Strategy to achieve mitral isthmus flutter ablation by radiofrequency: the SHERIFF plan.

BACKGROUND: Achieving mitral isthmus (MI) block can be challenging. This prospective study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a systematic strategy comprising three consecutive steps to achieve MI block. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients (mean (± SD) age 71.4 ± 6.98 years) undergoing ablation of perimitral atrial tachycardia (PMAT) between December 2019 and November 2021 were included. MI was ablated using a systematic strategy comprising up to three consecutive steps: (1) endocardial ablation from the superolateral mitral annulus to the left pulmonary veins; (2) additional epicardial ablation in the coronary sinus (CS) on the opposite side of the endocardial line; and (3) ablation of early activation sites between endocardial and epicardial breakthroughs. RESULTS: MI block was successfully achieved in 19/20 patients (95%). MI block after endocardial radiofrequency ablation alone (step 1) was observed in 7/20 patients (35%). Epicardial ablation within the CS on the other side of the endocardial line (step 2) resulted in bidirectional MI block in three more patients. Endocardial ablation of epicardial conduction was successful for nine additional patients (95% success). At the 12-month follow-up, five patients (25%) displayed recurrence of arrhythmia after a single procedure. One patient had electrical cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation. Four patients had a redo procedure for left atrial flutter and only two patients (10%) had conduction across the MI and showed recurrence of PMAT. No complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The three-step ablation strategy resulted in a high rate of acute and durable MI block. PMAT recurrence after a single procedure was 10% at 1-year follow-up.

Incidence and management of atrioventricular conduction disorders in new-onset left bundle branch block after TAVI: A prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: New-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) is one of the most frequent complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and is associated with delayed high degree atrioventricular (AV) block. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of AV block in such a population and to assess the performance and safety of a risk stratification algorithm on the basis of electrophysiology study (EPS) followed by implantation of a pacemaker or implantable loop recorder (ILR). METHODS: This was a prospective open-label study with 12-month follow-up. From June 8, 2015, to November 8, 2018, 183 TAVI recipients (mean age 82.3 ± 5.9 years) were included at 10 centers. New-onset LBBB after TAVI persisting for >24 hours was assessed by electrophysiology study during initial hospitalization. High-risk patients (His-ventricle interval ≥70 ms) were implanted with a dual-chamber pacemaker recording AV conduction disturbance episodes. Patients at lower risk were implanted with an ILR with automatic remote monitoring. RESULTS: A high-grade AV conduction disorder was identified in 56 patients (30.6%) at 12 months. Four subjects were symptomatic, all in the ILR group. No complications were associated with the stratification procedure. Patients with His-ventricle interval ≥70 ms displayed more high-grade AV conduction disorders (53.2% [25 of 47] vs 22.8% [31 of 136]; P < .001). In a multivariate analysis, His-ventricle interval ≥70 ms was independently associated with the occurrence of a high-grade conduction disorder (subdistribution hazard ratio 2.4; 95% confidence interval 1.2-4.8; P = .010). CONCLUSION: New-onset LBBB after TAVI was associated with high rates of high-grade AV conduction disturbances. The stratification algorithm provided safe and valuable aid to management decisions and reliable guidance on pacemaker implantation.

Early pacemaker insertion after aortic valve replacement with an Edwards Intuity sutureless valve.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative conduction disorders are serious adverse events in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, and may prolong the duration of hospitalization and require pacemaker insertion. AIM: Our aim was to evaluate the rate of pacemaker insertion after implantation of an Edwards Intuity sutureless aortic valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) compared with a standard surgical bioprosthesis. METHODS: This retrospective single-centre study included patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with an Intuity sutureless aortic valve or a standard bioprosthetic valve between 4 June 2014 and 27 June 2016. The main outcome criterion was the rate of postoperative pacemaker insertion. Secondary outcome criteria included the rate of new conduction disorders, the rate of atrial arrhythmia or paroxysmal conduction disorders, mortality and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients received an Intuity sutureless aortic valve (median age 76 years, interquartile range 71-80 years), and 176 were implanted with a standard biological aortic valve (median age 73 years, interquartile range 68-79 years; P=0.007). The rate of postoperative pacemaker insertion, after adjustment, was 22.44% in the Intuity group and 5.66% in the standard aortic valve group (P=0.030). The main indications for postoperative pacemaker insertion were complete atrioventricular block and left bundle branch block with prolongation of the H-V interval. The rate of new postoperative left bundle branch block conduction disorders was significantly higher in patients implanted with an Intuity valve (odds ratio 5.28, 95% confidence interval 1.59 to 23.05; P=0.012). CONCLUSION: Higher rates of pacemaker insertion and new conduction disorders were observed in patients implanted with an Intuity sutureless bioprosthesis compared with those who received a standard surgical aortic valve.

