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Patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) have an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. (SCD). However, the role of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in the primary prevention of SCD in this group of patients is still controversial. We present a case with CA with recurrent syncope and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. In order to further stratify the risk of SCD, an electrophysiological study with endocardial electroanatomic voltage mapping was performed prior to the ICD placement.
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Amiloidose , Displasia Arritmogênica Ventricular Direita , Arritmias Cardíacas , Morte Súbita Cardíaca , Humanos , Prevenção PrimáriaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) have a strong position in the prevention of sudden death. Nowadays, the most commonly used high-energy cardiac devices are transvenous ICDs. A new technology of totally subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICD) was invented and recently introduced into clinical practice in order to reduce lead-related complications of conventional ICDs. The aim of this paper is to present early experience with this new technology implemented in a few centres in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of patients who had S-ICD-related interventions in Poland were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: During the first year of S-ICD introduction into the Polish health system 18 patients underwent surgery connected with S-ICDs. Majority of them (17 patients) were implanted de novo. In one patient surgical revision of a device implanted abroad was performed. Most of patients (78%) had S-ICDs implanted for secondary prevention. Inability of transvenous system implantation due to venous access obstruction or high risk of infection related with transvenous leads accounted for 83% of indications for S-ICD. Only in three patients were S-ICDs implanted due to young age and active mode of life. The implantations of S-ICDs were performed without important early or late complications. During follow-up one patient had episodes of ventricular arrhythmia successfully terminated with high-energy shocks. One patient died due to progression of heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: S-ICD implantation procedure has been successfully and safely introduced in Polish clinical routine. Nevertheless, despite clear indications in recent ESC guidelines, this therapy is not directly reimbursed in Poland and needs individual application for refund.
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Older age and high morbidity of the society contribute to a growing number of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) requiring effective cancer treatment, including radiotherapy (RT). The effect of RT on a CIED may vary depending on the type and physical parameters of radiation, location of the treated lesion, indications for electrotherapy, and the type of CIED. In the most dramatic scenarios, it may cause an irreversible damage to the CIED, with serious clinical consequences. The lack of precise guidelines may limit the access to RT for many patients with CIEDs who would otherwise benefit from the therapy or may lead to a therapy without taking the necessary precautions, which may worsen the prognosis. Therefore, clear and unequivocal recommendations for assessing patient eligibility for RT are aimed at ensuring that adequate precautions are taken as well as at providing patients with concomitant cardiovascular and oncologic diseases with access to safe and effective RT.
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Desfibriladores Implantáveis , Neoplasias/radioterapia , Marca-Passo Artificial , Falha de Prótese/efeitos da radiação , Radioterapia/efeitos adversos , Sociedades Médicas , Cardiologia , Humanos , Polônia , Radioterapia (Especialidade) , Medição de RiscoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Implantation of transvenous pacemaker systems is a standard method used to treat patients with bradycardia. There are some clinical settings in which that method cannot be used despite existing indications (such as developmental defects of the cardiovascular system and limited venous access or infections). In such cases, an epicardial pacing system may be implanted with cardiac surgery techniques, at a cost of certain surgical risks. The least invasive approach is subxyphoid, but it traditionally allows to place only a ventricular lead and achieve a single-chamber VVI pacing system. AIM: The aim of our study was to determine the feasibility of subxyphoid implantation of dual-chamber pacing systems using thoracoscopic tools, as well as to and examine the short- and mid-term outcomes of such procedures. METHODS: Patients were qualified for an epicardial pacemaker system in case of absolute indications for permanent pacing therapy and coexisting contraindications for a transvenous system. DDD systems were implanted in 10 consecutive patients, in general anesthesia, in a cardiac surgery operating room, using subxyphoid access to pericardial space and a standard set of minimally invasive thoracoscopic tools. RESULTS: Implantation of a dual-chamber pacing system using the above approach was successful in all attempts. No serious complications were observed. Pacing and sensing parameters were appropriate at implantation and remained such during the follow-up of 2-27 months. CONCLUSION: Implantation of a dual-chamber pacing system using a minimally invasive subxyphoid approach is feasible. Appropriate pacing and sensing values may be obtained and they remain stable during follow-up.
