocardial pacing (BiV Endo), His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP). Data displayed as median (solid line), mean (+), 1st and 3rd quartiles (box) and minimum and maximum values (whiskers). Abstract Figure 1
Outcomes and predictors of clinical response after upgrade to resynchronization therapy
Authors: Brandao M , Goncalves Almeida J , Fonseca P , Rosas F , Santos E , Ribeiro J , Oliveira M , Goncalves H , Fontes-Carvalho R , Primo J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND
Upgrade to resynchronization therapy (CRT) is common practice in Europe. However, patient selection remains a challenge. Data regarding predictors of response to upgrade is currently lacking.

AIM
To identify predictors of clinical response after upgrade to CRT.

METHODS
Single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients submitted to upgrade to CRT (2007-2018). Patients underwent clinical and echocardiographic (echo) evaluation at baseline, 6-months and 1-year. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) included hospitalization for heart failure (HF) or all-cause mortality. Clinical response was defined as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class improvement without MACE in the 1st year of follow-up (FU). Left ventricle end-systolic volume reduction of &gt;15% designated echo response. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of clinical response to CRT.

RESULTS
Fifty-six patients submitted to upgrade to CRT (80.4% male, mean age 70.0 ± 9.6 years) were included; 43 patients (78.2%) previously had a pacemaker and 12 (21.8%) had a defibrillator device. Most patients had non-ischemic HF (67.9%), with a mean baseline left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction of 27.9 ± 6.4%. Indications for upgrade were mainly pacemaker dependency or pacing-induced LV dysfunction (76.6%) and de novo left bundle branch block (23.4%).
Thirty-one (59.3%) patients were clinical responders. MACE occurred in 37.5% of patients; 28.6% were hospitalized for HF and 13% died during the 1st year of FU. Clinical responders had a lower rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) (46.9% vs. 53.1%, p=.025) and a higher rate of pacemaker rythm prior to upgrade (80.6% vs 47.6%, p=.013). Among responders, the previous device was more frequently a pacemaker (87.5% vs 61.9%, p=.029), and the new device a CRT-P (81.2% vs 54.5%, p=.035). HF etiology did not differ between responders and non-responders.
Multivariate analysis identified absence of AF (odds ratio [OR] 4.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-17.6, p=.037), CRT-P (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.3-25.8, p=.022) and quadripolar lead implant (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.3-25.8, p=.024) as predictors of clinical response in upgraded patients.

CONCLUSIONS
In this cohort, absence of AF, implantation of CRT-P and use of a quadripolar lead predicted clinical response to upgrade to CRT. Larger studies are warranted to tailor selection of patients for upgrade procedures.
NISAR-F SCORE: a simple risk stratification tool for patients implanted with cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Correia J , Goncalves L , Pires I , Santos J , Neto V , Ferreira G , Costa A , Cabral J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Individualized estimation of prognosis after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains challenging. Outcomes in this group of patients are influenced by multiple factors and a comprehensive and customized approach to estimate prognosis after CRT is lacking

Aims
To develop and validate a simple prognostic score for patients implanted with CRT (NISAR-F score), based on readily available clinical and echocardiographic variables to predict the combined endpoints of death or hospitalization in 24 months.

Methods
A single-centre retrospective study was conducted with inclusion of all consecutive patients who underwent CRT implantation between 2012 and 2019. Follow-up started after CRT implantation and ended upon death, hospitalization or 24 months after study entry. Survival analysis was performed using a multivariate Cox regression model, in order to analyze the effect on survival /hospitalization in 24 months of the following factors: age, gender, NYHA Class III-IV, ischemic heart failure, type 2 diabetes, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and ejection fraction &lt; 21%. According to the analysis, points were attributed to each factor. Afterwards, the NISAR-F score was calculated for each patient, summing the points of each variable. The authors finally created ROC curves for the NISAR-F score to predict the occurrence of the combined endpoint in 2 groups of patients: CRT responders (ejection fraction increase of at least 10% after CRT implantation) and CRT non-responders. The statistical analysis was performed in SPSS.

