Percutaneous left stellate ganglion block for refractory ventricular tachycardia in structural heart disease: our single-centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: When electrical storm (ES) is amenable to neither antiarrhythmic drugs, nor deep sedation or catheter ablation, autonomic modulation may be considered. We report our experience with percutaneous left stellate ganglion block (PSGB) to temporarily suppress refractory ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in patients with structural heart disease. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed at our institution of patients with structural heart disease and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) who had undergone PSGB for refractory VA between January 2018 and October 2021. The number of times antitachycardia pacing (ATP) was delivered and the number of ICD shocks/external cardioversions performed in the week before and after PSGB were evaluated. Charts were checked for potential complications. RESULTS: Twelve patients were identified who underwent a combined total of 15 PSGB and 5 surgical left cardiac sympathetic denervation procedures. Mean age was 73 ± 5.8 years and all patients were male. Nine of 12 (75%) had ischaemic cardiomyopathy, with the remainder having non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 35% (±â€¯12.2%). Eight of 12 (66.7%) patients were already being treated with both amiodarone and beta-blockers. The reduction in ATP did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.066); however, ICD shocks (p = 0.028) and ATP/shocks combined were significantly reduced (p = 0.04). At our follow-up electrophysiology meetings PSGB was deemed ineffective in 4 of 12 patients (33%). Temporary anisocoria was seen in 2 of 12 (17%) patients, and temporary hypotension and hoarseness were reported in a single patient. DISCUSSION: In this limited series, PSGB showed promise as a method for temporarily stabilising refractory VA and ES in a cohort of male patients with structural heart disease. The side effects observed were mild and temporary.

Genetic Burden of TNNI3K in Diagnostic Testing of Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Supraventricular Arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: Genetic variants in TNNI3K (troponin-I interacting kinase) have previously been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), cardiac conduction disease, and supraventricular tachycardias. However, the link between TNNI3K variants and these cardiac phenotypes shows a lack of consensus concerning phenotype and protein function. METHODS: We describe a systematic retrospective study of a cohort of patients undergoing genetic testing for cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy including TNNI3K. We further performed burden testing of TNNI3K in the UK Biobank. For 2 novel TNNI3K variants, we tested cosegregation. TNNI3K kinase function was estimated by TNNI3K autophosphorylation assays. RESULTS: We demonstrate enrichment of rare coding TNNI3K variants in DCM patients in the Amsterdam cohort. In the UK Biobank, we observed an association between TNNI3K missense (but not loss-of-function) variants and DCM and atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, we demonstrate genetic segregation for 2 rare variants, TNNI3K-p.Ile512Thr and TNNI3K-p.His592Tyr, with phenotypes consisting of DCM, cardiac conduction disease, and supraventricular tachycardia, together with increased autophosphorylation. In contrast, TNNI3K-p.Arg556_Asn590del, a likely benign variant, demonstrated depleted autophosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate an increased burden of rare coding TNNI3K variants in cardiac patients with DCM. Furthermore, we present 2 novel likely pathogenic TNNI3K variants with increased autophosphorylation, suggesting that enhanced autophosphorylation is likely to drive pathogenicity.

Dutch Outcome in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy: Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator-Related Complications in a Contemporary Primary Prevention Cohort.

Background One third of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients receive appropriate therapy, but all remain at risk of defibrillator complications. Information on these complications in contemporary cohorts is limited. This study assessed complications and their risk factors after defibrillator implantation in a Dutch nationwide prospective registry cohort and forecasts the potential reduction in complications under distinct scenarios of updated indication criteria. Methods and Results Complications in a prospective multicenter registry cohort of 1442 primary implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implant patients were classified as major or minor. The potential for reducing complications was derived from a newly developed prediction model of appropriate therapy to identify patients with a low probability of benefitting from the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. During a follow-up of 2.2 years (interquartile range, 2.0-2.6 years), 228 complications occurred in 195 patients (13.6%), with 113 patients (7.8%) experiencing at least one major complication. Most common ones were lead related (n=93) and infection (n=18). Minor complications occurred in 6.8% of patients, with lead-related (n=47) and pocket-related (n=40) complications as the most prevailing ones. A surgical reintervention or additional hospitalization was required in 53% or 61% of complications, respectively. Complications were strongly associated with device type. Application of stricter implant indication results in a comparable proportional reduction of (major) complications. Conclusions One in 13 patients experiences at least one major implantable cardioverter-defibrillator-related complication, and many patients undergo a surgical reintervention. Complications are related to defibrillator implantations, and these should be discussed with the patient. Stricter implant indication criteria and careful selection of device type implanted may have significant clinical and financial benefits.