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Bradicardia/terapia , Estimulação Cardíaca Artificial/métodos , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Cardíacos , Eletrodos Implantados , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Minimamente Invasivos , Marca-Passo Artificial , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeAssuntos
Cardioversão Elétrica , Endocardite/cirurgia , Fluordesoxiglucose F18/farmacologia , Próteses Valvulares Cardíacas/efeitos adversos , Tomografia por Emissão de Pósitrons combinada à Tomografia Computadorizada/métodos , Infecções Relacionadas à Prótese/cirurgia , Cirurgia Assistida por Computador/métodos , Idoso , Endocardite/diagnóstico , Humanos , Masculino , Infecções Relacionadas à Prótese/diagnóstico , Compostos Radiofarmacêuticos/farmacologia , Reoperação , Infecções Estafilocócicas/diagnóstico , Infecções Estafilocócicas/cirurgiaRESUMO
The case of a 69-year-old man, equipped with an ICD and suffering from several chronic cardiac diseases, who died in a car accident, was presented. We analyzed electrogram records from the ICD explanted from the body during the autopsy, which showed that the driver had suffered from malignant ventricular arrhythmia-ventricular fibrillation (VF). A thorough analysis of the details of the accident, as well as the timing of VF and the rhythm observed after the discharge of the ICD showed that the direct cause of the accident was the episode of arrhythmia resulting in a loss of consciousness. Therefore, the presented case illustrates the usefulness of postmortem analysis of electrogram records from ICDs in the reconstruction of road traffic accidents. In such cases, if the victims are implanted with ICDs, it should be a routine procedure performed by forensic pathologists.
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Acidentes de Trânsito , Desfibriladores Implantáveis , Inconsciência/etiologia , Fibrilação Ventricular/diagnóstico , Idoso , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy has been proven effective in the prevention of sudden cardiac death, but data on outcomes of ICD therapy in the young and otherwise healthy patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS) are limited. AIM: We sought to collect data on appropriate and inappropriate ICD discharges, risk factors, and ICD-related complications. METHODS: All LQTS patients implanted with an ICD in 14 centres were investigated. Demographic, clinical, and ICD therapy data were collected. RESULTS: The study included 67 patients (88% female). Median age at ICD implantation was 31 years (12-77 years). ICD indication was based on resuscitated cardiac arrest in 46 patients, syncope in 18 patients, and malignant family history in three patients. During a median follow-up of 48 months, 39 (58%) patients received one or more ICD therapies. Time to first appropriate discharge was up to 55 months. Inappropriate therapies were triggered by fast sinus rhythm, atrial fibrillation, and T-wave oversensing. No predictors of inappropriate shocks were identified. Risk factors for appropriate ICD therapy were: (1) recurrent syncope despite b-blocker treatment before ICD implantation, (2) pacemaker therapy before ICD implantation, (3) single-chamber ICD, and (4) noncompliance to b-blockers. In 38 (57%) patients, at least one complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS: ICD therapy is effective in nearly half the patient population; however, the rates of early and late complica-tions are high. Although the number of unnecessary ICD shocks and reimplantation procedures may be lowered by modern programming and increased longevity of newer ICD generators, other adverse events are less likely to be reduced.
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Fibrilação Atrial/terapia , Morte Súbita Cardíaca/prevenção & controle , Desfibriladores Implantáveis/estatística & dados numéricos , Síndrome do QT Longo/terapia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Fibrilação Atrial/complicações , Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica/complicações , Morte Súbita Cardíaca/etiologia , Desfibriladores Implantáveis/efeitos adversos , Eletrocardiografia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Síndrome do QT Longo/complicações , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto JovemRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement in the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in all consecutive patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% is still a matter of hot debate due to the fact that the population of these patients is highly heterogeneous in terms of the SCD risk. Nevertheless, reduced LVEF is still the only established criterion during qualification of patients for ICD implantation in the primary prevention of SCD, therefore identification of persons with particularly high risk among patients with LVEF ≤35% is currently of lesser importance. More important seems to be the selection of individuals with relatively low risk of SCD in whom ICD implantation can be safely postponed. The aim of the study was to determine whether well-known, non-invasive parameters, such as microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and short-term heart rate variability (HRV), can be helpful in the identification of low-arrhythmic risk patients with ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. METHODS: In 141 patients with coronary artery disease and LVEF ≤ 35%, MTWA testing, as well as BRS and short-term HRV parameters, were analysed. During 34 ± 13 months of follow-up 37 patients had arrhythmic episode (EVENT): SCD, non-fatal sustained ventricular arrhythmia (ventricular tachycardia [VT] or ventricular fibrillation [VF]), or adequate high-voltage ICD intervention (shock) due to a rapid ventricular arrhythmia ≥200/min. LVEF, non-negative MTWA (MTWA_non-neg), BRS and low frequency power in normalized units (LFnu) turned out to be associated with the incidence of EVENT in univariate Cox analysis. The cut-off values for BRS and LFnu that most accurately distinguished between patients with and without EVENT were 3 ms/mmHg and 23, respectively. The only variable that provided 100% negative predictive value (NPV) for EVENT was negative MTWA result (MTWA_neg), but solely for initial 12 months of the follow-up; the NPVs for other potential predictors of the EVENT were lower. The cut-off values for BRS and LFnu that provide 100% NPV for EVENT during 12 and 24 months were higher: 6.0 ms/mmHg and 73 respectively, but the gain in the NPV occurred at an expense of the number of identified patients. However, the number of identified non-risk patients turned out to be higher when the predictive model included MTWA_neg and the lower cut-off values for ANS parameters: 100% NPV for 12 and 24 months of follow-up was obtained for combination MTWA_neg and BRS ≥ 3 ms/mmHg, for combination MTWA_neg and LFnu ≥ 23 100% NPV was obtained for 12 months. CONCLUSION: Well-known, non-invasive parameters, such as MTWA, BRS and short-term HRV indices may be helpful in the identification of individuals with a relatively low risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias among patients with ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction; in such persons, implantation of ICD could be safely postponed.
