Precordial electrocardiographic recording and QT measurement from a novel wearable ring device.

Background: The availability of portable and wearable electrocardiographic (ECG) devices has increased secondary to technological development. Single-lead ECG recordings have been shown to reliably detect and characterize cardiac rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. Acquisition of precordial electrodes for full 12-lead ECG reconstruction from bipolar recordings is complicated by the absence of a body ground/Wilson central terminal electrode. The extent of difference between standard precordial leads and those from a wearable bipolar ECG recorder has not been characterized. Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the precordial ECG lead set from sequential bipolar recordings from an ECG ring wearable device. Methods: In 70 patients who wore an ECG device on a right-hand finger, sequential precordial leads (CR1-CR6) were obtained along with chest electrodes (V1-V6). During acquisition of the modified precordial lead CR6, a full standardized 12-lead ECG capture was obtained. Signal quality was assessed using automated analysis software, and correlation values between the ring-derived ECG precordial leads and standard ECG leads were compared with regard to QRS duration, QT width, and RR interval. Results: High concordance in the morphologies of precordial ECG leads obtained in a standard fashion and those recorded through an ECG ring was observed. Morphologic alignment improved with increasing laterality of the precordial lead with chest to right arm ring recording (CR5, CR6) compared with anterior chest leads to right arm (CR1, CR2). Segmental measurements of QRS duration and QT segment were well aligned and of high correlation. Conclusion: Wearable ring-based ECG technology is capable of high-fidelity recordings of precordial leads for nonsimultaneous reconstruction of complete ECG sets. These recordings correlate highly with surface-obtained QRS and QT duration measurements and have significant implications for clinical applications. Uninterpretable tracings were primarily due to electrode noise from poor electrode contact.

Survey of current perspectives on consumer-available digital health devices for detecting atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Many digital health technologies capable of atrial fibrillation (AF) detection are directly available to patients. However, adaptation into clinical practice by heart rhythm healthcare practitioners (HCPs) is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To examine HCP perspectives on use of commercial technologies for AF detection and management. METHODS: We created an electronic survey for HCPs assessing practice demographics and perspectives on digital devices for AF detection and management. The survey was distributed electronically to all members of 3 heart rhythm professional societies. RESULTS: We received 1601 responses out of 73,563 e-mails sent, with 43.6% from cardiac electrophysiologists, 12.8% from fellows, and 11.6% from advanced practice practitioners. Most respondents (62.3%) reported having recommended patient use of a digital device for AF detection. Those who did not had concerns about their accuracy (29.6%), clinical utility of results (22.8%), and integration into electronic health records (19.8%). Results from a 30-second single-lead electrocardiogram were sufficient for 42.7% of HCPs to recommend oral anticoagulation for patients at high risk for stroke. Respondents wanted more data comparing the accuracy of digital devices to conventional devices for AF monitoring (64.9%). A quarter (27.3%) of HCPs had no reservations recommending digital devices for AF detection, and most (53.4%) wanted guidelines from their professional societies providing guidance on their optimal use. CONCLUSION: Many HCPs have already integrated digital devices into their clinical practice. However, HCPs reported facing challenges when using digital technologies for AF detection, and professional society recommendations on their use are needed.

New-onset left bundle branch block-associated idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy and time from diagnosis to cardiac resynchronization therapy: The NEOLITH II study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) after diagnosis of new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB)-associated idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and treatment with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe relationships between time from diagnosis to CRT and outcomes in new-onset LBBB-associated idiopathic NICM with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study examined associations between time from diagnosis to CRT (≤9 months vs >9 months) and clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. RESULTS: In 123 subjects with LBBB-associated idiopathic NICM, time from diagnosis to CRT was ≤9 months in 60 (49%) subjects and 9 months in 63 (51%) subjects. Clinical outcomes were similar for those implanted ≤9 months versus >9 months for adverse clinical events (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-1.78; P = 0.67) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.19-1.70; P = 0.31). Multivariable analyses demonstrated similar results. In 105 subjects with post-CRT echocardiograms, LVEF improvement to >35% was more likely in those implanted ≤9 months when compared to >9 months (odds ratio [OR], 3.53; 95% CI, 1.32-9.46; P = 0.01). This association persisted in the final multivariable model adjusted for age at diagnosis, sex, QRS duration, post-GDMT LVEF, and time from CRT to post-CRT echocardiogram (OR, 5.10; 95% CI, 1.71-15.22; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: In LBBB-associated idiopathic NICM, earlier CRT implantation was associated with more favorable cardiac remodeling. Delaying CRT may miss a critical period to halt and reverse progressive myocardial damage.

Predictors and implications of early left ventricular ejection fraction improvement in new-onset idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy with narrow QRS complex: A NEOLITH substudy.

