Same Day Discharge vs. Overnight Stay Following Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation - A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis by the EHRA Health Economics Committee.

AIMS: Same-day discharge (SDD) after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) may may address the growing socio-economic health burden of the increasing demand for interventional AF-therapies. This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzes the current evidence on clinical outcomes in SDD after AF-ablation compared to overnight stay (ONS). METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic search of the PubMed-database was performed. Predefined endpoints were complications at short-term (24-96h) and 30 days post-discharge, re-hospitalization and/or emergency room (ER)-visits at 30 days post-discharge, and 30-day-mortality. Twenty-four studies (154,716 patients) were included. Random-effects models were applied for meta-analyses of pooled endpoint prevalence in the SDD cohort and for comparison between SDD- and ONS-cohorts. Pooled estimates for complications after SDD were low both for short-term- (2%; 95%CI:1-5%, I2:89%) and 30-day-follow-up (2%; 95%CI:1-4%, I2:91%). There was no significant difference in complications rates between SDD and ONS (short-term: RR:1.62, 95%CI:0.52-5.01, I2:37%; 30-days: RR:0.65, 95%CI:0.42-1.00, I2:95%). Pooled rates of re-hospitalization/ER-visits after SDD were 4% (95%CI:1-10%, I2:96%) with no statistically significant difference between SDD and ONS (RR:0.86, 95%CI:0.58-1.27, I2:61%). Pooled 30-day-mortality was low after SDD (0%, 95%CI:0-1%, I2:33%). All studies were subject to a relevant risk of bias, mainly due to study design. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis including a large contemporary cohort, SDD after AF-ablation was associated with low prevalence of post-discharge complications, re-hospitalizations/ER-visits and mortality, and a similar risk compared to ONS. Due to limited quality of current evidence, further prospective, randomized trials are needed to confirm safety of SDD and define patient- and procedure-related prerequisites for successful and safe SDD-strategies.

Length of hospital stay for elective electrophysiological procedures: a survey from the European Heart Rhythm Association.

AIMS: Electrophysiological (EP) operations that have traditionally involved long hospital lengths of stay (LOS) are now being undertaken as day case procedures. The coronavirus disease-19 pandemic served as an impetus for many centres to shorten LOS for EP procedures. This survey explores LOS for elective EP procedures in the modern era. METHODS AND RESULTS: An online survey consisting of 27 multiple-choice questions was completed by 245 respondents from 35 countries. With respect to de novo cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantations, day case procedures were reported for 79.5% of implantable loop recorders, 13.3% of pacemakers (PMs), 10.4% of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and 10.2% of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. With respect to CIED generator replacements, day case procedures were reported for 61.7% of PMs, 49.2% of ICDs, and 48.2% of CRT devices. With regard to ablations, day case procedures were reported for 5.7% of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablations, 10.7% of left-sided ablations, and 17.5% of right-sided ablations. A LOS ≥ 2 days for CIED implantation was reported for 47.7% of PM, 54.5% of ICDs, and 56.9% of CRT devices and for 54.5% of AF ablations, 42.2% of right-sided ablations, and 46.1% of left-sided ablations. Reimbursement (43-56%) and bed availability (20-47%) were reported to have no consistent impact on the organization of elective procedures. CONCLUSION: There is a wide variation in the LOS for elective EP procedures. The LOS for some procedures appears disproportionate to their complexity. Neither reimbursement nor bed availability consistently influenced LOS.

