Conduction system pacing: how far are we from the "electrical" bypass?

Conduction system pacing is an alternative practice to conventional right ventricular apical pacing. It is a method that maintains physiologic ventricular activation, based on a correct pathophysiological basis, in which the pacing lead bypasses the lesion of the electrical fibers and the electrical impulse transmits through the intact adjacent conduction system. For this reason, it might be reasonably characterized by the term "electrical bypass" compared to the coronary artery bypass in revascularization therapy. In this review, reference is made to the sequence of events in which conventional right ventricular pacing may cause adverse outcomes. Furthermore, there is a reference to alternative strategies and pacing sites. Interest focuses on the modalities for which there are data from the literature, namely for the right ventricular (RV) septal pacing, the His bundle pacing (HBP), and the left bundle branch pacing (LBBP). A more extensive reference is about the HBP, for which there are the most updated data. We analyze the considerations that limit HBP-wide application in three axes, and we also present the data for the implantation and follow-up of these patients. The indications with their most important studies to date are then described in detail, not only in their undoubtedly positive findings but also in their weak aspects, because of which this pacing mode has not yet received a strong recommendation for implementation. Finally, there is a report on LBBP, focusing mainly on its points of differentiation from HBP.

Patient selection, peri-procedural management, and ablation techniques for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: an EHRA survey.

Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is the therapy of choice for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with symptomatic AF. Time towards interventional treatment and peri-procedural management of patients undergoing AF ablation may vary in daily practice. The scope of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to report the current clinical practice regarding the management of patients undergoing AF ablation and physician's adherence to the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines and the EHRA/HRS/ECAS expert consensus statement on the CA for AF. This physician-based survey was conducted among EHRA members, using an internet-based questionnaire developed by the EHRA Scientific Initiatives Committee. A total of 258 physicians participated in the survey. In patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF, 42 and 9% of the physicians would routinely perform AF ablation as first-line therapy respectively, whereas 71% of physicians would consider ablation as first-line therapy in patients with symptomatic AF and left ventricular ejection fraction <35%. Only 14% of the respondents manage cardiovascular risk factors in patients referred for CA using a dedicated AF risk factor management programme. Radiofrequency CA is the preferred technology for first-time AF (56%), followed by cryo-balloon CA (40%). This EHRA survey demonstrated a considerable variation in the management of patients undergoing AF ablation in routine practice and deviations between guideline recommendations and clinical practice.

Rhythm monitoring, success definition, recurrence, and anticoagulation after atrial fibrillation ablation: results from an EHRA survey.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major challenge for the healthcare field. Pulmonary vein isolation is the most effective treatment for the maintenance of sinus rhythm. However, clinical endpoints for the procedure vary significantly among studies. There is no consensus on the definition of recurrence and no clear roadmap on how to deal with recurrences after a failed ablation. The purpose of this study was to perform a survey in order to show how clinicians currently approach this knowledge gap. An online survey, supported by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) Scientific Initiatives Committee, was conducted between 1 April 2022 and 8 May 2022. An anonymous questionnaire was disseminated via social media and EHRA newsletters, for clinicians to complete. This consisted of 18 multiple-choice questions regarding rhythm monitoring, definitions of a successful ablation, clinical practices after a failed AF ablation, and the continuance of anticoagulation. A total of 107 replies were collected across Europe. Most respondents (82%) perform routine monitoring for AF recurrences after ablation, with 51% of them preferring a long-term monitoring strategy. Cost was reported to have an impact on the choice of monitoring strategy. Self-screening was recommended by most (71%) of the respondents. The combination of absence of symptoms and recorded AF was the definition of success for most (83%) of the respondents. Cessation of anticoagulation after ablation was an option mostly for patients with paroxysmal AF and a low CHA2DS2-VASc score. The majority of physicians perform routine monitoring after AF ablation. For most physicians, the combination of the absence of symptoms and electrocardiographic endpoints defines a successful result after AF ablation.

Contemporary clinical management of monomorphic idiopathic premature ventricular contractions: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey.