Micra AV leadless pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Transvenous pacemaker (PM) implantation is a complication in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Recently, a second generation of leadless PMs able of atrioventricular (AV) synchronous pacing has been introduced and could be an alternative when ventricular pacing is required after TAVI. Real-world data on Micra AV after TAVI are still lacking. Our aim was to determine the per- and post-procedural outcomes in patients with Micra AV leadless PM implantation after TAVI. METHODS: A total of 20 consecutive patients underwent Micra AV leadless PM implantation after TAVI between November 2020 and June 2021. RESULTS: The main indication for ventricular pacing was high-degree AV block (55% of patients) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) associated with prolonged HV interval (45% of patients). At discharge, mean (SD) ventricular pacing threshold was 0.397 ± 0.11 V at 0.24 ms and ventricular impedance was 709.4 ± 139.1 Ω. At 1-month follow-up, 95% of patients were programmed in VDD pacing mode. Mean (SD) ventricular pacing threshold was 0.448 ± 0.094 V at 0.24 ms. In patients with ventricular> pacing > 90% (n = 5), mean AM-VP was 72.5% ± 8.3%. Pacing threshold at 1 month was not significantly different compared to discharge (p = .1088). Mean (SD) impedance was 631.0 ± 111.9 Ω, which remained stable at discharge (p = .0813). No procedural complications occurred during implantation. At 1-month follow-up, two patients displayed atrial under-sensing. CONCLUSIONS: Micra AV leadless PM implantation after TAVI is associated with a low complication rate and good device performance at 1-month post-implantation.

An improved window of interest for electroanatomical mapping of atrial tachycardia.

PURPOSE: Diagnosis of atrial tachycardia (AT) with 3D mapping system remains challenging due to fibrosis or previous ablation. This study aims to evaluate a new electroanatomical mapping annotation setting using a window of interest adjusted at the end of the P wave (WOIp wave) to identify the AT mechanism more accurately. METHODS: Twenty patients with successful ablation of left AT using navigation system CARTO3 were evaluated. Two maps for each patient were generated offline using either conventional settings of WOI (WOIconv.) or WOIp wave. Three investigators from two centres analysed the maps blindly. RESULTS: Mechanisms of AT were macroreentrant in 14/20 patients (70%) and focal in 6/20 (30%). WOIp wave resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of correct identification of the mechanism based on mapping alone (93.3 ± 13.7% vs 58.3 ± 33.9%; p = 0.0003) compared with WOIconv.. Diagnoses based on mapping were arrived at faster (27.8 ± 16.4 s vs 38.97 ± 13.64 s, respectively; p = 0.0231) and with a greater confidence in the diagnosis (confidence index 2.57 ± 0.45 vs 2.12 ± 0.45, respectively; p = 0.0024). With perimitral re-entry specifically "early meets late" was closer to the anatomical region of the mitral isthmus (15.9 ± 20.9 mm vs 48.77 ± 23.23 mm, respectively; p = 0.0028). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that electroanatomical mapping acquisition with a window of interest set at the end of the P wave improves the ability to diagnose the arrhythmia mechanism based on the initial map. It is particularly beneficial in identifying area of interest for ablation in perimitral AT.

Preventing atrial fibrillation by combined right isthmus ablation and cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation in patients with typical atrial flutter: PAF-CRIOBLAF study.