Drug-induced 'Torsade de Pointes' in a COVID-19 patient despite discontinuation of chloroquine. Importance of its long half-life: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Early studies have led to the repositioning of a subgroup of antimalarial agents (e.g. chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine) as antiviral treatment in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. These drugs are now being prescribed based on small non-controlled studies, but larger controlled studies have yet to demonstrate the positive effect of these drugs. In addition, these drugs are also known for their QT interval-prolonging effect associated with significant morbidity and mortality. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of a 66-year-old female admitted to the intensive care unit with respiratory failure due to COVID-19. She was treated with chloroquine (QTc interval at baseline was 429 ms). Despite cessation of chloroquine, but after the start of erythromycin, she developed severe QTc interval prolongation (QTc interval 550 ms) and 'Torsade de Pointes'. Two weeks after cessation of all QTc interval-prolonging drugs, the QTc interval was restored. DISCUSSION: The elimination half-life of chloroquine ranges from days up to weeks. Even after discontinuation of chloroquine, ECG monitoring in COVID-19 patients is warranted. We recommend observation of the QT interval after cessation of chloroquine in cases where other potentially QT interval-prolonging drugs are introduced.

Myocardial fibrosis as an early feature in phospholamban p.Arg14del mutation carriers: phenotypic insights from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

Aims: The p.Arg14del founder mutation in the gene encoding phospholamban (PLN) is associated with an increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and heart failure. It has been shown to lead to calcium overload, cardiomyocyte damage, and eventually to myocardial fibrosis. This study sought to investigate ventricular function, the extent and localization of myocardial fibrosis and the associations with ECG features and VA in PLN p.Arg14del mutation carriers. Methods and results: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) data of 150 mutation carriers were analysed retrospectively. Left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, mass, and ejection fraction were measured. The extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was expressed as a percentage of myocardial mass. All standard ECG parameters were measured. Occurrence of VA was analysed on ambulatory 24-h and/or exercise electrocardiography, if available. Mean age was 40 ± 15 years, 42% males, and 7% were index patients while 93% were pre-symptomatic carriers identified after family cascade screening. Mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and RV ejection fraction were 58 ± 9% and 55 ± 9%, respectively. LV-LGE was present in 91% of mutation carriers with reduced LVEF (<45%) and in 30% of carriers with preserved LVEF. In carriers with positive LV-LGE, its median extent was 5.9% (interquartile range 3.2-12.7). LGE was mainly observed in the inferolateral wall. Carriers with inverted T-waves in the lateral ECG leads more often had LV-LGE (P < 0.01) than carriers without. Finally, the presence of LV-LGE, but not attenuated R-waves and inverted lateral T-waves, was independently associated with VA. Conclusion: LV myocardial fibrosis is present in many PLN p.Arg14del mutation carriers, and who still have a preserved LVEF. It is seen predominantly in the LV inferolateral wall and corresponds with electrocardiographic repolarization abnormalities. Although preliminary, myocardial fibrosis was found to be independently associated with VA. Our findings support the use of CMR with LGE early in the diagnostic work-up.

Recombinant human collagen-based microspheres mitigate cardiac conduction slowing induced by adipose tissue-derived stromal cells.