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Barorreflexo/fisiologia , Eletrocardiografia , Isquemia Miocárdica/diagnóstico , Disfunção Ventricular Esquerda/diagnóstico , Idoso , Fármacos Cardiovasculares/uso terapêutico , Morte Súbita Cardíaca/prevenção & controle , Desfibriladores Implantáveis , Feminino , Seguimentos , Frequência Cardíaca , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Isquemia Miocárdica/complicações , Isquemia Miocárdica/tratamento farmacológico , Isquemia Miocárdica/fisiopatologia , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Prognóstico , Modelos de Riscos Proporcionais , Estudos Prospectivos , Reflexo Anormal , Medição de Risco , Sístole , Taquicardia Ventricular/etiologia , Taquicardia Ventricular/terapia , Disfunção Ventricular Esquerda/etiologia , Disfunção Ventricular Esquerda/fisiopatologia , Fibrilação Ventricular/etiologia , Fibrilação Ventricular/terapiaAssuntos
Displasia Arritmogênica Ventricular Direita/terapia , Desfibriladores Implantáveis , Ventrículos do Coração/fisiopatologia , Função Ventricular Esquerda/fisiologia , Adulto , Displasia Arritmogênica Ventricular Direita/diagnóstico , Displasia Arritmogênica Ventricular Direita/fisiopatologia , Ventrículos do Coração/diagnóstico por imagem , Humanos , Masculino , Radiografia Torácica , Taquicardia Ventricular/diagnóstico , Taquicardia Ventricular/fisiopatologia , Taquicardia Ventricular/terapiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Temporary atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances are a common complication following cardiac surgery, especially involving the aortic valve. Permanent complete AV block is a serious and rare complication. Its prevalence has been estimated at 3-6% of all patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Identification of factors that affect the occurrence of complete AV block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation might help reduce the risk of this problem in the future. AIM: To evaluate clinical, anatomical and surgical factors that might affect occurrence of complete AV, resulting in the need for permanent pacemaker implantation. METHODS: In our prospective study, we analysed clinical data of consecutive 159 patients operated due to isolated aortic valve disease between February 2011 and March 2012. Patients with a pacemaker implanted before that time were excluded from the study. The main indication for surgery was aortic stenosis (n = 114, 71.7%). Infectious endocarditis was an indication in 6 (3.8%) cases. Mean patient age was 65.3 ± 11.4 years, and the proportion of males to females was 56.6%/43.4%. Overall, 135 (84.9%) patients had sinus rhythm preoperatively. All operations were performed using median sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, and hypothermia at 30-32°C. A biological prosthesis was implanted in 120 (70.4%) patients. Patients who needed an additional procedure such as another valve surgery, aortic surgery or coronary artery bypass grafting were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Permanent pacemaker implantation was required in 11 (6.9%) patients. The pacemaker was implanted after at least 7 days of complete AV block which was then considered permanent. Univariate analysis showed that permanent pacemaker implantation was associated with prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, prolonged aortic cross-clamp time, and the occurrence of electrolyte disturbances. Univariate logistic regression revealed that the need for permanent pacemaker implantation depended on 5 factors including prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, prolonged aortic cross-clamp time, larger size of the implanted valve prosthesis, endocarditis as the indication for surgery, and electrolyte disturbances. In both backward and forward stepwise multivariate regression models, two parameters, prolonged aortic cross-clamp time and the presence of electrolyte disturbances, correlated with the occurrence of complete AV block. CONCLUSIONS: Permanent complete AV block is a serious complication after aortic valve surgery. Of all analysed clinical, anatomical and surgical factors, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, prolonged aortic cross-clamp time, larger size of the implanted valve prosthesis, endocarditis as the indication for surgery, and electrolyte disturbances were found to be statistically significant predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation.