BACKGROUND: Predictors and implications of early left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in new-onset idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) with narrow QRS complex are not well described. The objectives were to describe predictors of LVEF improvement after 3 months on GDMT and adverse cardiac events based on post-GDMT LVEF status (≤35% vs. >35%). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in subjects with new-onset NICM, LVEF ≤35%, and narrow QRS complex. Associations for baseline variables with post-GDMT LVEF improvement and absolute change in LVEF (∆LVEFGDMT ) were assessed. Cox proportional hazards models assessed associations for post-GDMT LVEF status with adverse cardiac events. RESULTS: In 70 subjects, 31 (44%) had post-GDMT LVEF ≤35% after a median follow-up time of 97.5 days (interquartile range, 84-121 days). In final multivariable models, severely dilated left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), compared with normal LVEDD, strongly predicted post-GDMT LVEF ≤35% (odds ratio, 7.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-43.49; p = .02) and ∆LVEFGDMT (ß = -15.709; standard error = 4.622; p = .001). Subjects with post-GDMT LVEF ≤35% were more likely to have adverse cardiac events over a median follow-up time of 970.5 days (unadjusted hazard ratio, 2.15; 95% CI, 0.93-4.96; p = .07). In the post-GDMT LVEF ≤35% group, 9 of 26 subjects (35%) had long-term LVEF > 35%. CONCLUSION: In new-onset NICM with narrow QRS complex, nondilated LVEDD predicted early LVEF improvement. Those with post-GDMT LVEF ≤35% had higher risk of adverse cardiac events, but a substantial proportion demonstrated continued long-term LVEF improvement.

New-onset left bundle branch block-associated idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular ejection fraction response to guideline-directed therapies: The NEOLITH study.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) response to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and to early cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in new-onset idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) is not well described. CRT is recommended if LVEF remains ≤35% after at least 3 months of GDMT. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe LVEF response to GDMT at 3 months and to early CRT in new-onset LBBB-associated idiopathic NICM. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in subjects with new-onset idiopathic NICM, LVEF ≤35%, and LBBB or narrow (<120 ms) QRS complex morphology. LVEF response between groups was evaluated with log-binomial and linear regression. LVEF response within groups was evaluated using the paired Student t test. RESULTS: In 102 subjects (70 with narrow QRS complex and 32 with LBBB), post-GDMT LVEF was >35% in 39 narrow QRS complex subjects (56%) and 2 LBBB subjects (6%) (P < .0001). The absolute difference between post-GDMT LVEF and initial LVEF was greater in the narrow QRS complex group (16.1% ± 14.6% vs. 3.3% ± 10.7%; P < .0001). Narrow QRS complex, referenced to LBBB, was significantly associated with post-GDMT LVEF >35% (relative risk 10.30; 95% confidence interval 2.63-40.27; P = .0008) and absolute difference between post-GDMT LVEF and initial LVEF (ß = 16.296; standard error = 2.977; P < .0001) in final multivariable analyses. CRT super-response, defined as post-CRT LVEF ≥50%, was observed in 8 of LBBB subjects (35%) who received CRT. CONCLUSION: GDMT did not significantly improve LVEF in new-onset LBBB-associated idiopathic NICM at 3 months. Most remained candidates for CRT, and a high percentage were super-responders. Optimal timing for CRT implantation requires further investigation.

Electrical dysfunction associated with conductor externalization of a silicone left ventricular lead.

The St. Jude Medical QuickFlex LV lead family (St. Jude Medical, Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA) has been placed under advisory by the manufacturer due to a reported small number of cases of outer insulation failure and conductor externalization. There have been no reports of alteration of any electrical parameters associated with externalization. In this report, a sudden drop of impedance and rise in capture threshold of the left ventricular ring electrode is described, associated with the corresponding externalization of the inner conductor cables confirmed on physical examination. Flexion or torsion of lead was demonstrative of forces favoring externalization of inner conductor cables. Saline bath testing revealed a reproducible, transient reduction in lead resistance associated with conductor externalization. Close monitoring of electrical performance of this lead family is indicated.

Prophylactic lead extraction at implantable cardioverter-defibrillator generator change.

BACKGROUND: Current implantable cardiac devices have a finite battery life of ≈3 to 7 years for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. It is current practice to reuse all properly functioning intravascular leads. We tested the hypothesis that a strategy of prophylactic lead removal at the time of device change would be superior under some conditions to the current practice of lead reuse. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using currently available data and a Monte Carlo microsimulation trial, we calculated the risks of leaving an indwelling lead until extraction is indicated because of malfunction versus an aggressive management strategy of prophylactic serial extraction at time of generator change. With a serial lead exchange strategy of leads at generator change, there is reduced overall extraction-related mortality because of fewer late complications attributable to extraction of leads with high dwell time because of infection, recall, or subsequent lead failure. This finding is limited to young patients or those with high expected indwell time of lead. This trend reverses for leads with <40 years expected dwell time. Sensitivity analysis shows high dependence on extraction performance and device longevity. In all cases, serial extraction would be expected to lead to increased adverse events related to the more complex procedure. CONCLUSIONS: A strategy of serial lead extraction, given best available current parameters, yields a lower procedural mortality risk in the long-term management of indwelling implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads in young patients (>40-year estimated dwell time) driven by high aggregate anticipated risk of lifetime lead complication.

Frequency of toxicity with chemical conversion of atrial fibrillation with dofetilide.