BACKGROUND: Stem cell therapy to improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction is hampered by poor cell retention, while it may also increase the risk of arrhythmias by providing an arrhythmogenic substrate. We previously showed that porcine adipose tissue-derived-stromal cells (pASC) induce conduction slowing through paracrine actions, whereas rat ASC (rASC) and human ASC (hASC) induce conduction slowing by direct coupling. We postulate that biomaterial microspheres mitigate the conduction slowing influence of pASC by interacting with paracrine signaling. AIM: To investigate the modulation of ASC-loaded recombinant human collagen-based microspheres, on the electrophysiological behavior of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM). METHOD: Unipolar extracellular electrograms, derived from microelectrode arrays (8x8 electrodes) containing NRVM, co-cultured with ASC or ASC loaded microspheres, were used to determine conduction velocity (CV) and conduction heterogeneity. Conditioned medium (Cme) of (co)cultures was used to assess paracrine mechanisms. RESULTS: Microspheres did not affect CV in control (NRVM) monolayers. In co-cultures of NRVM and rASC, hASC or pASC, CV was lower than in controls (14.4±1.0, 13.0±0.6 and 9.0± 1.0 vs. 19.5±0.5 cm/s respectively, p<0.001). Microspheres loaded with either rASC or hASC still induced conduction slowing compared to controls (13.5±0.4 and 12.6±0.5 cm/s respectively, p<0.001). However, pASC loaded microspheres increased CV of NRVM compared to pASC and NRMV co-cultures (16.3±1.3 cm/s, p< 0.001) and did not differ from controls (p = NS). Cme of pASC reduced CV in control monolayers of NRVM (10.3±1.1 cm/s, p<0.001), similar to Cme derived from pASC-loaded microspheres (11.1±1.7 cm/s, p = 1.0). The presence of microspheres in monolayers of NRVM abolished the CV slowing influence of Cme pASC (15.9±1.0 cm/s, p = NS vs. control). CONCLUSION: The application of recombinant human collagen-based microspheres mitigates indirect paracrine conduction slowing through interference with a secondary autocrine myocardial factor.

Differential Mechanisms of Myocardial Conduction Slowing by Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells Derived from Different Species.

Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic option to treat patients after myocardial infarction. However, the intramyocardial administration of large amounts of stem cells might generate a proarrhythmic substrate. Proarrhythmic effects can be explained by electrotonic and/or paracrine mechanisms. The narrow therapeutic time window for cell therapy and the presence of comorbidities limit the application of autologous cell therapy. The use of allogeneic or xenogeneic stem cells is a potential alternative to autologous cells, but differences in the proarrhythmic effects of adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) across species are unknown. Using microelectrode arrays and microelectrode recordings, we obtained local unipolar electrograms and action potentials from monolayers of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) that were cocultured with rat, human, or pig ADSCs (rADSCs, hADSCs, pADSCs, respectively). Monolayers of NRVMs were cultured in the respective conditioned medium to investigate paracrine effects. We observed significant conduction slowing in all cardiomyocyte cultures containing ADSCs, independent of species used (p < .01). All cocultures were depolarized compared with controls (p < .01). Only conditioned medium taken from cocultures with pADSCs and applied to NRVM monolayers demonstrated similar electrophysiological changes as the corresponding cocultures. We have shown that independent of species used, ADSCs cause conduction slowing in monolayers of NRVMs. In addition, pADSCs exert conduction slowing mainly by a paracrine effect, whereas the influence on conduction by hADSCs and rADSCs is preferentially by electrotonic interaction. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:22-30.

Experimental Validation of Noninvasive Epicardial and Endocardial Activation Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive imaging of cardiac activation before ablation of the arrhythmogenic substrate can reduce electrophysiological procedure duration and help choosing between an endocardial or epicardial approach. A noninvasive imaging technique was evaluated that estimates both endocardial and epicardial activation from body surface potential maps. We performed a study in isolated and in situ pig hearts, estimating activation from body surface potential maps during sinus rhythm and localizing endocardial and epicardial stimulation sites. METHODS AND RESULTS: From 3 Langendorff-perfused pig hearts, 180 intramural unipolar electrograms were recorded during sinus rhythm and ectopic activation, together with pseudo-body surface potential map ECGs in 2 of them. From 4 other anesthetized pigs, 64-lead body surface potential maps were recorded during sinus rhythm and ventricular stimulation from 27 endocardial and epicardial sites. The ventricular activation pattern was computed from the recorded QRS complexes. For both Langendorff-perfused hearts, the calculated epicardial and endocardial activation patterns showed good qualitative correspondence to the patterns obtained with needle electrodes. Absolute timing difference for sinus rhythm was 10±5 and 11±8 ms respectively, and for ectopic activation 6±5 and 7±6 ms, respectively. Calculated activation for the in situ hearts in sinus rhythm was similar to patterns recorded in Langendorff-perfused hearts. During stimulation, the distance between the stimulation site and calculated site of earliest activation was 18 (15-27) mm, and 23 of 27 stimulation sites were correctly mapped to either endocardium or epicardium. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive activation imaging is able to determine earliest ventricular activation and discriminate endocardial from epicardial origin of activation with clinically relevant accuracy.