Performance of a multi-sensor implantable defibrillator algorithm for heart failure monitoring in the presence of atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: The HeartLogic Index combines data from multiple implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) sensors and has been shown to accurately stratify patients at risk of heart failure (HF) events. We evaluated and compared the performance of this algorithm during sinus rhythm and during long-lasting atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: HeartLogic was activated in 568 ICD patients from 26 centres. We found periods of ≥30 consecutive days with an atrial high-rate episode (AHRE) burden <1 h/day and periods with an AHRE burden ≥20 h/day. We then identified patients who met both criteria during the follow-up (AHRE group, n = 53), to allow pairwise comparison of periods. For control purposes, we identified patients with an AHRE burden <1 h throughout their follow-up and implemented 2:1 propensity score matching vs. the AHRE group (matched non-AHRE group, n = 106). In the AHRE group, the rate of alerts was 1.2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-1.5]/patient-year during periods with an AHRE burden <1 h/day and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.5-2.6)/patient-year during periods with an AHRE-burden ≥20 h/day (P = 0.004). The rate of HF hospitalizations was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.15-0.69)/patient-year during IN-alert periods and 0.06 (95% CI: 0.02-0.14)/patient-year during OUT-of-alert periods (P < 0.001). The IN/OUT-of-alert state incidence rate ratio of HF hospitalizations was 8.59 (95% CI: 1.67-55.31) during periods with an AHRE burden <1 h/day and 2.70 (95% CI: 1.01-28.33) during periods with an AHRE burden ≥20 h/day. In the matched non-AHRE group, the rate of HF hospitalizations was 0.29 (95% CI: 0.12-0.60)/patient-year during IN-alert periods and 0.04 (95% CI: 0.02-0.08)/patient-year during OUT-of-alert periods (P < 0.001). The incidence rate ratio was 7.11 (95% CI: 2.19-22.44). CONCLUSION: Patients received more alerts during periods of AF. The ability of the algorithm to identify increased risk of HF events was confirmed during AF, despite a lower IN/OUT-of-alert incidence rate ratio in comparison with non-AF periods and non-AF patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://clinicaltrials.gov/Identifier: NCT02275637.

Validation of a multiple­lead smartphone-based electrocardiograph with automated lead placement for layman use in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: A smartphone 12-Lead ECG that enables layman ECG screening is still lacking. We aimed to validate D-Heart ECG device, a smartphone 8/12 Lead electrocardiograph with an image processing algorithm to guide secure electrode placement by non-professional users. METHODS: One-hundred-fourty-five patients with HCM were enrolled. Two uncovered chest images were acquired using the smartphone camera. An image with virtual electrodes placement by imaging processing algorithm software was compared to the 'gold standard' electrode placement by a doctor. D-Heart 8 and 12-Lead ECG were obtained, immediately followed by 12­lead ECGs and were assessed by 2 independent observers. Burden of ECG abnormalities was defined by a score based on the sum of 9 criteria, identifying four classes of increasing severity. RESULTS: A total of 87(60%) patients presented a normal/mildly abnormal ECG, whereas 58(40%) had moderate or severe ECG alteration. Eight(6%) patients had ≥1 misplaced electrode. D-Heart 8-Lead and 12­lead ECGs concordance according to Cohen's weighted kappa test was 0,948 (p < 0,001, agreement of 97.93%). Concordance was high for the Romhilt-Estes score (kw = 0,912; p < 0.01). Concordance between D-Heart 12-Lead ECG and standard 12-Lead ECG was perfect (kw = 1). PR and QRS intervals measurements comparison with Bland-Altman method showed good accuracy (95% limit of agreement ±18 ms for PR and ± 9 ms for QRS). CONCLUSIONS: D-Heart 8/12-Lead ECGs proved accurate, allowing an assessment of ECG abnormalities comparable to the standard 12­lead ECG in patients with HCM. The image processing algorithm provided accurate electrode placement, standardizing exam quality, potentially opening perspectives for layman ECG screening campaigns.

4S-AF scheme and ABC pathway guided management improves outcomes in atrial fibrillation patients.