On behalf of the European Heart Rhythm Association, we designed a survey, whose aim was to understand the trend(s) in the clinical management of idiopathic monomorphic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) among European cardiologists and cardiac electrophysiologists. A total of 202 participants in the survey answered 27 multiple-choice questions on the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic monomorphic PVCs. The most common symptom in patients with idiopathic monomorphic PVCs is palpitations, according to the majority of responders (87%), followed by fatigue (29%) and dizziness (18%). Complete blood cell count, renal function with electrolytes levels, and thyroid function are the blood tests requested by the majority of respondents (65%, 92%, and 93%, respectively). Coronary artery disease and structural heart disease needs to be ruled out, according to the vast majority of participants (99%). A 24-h Holter ECG is the preferred ECG modality to assess the burden of PVCs (86% of respondents). Among the different option treatments, beta-blockers and class I antiarrhythmic drugs are by far (81% of respondents) the preferred pharmacological option in comparison with calcium antagonists and class III antiarrhythmic drugs. Catheter ablation has also a good reputation: 99% of responders are keen to use it, especially in patients with high burden of PVCs and when signs of cardiomyopathy occur.

The blanking period after atrial fibrillation ablation: an European Heart Rhythm Association survey on contemporary definition and management.

The use of a blanking period (BP) after an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedure is a common practice, but recent data questions the benign nature of early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias (ERATs). A physician-based survey was carried out by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) to investigate the current definition and applicability of BP and ERAT management. An online questionnaire was sent to clinical and interventional electrophysiologists. A total of 436 respondents (88% interventional electrophysiologists) reported observing ERATs in 25% (interquartile range 15-35) of patients, less commonly in paroxysmal AF (PAF) compared with persistent AF (persAF). The median reported duration of BP used by respondents was 90 days, with 22% preferring a shorter BP duration for PAF patients compared with persAF. Half of the patients with ERATs are expected to also experience late recurrences (LR). Isolated episodes of ERATs are treated conservatively by 99% of the respondents, but repeat ablation during the BP is preferred by 20% of electrophysiologists for multiple ERATs and by 16% in patients with organized atrial tachyarrhythmias. In conclusion, ERATs are commonly observed after AF ablation, particularly in persAF patients, and are perceived as predictors of LR by half of the respondents. A general adherence to a 90-day BP duration was observed. During this time period, ERAT is mainly treated conservatively, but repeat ablation during the BP is occasionally offered to patients with multiple ERATs and those with organized atrial tachyarrhythmias.

Investigation on Sudden Unexpected Death in the Young (SUDY) in Europe: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Survey.

The aims of this centre-based survey, promoted and disseminated by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) was to investigate the current practice for the investigation of Sudden Unexplained Death in the Young (SUDY) amongst European countries. An online questionnaire composed of 21 questions was submitted to the EHRA Research Network, European Cardiac Arrhythmia Genetics (ECGen) Focus Group members, and European Reference Network GUARD-Heart healthcare partners. There were 81 respondents from 24 European countries. The majority (78%) worked in a dedicated clinic focusing on families with inherited cardiac conditions and/or SUDY or had easy access to a nearby one. On average, an autopsy was performed in 43% of SUDY cases. Macroscopic examination of the body and all organs were completed in 71% of cases undergoing autopsy, and expert cardiac examination in 32%. Post-mortem genetic testing was requested on average in 37% of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) cases, but not at all by 20% of survey respondents. Psychological support and bereavement counselling for SADS/SUDY families were available for ≤50% of participants. Whilst electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography were largely employed to investigate SADS relatives, there was an inconsistent approach to the use of provocative testing with exercise ECG, sodium channel blocking drugs, and/or epinephrine and genetic testing. The survey highlighted a significant heterogeneity of service provision and variable adherence to current recommendations for the investigation of SUDY, partly attributable to the availability of dedicated units and specialist tests, genetic evaluation, and post-mortem examination.

The Impact of Radiofrequency Wide Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation on Left Atrial Geometry in Patients with Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of wide area circumferential radiofrequency catheter ablation (WACA) pulmonary vein isolation on left atrium (LA) geometry. METHODS: Seventy-one patients underwent WACA, for recurrent paroxysmal (n = 31) and persistent (n = 40) atrial fibrillation (AF). A three-dimension rotational angiography of the LA was obtained immediately prior to index and repeat procedure. RESULTS: Significant reduction of LA volume (65.6 ± 14 mL/m2 vs. 62.2 ± 15 mL/m2, p < 0.001) and surface (74.4 ± 11.2 vs. 70.4 ± 11.2 cm2/m2, p < 0.001) was noted. LA sphericity increased significantly (82 ± 2% vs. 83 ± 2%, p = 0.004) in all 71 patients. Patients with paroxysmal AF showed significant reduction of LA volume (121.8 ± 25.7 vs. 116 ± 32 mL, p = 0.008) and increase of LA sphericity (82.3 ± 2.1 vs. 83.1 ± 2%, p = 0.009). Patients with persistent AF showed significant decrease of LA volume (133.5 ± 32 vs. 126 ± 32 mL, p = 0.005) and LA surface area (76.3 ± 12.3 vs. 71.8 ± 12.4 cm2/m2, p = 0.005). LA sphericity (82.4 ± 2.8 vs. 83 ± 2.4%, p = ns) remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: WACA results into significant reduction of LA volume and surface area. Increased LA sphericity is observed in paroxysmal AF only.