Documented atrial fibrillation recurrences after pulmonary vein isolation are associated with diminished quality of life.

AIMS: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) aims at eliminating symptomatic atrial fibrillation. In this regard, the most relevant indication for this procedure is the reduction of symptoms and improvement of quality of life (QoL) in patients who remain symptomatic despite antiarrhythmic drug treatment. We investigated the relation between documented atrial fibrillation recurrences and QoL in patients after PVI. METHODS: One hundred and six PVIs were performed in 99 patients. Follow-up was mainly performed at referring hospitals. Short Form 36 (SF-36) QoL questionnaires were completed before and 1 year after PVI. Electrocardiographic recordings from the first postprocedural year were retrospectively collected, 3 months blanking excluded. Atrial fibrillation recurrence was defined as any recurrence of atrial arrhythmia documented on ECG or 24-h-Holter. RESULTS: Before PVI, patients had lower QoL than the general Dutch population in 7/8 SF-36 questionnaire subscales (sumQoL 419.4 ±â€Š161 vs. 617.9, P < 0.001). Atrial fibrillation recurred in 52 (49%) patients. In these patients, four subscales increased following PVI (physical functioning P < 0.001, role physical P = 0.006, bodily pain P = 0.011 and social functioning P = 0.047). SumQoL remained lower than the general Dutch population (546.7 ±â€Š157, P = 0.003). In patients without documented recurrences, QoL improved to a level similar to that of the general Dutch population (602.9 ±â€Š148; P = 0.46). The number of electrocardiographic recordings was lower in the group without documented recurrences (2.5 ±â€Š1.8 vs. 3.8 ±â€Š1.7, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In patients without documentation of atrial fibrillation, QoL increased up to the level of the general population after PVI, but it remained lower in patients with recurrences. In the latter group more ECGs were done, suggesting that QoL relates particularly to symptomatic episodes. Improvement of QoL is therefore an important attribute of PVI.

ST-Segment Elevation and Fractionated Electrograms in Brugada Syndrome Patients Arise From the Same Structurally Abnormal Subepicardial RVOT Area but Have a Different Mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is characterized by a typical ECG pattern. We aimed to determine the pathophysiologic basis of the ST-segment in the BrS-ECG with data from various epicardial and endocardial right ventricular activation mapping procedures in 6 BrS patients and in 5 non-BrS controls. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 7 patients (2 BrS and 5 controls) with atrial fibrillation, an epicardial 8×6 electrode grid (interelectrode distance 1 mm) was placed epicardially on the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical pulmonary vein isolation. In 2 other BrS patients, endocardial, epicardial RV (CARTO), and body surface mapping was performed. In 2 additional BrS patients, we performed decremental preexcitation of the RVOT before endocardial RV mapping. During video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical pulmonary vein isolation and CARTO mapping, BrS patients (n=4) showed greater activation delay and more fractionated electrograms in the RVOT region than controls. Ajmaline administration increased the region with fractionated electrograms, as well as ST-segment elevation. Preexcitation of the RVOT (n=2) resulted in ECGs that supported the current-to-load mismatch hypothesis for ST-segment elevation. Body surface mapping showed that the area with ST-segment elevation anatomically correlated with the area of fractionated electrograms and activation delay at the RVOT epicardium. CONCLUSIONS: ST-segment elevation and epicardial fractionation/conduction delay in BrS patients are most likely related to the same structural subepicardial abnormalities, but the mechanism is different. ST-segment elevation may be caused by current-to-load mismatch, whereas fractionated electrograms and conduction delay are expected to be caused by discontinuous conduction in the same area with abnormal myocardium.