BACKGROUND: Although less common, typical atrial flutter shares similar pathophysiological roots with atrial fibrillation. Following successful cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation using radiofrequency, many patients, however, develop atrial fibrillation in the mid-to-long-term. This study sought to assess whether pulmonary vein isolation conducted at the same time as cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation would significantly modify the atrial fibrillation burden upon follow-up in patients suffering from typical atrial flutter. METHODS: This was a multicenter randomized controlled study involving typical atrial flutter patients with history of non-predominant atrial fibrillation (1 atrial fibrillation episode only, in 67% of population) who were scheduled for cavo-tricuspid isthmus radiofrequency ablation. Patients were randomly assigned to either undergo cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation alone or cavo-tricuspid isthmus plus pulmonary vein isolation (CTI+). Pulmonary vein isolation was performed using cryoballoon technology. An outpatient consultation with ECG and 1-week Holter monitoring was performed at 3, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postprocedure. The primary endpoint was atrial fibrillation recurrences lasting more than 30 s at 2 years postablation. RESULTS: Of the patients enrolled, 36 were included in each group. At 2-year follow-up, the atrial fibrillation recurrence rate was significantly higher in the CTI vs CTI+group (25/36, 69% vs. 12/36, 33% respectively; P < .001), with similar typical atrial flutter recurrence rates. There were no differences in undesirable events, except for transient phrenic nerve palsy reported from three CTI+patients (8.3%). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary vein isolation using cryoballoon technology was proven to significantly reduce the atrial fibrillation incidence at 2 years postcavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation.

Initial multicenter experience with a new high-density coloring module: impact for complex atrial arrhythmias interpretation.

BACKGROUND: High-density automated mapping of complex atrial tachycardias (ATs) requires accurate assessment of activation maps. A new local activation display module (HD coloring, Biosense Webster®) provides higher map resolution, a better delineation of potential block reducing color interpolation, and a new propagation display. We evaluated the accuracy of a dedicated local activation display compared with standard algorithm. METHODS: High-density maps from 10 AT were collected with a multipolar catheter and were displayed with standard activation or HD coloring. Six expert operators retrospectively analyzed activation maps and were asked to define (1) the tachycardia mechanism, (2) ablation target, and (3) level of difficulty to interpret those maps. RESULTS: Using HD coloring, operators were able to reach a correct diagnosis in 93% vs. 63%, p < 0.05 compared to standard activation maps. Time to diagnosis was shorter 1.9 ± 1.0 min vs. 3.9 ± 2.1 min, p < 0.05. Confidence level would have allowed ablation without necessity for entrainment maneuvers in 87% vs. 53%, p < 0.05. Operators would have needed to remap or proceed with multiple entrainments in 3% vs. 13% of cases, p < 0.05. Finally, ablation strategy was more accurately identified in 97% vs. 67%, p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Activation mapping with the new HD coloring module allowed a more accurate, reliable, and faster interpretation of complex ATs mechanisms compared to standard activation maps.

Impact of left atrial appendage closure on circulating microvesicles levels: The MICROPLUG study.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as a valid alternative to oral anticoagulation therapy for the prevention of systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Microvesicles (MVs) are shed-membrane particles generated during various cellular types activation/apoptosis that carry out diverse biological effects. LAA has been suspected to be a potential source of MVs during AF, but the effects its occlusion on circulating MVs levels are unknown. METHODS: N = 25 LAAO and n = 25 control patients who underwent coronary angiography were included. Blood samples were drawn before and 48 h after procedure for all. A third sample was collected 6 weeks after procedure in LAAO patients. In N = 10 extra patients, samples were collected from right atrium, LAA and pulmonary vein during LAAO procedure. Circulating AnnV + procoagulant, endothelial, platelets, red blood cells/RBC and leukocytes derived-MVs were measured using flow cytometry methods. RESULTS: In the LAAO group, AnnV+, platelets, RBC, and leukocytes MVs were significantly increased following intervention, whereas only AnnV + MVs levels significantly rose in controls. The 6-w analysis showed that RBC-MVs and AnnV + MVs levels were still significantly elevated compared to baseline values in LAAO patients. The in-site analysis revealed that leukocytes and CD62e + endothelial-MVs were significantly higher in left atrial appendage compared to pulmonary vein, suggesting a local increased production. No major adverse event was observed in any patient post procedural course. CONCLUSIONS: LAAO impacts circulating MVs and might create mild pro-coagulant status and potential erythrocytes activation due to the device healing during the first weeks following intervention.

Elimination of the negative component of the unipolar electrogram as a local procedural endpoint during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation catheter ablation using contact-force sensing: the UNIFORCE study.