Dofetilide is a class III antiarrhythmic agent approved for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The goal of this study was to determine if chemical cardioversion (CCV) suggests a greater sensitivity to dofetilide and, therefore, portends a higher risk of proarrhythmia. We analyzed 99 consecutive patients with persistent AF who were loaded on dofetilide before cardioversion. CCV occurred after 2 ± 1.5 doses of dofetilide in 46 patients whereas electrical cardioversion (ECV) was required in the remaining 53 patients after 4.7 ± 1.3 doses. During index hospitalization, there were higher rates of dofetilide discontinuation because of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes (TdP) in the CCV group compared with the ECV group (24% vs 2%, p = 0.001). All patients with CCV requiring drug discontinuation converted after a single dose of dofetilide. Additionally, all 3 patients with TdP were in the CCV group. Furthermore, 15 of the 21 patients with CCV (71%) who converted after the first dose of dofetilide developed significant QT prolongation, requiring dose adjustment or discontinuation of drug. Among patients discharged on drug, AF recurrence and drug discontinuation rates were similar between groups at 2-year follow-up. In patients hospitalized for initiation of dofetilide, CCV occurs in almost 50% and is associated with higher rates of pathologic QT prolongation and TdP compared with those who require ECV. Once discharged on dofetilide, safety and efficacy is similar in both groups. In conclusion, patients with CCV may require closer monitoring for proarrhythmia.

Insights into atrioventricular nodal function from patients displaying dual conduction properties: interactive and orthogonal pathways.

BACKGROUND: There is a significant variability observed in the conduction properties of the atrioventricular node. In a subset of hearts, impulse transmission tends to fall into two distinct conduction regions, termed the slow and fast pathway, and a further subset are capable of dual conduction of a single input stimulus, termed double firing. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this article, we closely characterize two distinct responses in patients with double firing properties of the atrioventricular node, separating these into discrete types: those with slow and fast pathway interaction and interdependence (interactive), and those with independent pathway properties (orthogonal). We use novel mathematical techniques to evaluate the relative decrement and unique properties of conduction during the overlapping slow and fast pathway conduction zones. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis demonstrates two distinct patterns of pathway conduction in double firing patients, termed interactive and orthogonal. We show parallel overlapping segments of slow and fast pathway decremental conduction curves in interactive pathways, with no such findings with orthogonal conduction. These findings suggest anatomic correlates of pathway conduction, with interactive pathways likely having a common distal segment and orthogonal pathways able to independently activate downstream structures.

Extraction of defibrillator leads recalled for cable externalization and failure.

BACKGROUND: The Riata implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead was recalled by the Food and Drug Administration because of an increased rate of failure associated with cable externalization. Because of its mechanical separation, the Riata lead may be challenging to extract. We therefore examined the experience with Riata lead extractions at our institution. METHODS: All patients implanted with the Riata lead underwent detailed review of their electronic medical records and operative notes. Procedural complications were ascertained by reviewing the medical records up to 30 days after Riata extraction. RESULTS: From a total of 627 patients implanted with the Riata lead at our institution, 20 patients (age at time of extraction, 57 ± 11 years; 85 % men; lead dwell time, 48 ± 27 months) underwent lead extraction. Extraction was successful in 19 of 20 (95 %) patients and required the use of laser-powered sheaths in 18 (90 %) patients. Over a 30-day follow-up period, 1 of 20 (5 %) patients had a minor procedure-related complication consisting of a new pericardial effusion that did not require drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Extraction of the Riata lead seems to be successful and safe and frequently requires the use of powered sheaths.

Fluoroscopic screening of asymptomatic patients implanted with the recalled Riata lead family.

BACKGROUND: The Food and Drug Administration recently issued a class I recall of the St. Jude Medical Riata implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead presumably because of increased risk of electric failure and mechanical separation via inside-out abrasion. We sought to examine the incidence and time dependence of inside-out abrasion in asymptomatic patients implanted with the Riata lead. METHODS AND RESULTS: Asymptomatic patients implanted with the Riata lead at our institution were offered voluntary fluoroscopic screening in 3 views. Electric testing of the Riata lead with provocative isometric muscle contraction was performed at the time of fluoroscopic screening. Of the 245 patients undergoing fluoroscopic screening, 53 (21.6%) patients showed clear evidence of lead separation. Of these externalized leads, 0%, 13%, and 26% had a dwell time of <3 years, 3 to 5 years, and >5 years, respectively (P=0.037). Externalized leads had a significantly pronounced decrease in R-wave amplitude (-1.7±2.9 mV versus +0.35±2.5 mV; P<0.001), and more patients with externalized leads had ≥25% decrease in R-wave amplitude from baseline (28.0% versus 8.1%; P=0.018). One patient with externalization exhibited new noise on near-field electrogram. CONCLUSIONS: The Riata lead exhibits time-dependent high rates of cable externalization exceeding 20% at >5 years of dwell time. Externalized leads are associated with a more pronounced decrease in R-wave amplitude, which may be an early marker of future electric failure. The use of fluoroscopic and electric screening of asymptomatic patients with the Riata lead remains controversial in the management of patients affected by the recent Food and Drug Administration recall.