Results
102 patients were included in the study (75.4% male, mean age 68 ± 10.46 years). 10(9.8%) of the patients were re-hospitalized and 8 (7.8%) died during the 24-month follow-up. After calculating NISAR-F score for each patient, area under ROC curves were obtained. The analysis of the ROC curves allows us to confirm the good performance of the score created [responders group (AUC 0.812) vs non-responders (AUC 0.721)].
Conclusion The NISAR-F score is a useful tool to predict the combined endpoint (mortality and hospitalization in 24 months) after CRT implantation, in both responders and non-responders, revealing good performance of this new and simple score based only on clinical and echocardiographic variables.
Electrocardiographic pattern in V1, aVL and I as predictor of events in heart failure following cardiac resincronization
Authors: Asensio Nogueira J , Salgado-Aranda R , Garcia-Fernandez FJ , Martin-Gonzalez FJ , Villagraz-Tecedor L , Gomez-Llorente M , Alvarez-Calderon M , Fernandez-Gonzalez B , Sanchez-Corral E , Perez-Rivera JA 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
following cardiac resincronization therapy (CRT), QRS duration is the most important prognostic factor in the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). However, there is little evidence regarding if the electrocardiographic pattern following CRT has impact on morbidity and mortality.

Purpose
In this historical cohort study we analysed if a certain pattern in three leads of the ECG (Rs in V1, Qr in aVL or rS in I) is associated with lower incidence of adverse outcomes in a population of CRT patients within 1 year of implant. Other variables previously associated with success or failure of CRT were analysed.

Methods
patients with CRT devices with left ventricle lead in the coronary sinus were included from January 2012 to April 2019. The primary endpoint was a composite of death of any cause and heart failure hospitalization at 1 year. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier test, comparing survival graphics through Log-Rank test. For multivariate analysis, Cox regression was performed.

Results
111 patients were included. Sample was divided into 2 groups according to the presence of the pattern in any of the three ECG leads. Baseline characteristics are reported in Table 1. Presence of any of the three patterns was independently associated with a lower incidence of the primary endpoint (2.3% vs. 17.6%, hazard ratio 0.1, 95% confidence interval 0.013-0.774, p = 0.016). Previous atrial fibrillation was also independently associated with a higher incidence of the primary endpoint. QRS duration postimplantation did not showed prognostic value.

Conclusion
the presence of the patterns Rs in V1, Qr in aVL or rS in I is an independent predictor of good prognosis in patients with CRT. Baseline characteristicsPattern Rs-V1/Qr-aVL/rS-INo patternp-valueAge (years)69 ± 1767 ± 210.257Women8 (18.6)17 (25)0.432Atrial fibrillation18 (41.9)22 (32.4)0.309- Ischemic cardiomyopathy- Non ischemic cardiomyopathy18 (41.9)25 (58.1)26 (38.8)41 (61.2)0.75Indication- HFrEF + NYHA II-IV + wide QRS- rEF + indication of cardiac stimulation- LV dysfunction secondary to stimulation 35 (81.4)7 (16.3)1 (2.3) 58 (85.3)9 (13.2)1 (1.5) 0.5870.6560.741Preimplantation LVEF (%)28 ± 1328 ± 150.882Up-titrated treatment17 (39.5)26 (38.2)0.891- LBBB- RBBB36 (83.7)5 (11.6)61 (89.7)6 (8.8)0.3550.63QRS duration postimplantation (ms)144 ± 35142 ± 500.657HFrEFheart failure with reduced ejection fraction; NYHA: New York Heart Association; rEF: reduced ejection fraction; LV: left ventricle; LVEF: left ventricle ejection fraction; LBBB: left bundle branch block; RBBB: right bundle branch block.Abstract Figure. Kaplan Meier survival curves
Relationship between left bundle branch block mechanical patterns and super-response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with congestive heart failure
Authors: Shirokov N , Kuznetsov V , Todosiichuk V , Soldatova A , Krinochkin D 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Left bundle branch block (LBBB) assessed by electrocardiography (ECG) is used in current clinical guidelines for patient selection to cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). But percentage of non-responders among patients with congestive heart failure is high. Super-response (SR) to CRT was not enough described in clinical guidelines. We hypothesized that mechanical patterns of LBBB and parameters of mechanical dyssynchrony could be used as predictors of SR to CRT.

Aim
To assess a relationship of LBBB patterns defined by ECG and echocardiography with SR to CRT.