PURPOSE: Elimination of the negative component of the unipolar atrial electrogram is a reliable indicator of the creation of a transmural lesion. Contact-force (CF) sensing technology has the potential to increase the durability of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In the present multicenter study, we assessed the 2-year sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance rate in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) after PVI guided by these two approaches. METHODS: Two hundred fifteen consecutive PAF patients (62.1 ± 10.1 years, 65 women) were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent PVI under CARTO guidance according to a systematic contiguous "point-by-point" approach, using radiofrequency energy, and a CF externally irrigated ablation catheter with the goal of at least 10g (ideally 20g) of force. The ablation endpoint of each individual lesion was elimination of the negative component of the unipolar atrial signal. The procedural endpoint was PVI with bidirectional block. RESULTS: All PVs were successfully isolated. After 30 min of waiting time, 35 patients (16%) had PV reconnection and in all of them, the PVs were re-isolated. Two years after a single ablation procedure, 187 patients (87%) remained arrhythmia free, without anti-arrhythmic drugs. Of the 28 patients presenting with AF recurrence, 25 had PV reconnection and underwent repeat PVI while in the remaining 3 patients, all four PVs were isolated and extra-PV triggers were identified. There were six groin hematomas and one transient ischemic attack. CONCLUSIONS: Unipolar atrial signal analysis combined with CF sensing ensures a robust 2-year SR maintenance rate in the treatment of PAF. Clinical trial registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02520960.

Prognosis assessment of persistent left bundle branch block after TAVI by an electrophysiological and remote monitoring risk-adapted algorithm: rationale and design of the multicentre LBBB-TAVI Study.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous aortic valve replacement (transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)) notably increases the likelihood of the appearance of a complete left bundle branch block (LBBB) by direct lesion of the LBB of His. This block can lead to high-grade atrioventricular conduction disturbances responsible for a poorer prognosis. The management of this complication remains controversial. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: The screening of LBBB after TAVI persisting for more than 24 hours will be conducted by surface ECG. Stratification will be performed by post-TAVI intracardiac electrophysiological study. Patients at high risk of conduction disturbances (≥70 ms His-ventricle interval (HV) or presence of infra-Hisian block) will be implanted with a pacemaker enabling the recording of disturbance episodes. Those at lower risk (HV <70 ms) will be implanted with a loop recorder device with remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Clinical, ECG and implanted device follow-up will also be performed at 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary objective is to assess the efficacy and safety of a decisional algorithm based on electrophysiological study and remote monitoring of CIEDs in the prediction of high-grade conduction disturbances in patients with LBBB after TAVI. The primary end point is to compare the incidence (rate and time to onset) of high-grade conduction disturbances in patients with LBBB after TAVI between the two groups at 12 months. Given the proportion of high-grade conduction disturbances (20-40%), a sample of 200 subjects will allow a margin of error of 6-7%. The LBBB-TAVI Study has been in an active recruiting phase since September 2015 (21 patients already included). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Local ethics committee authorisation was obtained in May 2015. We will publish findings from this study in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and present results at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02482844; Pre-results.

Does defibrillation testing influence outcomes after CRT-D implantation? A cause-of-death analysis from the DAI-PP study.

BACKGROUND: Little data address the usefulness of defibrillation testing in patients with prolonged QRS duration, known for more advanced myocardial disease. We aimed to compare baseline characteristics and outcomes between patients who underwent defibrillation testing (DT+) and those who did not (DT-), immediately after the implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D). METHODS: Data from all patients with ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy implanted in primary prevention with a CRT-D in 12 French centers were considered for analysis (2002-2012). RESULTS: Out of the 1516 patients with DT information available, DT was performed in 958(63%) patients. Compared to DT- patients, DT+ patients presented no significant differences in terms of age (65.1±10.8 vs 64.7±10.3years, p=0.45), LVEF (25%[20.0-30.0] vs 25%[20.5-30.0], p=0.30), or etiologies of heart failure (ischemic: 49.6% vs 46.9%, p=0.32). By contrast, DT+ patients were less likely to present atrial fibrillation (25.3% vs 33.4%, p=0.001), renal insufficiency (eGFR<60ml/min in 45.3% vs 51.7%, p=0.04) and NYHA functional class≥III (68.9% vs 77.4%, p=0.0006). All of the three perioperative deaths occurred in the DT+ group and were related to DT itself. After a mean follow-up of 3.1±2.1years, the adjusted incidence of overall mortality was lower among DT+ patients (adjusted HR 0.6, 95%CI 0.4-0.7, p<0.0001). However, ICD-unresponsive sudden deaths remained very rare and no more frequently observed among DT- patients (p=0.41). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, the higher (up to 40%) mortality at midterm among DT- patients is mainly reflecting their more severe cardiac disease, rather than a higher rate of ICD-unresponsive sudden death.