BACKGROUND: The 4S-AF scheme and the ABC pathway for integrated care have been proposed to better characterize and treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to evaluate the assessment of the 4S-AF scheme and ABC pathway in Chinese AF patients. METHODS: The ChiOTEAF is a prospective, observational, multicentre registry. Consecutive AF patients from 44 centres across 20 Chinese provinces with available 1-year follow-up data were included. RESULTS: A total of 6419 patients were included, median age 76 years (interquartile range 67-83; 39.1% female). Of these, 3503 (59.8%) patients were not characterized using the 4S-AF scheme and not management according to the ABC pathway (group 1); 1795 (28.0%) were characterized according to the 4S-AF scheme but ABC pathway non-adherent or vice versa (group 2); and 1121 (17.4%) characterized according to the 4S-AF scheme and were ABC pathway adherent (group 3). As compared with group 1, group 2 and group 3 were independently associated with lower odds of the composite endpoint of all-cause death/any thromboembolic event, with the greatest benefit observed in group 3 (OR: 0.19; 95% CI 0.12-0.31) [for group 2: OR: 0.28; 95% CI 0.20-0.37]. Similar results were observed for all-cause death (group 2: OR: 0.18; 95% CI 0.12-0.27; group 3: OR: 0.14; 95% CI 0.07-0.25). CONCLUSIONS: In a contemporary real-word cohort of Chinese AF patients, it is feasible to characterize and manage AF patients using the novel 4S-AF scheme and ABC pathway for integrated care. The use of both these tools is associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Telemedical Monitoring Based on Implantable Devices-the Evolution Beyond the CardioMEMS™ Technology.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: We aimed to provide an overview of telemedical monitoring and its impact on outcomes among heart failure (HF) patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Most HF readmissions may be prevented if clinical parameters are strictly controlled via telemedical monitoring. Predictive algorithms for patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (e.g., Triage-HF Plus by Medtronic or HeartLogic by Boston Scientific) were developed to identify patients at significantly increased risk of HF events. However, randomized control trial-based data are heterogeneous regarding the advantages of telemedical monitoring in HF patients. The likelihood of adverse clinical outcomes increases when pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) rises, usually days to weeks before clinical manifestations of HF. A wireless monitoring system (CardioMEMS™) detecting changes in PAP was proposed for HF patients. CardioMEMS™ transmits data to the healthcare provider and allows to institute timely intensification of HF therapies. CardioMEMS™-guided pharmacotherapy reduced a risk of HF-related hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-0-0.85; p < 0.01). Relevant developments and innovations of telemedical care may improve clinical outcomes among HF patients. The use of CardioMEMS™ was found to be safe and cost-effective by reducing the rates of HF hospitalizations.

Clinical Challenges in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inheritable cardiac disorder associated with exercise- and stress-induced sudden death in young individuals. Although important steps forward have been made in the comprehension and treatment of this disease, several aspects remain unclear. Firstly, from an epidemiological standpoint the actual prevalence of CPVT is still unknown and possibly underestimated. In addition, the diagnostic process remains very challenging and can be supported by genetic analysis in only about half of the cases. Finally, up to one third of CPVT patients continue to present complex arrhythmias despite beta blocker treatment; the role of newer therapeutic options, such as flecainide and left cardiac sympathetic denervation, needs to be further elucidated. All these points constitute challenges for the cardiologist in the management of CPVT patients and fuel research into new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches.

Clinical significance and prognostic value of right bundle branch block in permanent pacemaker patients.

AIMS: In patients undergoing pacemaker implantation with no prior history of heart failure (HF), the presence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) has been identified as an independent predictor of HF-related death or hospitalization, while the prognostic significance of right bundle branch block (RBBB) remains uncertain. We aimed to assess the long-term risk of all-cause mortality in patients with a standard indication for permanent pacing and normal or moderately depressed left ventricular function when RBBB is detected at the time of implantation. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 1348 consecutive patients who had undergone single- or dual-chamber pacemaker implantation at the study center, from January 1990 to December 2022. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% or a prior diagnosis of HF were excluded. RESULTS: The baseline 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed an RBBB in 241 (18%) and an LBBB in 98 (7%) patients. During a median follow-up of 65 [25th-75th percentile: 32-117] months, 704 (52%) patients died. The combined endpoint of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization was reached by 173 (13%) patients. On multivariate analysis, RBBB was confirmed as an independent predictor of death [hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.63; P  = 0.005]. However, when considering the combined endpoint of cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization, this endpoint was independently associated with LBBB (hazard ratio, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.38-3.29; P  < 0.001), but not with RBBB. CONCLUSION: In patients with standard pacemaker indications and normal or moderately depressed left ventricular function, the presence of basal RBBB was an independent predictor of mortality. However, it was not associated with the combined endpoint of cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization.