Myocardial Protection and Current Cancer Therapy: Two Opposite Targets with Inevitable Cost.

Myocardial protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is mediated by various ligands, activating different cellular signaling cascades. These include classical cytosolic mediators such as cyclic-GMP (c-GMP), various kinases such as Phosphatydilinositol-3- (PI3K), Protein Kinase B (Akt), Mitogen-Activated-Protein- (MAPK) and AMP-activated (AMPK) kinases, transcription factors such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and bioactive molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Most of the aforementioned signaling molecules constitute targets of anticancer therapy; as they are also involved in carcinogenesis, most of the current anti-neoplastic drugs lead to concomitant weakening or even complete abrogation of myocardial cell tolerance to ischemic or oxidative stress. Furthermore, many anti-neoplastic drugs may directly induce cardiotoxicity via their pharmacological effects, or indirectly via their cardiovascular side effects. The combination of direct drug cardiotoxicity, indirect cardiovascular side effects and neutralization of the cardioprotective defense mechanisms of the heart by prolonged cancer treatment may induce long-term ventricular dysfunction, or even clinically manifested heart failure. We present a narrative review of three therapeutic interventions, namely VEGF, proteasome and Immune Checkpoint inhibitors, having opposing effects on the same intracellular signal cascades thereby affecting the heart. Moreover, we herein comment on the current guidelines for managing cardiotoxicity in the clinical setting and on the role of cardiovascular confounders in cardiotoxicity.

Ultralow temperature cryoablation using near-critical nitrogen for cavotricuspid isthmus-ablation, first-in-human results.

INTRODUCTION: Cryoablation has evolved as a safe alternative to radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of several supraventricular arrhythmias and has potential advantages, yet is limited by the properties of the cryogen used. We investigated a novel ultralow temperature cryoablation (ULTC) system using nitrogen near its liquid-vapor critical point as a freezing source, achieving temperatures as low as -196 degrees Celsius in a long linear catheter with a continuous energy release. Initial safety, procedural and efficacy outcomes of ULTC are described in patients undergoing cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Cryocure studies (NCT02355106, NCT02839304) are prospective, single-arm, multi-center, first-in-human clinical studies in 17 patients with atrial flutter (AFL) and 13 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 30 patients, mean age 65 ± 8 years old and 67% male, were enrolled and underwent ablation of the CTI. Acute success, defined as the confirmation of stable bidirectional conduction block across the CTI, was achieved in all 30 patients. After 12 months of follow-up, 14 out of 17 AFL patients remained free from any AFL. One (3.3%) procedure-related but not device-related serious adverse event was reported, involving transient inferolateral ST-elevation associated with temporary AV conduction block. CONCLUSION: In this first-in-human clinical study the safety and performance results demonstrate the capabilities of ultralow temperature near-critical nitrogen as an effective energy source for CTI ablation. Ongoing, larger, studies should confirm our findings and evaluate the capabilities to create linear and focal transmural lesions in other arrhythmias.

Antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation who survive an intracerebral haemorrhage: results of an EHRA survey.

The aim of this survey is to provide a snapshot of current practice regarding antithrombotic therapy (ATT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) comorbid with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). An online survey was distributed to members of the European Heart Rhythm Association. A total of 163 clinicians responded, mostly cardiologists or electrophysiologists (87.7%), predominantly working in University hospitals (61.3%). Most respondents (47.2%) had seen one to five patients with AF comorbid with ICH in the last 12 months. Among patients sustaining an ICH on oral anticoagulation (OAC), 84.3% respondents would consider some form of ATT post-ICH, with 73.2% preferring to switch from a vitamin-K antagonist (VKA) to a non-VKA oral anticoagulant (NOAC) and 37.2% preferring to switch from one NOAC to another. Most (36.6%) would restart OAC >30 days post-ICH. Among patients considered unable to take OAC, left atrial appendage occlusion procedure was the therapy of choice in 73.3% respondents. When deciding on ATT, respondents considered patient's CHA2DS2-VASc score, ICH type, demographics, risk factors, and patient adherence. The main reason for not restarting or commencing ATT was concern about recurrent ICH (80.8%). National or international clinical guidelines would be advantageous to support decision-making (84.3%). Other helpful resources reported were multidisciplinary team involvement (46.9%) and patient education (82%). In summary, most survey respondents would prescribe OAC therapy for patients with AF who have sustained an ICH on OAC and would restart OAC >30 days post-ICH. The risk of recurrent ICH was the main reason for not prescribing any ATT post-ICH.