The Kora Pacemaker is Safe and Effective for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: The impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on pacemakers is potentially hazardous. We present clinical results from a novel MRI conditional pacing system with the capability to switch automatically to asynchronous mode in the presence of a strong magnetic field. AIMS: The IKONE (Assessment of the MRI solution: KORA 100™ and Beflex™ pacing leads system) study is an open-label, prospective, multicenter study aimed at confirming the safety and effectiveness of the system, when used in patients undergoing MRI of anatomical regions excluding the chest. METHODS: Primary eligibility criteria included patients implanted with the system, with or without a clinically indicated MRI. The primary endpoint was to confirm no significant change in pacing capture thresholds at 1 month after an MRI, with an absolute difference of ≤0.75 V between the pre- and 1-month post-MRI for both atrial and ventricular capture thresholds. RESULTS: Out of 33 patients enrolled (mean age: 72.8 ± 11.4 years, 70% male, implant indication or device), 29 patients implanted with the MRI conditional system underwent an MRI 6-8 week postimplant. The study reached its primary endpoint: the mean absolute difference in pacing capture threshold at 1-month post-MRI versus pre-MRI was less than 0.75 V in the atrium (Δ = 0.18 ± 0.16 V, P-value < 0.001) and in the ventricle (Δ = 0.18 ± 0.22 V, P-value < 0.001). There were no adverse events related to the MRI procedure nor were there reports of patient symptoms or discomfort associated. MR image quality was of diagnostic quality in all patients. CONCLUSION: Lead electrical performance as measured by difference in capture thresholds were not impacted by MRI. This first clinical evaluation of a novel MRI conditional system demonstrates it is safe and effective for use in out-of-chest, 1.5-T MR imaging.

Syncope without prodromes in patients with normal heart and normal electrocardiogram: a distinct entity.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate the clinical and laboratory findings of patients affected by sudden-onset syncope without prodromes who had a normal heart and normal electrocardiogram. BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of syncope in these patients is uncertain. METHODS: We compared the clinical and laboratory findings of 15 patients with sudden-onset syncope without prodromes who had a normal heart and normal electrocardiogram (the study group) with those of 31 patients with established vasovagal syncope (VVS). RESULTS: The patients in the study group were older than those with VVS (age 61 ± 12 years vs. 46 ± 17 years) and had a history of fewer episodes of syncope (median of 2 [interquartile range [IQR]: 1 to 2.5] vs. 9 [IQR: 4 to 15] years) that were of more recent onset (median of 1 [IQR: 0 to 1] vs. 10.5 [IQR: 3.3 to 27] years). The study group had lower median baseline adenosine plasmatic levels than the VVS group (0.25 µmol/l [95% confidence interval: 0.10 to 1.51] vs. 0.85 µmol/l [95% confidence interval: 0.32 to 2.80]). On receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the adenosine plasmatic level of ≤0.36 best discriminated between groups, displaying 73% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Tilt table testing was more frequently positive in patients with VVS than in the study group (74% vs. 33%). A similarly high positivity rate of adenosine/adenosine triphosphate testing was found in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Common clinical features and a low adenosine plasmatic level define a distinct form of syncope, distinguish it from VVS, and suggest a causal role of the adenosine pathway.

Further evidence for the "muscle bundle" hypothesis of cavotricuspid isthmus conduction: physiological proof, with clinical implications for ablation.

