Conduction system disease management in patients candidate and/or treated for the aortic valve disease: an Italian Survey promoted by Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC).

BACKGROUND: Conduction system disorders represent a frequent complication in patients undergoing surgical (surgical aortic valve replacement, SAVR) or percutaneous (transcatheter aortic valve implantation, TAVI) aortic valve replacement. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate experienced operators approach in this clinical condition. METHODS: This survey was independently conducted by the Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC) and it consisted of 24 questions regarding the respondents' profile, the characteristics of participating centres, and conduction disease management in different scenarios. RESULTS: Fifty-five physicians from 55 Italian arrhythmia centres took part in the survey. Prophylactic pacemaker implantation is rare. In case of persistent complete atrioventricular block (AVB), 49% and 73% respondents wait less than one week before implanting a definitive pacemaker after SAVR and TAVI, respectively. In case of second degree AVB, the respondents wait some days more for definitive implantation. Respondents consider bundle branch blocks, in particular pre-existing left bundle branch block (LBBB), the worst prognostic factors for pacemaker implantation after TAVI. The implanted valve type is considered a relevant element to evaluate. In patients with new-onset LBBB and severe/moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction, respondents would implant a biventricular pacemaker in 100/55% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Waiting time before a definitive pacemaker implantation after aortic valve replacement has reduced compared to the past, and it is anticipated in TAVI vs. SAVR. Bundle branch blocks are considered the worse prognostic factor for pacemaker implantation after TAVI. The type of pacemaker implanted in new-onset LBBB patients without severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction is heterogeneous.

Exploring Microphone Technologies for Digital Auscultation Devices.

The aim of this work is to present a preliminary study for the design of a digital auscultation system, i.e., a novel wearable device for patient chest auscultation and a digital stethoscope. The development and testing of the electronic stethoscope prototype is reported with an emphasis on the description and selection of sound transduction systems and analog electronic processing. The focus on various microphone technologies, such as micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMSs), electret condensers, and piezoelectronic diaphragms, intends to emphasize the most suitable transducer for auscultation. In addition, we report on the design and development of a digital acquisition system for the human body for sound recording by using a modular device approach in order to fit the chosen analog and digital mics. Tests were performed on a designed phantom setup, and a qualitative comparison between the sounds recorded with the newly developed acquisition device and those recorded with two commercial digital stethoscopes is reported.

Atrial fibrillation recurrences during the blanking period after catheter ablation with the laser balloon technique.

INTRODUCTION: Regardless of the catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) strategy, the role of early recurrences during the blanking period (BP) is still unclear. Our aim was to evaluate atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs) recurrences during the BP after CA with the laser-balloon (LB) technique. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing LBCA were enrolled. Primary outcome of the study was the overall crude ATA recurrence rate during the BP. ATA recurrences after the BP and in-hospital readmissions during the BP were deemed secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-four patients underwent CA with the LB. Median age was 63.0 (55.5-69.5) years and 74.1% were males. 28.6% were persistent AF patients, and 34.8% of patients were followed up with a loop recorder. 15.6% of patients experienced at least an ATA recurrence during the BP. Male sex, chronic heart failure, persistent AF, and recurrences during the BP were found to be associated with long-term ATA recurrences. Recurrences during the BP remained associated with the outcome of interest at multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 12.393, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 3.699-41.865, p < .001). An association over time was found between early and late recurrences, with 73.7%, 45.5%, and 10.8% of patients presenting with recurrences at 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-up being free from recurrences after the BP, respectively. 8.0% of patients were readmitted during the BP: 4.5% for AF electrical cardioversion, and 1.8% for CA of other atrial arrhythmias; no redo CA was performed. CONCLUSION: After adjusting for confounders, ATA recurrences during the BP represent the most significant predictor of ATA recurrences after the BP, regardless of AF pattern.

Bridging the gap in the symptomatic heart failure patient journey: insights from the Italian scenario.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis for heart failure (HF) patients remains poor, with a high mortality rate, and a marked reduction in quality of life (QOL) and functional status. This study aims to explore the ongoing needs of HF management and the epidemiology of patients followed by Italian HF clinics, with a specific focus on cardiac contractility modulation (CCM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data from patients admitted to 14 HF outpatients clinics over 4 weeks were collected and compared to the results of a survey open to physicians involved in HF management operating in Italian centers. RESULTS: One hundred and five physicians took part in the survey. Despite 94% of patients receive a regular follow-up every 3-6 months, available therapies are considered insufficient in 30% of cases. Physicians reported a lack of treatment options for 23% of symptomatic patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) and for 66% of those without reduced EF. Approximately 3% of HF population (two patients per month per HF clinic) meets the criteria for immediate CCM treatment, which is considered a useful option by 15% of survey respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Despite this relatively small percentage, considering total HF population, CCM could potentially benefit numerous HF patients, particularly the elderly, by reducing hospitalizations, improving functional capacity and QOL.

Stereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation (STAR): A Multidisciplinary Narrative Minireview of Preclinical Studies.