Detection of subclinical atrial fibrillation with cardiac implanted electronic devices: What decision making on anticoagulation after the NOAH and ARTESiA trials?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) may be asymptomatic and the extensive monitoring capabilities of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) revealed asymptomatic atrial tachi-arrhythmias of short duration (minutes-hours) occurring in patients with no prior history of AF and without AF detection at a conventional surface ECG. Both the terms "AHRE" (Atrial High-Rate Episodes) and subclinical AF were used in a series of prior studies, that evidenced the association with an increased risk of stroke. Two randomized controlled studies were planned in order to assess the risk-benefit profile of anticoagulation in patients with AHRE/subclinical AF: the NOAH and ARTESiA trials. The results of these two trials (6548 patients enrolled, overall) show that the risk of stroke/systemic embolism associated with AHRE/subclinical AF is in the range of 1-1.2 % per patient-year, but with an important proportion of severe/fatal strokes occurring in non-anticoagulated patients. The apparent discordance between ARTESiA and NOAH results may be approached by considering the related study-level meta-analysis, which highlights a consistent reduction of ischemic stroke with oral anticoagulants vs. aspirin/placebo (relative risk [RR] 0.68, 95 % CI 0.50-0.92). Oral anticoagulation was found to increase major bleeding (RR 1.62, 95 % CI 1.05-2.5), but no difference was found in fatal bleeding (RR 0.79, 95 % CI 0.37-1.69). Additionally, no difference was found in cardiovascular death or all-cause mortality. Taking into account these results, clinical decision-making for patients with AHRE/subclinical AF at risk of stroke, according to CHA2DS2-VASc, can now be evidence-based, considering the benefits and related risks of oral anticoagulants, to be shared with appropriately informed patients.

Clinical decisions for appropriate management of patients with atrial fibrillation.

The management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) requires intricate clinical decision-making to optimize outcomes. In everyday clinical practice, physicians undergo difficult choices to better manage patients with AF. They need to balance thromboembolic and bleeding risk to focus on patients' symptoms and to manage a variety of multiple comorbidities. In this review, we aimed to explore the multifaceted dimensions of clinical decision-making in AF patients, encompassing the definition and diagnosis of clinical AF, stroke risk stratification, oral anticoagulant therapy selection, consideration of bleeding risk, and the ongoing debate between rhythm and rate control strategies. We will also focus on possible grey zones for the management of AF patients. In navigating this intricate landscape, clinicians must reconcile the dynamic interplay of patient-specific factors, evolving guidelines, and emerging therapies. The review underscores the need for personalized, evidence-based clinical decision-making to tailor interventions for optimal outcomes according to specific AF patient profiles.

Asymptomatic vs. symptomatic atrial fibrillation: Clinical outcomes in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: The outcome implications of asymptomatic vs. symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in specific groups of patients according to clinical heart failure (HF) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) need to be clarified. METHODS: In a prospective observational study, patients were categorized according to overt HF with LVEF≤40 %, or with LVEF>40 %, or without overt HF with LVEF40 %≤ or > 40 %, as well as according to the presence of asymptomatic or symptomatic AF. RESULTS: A total of 8096 patients, divided into 8 groups according to HF and LVEF, were included with similar proportions of asymptomatic AF (ranging from 43 to 48 %). After a median follow-up of 730 [699 -748] days, the composite outcome (all-cause death and MACE) was significantly worse for patients with asymptomatic AF associated with HF and reduced LVEF vs. symptomatic AF patients of the same group (p = 0.004). On adjusted Cox regression analysis, asymptomatic AF patients with HF and reduced LVEF were independently associated with a higher risk for the composite outcome (aHR 1.32, 95 % CI 1.04-1.69) and all-cause death (aHR 1.33, 95 % CI 1.02-1.73) compared to symptomatic AF patients with HF and reduced LVEF. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that HF-LVEF≤40 % asymptomatic patients had the highest cumulative incidence of all-cause death and MACE (p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: In a large European cohort of AF patients, the risk of the composite outcome at 2 years was not different between asymptomatic and symptomatic AF in the whole cohort but adverse implications for poor outcomes were found for asymptomatic AF in HF with LVEF≤40 %.

Poor adherence to guideline-directed anticoagulation in elderly Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the Optimal Thromboprophylaxis in Elderly Chinese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (ChiOTEAF) registry.