Scar tissue and microvolt T-wave alternans.

Microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) is an electrocardiographic marker for predicting sudden cardiac death. In this study, we aimed to study the relation between MTWA and scar assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Sixty-eight patients with positive or negative MTWA and analysable CMR examination were included. Using CMR and the delayed enhancement technique, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), volumes, wall motion and scar characteristics were assessed. Overall, positive MTWA (n = 40) was related to male gender (p = 0.04), lower LVEF (p = 0.04) and increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (p < 0.01). After multivariate analysis, male gender (p = 0.01) and lower LVEF remained significant (p = 0.02). Scar characteristics (presence, transmurality, and scar score) were not related to MTWA (all p > 0.5). In the patients with ICM (n = 40) scar was detected in 38. Positive MTWA (n = 18) was related to higher LVEDV (p = 0.05). In patients with DCM (n = 28), scar was detected in 11. Trends were found between positive MTWA (n = 15) and male gender (p = 0.10), lower LVEF (p = 0.10), and higher LVEDV (p = 0.09). In both subgroups, the presence, transmurality or extent of scar was not related to MTWA (all p > 0.45). In this small study, neither in patients with ICM or DCM a relation was found between the occurrence of MTWA and the presence, transmurality or extent of myocardial scar. Overall there was a significant relation between heart failure remodeling parameters and positive MTWA.

Early mortality in prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients: development and validation of a clinical risk score.

AIMS: To reduce sudden cardiac death, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are indicated in patients with ischaemic and non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%. Current guidelines do not recommend device therapy in patients with a life expectancy <1 year since benefit in these patients is low. In this study, we evaluated the incidence and predictors of early mortality (<1 year after implantation) in a consecutive primary prevention population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Analysis was performed on a prediction and validation cohort. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 1 year. The prediction cohort comprised 861 prophylactic ICD recipients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy from the Academic Medical Center (Amsterdam) and Thorax Center Twente (Enschede). Detailed clinical data were collected. After multivariate analysis, a risk score was developed based on age ≥75 years, LVEF ≤ 20%, history of atrial fibrillation, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Using these predictors, a low (≤1 factor), intermediate (2 factors), and high (≥3 factors) risk group could be identified with 1-year mortality of, respectively, 3.4, 10.9, and 38.9% (P< 0.01). Afterwards, the risk score was validated in 706 primary prevention patients from the Erasmus Medical Center (Rotterdam). One-year mortality was, respectively, 2.5, 13.2, and 46.3% (all P< 0.01). CONCLUSION: A simple risk score based on age, LVEF, eGFR, and atrial fibrillation can identify patients at low, intermediate, and high risk for early mortality after ICD implantation. This may be helpful in the risk assessment of ICD candidates.

Value of serial heart rate variability measurement for prediction of appropriate ICD discharge in patients with heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure. Our objective was to examine whether decreased HRV predicts appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 105 patients with a Boston Scientific Contak Renewal, Cognis or Energen device implanted for either primary (73.3%) or secondary prevention (26.7%), time domain HRV variables standard deviation of averages of normal beat-to-beat interval (SDANN) and footprint percentage (FPP) were collected at baseline and during follow-up. In case of appropriate shock, HRV before shock was assessed. Using time-dependent Cox regression models, the relation between median-based dichotomized SDANN or FFP and appropriate shock was investigated. Baseline characteristics between patients with or without shocks were similar, with exception of secondary prevention patients using more often antiarrhythmic drugs. During follow-up (median 451, IQR 202-1,460 days), appropriate shocks occurred in 20 (19%) patients. SDANN and FPP did not differ significantly at baseline between patients with or without shocks (respectively, P = 0.18 and P = 0.78). However, time-dependent Cox regression analysis showed a trend that patients were at lower risk for appropriate shock (SDANN: HR 0.43, 95% CI [0.18-1.05], P = 0.06 and FPP: HR 0.49, 95% CI [0.20-1.20], P = 0.12) when HRV values were above median baseline value during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These results imply that HRV could be an independent predictor for appropriate shocks. Therefore, low HRV could be of additional use in predicting imminent appropriate shocks and could possibly guide concomitant medical therapy.