Clinical symptoms of limited exercise capacity linked to AAI-DDD functionality: An in silico and in vivo approach.

BACKGROUND: Exercise capacity is an important aspect of quality of life in patients undergoing pacemaker implantation. Device algorithms for ventricular pacing avoidance have been developed to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful effects of right ventricular pacing. However, little data exists on the immediate response of these algorithms to sudden AV block during exercise. METHODS: The ventricular pacing avoidance algorithms of four pacemaker manufacturers were tested in an ex-vivo model. The RSIM-1500-USB Device-Interactive Heart Simulator (Rivertek Medical Systems, Inc.) was used to simulate three different scenarios: the first one starting with an initially conducted atrial pacing rate of 60 min-1 , the second one starting with an atrial rate of 120 min-1 and finally a scenario starting with an atrial rate of 150 min-1 . In all three scenarios, the initially conducted atrial rate was followed by a sudden, long lasting episode of third-degree AV-block. The response to those scenarios was recorded for each of the (brand-specific) ventricular pacing avoidance algorithms. RESULTS: In the first scenario, the simulation resulted in a ventricular pause of 1333 ms (Boston Scientific), 2000 ms (Medtronic and Microport), and 2340 ms (Biotronik). In the second and third scenario, different results were observed across devices. All simulations of the second and third scenario resulted in repetitive 2:1 block response (during eight cycles) in Boston Scientific and Biotronik devices. These scenarios were confirmed in patient cases. CONCLUSION: Simulator based observations of unanticipated pacemaker-induced 2:1 block response during exercise may explain clinical symptoms experienced by some patients having a two-chamber pacemaker.

Premature ventricular contractions cause a position shift in 3D mapping systems: analysis, quantification, and correction by hybrid activation mapping.

AIMS: Using a modified CARTO 3D mapping system, we studied if premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) cause position shifts within the 3D co-ordinate system. We quantified magnitude of the phenomenon and corrected for it, by creating both an activation map that represents the conventional local activation time (LAT) and one corrected for this position shift (hybrid LAT map). METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively enrolled patients planned for PVC ablation. Distances between the earliest LAT, the earliest hybrid-LAT, and the best pacemap positions were calculated in a 3D model. Ablation was performed at the best hybrid-LAT location. Efficacy was evaluated by acute response to ablation as well as clinical outcome on 24-h Holter at 1 year. One hundred and twenty-seven LAT-hybrid pairs were studied in 18 patients (age 48.3 ± 18.0 years, 12 female). Baseline PVC burden was 16 ± 12%. The mean position shift between LAT-hybrid and its associated LAT position was 8.9 ± 5.5 mm. The mean position shift between best LAT-hybrid and best pacemap was 6.2 ± 5.0 mm and the mean shift between best conventional LAT and best pacemap was 13.5 ± 7.0 mm (P < 0.0001 for all pairwise comparisons). Exclusive targeting of best LAT-hybrid position resulted in acute abolition of PVC activity in all patients. After 1-year follow-up, mean PVC burden reduction was 16% (baseline) to <1%. CONCLUSION: Premature ventricular contractions cause a position shift in 3D mapping systems compared with the same endocardial position in sinus rhythm. An approach to account for this phenomenon, correct it and target exclusively the adjusted 3D position is feasible and highly efficient in terms of acute and 1-year clinical outcome after radiofrequency ablation.

Factors influencing the use of leadless or transvenous pacemakers: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Prospective Survey.