AIMS: Adherence to guideline-directed oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) improves outcomes, but limited data are available from China. We evaluated the adherence to guideline-directed anticoagulation and its impact on clinical outcomes in a high-risk cohort of elderly Chinese patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Optimal Thromboprophylaxis in Elderly Chinese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (ChiOTEAF) registry is a prospective, multicentre study conducted from October 2014 to December 2018. Endpoints of interest were all-cause death, thromboembolic (TE) events and major bleedings in patients with a guideline-directed indication for OACs (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥1 if male or ≥2 if female). The eligible cohort consisted of 5742 patients, of whom 2567 (44.7%) patients were treated with an OAC. Seven independent predictors of OAC undertreatment were identified: age [odds ratio (OR): 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.05; P < 0.001], first diagnosed AF (OR: 1.71; 95%CI: 1.44-2.03; P < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (OR: 1.67; 95%CI: 1.36-2.06; P < 0.001), liver disease (OR: 1.69; 95%CI: 1.19-2.41; P = 0.003), dementia (OR: 1.67; 95%CI: 1.06-2.64; P = 0.026), prior extracranial bleeding (OR: 1.89; 95%CI: 1.35-2.64; P < 0.001), and the use of antiplatelet drug (OR: 6.97; 95%CI: 5.89-8.23; P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, OAC undertreatment was significantly associated with a higher risk all-cause death (OR: 3.79; 95%CI: 2.61-5.53; P < 0.001) and TE events (OR: 2.28; 95%CI: 1.39-3.72; P = 0.001), and a similar risk of major bleeding as compared with guideline-directed OAC therapy. CONCLUSION: Only 44.7% of all eligible patients were prescribed OAC in accordance with guideline recommendations. The independent predictors for OAC undertreatment were age, first diagnosed AF, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prior extracranial bleeding, and the use of the antiplatelet drugs. Guideline-adherent thromboprophylaxis was safe and may be associated with improved survival and less TE among elderly Chinese patients with AF.

Comparative analysis of level of evidence and class of recommendation for 50 clinical practice guidelines released by the European Society of Cardiology from 2011 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) clinical practice guidelines are essential tools for decision-making. AIM: To analyze the level of evidence (LOE) and the class of recommendations in the ESC guidelines released in the last 12 years. METHODS: We evaluated 50 ESC guidelines released from 2011 to 2022, related to 27 topics and categorized them into seven macro-groups. We analyzed every recommendation in terms of LOE and class of recommendation, calculating their relative proportions and changes over time in consecutive editions of the same guideline. RESULTS: A total of 6972 recommendations were found, with an increase in number per year over time. Among the 50 ESC guidelines, the proportional distribution of classes of recommendations was 49% for Class I, 29% for Class IIa, 15% for Class IIb, and 8% for Class III. Overall, 16% of the recommendations were classified as LOE A, 31% LOE B and 53% LOE C. The field of preventive cardiology had the largest proportion of LOE A, while the lowest was in the field of valvular, myocardial, pericardial and pulmonary diseases. The overall proportion of LOE A recommendations in the most recent guidelines compared to their prior versions increased from 17% to 20%. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations included in the ESC guidelines widely differ in terms of quality of evidence, with only 16% supported by the highest quality of evidence. Although a slight global increase in LOE A recommendations was observed in recent years, further scientific research efforts are needed to increase the quality of evidence.

Short and long-term outcomes after cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses patients: a case-control study.

Cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) patients who refuse blood transfusion is challenging requiring dedicated strategies. We aimed to analyze non-selected JW patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to compare with matched controls both perioperative outcomes and long-term survival. We retrospectively analyzed JW patients undergoing cardiac surgery from January 2016 to March 2021 and compared them with matched controls. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital perioperative adverse events and in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality at long-term follow-up. A total of 113 JW patients and 113 controls were included. Baseline clinical characteristics, including laboratory parameters were comparable. Overall, there were no statistical differences between JW vs controls in terms of in-hospital mortality (2.7% vs 1.8%, p = 1.00) but mortality was remarkably high (40%) in JW patients with post-op hemoglobin < 8 g/dl. Logistic regression analysis found that the JW group was not associated with a higher occurrence of the composite outcome (adjusted odds ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-1.57). After a median follow-up of 1397 [IQR 922.7-1723.5] days, JW patients were not associated with a significantly higher all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.24-2.42). Cardiac surgery can be safely performed in non-anemic JW patients despite the refusal of blood transfusions. Favorable clinical outcomes can be achieved by the use of specific perioperative strategies for bloodless surgery with no differences as compared to control patients except in JW patients with a very low level of post-operative hemoglobin not supported by immediate transfusions.