The ICD for primary prevention in patients with inherited cardiac diseases: indications, use, and outcome: a comparison with secondary prevention.

BACKGROUND: Indications for prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in patients with inherited cardiac diseases stem from observational studies and are uncertain. This study evaluates the efficacy and harm rate of ICD implantations for primary prevention compared with secondary prevention in inherited cardiac diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between January 1, 1993, and April 1, 2011, 354 patients with inherited cardiac diseases were treated with ICDs. Incidence rates of appropriate shocks in primary prevention patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were 4.2 to 6.7/100 patient-years, whereas the risk for appropriate shocks in primary prevention patients with Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, or carrying the DPP6 haplotype approached zero. Conversely, in secondary prevention patients there was a considerably higher incidence rate of appropriate shocks. None of the indications for primary prevention were associated with appropriate shock therapy. One hundred twenty-three patients (35%) experienced ICD-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: For Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, and DPP6 the efficacy of an ICD for primary prevention contrasts with the amount of harm, and factors that formed the indication for ICD implantation do not relate to the occurrence of appropriate shocks. The higher appropriate discharge rates in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy compared with primary electric diseases might result from a more advanced risk stratification scheme in these inherited cardiomyopathies.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators have reduced the incidence of resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest caused by lethal arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decades, a gradual decrease in ventricular fibrillation (VF) as initial recorded rhythm during resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has been noted. We sought to establish the contribution of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy to this decline. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using a prospective database of all OHCA resuscitation in the province North Holland in the Netherlands (Amsterdam Resuscitation Studies [ARREST]), we collected data on all patients in whom resuscitation for OHCA was attempted in 2005-2008. VF OHCA incidence (per 100 000 inhabitants per year) was compared with VF OHCA incidence data during 1995-1997, collected in a similar way. We also collected ICD interrogations of all ICD patients from North Holland and identified all appropriate ICD shocks in 2005-2008; we calculated the number of prevented VF OHCA episodes, considering that only part of the appropriate shocks would result in avoided resuscitation. VF OHCA incidence decreased from 21.1/100 000 in 1995-1997 to 17.4/100 000 in 2005-2008 (P<0.001). Non-VF OHCA increased from 12.2/100 000 to 19.4/100 000 (P<0.001). VF as presenting rhythm declined from 63% to 47%. In 2005-2008, 1972 ICD patients received 977 shocks. Of these shocks, 339 were caused by a life-threatening arrhythmia. We estimate that these 339 shocks have prevented 81 (minimum, 39; maximum, 152) cases of VF OHCA, corresponding with 33% (minimum, 16%; maximum, 63%) of the observed decline in VF OHCA incidence. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of VF OHCA decreased over the last 10 years in North Holland. ICD therapy explained a decrease of 1.2/100 000 inhabitants per year, corresponding with 33% of the observed decline in VF OHCA.

Rationale and design of the PRAETORIAN trial: a Prospective, RAndomizEd comparison of subcuTaneOus and tRansvenous ImplANtable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy.

BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are widely used to prevent fatal outcomes associated with life-threatening arrhythmic episodes in a variety of cardiac diseases. These ICDs rely on transvenous leads for cardiac sensing and defibrillation. A new entirely subcutaneous ICD overcomes problems associated with transvenous leads. However, the role of the subcutaneous ICD as an adjunctive or primary therapy in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death is unclear. STUDY DESIGN: The PRAETORIAN trial is an investigator-initiated, randomized, controlled, multicenter, prospective 2-arm trial that outlines the advantages and disadvantages of the subcutaneous ICD. Patients with a class I or IIa indication for ICD therapy without an indication for bradypacing or tachypacing are included. A total of 700 patients are randomized to either the subcutaneous or transvenous ICD (1:1). The study is powered to claim noninferiority of the subcutaneous ICD with respect to the composite primary endpoint of inappropriate shocks and ICD-related complications. After noninferiority is established, statistical analysis is done for potential superiority. Secondary endpoint comparisons of shock efficacy and patient mortality are also made. CONCLUSION: The PRAETORIAN trial is a randomized trial that aims to gain scientific evidence for the use of the subcutaneous ICD compared with the transvenous ICD in a population of patients with conventional ICD with respect to major ICD-related adverse events. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with trial ID NCT01296022.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in adults with congenital heart disease: who is at risk of shocks?