To study the proportion of leadless pacemaker (LL-PM) implants and the factors influencing the choice of LL-PM vs. transvenous pacemaker (TV-PM) across tertiary centres in Europe with routine availability of the LL-PM. A European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) prospective snapshot survey using electronically distributed questionnaire sent to participating centres. Participating tertiary cardiac pacing centres prospectively included consecutive patients implanted between November 2018 and January 2019. Questions covered standards of care and policies used for patient management, focusing particularly on the reasons for choosing LL-PM vs. TV-PM. Overall, 21 centres from four countries (France, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy) participated, with eventual data from 798 patients (n = 472, 59% male). With 69 implants, LL-PM represented only 9% of all implants and 36% of the single-chamber pacing group; double-chamber transvenous pacemakers were implanted in 528 patients and biventricular (cardiac resynchronization pacemaker) in 79. The two major reasons reported in favour of LL-PM implantation were an anticipated high risk of infection or low rate of ventricular pacing. Compared to TV-PM, LL-PM patients were more often male (74% vs. 54%, P = 0.009), with greater proportion of valvular heart disease (45% vs. 35%, P = 0.01) and atrial fibrillation (AF; 65% vs. 23%, P < 0.0001), with significantly more comorbidities (≥ one comorbidity, 66% vs. 52%, P = 0.02). This contemporary multicentre European survey shows that LL-PM constitutes a small proportion of all PM implants. Patients implanted with LL-PM were more likely to have AF and a high anticipated risk of infection.

Contemporary management of patients with syncope in clinical practice: an EHRA physician-based survey.

Syncope is a heterogeneous syndrome encompassing a large spectrum of mechanisms and outcomes. The European Society of Cardiology published an update of the Syncope Guidelines in 2018. The aim of the present survey was to capture contemporary management of syncope and guideline implementation among European physicians. A 23-item questionnaire was presented to 2588 European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) members from 32 European countries. The response rate was 48%, but only complete responses (n = 161) were included in this study. The questionnaire contained specific items regarding syncope facilities, diagnostic definitions, diagnostic tools, follow-up, and therapy. The survey revealed that many respondents did not have syncope units (88%) or dedicated management algorithms (44%) at their institutions, and 45% of the respondents reported syncope-related hospitalization rates >25%, whereas most (95%) employed close monitoring and hospitalization in syncope patients with structural heart disease. Carotid sinus massage, autonomic testing, and tilt-table testing were inconsistently used. Indications were heterogeneous for implanted loop recorders (79% considered them for recurrent syncope in high-risk patients) or electrophysiological studies (67% considered them in bifascicular block and inconclusive non-invasive testing). Non-pharmacological therapy was consistently considered by 68% of respondents; however, there was important variation regarding the choice of drug and device therapy. While revealing an increased awareness of syncope and good practice, our study identified important unmet needs regarding the optimal management of syncope and variable syncope guideline implementation.

Feasibility of single position endoscopic laser balloon ablation for atrial fibrillation: The open 8 approach.

INTRODUCTION: Ablation without shaft repositioning may make the endoscopic laser ablation system (EAS) more like a single shot approach. We tested the feasibility of wide circumferential ablation (WCA; no carina ablation and no shaft repositioning) in an "open 8" pattern for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (n = 48, age 64.6 ± 12 years) with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were referred to our center for PVI with the EAS. WCA for the lateral and septal pulmonary veins was attempted in all patients. If not feasible, individual full circular isolation of each pulmonary vein (iPVI) was performed. Additional lesions were applied if acute complete electrical isolation was not achieved on the first encirclement. Any documented episode of AF after a 1-month blanking period was registered as a recurrence. Bilateral WCA was feasible in 21 out of 48 patients (43.8%). Additional lesions for complete electrical isolation after the first-pass ablation were less in WCA compared with iPVI (P = 0.02). WCA was accomplished faster, with less applied energy at both lateral (P < 0.01) and septal side (P < 0.01). The mean follow-up of the patient population was 232 ± 150 days. AF recurrence occurred later in patients treated with WCA (315 ± 124 vs 110 ± 88 days, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: WCA with the EAS is safe, at least moderately feasible and highly effective, if achieved. Compared with iPVI it may be less time consuming, results in less energy application, and suppresses AF more effectively.

Antithrombotic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndromes: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey.