Cardiac Surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses Patients and Association With Peri-Operative Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Strategies for blood conservation, coupled with a careful preoperative assessment, may be applied to Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) patients who are candidates for cardiac surgery interventions. There is a need to assess clinical outcomes and safety of bloodless surgery in JW patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing JW patients with controls undergoing cardiac surgery. The primary endpoint was short-term mortality (in-hospital or 30-day mortality). Peri-procedural myocardial infarction, re-exploration for bleeding, pre-and postoperative Hb levels and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies including 2,302 patients were included. The pooled analysis showed no substantial differences in terms of short-term mortality among the two groups (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.74-1.73, I2=0%). There were no differences in peri-operative outcomes among JW patients and controls (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.39-2.41, I2=18% for myocardial infarction; OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.51-1.25, I2=0% for re-exploration for bleeding). JW patients had a higher level of preoperative Hb (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] 0.32, 95% CI 0.06-0.57) and a trend toward a higher level of postoperative Hb (SMD 0.44, 95% CI -0.01-0.90). A slightly lower CPB time emerged in JWs compared with controls (SMD -0.11, 95% CI -0.30-0.07). CONCLUSIONS: JW patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with avoidance of blood transfusions, did not have substantially different peri-operative outcomes compared with controls, with specific reference to mortality, myocardial infarction, and re-exploration for bleeding. Our results support the safety and feasibility of bloodless cardiac surgery, applying patient blood management strategies.

Features of Clinical Complexity in European Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Report From a European Observational Prospective AF Registry.

There is increasing concern regarding impact of clinical complexity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We explored the impact of different clinical complexity features in AF patients. We analyzed patients from a prospective, observational, multicenter Europe-wide AF registry. Features of clinical complexity among patients with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 were: (1) history of bleeding; (2) frailty; (3) chronic kidney disease (CKD); (4) ≥2 features. A total of 10,169 patients were analyzed. Of these, 141 (1.4%) had history of bleeding, 954 (9.4%) were frail, 1767 (17.4%) had CKD and 1253 (12.3%) had ≥2 features. All features of clinical complexity were less treated with OAC. History of bleeding (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.32-2.85), frailty (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.11-1.71), CKD (HR 1.50, 95% 1.28-1.75) and ≥2 features (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.73-2.51) were associated with outcomes. Presence of features of clinical complexity is associated with lower use of OAC and higher risk of outcomes.

Remote multiparametric monitoring and management of heart failure patients through cardiac implantable electronic devices.

In this review we focus on heart failure (HF) which, as known, is associated with a substantial risk of hospitalizations and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including death. In recent years, systems to monitor cardiac function and patient parameters have been developed with the aim to detect subclinical pathophysiological changes that precede worsening HF. Several patient-specific parameters can be remotely monitored through cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) and can be combined in multiparametric scores predicting patients' risk of worsening HF with good sensitivity and moderate specificity. Early patient management at the time of pre-clinical alerts remotely transmitted by CIEDs to physicians might prevent hospitalizations. However, it is not clear yet which is the best diagnostic pathway for HF patients after a CIED alert, which kind of medications should be changed or escalated, and in which case in-hospital visits or in-hospital admissions are required. Finally, the specific role of healthcare professionals involved in HF patient management under remote monitoring is still matter of definition. We analyzed recent data on multiparametric monitoring of patients with HF through CIEDs. We provided practical insights on how to timely manage CIED alarms with the aim to prevent worsening HF. We also discussed the role of biomarkers and thoracic echo in this context, and potential organizational models including multidisciplinary teams for remote care of HF patients with CIEDs.