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) is composed of discrete muscle bundles with preferred paths of conduction. An ablation technique targeting high-voltage local electrograms (maximum voltage guided or MVG technique) has been described with the aim of preferentially targeting the muscle bundles. We hypothesized that the MVG technique could provide isthmus block even if the high voltage targets were clearly separated on different ablation lines. In contrast, conduction over a continuous sheet of muscle would require a single continuous ablation line. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients (mean age 65 ± 11.7, 5 females) underwent ablation using the MVG technique on 2 noncontiguous lines in the CTI. Ablation lesions were first applied at the septal aspect of the CTI, targeting only the ventricular (anterior) aspect of the annulus. A line distinctly lateral and noncontiguous to the first was then chosen to target high voltage potentials on the atrial (posterior) aspect of the CTI. RESULTS: Complete CTI block was achieved in all study patients without complication. A mean of 7.8 ± 3.7 ablation lesions were required. Mean ablation time was 401.0 ± 414.5 seconds. CONCLUSION: Two nonoverlapping incomplete lines of ablation in the CTI consistently lead to bidirectional conduction block. This further supports the hypothesis that conduction over the CTI occurs over discrete muscle bundles. These bundles can be targeted individually for ablation without the need to ablate a continuous line over the CTI.

Ventricular fibrillation induced by spontaneous hypothermia in a patient with early repolarization syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The early repolarization (ER) pattern on ECG was originally described in the context of hypothermia. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 34-year-old male with cardiac arrest in the context of spontaneous hypothalamic mediated thermal dysregulation after intracranial hemorrhage. Ventricular fibrillation with a marked ER pattern recurred with therapeutic hypothermia. Spontaneous hypothermia due to hypothalamic dysregulation was observed to enhance the amplitude of the ER pattern and was contemporaneous with recurrent ventricular fibrillation during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothermia is an important trigger of VF in the setting of early repolarization syndrome, and warrants assessment as an environmental trigger of spontaneous events.

Impact of comorbidity on medication use in elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases: the OCTOCARDIO study.

BACKGROUND: Recommended medications are under-prescribed in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease (CAD), and congestive heart failure (CHF). The relationship between under-prescribing and comorbidity is unclear. DESIGN: Single-day observational study. METHODS: Analysis of medications taken by patients aged 80 years or over at the time of their admission to cardiology units of 32 French hospitals. Comorbidity was measured using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). RESULTS: The study included 510 patients (57% men, mean age 85 years). History of AF, CHF, and CAD was present in 213 (42%), 199 (39%), and 187 (37%) patients, respectively. CCI was 0 in 110 (22%), 1-2 in 215 (42%), and ≥3 in 185 (36%) patients. Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) were prescribed to 105 (49%) and aspirin to 86 (40%) patients with AF. CCI did not influence VKA prescription but influenced aspirin use, with lower prescription rates in patients with CCI 1-2 than CCI 0 or CCI ≥3 (p = 0.02). In CHF, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and ß-blockers were prescribed to 80 (40%) and 96 (48%) patients, respectively. Rates of prescription of ACEI, ß-blockers, statins, and aspirin in patients with CAD were 43%, 56%, 56%, and 66%, respectively. CCI level did not influence any medication use in CHF and CAD. CONCLUSION: Even in the absence of comorbidity, elderly patients with major cardiovascular diseases are denied from indicated medical treatments probably because of their age alone. Implementing measures to enhance awareness of treatment benefits and promote appropriate prescribing is necessary.

Adenosine plasma level and A2A adenosine receptor expression: correlation with laboratory tests in patients with neurally mediated syncope.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that responses to the ATP test and head-up tilt test (HUT) may be correlated with different purinergic profiles. DESIGN AND SETTING: The ATP and HUT identify distinct subsets of patients with neurally mediated syncope (NMS). Adenosine and its A(2A) receptors (A(2A)R) may be implicated in the pathophysiology of NMS in patients with positive HUT. Nothing is known about the purinergic profile of patients with positive ATP. PATIENTS AND MEASURES: This prospective study includes a consecutive series of patients with suspected NMS. All patients underwent both HUT and ATP. Before testing, samples were collected for measurement of baseline adenosine plasma level (APL) and expression. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients (25 men and 21 women) with a mean age of 57±18 years were enrolled. The HUT test was positive in 27 patients and the ATP test in 20. Both tests were positive in 9 and negative in 8. High APL was associated with high probability of positive HUT while low APL was associated with high probability of positive ATP. Expression of A(2A)R was lower in patients with positive ATP than in those with positive HUT. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that patients with NMS present different purinergic profiles and that responses to HUT and ATP are correlated with these profiles.