Materials and methods
60 patients (mean age 54.5 ± 10.4 years) were examined at baseline and during follow-up: 10.6 ± 3.6 months. Patients were divided into groups: I group (n = 31) with decrease of left ventricular end-systolic volume (ESV) ≥30% (super-responders) and II group (n = 29) - decrease of LV ESV &lt;30% (non-super-responders). Three strain-markers of LBBB assessed by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE) were used: (1) early contraction of basal or midventricular segment in the septal wall and early stretching of basal or midventricular segment in the lateral wall (yellow arrows); (2) the early peak contraction of the septal wall occurred in the first 70% of the systolic ejection phase (blue arrow); (3) the early stretching wall that showed peak contraction after aortic valve closure (red arrows). The classic LBBB pattern was defined if all three strain-markers were present. The heterogeneous LBBB pattern was defined if two from three strain-markers were present.

Results
At baseline groups did not differ in main clinical characteristics, including QRS width and LBBB assessed by ECG. Mechanical abnormalities were found only in group I: SF (32.3% vs 0.0%; p = 0.001) and apical rocking (19.4% vs 0.0%; p = 0.024), as well as classic LBBB mechanical pattern (20.8% vs 0.0%; p = 0.05). The complex of heterogeneous LBBB mechanical pattern (HR 7.512; 95% CI 1.434 – 39.632; р=0.025), interventricular mechanical delay (HR 1.037; 95% CI 1.005 – 1.071; р=0.017) and longitudinal strain of interventricular septum mid segment (HR 0.726; 95% CI 0.540 – 0.977; р=0.035) had an independent relationship with SR. According to the ROC analysis the sensitivity and specificity of model in the prediction of SR were 77.3% and 91.3% (AUC = 0.862; p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
SR is associated with both LBBB mechanical patterns assessed by STE and TDI. LBBB defined by ECG did not have significant association with SR to CRT. Abstract Figure.
Last before-death transmission in patients with heart failure and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator followed by remote monitoring - insights from the COMMIT-HF registry
Authors: Dyrbus M , Tajstra M , Pyka L , Kurek A , Gasior M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) in patients with heart failure allows to regularly analyze the devices" and patients" conditions.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was evaluation of the ultimate transmissions sent before death in patients monitored remotely.
Methods
The last transmissions delivered by the devices in patients enrolled into COMMIT-HF Registry (NCT02536443) who died when monitored remotely have been retrospectively analysed. The characteristics and contents of the transmissions and clinical reactions undertaken have been obtained from the RM systems of four major RM providers.
Results
Of 1,306 patients with CIEDs who were enrolled at the RM programme in our centre, 267 died and their last transmission occurred less than 90 days before death, of which 133 (49.8%) were scheduled and 134 (50.2%) alert-triggered. The median period between transmission and death was 31 days for scheduled and 8 days for alert-triggered transmissions. The most frequent alert-triggered transmissions were atrial fibrillation/flutter (35.8%) and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (24.6%). A clinical reaction has been undertaken after 9.8% of planned and 67.1% of alert-triggered transmissions and consisted mainly of telephone consultations and referrals for hospital admissions.
Conclusions
This is the first analysis of the ultimate transmissions delivered by CIEDs before death. In approximately 50% of patients, the last transmission has been alert-triggered. Hence, an appropriate organization of the RM facility, which should immediately analyse and react to the transmission, seems mandatory to obtain clinical benefit in patients with HF and RM. Causes of alerts and clinical reactionsCause of alertAll alert-triggered transmissions (N = 134)AF/AFL episode, n (%)48 (35.8%)Ventricular tachycardia, n (%)18 (13.4%)Ventricular fibrillation, n (%)15 (11.2%)Biventricular pacing percentage reduction, n (%)15 (11.2%)Others38 (28.3%)Congestion monitor indications, n (%)14 (10.4%)Clinical reactionPlanned transmission (N = 133)Alert-triggered transmission (N = 134)Telephone consultation10 (7.5%)58 (43.2%)Referral to the GP or outpatient specialist clinic visit2 (1.5%)12 (8.9%)Referral for hospital admission1 (0.7%)18 (13.4%)Pharmacotherapy modificationN/A2 (1.5%)Abstract Figure.