BACKGROUND: The value of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) is unknown. We investigated the long-term outcome after ICD implantation and developed a simple risk stratification score for ICD therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 136 adults with CHD and ICD (mean age±SD, 41±13 years; 67% male) were identified from 10 tertiary referral centers in the Netherlands and Belgium. The indication for ICD implantation was primary prevention in 50% of patients. Diagnoses included tetralogy of Fallot (51%), septal defects (20%), (congenitally corrected) transposition of the great arteries (13%), and other (16%). Thirty-nine patients (29%) received appropriate ICD shocks during a median follow-up of 4.6 years. Secondary prevention indication (hazard ratio [HR], 3.6; 95% CI, 1.3-9.5; P=0.009), coronary artery disease (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.0-7.2; P=0.042), and symptomatic nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT; HR, 9.1; 95% CI, 2.8-29.2; P=0.001) were associated with appropriate ICD shocks. A risk score was developed to evaluate the likelihood of appropriate ICD shocks. The 8-year survival curve to first appropriate shocks was 94%, 57%, and 26% for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively. In primary prevention, symptomatic NSVTs (HR, 8.0; 95% CI, 2.3-27.1; P=0.001) and subpulmonary ventricular dysfunction (HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2-12.6; P=0.02) were associated with appropriate shocks in univariable analysis. Inappropriate shocks occurred in 41 patients (30%). In addition, 40 patients (29%) experienced 45 implantation-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with CHD and ICDs receive high rates of appropriate and effective shocks. Patients with secondary prevention indication, coronary artery disease, and symptomatic NSVT are at highest risk of receiving appropriate ICD shocks. ICD implantation is accompanied by considerable morbidity, including inappropriate shocks and procedure- related complications.

Local depolarization abnormalities are the dominant pathophysiologic mechanism for type 1 electrocardiogram in brugada syndrome a study of electrocardiograms, vectorcardiograms, and body surface potential maps during ajmaline provocation.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to obtain new insights into the pathophysiologic basis of Brugada syndrome (BrS) by studying changes in various electrocardiographic depolarization and/or repolarization variables that occurred with the development of the signature type 1 BrS electrocardiogram (ECG) during ajmaline provocation testing. BACKGROUND: BrS is associated with sudden cardiac death. Its pathophysiologic basis, although unresolved, is believed to reside in abnormal cardiac depolarization or abnormal repolarization. METHODS: Ajmaline provocation was performed in 269 patients suspected of having BrS with simultaneous recording of ECGs, vectorcardiograms, and 62-lead body surface potential maps. RESULTS: A type 1 ECG was elicited in 91 patients (BrS patients), 162 patients had a negative test result (controls), and 16 patients had an abnormal test result. Depolarization abnormalities were more prominent in BrS patients and were mapped to the right ventricle (RV) by longer right precordial filtered QRS complex durations (142 +/- 23 ms vs. 125 +/- 14 ms, p < 0.01) and right terminal conduction delay (60 +/- 11 ms vs. 53 +/- 9 ms, p < 0.01). Repolarization abnormalities remained concordant with depolarization abnormalities as indicated by steady low nondipolar content (12 +/- 8% vs. 8 +/- 4%, p = NS), lower spatial QRS-T integrals (33 +/- 12 mV.ms vs. 40 +/- 16 mV.ms, p < 0.05), similar spatial QRS-T angles (92 +/- 39 degrees vs. 87 +/- 31 degrees , p = NS), similar T(peak)-T(end) interval (143 +/- 36 ms vs. 138 +/- 25 ms, p = NS), and similar T(peak)-T(end) dispersion (47 +/- 37 ms vs. 45 +/- 27 ms, p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: The type 1 BrS ECG is characterized predominantly by localized depolarization abnormalities, notably (terminal) conduction delay in the RV, as assessed with complementary noninvasive electrocardiographic techniques. We could not define a separate role for repolarization abnormalities but suggest that the typical signs of repolarization derangements seen on the ECG are secondary to these depolarization abnormalities.