The aim of this narrative review of the literature was to collect and analyze the results of the published preclinical studies on stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) in the treatment of refractory cardiac arrhythmias. A literature search was conducted on PubMed using the following terms: ("stereotactic" OR "SBRT" OR "SABR" OR "radioablation" OR "radiosurgery") AND ("arrhythmia" OR "tachycardia"). Preclinical and pathological reports published in English without time limit, comprising studies of STAR in animal models and histological analyzes of explanted animal and human hearts were included. The analyzed studies confirm that doses lower than 25 Gy seem to produce sub-optimal therapeutic results whereas doses >35 Gy are less safe in terms of radiation-induced toxicity. However, long-term results (>1 year) are still missing and reporting outcomes based on low dose irradiation (≤15 Gy). Finally, STAR proved to be an effective therapy in the analyzed studies despite the irradiation of rather different cardiac targets. Therefore, additional studies are needed to: 1) compare the outcomes of STAR at doses of 25 Gy versus 30 Gy; 2) evaluate the long-term results (>1 year) in animal models irradiated at doses similar to those used in the clinic; 3) define the optimal target.

Early detection of cancer therapy cardiotoxicity by radionuclide angiography: An update.

Cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity is an emerging clinical and healthcare issue. Myocardial dysfunction and heart failure are mostly responsible for increased cardiovascular mortality in cancer disease survivors. Several imaging surveillance techniques have been proposed for early diagnosis of cancer therapy-induced cardiac dysfunction. Our aim was to provide an update of radionuclide angiography applications in this field. Radionuclide angiography is widely used to assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) throughout cancer treatment, especially in patients with limited acoustic window. Additional prognostic data may be provided by phase analysis and diastolic function evaluation. Low LVEF and high approximate entropy at baseline seem to be predictors for cancer therapy-induced cardiac dysfunction. A decrease in peak filling rate and/or an increase in time to peak filling rate may be observed in patients undergoing anthracycline and/or trastuzumab administration. Diastolic function impairment may precede or not LVEF decrease. In conclusion, recent studies have provided novel insights into the possible role of radionuclide angiography in the early detection of cancer therapy cardiotoxicity. While interpreting the results of a radionuclide angiography examination, an integrated approach combining the evaluation of LVEF, LV diastolic function, and phase analysis may be useful to improve risk stratification of cancer patients treated with cardiotoxic agents.

Prognostic value of renal failure in patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction: single centre experience and systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac implantable electronic device infections (CIEDI) are challenging complications, associated with high mortality rate. Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is the only curative treatment for CIEDI. Albeit continuous improvement in tools and techniques dramatically decreased TLE associated complications, survival after TLE for CIEDI is still poor. Renal failure (RF) is frequently reported in candidates to TLE, but due to variability in its definition, the real prevalence is not well defined. OBJECTIVE: Considering the impact of RF on mortality among patients affected by cardiovascular diseases, we aimed our research at defining the role of RF as a predictor of post-TLE mortality. METHOD AND RESULTS: We will provide the results of a systematic revision of literature on the impact of RF on mortality at different time points after TLE, according to the various definitions adopted for RF. Considering the high variability of literature in this field, we will provide the results of an explorative analysis comparing the different definitions of RF on clinical outcomes in a cohort of candidates to TLE for CIEDI in a high-volume referral center. CONCLUSION: We discuss the possible reasons of the negative impact of RF after TLE, providing new perspectives for future research.

Personalizing configuration for atrial fibrillation external electrical cardioversion to improve first shock efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Despite the common use of biphasic electrical cardioversion (ECV) to convert atrial fibrillation (AF), we lack definite recommendations on electrode configuration. METHODS: We adopted a quasi-experimental design enrolling all candidates to ECV for AF. In the first stage, two units were involved, one using antero-apical pads (AAP) and the second antero-posterior adhesive patches (APP). These data enabled the creation of a decision algorithm to personalize the ECV approach, which was subsequently validated during the second stage. RESULTS: A total of 492 patients were enrolled overall. In the first stage, APP and AAP presented similar conversion rates (87.4 vs. 86.9% at first attempt of a step-up protocol, P = 0.661). While body surface area (BSA) ≤2.12 m2 was an independent predictor in the overall population, the two components (height and weight) acted differently in the two configurations: being height ≤1.73 m2 a significant cut-off value in the AAP subgroup, and weight <83 kg in the APP subgroup. Considering these cut-offs, we developed a decision algorithm for electrode configuration. In the second stage, algorithm validation confirmed an improvement in the first shock efficacy with respect to the results of the first stage (93.2 vs. 87.2%, P = 0.025), with a significant reduction in shock impedance (70.8 ±â€Š15.3 vs. 81.8 ±â€Š15.6, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with high BSA require high energy shocks for sinus rhythm restoration with ECV. Weight seems to affect more APP configuration, while height seems to impact more for the AAP. These findings have the potential to optimize ECV in clinical practice.

Bridging the future of cardiac stimulation: physiologic or leadless pacing?