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Valva Aórtica/cirurgia , Bloqueio Atrioventricular/etiologia , Implante de Prótese de Valva Cardíaca/efeitos adversos , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/terapia , Idoso , Valva Aórtica/patologia , Bloqueio Atrioventricular/patologia , Bloqueio Atrioventricular/terapia , Endocardite , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Marca-Passo Artificial , Polônia , Estudos Prospectivos , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% are eligible for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). This recommendation results in continuously growing waiting lists of patients who have been qualified for and are awaiting the procedure. Whiled reduced LVEF is a feature shared by all the patients in this group, the risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias varies widely. It therefore seems important from the clinical point of view to improve the waiting lists by identifying patients at the lowest risk of SCD, who can safely wait for the procedure, while higher-risk patients undergo the procedure before them. AIM: To verify the utility of microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) testing, which is characterised by high negative predictive value (NPV), in scheduling ICD implantation in these patients. METHODS: The study included 152 patients with LVEF ≤ 35%, qualified for ICD implantation for the primary prevention of SCD, and managed in accordance with the current recommendations. Patients with a history of malignant ventricular arrhythmias were excluded. Each patient underwent MTWA testing during chronic treatment (including beta-blockers) and was followed-up. RESULTS: During 14 ± 8 months of follow-up, the primary outcome, which included SCD, non-fatal sustained ventricular arrhythmia, or appropriate high-voltage ICD discharge, was observed in 16 patients. The one-year event rate was 13.1% (5.8-19.8%) in non-negative MTWA patients and 0% in those who had negative MTWA result (p = 0.027). The NPV of the MTWA test was 100% (95% CI 92.73- 00%). CONCLUSIONS: In the group of patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, excluding patients with a history of malignant ventricular arrhythmia, the NPV of MTWA was 100% over 12 months of observation. MTWA may therefore be considered useful in determining the order of ICD implantation procedures in this group of patients by identifying patients at a relatively low risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias, who can be relatively safely rescheduled for ICD implantation at a later time. Future studies should concentrate on this issue.
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Arritmias Cardíacas/terapia , Morte Súbita Cardíaca/prevenção & controle , Desfibriladores Implantáveis , Prevenção Primária , Disfunção Ventricular Esquerda/terapia , Idoso , Arritmias Cardíacas/diagnóstico , Eletrocardiografia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Medição de Risco , Disfunção Ventricular Esquerda/diagnósticoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Safety of patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias, treated with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), depends on the possibility of immediate and effective intracardiac defibrillation. It is especially important in those patients in whom there is a risk of increased defibrillation threshold (DFT) of ventricular fibrillation (VF). Thus, it is important to know whether some clinical parameters may predict a high DFT. AIM: To assess the relationship between DFT and clinical, demographic and anthropometric parameters, type and progression of underlying disease as well as antiarrhythmic therapy used in ICD recipients. METHODS: The study group consisted of 168 patients (47 females, 121 males, mean age 55+/-15 years, range 15-82 years) who were selected to receive an ICD. DFT was systematically tested during ICD implantation in all patients. Various clinical, demographic, anthropometric and echocardiographic parameters were analysed as the function of DFT value, examining their accuracy in predicting a high (> or =15 J) or a low (<15 J) DFT, using logistic regression model. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that DFT value was significantly related to the following parameters: idiopathic VF, dilated cardiomyopathy, amiodarone therapy and the use of beta blockers. There was a significant correlation between DFT and LVEDD, height, LVEF and impedance of defibrillating system. Multivariate analysis showed that amiodarone therapy, height, impedance of defibrillating system and LVEDD were independently related to the DFT value. Parameters which predicted a high (> or =15 J) DFT, consisted of amiodarone therapy (p=0.005), height (p=0.01), LVEDD (p=0.01), LVEF (p=0.03), dilated cardiomyopathy (p=0.01) and body surface area (p=0.049). Amiodarone therapy occurred to be the only parameter which independently predicted a high DFT (odds ratio 2.78; 95% confidence interval 1.19-6.5). CONCLUSIONS: Tall stature, enhanced LVEDD, decreased LVEF and amiodarone therapy increase the risk of a high DFT in ICD recipients. Chronic amiodarone therapy increases three times the risk of elevated DFT. In patients with already implanted ICD in whom amiodarone is started, reassessment of DFT following administration of a loading dose of the drug is required.