The management of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a patient with existing atrial fibrillation (AF) often presents a management dilemma both in the acute phase and post-ACS, since the majority of AF patients will already be receiving oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention and will require further antithrombotic treatment to reduce the risk of in-stent thrombosis or recurrent cardiac events. Current practice recommendations are based largely on consensus option as there is limited evidence from randomized controlled trials. Prior to the launch of the new European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document, a survey was undertaken to examine current clinical management of these patients across centres in Europe. Forty-seven centres submitted valid responses, with the majority (70.2%) being university hospitals. This EHRA survey demonstrated overall the management of ACS in AF patients is consistent with the available guidance. Most centres would use triple therapy for a short duration (4 weeks) and predominantly utilize a strategy of OAC (vitamin K antagonist, VKA or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant, NOAC) plus aspirin and clopidogrel, followed by dual therapy [(N)OAC plus clopidogrel] until 12 months post-percutaneous coronary intervention, followed by (N)OAC monotherapy indefinitely. Where NOAC was used in combination with antiplatelet(s), the lower dose of the respective NOAC was preferred, in accordance with current recommendations.

Management of ventricular tachycardia in the ablation era: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Survey.

Patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) are at risk of sudden death. Treatment options for VT include antiarrhythmic drug therapy, insertion of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, and catheter ablation. Evidence on indications for VT ablation, timing, ablation strategies, and periprocedural management is sparse. The aim of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to evaluate clinical practice regarding management of VT among the European countries. An electronic questionnaire was sent to members of the EHRA Electrophysiology Research Network. Responses were received from 88 centres in 12 countries. The results have shown that management of VTs is very heterogeneous across the participating centres. Indications, periprocedural management, and ablation strategies vary substantially. This EP Wire survey has revealed that catheter ablation is the first-line therapy for the treatment of recurrent monomorphic stable VT in patients without structural heart disease as well as in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction in the majority of centres. Furthermore, in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy and the first episode of monomorphic VT, most centres (62.0%) performed catheter ablation. On the contrary, in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, amiodarone (41.4%) and catheter ablation (37.1%) are used in a very similar proportion. Ablation strategies, endpoints, and post-ablation antithrombotic management vary substantially among European centres.

Use of leadless pacemakers in Europe: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey.

The purpose of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey is to provide an overview of the current use of leadless pacemakers (LLPM) across a broad range of European centres. An online questionnaire was sent to centres participating in the EHRA Electrophysiology Research Network. Questions dealt with standards of care and policies used for patient management, indications, and techniques of implantation of LLPM. In total, 52 centres participated in the survey. Most (86%) reported using LLPM, although 82% of these centres implanted <30 LLPM devices during the last 12 months. Non-availability (36%), lack of reimbursement (55%), and cost of the device (91%) were factors limiting the use of LLPM. The most commonly reported indications for LLPM were permanent atrial fibrillation (83%), a history of complicated conventional pacemaker (87%), or an anticipated difficult vascular access (91%). Implantation of LLPM is perceived as an easy-to-do and safe procedure by most implanters (64%), while difficult or risky in 28%, and comparable to conventional pacemakers by only a few (8%). Local vascular complications were the most frequently reported major problems (28%), but a significant number of respondents (36%) have never encountered any issue after LLPM implantation. Although cost and reimbursement issues strongly influence the use of LLPM, most respondents (72%) anticipate a significant increase in device utilization within next 2 years.

Management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and prevention of sudden cardiac death-translating guidelines into practice: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey.

Prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a partly unsolved task in cardiology. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and prevention of SCD published in 2015 considered the new insights of the natural history of diseases predisposing to SCD. The guidelines improved strategies for management of patients at risk of SCD and included both drug and device therapies. The intention of this survey was to evaluate the extent of the disparities between daily clinical practice and the 2015 SCD ESC guidelines among electrophysiology centres in Europe. The results suggest that the adherence to guidelines is reasonably high and strategies for the management of ischaemic disease are well-established. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator indications for primary prevention are a difficult topic, particularly in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Disparities in the use of genetic testing are probably due to differences in local availability.

Translating guidelines into practice for the management of atrial fibrillation: results of an European Heart Rhythm Association Survey.

Despite the huge progress made in the both understanding the mechanisms and the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) this arrhythmia still represents an important health and social burden. Atrial fibrillation is increasing in frequency and is a major cause of death, stroke, heart failure, cognitive decline, and hospitalizations. New data have emerged emphasizing the multidisciplinary approach to better management of this common arrhythmia. Despite the availability of AF management guidelines, practice among European centres may differ from the current guideline recommendations. The scope of the current European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey is to evaluate the extent of the disparities between clinical practice and the 2016 AF European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. Our survey examined important topics such as screening for AF, initial therapy, rhythm strategy, and stroke and bleeding risk assessment. In general, there was a high adherence to the new ESC AF guidelines among European cardiologists.