Cardiac simulation has moved from early life-saving pacemakers meant only to prevent asystole to current devices capable of physiologic stimulation for the treatment of heart rhythm and heart failure, that are also intended for remote patient and disease-progression monitoring. The actual vision of contemporary pacing aims to correct the electrophysiologic roots of mechanical inefficiency regardless of underlying structural heart diseases. The awareness of the residual cardiac dyssynchrony related to customary cardiac pacing has changed the concept of what truly represents "physiologic pacing". On a different perspective, leadless stimulation to abolish CIED surgery and prevent lead-related complications is becoming a priority both for young device recipients and for frail, elderly patients. Careful clinical evaluation attempts to bridge decision-making to patient-tailored therapy.

Ten-year follow-up of cardiac resynchronization therapy patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy assessed by radionuclide angiography: a single-center cohort study.

PURPOSE: Relatively few data are available on long-term survival and incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patients. We investigated long-term outcomes of CRT patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy stratified as responders or non-responders according to radionuclide angiography. METHODS: Fifty patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing CRT were assessed by equilibrium Tc99 radionuclide angiography with bicycle exercise at baseline and after 3 months. Intra- and interventricular dyssynchrony were derived by Fourier phase analysis. Patient clinical outcome was assessed after 10 years. RESULTS: At 3 months, 50% of patients were identified as CRT responders according to an increase in LV ejection fraction ≥ 5%. During a follow-up of 109 ± 48 months, 30% of patients died and 6% underwent heart transplantation. Age and history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were found to be predictors of all-cause mortality. CRT responders showed lower risk of death from cardiac causes than non-responders. At follow-up, 38% of patients presented at least one episode of sustained ventricular tachycardia, with a similar percentage between responders and non-responders. CONCLUSION: At long-term follow-up, non-ischemic CRT recipients identified as responders by radionuclide angiography were found to be at lower risk of worsening heart failure death than non-responders. Long-term risk for sustained ventricular arrhythmia was similar between CRT responders and non-responders.

Use of Diltiazem in Chronic Rate Control for Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Case-Control Study.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a multifaceted disease requiring personalised treatment. The aim of our study was to explore the prognostic impact of a patient-specific therapy (PT) for rate control, including the use of non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (NDDC) in patients with heart failure (HF) or in combination with beta-blockers (BB), compared to standard rate control therapy (ST), as defined by previous ESC guidelines. This is a single-centre prospective observational registry on AF patients who were followed by our University Hospital. We included 1112 patients on an exclusive rate control treatment. The PT group consisted of 125 (11.2%) patients, 93/125 (74.4%) of whom were prescribed BB + NDCC (±digoxin), while 85/125 (68.0%) were HF patients who were prescribed NDCC, which was diltiazem in all cases. The patients treated with a PT showed no difference in one-year overall survival compared to those with an ST. Notably, the patients with HF in ST had a worse prognosis (p < 0.001). To better define this finding, we performed three sensitivity analyses by matching each patient in the PT subgroups with three subjects from the ST cohort, showing an improved one-year survival of the HF patients treated with PT (p = 0.039). Our results suggest a potential outcome benefit of NDCC for rate control in AF patients, either alone or in combination with BB and in selected patients with HF.

Pacing devices to treat bradycardia: current status and future perspectives.

Introduction: Cardiac stimulation evolved from life-saving devices to prevent asystole to the treatment of heart rhythm disorders and heart failure, capable of remote patient and disease-progression monitoring. Cardiac stimulation nowadays aims to correct the electrophysiologic roots of mechanical inefficiency in different structural heart diseases.Areas covered: Clinical experience, as per available literature, has led to awareness of the concealed risks of customary cardiac pacing, that can inadvertently cause atrio-ventricular and inter/intra-ventricular dyssynchrony. New pacing modalities have emerged, leading to a new concept of what truly represents 'physiologic pacing' beyond maintenance of atrio-ventricular coupling. In this article we will analyze the emerging evidence in favor of the available strategies to achieve an individualized physiologic setting in bradycardia pacing, and the hints of future developments.Expert opinion: 'physiologic stimulation' technologies should evolve to enable an effective and widespread adoption. In one way new guiding catheters and the adoption of electrophysiologic guidance and non-fluoroscopic lead implantation are needed to make His-Purkinje pacing successful and effective at long term in a shorter procedure time; in the other way leadless stimulation needs to upgrade to a superior physiologic setting to mimic customary DDD pacing and possibly His-Purkinje pacing.

Subacute pericardial abscess after aortic valve replacement: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Purulent pericarditis is an infectious disease, frequently caused by gram-positive bacteria, that is rarely observed in healthy individuals, and is often associated with predisposing conditions. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present the case of an Escherichia coli post-surgical localized purulent pericarditis complicated by transient constrictive pericarditis and its diagnostic and therapeutic management. CONCLUSIONS: Our case report focuses on the importance of imaging-guided treatment of purulent pericardial diseases, in particular on the emerging role of 18 F-labelled 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in pericardial diseases and on the management of transient constrictive pericarditis, often seen after thoracic surgery.