Voltage-guided ablation technique for cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter: refining the continuous line.

Ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus has become first-line therapy for "isthmus-dependent" atrial flutter. The goal of ablation is to produce bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus block. Traditionally, this has been obtained by creation of a complete ablation line across the isthmus from the ventricular end to the inferior vena cava. This article describes an alternative method used in our laboratory. There is substantial evidence that conduction across the isthmus occurs preferentially over discrete separate bundles of tissue. Consequently, voltage-guided ablation targeting only these bundles with large amplitude atrial electrograms results in a highly efficient alternate method for the interruption of conduction across the cavotricuspid isthmus. Understanding the bundle structure of conduction over the isthmus facilitates more flexible approaches to its ablation and targeting maximum voltages in our hands has resulted in reduction of ablation time and fewer recurrences.

Minimally invasive robotically assisted repair of atrial perforation from a pacemaker lead.

BACKGROUND: We present the first reported case of robotic-assisted right atrial perforation repair and pacemaker lead extraction. METHODS: A 75-year-old female with symptomatic sinus node dysfunction underwent atrial single chamber permanent pacemaker insertion via a persistent left superior vena cava approach. At one week follow-up a chest radiograph and a computerized dynamic tomography demonstrated that the right atrial lead had perforated the right atrial free wall. The patient remained asymptomatic without signs of pericardial tamponade, however urgent repair was warranted. RESULTS: Utilizing the da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, California, USA), the pacer lead perforation was visualized, the lead retracted, and the right atrium repaired. The existing atrial lead was repositioned in the right atrial appendage. CONCLUSION: The patient's postoperative convalescence was uneventful, and she was discharged home on the third post-operative day. This case demonstrates the increasing clinical utilization of robotic-assisted technology in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Tachycardia induction with ventricular extrastimuli differentiates atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia from orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Differentiating atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) from septal orthodromic reentrant tachycardia (ORT(Septal)) is challenging in nonsustained tachycardia. When sustained, the postpacing interval minus tachycardia cycle length following entrainment (PPI(Entrainment) - TCL) and stimulation to atrial interval minus ventriculoatrial interval (Stim-A(Entrainment) - VA) are utilized. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that the first tachycardia cycle after tachycardia induction with right ventricular apical extrastimulation would yield comparable information to entrainment, precluding the need for sustained tachycardia. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with AVNRT (age 47 ± 18 years), 19 with ORT(Septal) (age 42 ± 17 years), and 15 with ORT over a left lateral accessory pathway (ORT(Left)) (age 41 ± 16 years) were included. The ventricular extrastimulus to atrial depolarization at tachycardia initiation (Stim-A(Initiation)) and tachycardia VA interval were measured to establish the Stim-A(Initiation) minus VA interval (Stim-A(Initiation) - VA). The ventricular extrastimulus to the subsequent right ventricular apical depolarization (postpacing interval at initiation, PPI(Initiation)) was utilized to obtain the PPI(Initiation) minus TCL (PPI(Initiation) - TCL). The AH interval associated with the PPI(Initiation) minus the AH in tachycardia was utilized to establish a corrected PPI(Initiation) minus TCL (cPPI(Initiation) - TCL). RESULTS: The intervals after tachycardia initiation were longer for AVNRT than for ORT: mean PPI(Initiation) - TCL (193 ± 44 vs 91 ± 73; P <.001), cPPI(Initiation) - TCL (174 ± 44 ms vs 88 ± 50 ms; P <.001), and Stim-A(Initiation) - VA (161 ± 45 ms vs 69 ± 53 ms; P <.001). The correlation coefficient for Stim-A(Initiation) minus VA against Stim-A(Entrainment) minus VA was 0.79 and for cPPI(Initiation) minus TCL against PPI(Entrainment) minus TCL was 0.71. cPPI(Initiation) minus TCL <115 ms or Stim-A(Initiation) - VA <85 ms was observed only in ORT. The converse was observed in AVNRT but also in ORT(Septal) over decremental accessory pathways and ORT(Left). CONCLUSION: Stim-A(Initiation) - VA < 85 ms or cPPI(Initiation) - TCL < 115 ms excludes AVNRT.