Electrical storm treatment by percutaneous stellate ganglion block: the STAR study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: An electrical storm (ES) is a clinical emergency with a paucity of established treatment options. Despite initial encouraging reports about the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous stellate ganglion block (PSGB), many questions remained unsettled and evidence from a prospective multicentre study was still lacking. For these purposes, the STAR study was designed. METHODS: This is a multicentre observational study enrolling patients suffering from an ES refractory to standard treatment from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2023. The primary outcome was the reduction of treated arrhythmic events by at least 50% comparing the 12 h following PSGB with the 12 h before the procedure. STAR operators were specifically trained to both the anterior anatomical and the lateral ultrasound-guided approach. RESULTS: A total of 131 patients from 19 centres were enrolled and underwent 184 PSGBs. Patients were mainly male (83.2%) with a median age of 68 (63.8-69.2) years and a depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (25.0 ± 12.3%). The primary outcome was reached in 92% of patients, and the median reduction of arrhythmic episodes between 12 h before and after PSGB was 100% (interquartile range -100% to -92.3%). Arrhythmic episodes requiring treatment were significantly reduced comparing 12 h before the first PSGB with 12 h after the last procedure [six (3-15.8) vs. 0 (0-1), P < .0001] and comparing 1 h before with 1 h after each procedure [2 (0-6) vs. 0 (0-0), P < .001]. One major complication occurred (0.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this large, prospective, multicentre study provide evidence in favour of the effectiveness and safety of PSGB for the treatment of refractory ES.

His-bundle pacing from the right atrium: Solving pacemaker implantation challenges post-TriClip.

INTRODUCTION: This case report highlights the novel role of His-bundle pacing (HBP) from right atrium, not just for preserving cardiac function, but also for avoiding interference with TriClip devices. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 78-year-old female with severe tricuspid regurgitation received two TriClip devices. Postprocedure, frequent significant sinus pauses required a pacemaker. HBP was chosen to avoid lead complications. Under local anesthesia, a His pacing lead was inserted via the axillary vein using specialized catheter. Follow-ups over 2.5 years showed stable parameters with no complications. CONCLUSION: HBP is effective for patients with TriClip devices, ensuring optimal cardiac function and lead stability.

Left ventricular volumes and function in successful and failed His-BundLe Pacing. A comparative prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Initial data suggest that His Bundle Pacing (HBP) could preserve long-term cardiac structure and function better than Right Ventricular Pacing (RVP), but evidence is limited. METHODS: We studied consecutive patients with baseline ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 50% who underwent HBP attempt, either successful (HBP group) or failed (RVP group). Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography were carried out at baseline and after 6 months of ventricular pacing burden > 20%. RESULTS: Among 68 patients, 40 underwent successful HBP, and 28 RVP. The HBP and RVP groups did not differ for age, sex and pacing indication. At baseline, the HBP and RVP groups did not differ for 2D EF (62% vs. 62%), 3D EF (60% vs. 63%), 2D (-19% vs. -19%) and 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-15% vs. -16%). After 6 months, 2D EF (-3.86%) and 3D EF (-5.71%) significantly decreased in the RVP group and did not change in the HBP group (p for interaction .006 and <.001, respectively). 2D GLS (3.08%) and 3D GLS (2.22%) significantly increased in the RVP group, but did not change in the HBP group (p for interaction .013 and <.016, respectively). Pacing induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) (EF drop ≥ 10% and EF < 50%) occurred in 14% (RVP) versus 0% (HBP) of patients (p = .025). CONCLUSIONS: Successful HBP was superior to RVP in preserving LV systolic function despite a high ventricular pacing burden, and was less frequently associated with PICM.

Efficacy of early use of Percutaneous Stellate Ganglion Block for electrical storms.

BACKGROUND: Electrical Storm (ES) is a life-threatening condition requiring a rapid management. Percutaneous Stellate Ganglion Block (PSGB) proved to be safe and effective on top of standard therapy, but no data are available about its early use. METHODS: We considered all patients enrolled from 1st July 2017 to 30th April 2024 in the STAR registry (STellate ganglion block for Arrhythmic stoRm), a multicentre, international, observational, prospective registry. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of the first PSGB only. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they received PSGB before (Early-PSGB, often due to AAD contraindication) or after (Delayed-PSGB) intravenous antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs other than beta-blockers). RESULTS: We considered 180 PSGB (26 Early-PSGB and 154 AAD-first). In the early-PSGB group we observed a statistically significant reduction of treated arrhythmic events in the hour after PSGB compared to the hour before: 0 (0-0) vs 4.5 (1-10), p<0.001 and the extent of the reduction was similar in the Early-PSGB and delayed-PSGB group [-4.5 (-7 to -2) vs. -2.5 (-3.5 to -1.5), p=ns]. The percentage of patients free from arrhythmias was similar in the two groups up to 12 hours after PSGB (81%vs 84%, p=0.6 after one hour; 77% vs 79%, p=0.8 at three hours and 65% vs 69%, p= 0.7 after 12 hours). CONCLUSIONS: PSGB proved to be effective also when used early in the treatment of ES. Due to its rapidity of action, our results may suggest its early use to reduce the number of defibrillations and possibly to reduce the likelihood of a refractory ES.

Inadvertent Lead Malposition in the Left Heart during Implantation of Cardiac Electric Devices: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The inadvertent lead malposition in the left heart (ILMLH) is an under-recognized event, which may complicate the implantation of cardiac electronic devices (CIEDs). METHODS: We investigated the clinical conditions associated with ILMLH and the treatment strategies in these patients. We made a systematic review of the literature and identified 132 studies which reported 157 patients with ILMLH. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 68 years, and 83 were women. ILMLH was diagnosed, on average, 365 days after CIEDs implantation. Coexisting conditions were patent foramen ovale in 29% of patients, arterial puncture in 24%, perforation of the interatrial septum in 20%, atrial septal defect in 16% and perforation of the interventricular septum in 4%. At the time of diagnosis of ILMLH, 46% of patients were asymptomatic, 31% had acute TIA or stroke and 15% had overt heart failure. Overall, 14% of patients were receiving anticoagulants at the time of diagnosis of ILMLH. After diagnosis of ILMLH, percutaneous or surgical lead extraction was carried out in 93 patients (59%), whereas 43 (27%) received anticoagulation. During a mean 9-month follow-up after diagnosis of ILMLH, four patients experienced TIA or stroke (three on oral anticoagulant therapy and one after percutaneous lead extraction). CONCLUSION: ILMLH is a rare complication, which is usually diagnosed about one year after implantation of CIEDs. An early diagnosis of ILMLH is important. Lead extraction is a safe and effective alternative to anticoagulants.