Prognosis after pacemaker implantation in extreme elderly.

AIMS: Significant comorbidities may limit the potential benefit of pacemaker (PM) implantation in extreme elderly. A short-term mortality risk prediction score, able to identify high-risk patients, may be a useful tool in this population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed 538 patients aged >80 years at the time of implant who underwent PM implantation. Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify patient, procedural or complication variables predictive of death. The ACP (Aging in Cardiac Pacing) Score was constructed by assigning weighted values to the variables identified by hazard ratios, combined into an additive mortality risk score equation. One, two and three-year overall mortality rate was 11%, 21% and 32% respectively. Renal failure (HR 1.63; CI 1.15-2.31; p = .006), active neoplasia (HR 1.78; CI 1.27-2.51; p = .008), connective tissue disorder (3.07; CI 1.34-7.08; p = .048), cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.75; CI 1.25-2.46; p = .001) and the use of a single lead device (HR 2.27; CI 1.6-3.24; p < .001) were independently associated with worse survival. The ACP Score showed discrete predictive ability (AUC 0,6792 CI 0,63-0,73). Kaplan-Meier survival curves comparing low vs high ACP Scores demonstrated that low ACP scores were associated with reduced mortality rates (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Significant comorbidities were associated with worse survival after PM implantation in extreme elderly. The ACP Score is a novel tool that may help to identify patients with high mortality risk after device implantation.

Clinically oriented device programming in bradycardia patients: part 2 (atrioventricular blocks and neurally mediated syncope). Proposals from AIAC (Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing).

: The purpose of this two-part consensus document is to provide specific suggestions (based on an extensive literature review) on appropriate pacemaker setting in relation to patients' clinical features. In part 2, criteria for pacemaker choice and programming in atrioventricular blocks and neurally mediate syncope are proposed. The atrioventricular blocks can be paroxysmal or persistent, isolated or associated with sinus node disease. Neurally mediated syncope can be related to carotid sinus syndrome or cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope. In sinus rhythm, with persistent atrioventricular block, we considered appropriate the activation of mode-switch algorithms, and algorithms for auto-adaptive management of the ventricular pacing output. If the atrioventricular block is paroxysmal, in addition to algorithms mentioned above, algorithms to maximize intrinsic atrioventricular conduction should be activated. When sinus node disease is associated with atrioventricular block, the activation of rate-responsive function in patients with chronotropic incompetence is appropriate. In permanent atrial fibrillation with atrioventricular block, algorithms for auto-adaptive management of the ventricular pacing output should be activated. If the atrioventricular block is persistent, the activation of rate-responsive function is appropriate. In carotid sinus syndrome, adequate rate hysteresis should be programmed. In vasovagal syncope, specialized sensing and pacing algorithms designed for reflex syncope prevention should be activated.

[Long-term prognosis in patients with vasovagal syncope after pacemaker implantation]. / Rokowanie odlegle u pacjentów z omdleniami wazowagalnymi po implantacji kardiostymulatora.

Patients with syncope, without presence of a structural or primary electrical disease, have a very good prognosis. On the other hand, recurring syncope has a negative impact on quality of life and involves a real risk of physical injuries. Vasovagal syncope usually requires no medical therapy and the most commonly recommended instruction include avoidance of fainting triggers, exercise that mainly provoke leg muscles tension, increase salt consumption and drink indicated amount of fluids. In the case cardioinhibitory type of vasovagal syncope the pacemaker implantation can consider. Unfortunately, not all patients benefit from this treatment. Medical society clearly highlights that proper qualification of VVS patients is the most important factor for cardiostimulator implantation. This article aims to summarize the most important research and guidelines concerning cardiac pacing for patients with vasovagal syncope.

Radiotherapy in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: a literature review.

An increasing number of patients with implantable cardiac rhythm devices undergo radiotherapy (RT) for cancer and are thereby exposed to the risk of device failure. Current safety recommendations seem to have limitations by not accounting for the risk of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators malfunctioning at low radiation doses. Besides scant knowledge about optimal safety measures, only little is known about the exact prevalence of patients with devices undergoing RT. In this review, we provide a short overview of the principles of RT and present the current evidence on the predictors and mechanisms of device malfunctions during RT. We also summarize practical recommendations from recent publications and from the industry. Strongly associated with beam energy of photon RT, device malfunctions occur at ∼3% of RT courses, posing a substantial issue in clinical practice. Malfunctions described in the literature typically consist of transient software disturbances and only seldom manifest as a permanent damage of the device. Through close cooperation between cardiologists and oncologists, a tailored individualized approach might be necessary in this patient group in waiting time for updated international guidelines in the field.

[GSTCVS certificate for cardiac pacemaker, ICD and CRT therapy]. / DGTHG-Zertifizierung zur Herzschrittmacher-, ICD- und CRT-Therapie.

Medical qualifications to perform operations with cardiac electronic implantable devices as well as for preoperative and postoperative therapy, including follow-up in this patient population are not well defined. Based on recommendations which have been worked out and published by an interdisciplinary consensus of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists and electrophysiologists, a certificate with three modules has been developed by the Working Group for Electrophysiologic Surgery of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (GSTCVS, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Thorax-, Herz- und Gefäßchirurgie, DGTHG). First examinations for this certificate will be held in 2013 and transitional regulations apply until 1st April 2014. Further details are available on the homepage of the GSTCVS.

Is surgery the gold standard in the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

OBJECTIVES: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a complex and relatively common genetic cardiac disease and has been the subject of intensive scrutiny and investigation for over 40 years. The aim of this non-randomized cohort study was to compare subjective and objective outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients undergoing drug therapy, surgical myotomy-myectomy, dual-chamber pacing and alcohol septal ablation. METHODS: We examined 194 patients: 103 with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 91 with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All the patients with a non-obstructive form were on drug therapy. Ninety-one consecutive patients with drug-refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were treated invasively. Dual-chamber pacemaker implantation was performed for 49 patients with previous positive temporary pacing test (Group 1). In 28 patients with massive left ventricle hypertrophy and obliteration of its cavities, extensive myotomy-myectomy was performed (Group 2). In 14 patients with midventricular obstruction and appropriate coronary anatomy, alcohol septal ablation was performed (Group 3). RESULTS: The peak left ventricle outflow tract gradient was 84.1 ± 15.2 mmHg in Group 1, 113.3 ± 14.9 mmHg in Group 2 and 97.5 ± 8.9 mmHg in Group 3. Dual-chamber pacing in Group 1 with optimal atrio-ventricular delay (85-180 ms for atrium pacing and 45-120 ms for atrial sensing) leads to dramatic decreases in left ventricle outflow tract gradient to 17.6 ± 11.8 mmHg and degree of mitral regurgitation. After extensive myectomy in Group 2, we observed a reduction of left ventricle outflow tract gradient to 17.3 ± 10.2 mmHg. Septal alcohol ablation in Group 3 leads to a left ventricle outflow tract gradient decrease from 97.5 ± 8.9 to 25.3 ± 5.8 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical myectomy, dual-chamber pacing and alcohol septal ablation are equally effective in reducing obstruction in case of correct indications. Dual-chamber pacing is indicated in functional reversible states characterized by excitation delay. Alcohol septal ablation is preferable in cases with midventricular obstruction and appropriate coronary anatomy. Surgical methods are indicated in anatomical irreversible changes and remain the gold standard for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment.