Surgical skill simulation training to proficiency reduces procedural errors among novice cardiac device implanters: a randomized study.

AIMS: In cardiac device implantation, having both surgical skills and ability to manipulate catheter/lead/wire is crucial. Few cardiologists, however, receive formal surgical training prior to implanting. Skills are mostly acquired directly on-the-job and surgical technique varies across institutions; suboptimal approaches may increase complications. We investigated how novel proficiency-based progression (PBP) simulation training impacts the surgical quality of implantations, compared to traditional simulation (SIM) training. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this international prospective study, novice implanters were randomized (blinded) 1:1 to participate in a simulation-based procedure training curriculum, with proficiency demonstration requirements for advancing (PBP approach) or without (SIM). Ultimately, trainees performed the surgical tasks of an implant on a porcine tissue that was video-recorded and then scored by two independent assessors (blinded to group), using previously validated performance metrics. Primary outcomes were the number of procedural Steps Completed, Critical Errors, Errors (non-critical), and All Errors Combined. Thirty novice implanters from 10 countries participated. Baseline experiences were similar between groups. Compared to SIM-trained, the PBP-trained group completed on average 11% more procedural Steps (P < 0.001) and made 61.2% fewer Critical Errors (P < 0.001), 57.1% fewer Errors (P = 0.140), and 60.7% fewer All Errors Combined (P = 0.001); 11/15 (73%) PBP trainees demonstrated the predefined target performance level vs. 3/15 SIM trainees (20%) in the video-recorded performance. CONCLUSION: Proficiency-based progression training produces superior objectively assessed novice operators' surgical performance in device implantation compared with traditional (simulation) training. Systematic PBP incorporation into formal academic surgical skills training is recommended before in vivo device practice. Future studies will quantify PBP training's effect on surgery-related device complications.

A leadless ventricular pacemaker providing atrioventricular synchronous pacing in the real-world setting: 12-Month results from the Micra AV post-approval registry.

BACKGROUND: Advances in leadless pacemaker technology have enabled accelerometer-based atrioventricular (AV) synchronous pacing by sensing atrial mechanical contraction. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report the performance of the Micra AV leadless pacemaker from the worldwide Micra AV post-approval registry (PAR) through 12 months. METHODS: The Micra AV PAR is a prospective, single-arm, observational registry designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Micra AV in a real-world setting. For the present interim analysis, major complications and system revisions through 12 months were summarized and compared to a historical cohort of 2667 patients implanted with a transvenous dual-chamber pacing system. RESULTS: The device was successfully implanted in 796 of 801 patients (99.4%) at 97 centers in 19 countries. Micra AV patients were older (74.1 years vs 71.1 years; P < .0001) with a higher incidence of renal disease (22.3% vs 9.8%; P < .0001) compared with transvenous dual-chamber patients. Through 12 months, the major complication rate was 3.7% in Micra AV patients compared with 8.8% in transvenous dual-chamber patients (hazard ratio 0.42; 95% confidence interval 0.28-0.61; P < .001). The system revision rate was 1.5% in Micra AV patients compared with 5.5% for transvenous dual-chamber patients (hazard ratio 0.25; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.47; P < .001); this reduction was largely driven by the absence of lead dislodgments requiring revision. The median AV synchrony index was 79.4% (interquartile range 65.2%-86.4%) in patients paced >90%. CONCLUSION: The Micra AV leadless pacemaker was implanted with a high rate of success in patients with multiple comorbidities, with a significantly lower rate of complications and system revisions through 12 months compared to a historical cohort of patients with transvenous dual-chamber pacemakers.

Strategies to improve atrioventricular synchrony in patients with a Micra AV leadless pacemaker.

The second generation of transcatheter pacing systems, called Micra AV, can provide atrioventricular (AV) synchronous pacing via a new pacing algorithm relying on sensing mechanical atrial contraction. Several novel programming parameters were introduced to enable AV synchronous pacing, including an A3 window and A4 window as well as a conduction mode switch and an activity mode switch. In addition to several automated features, manual programming optimization of some of the novel parameters is key to improving AV synchrony. A solid knowledge of the features and their programming is essential for electrophysiologists implanting or following patients with Micra AV devices. Differences in programming optimization might partially explain the high variability of AV synchrony published in real-world data reports. This article reviews the key programming parameters of Micra AV. Subsequently, optimal programming recommendations for defined patient profiles are presented. Those were established by consensus within an expert panel comprised of 11 European electrophysiologists from high-volume Micra AV centres. The patient profiles were (1) high degree AV block and slow sinus rhythm; (2) high degree AV block and fast sinus rhythm; and (3) intermittent AV block. The panel recommended to evaluate the mechanical atrial activity on transthoracic echocardiography prior to implant. It was also agreed that Auto A3 Threshold and Tracking Check should be turned off in all patients, AV conduction mode switch should be turned off in all patients with high degree AV block, and the lower rate should be programmed to 50 bpm with exceptions based on individual clinical assessment. Future studies will be useful to evaluate the strength of those recommendations to improve the AV synchrony.

Leadless pacemakers at 5-year follow-up: the Micra transcatheter pacing system post-approval registry.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Prior reports have demonstrated a favourable safety and efficacy profile of the Micra leadless pacemaker over mid-term follow-up; however, long-term outcomes in real-world clinical practice remain unknown. Updated performance of the Micra VR leadless pacemaker through five years from the worldwide post-approval registry (PAR) was assessed. METHODS: All Micra PAR patients undergoing implant attempts were included. Endpoints included system- or procedure-related major complications and system revision rate for any cause through 60 months post-implant. Rates were compared through 36 months post-implant to a reference dataset of 2667 transvenous pacemaker patients using Fine-Gray competing risk models. RESULTS: 1809 patients were enrolled between July 2015 and March 2018 and underwent implant attempts from 179 centres in 23 countries with a median follow-up period of 51.1 months (IQR: 21.6-64.2). The major complication rate at 60 months was 4.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6%-5.5%] and was 4.1% at 36 months, which was significantly lower than the 8.5% rate observed for transvenous systems (HR: .47, 95% CI: .36-.61; P < .001). The all-cause system revision rate at 60 months was 4.9% (95% CI: 3.9%-6.1%). System revisions among Micra patients were mostly for device upgrades (41.2%) or elevated thresholds (30.6%). There were no Micra removals due to infection noted over the duration of follow-up. At 36 months, the system revision rate was significantly lower with Micra vs. transvenous systems (3.2% vs. 6.6%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term outcomes with the Micra leadless pacemaker continue to demonstrate low rates of major complications and system revisions and an extremely low incidence of infection.

Left bundle branch pacing better preserves ventricular mechanical synchrony than right ventricular pacing: a two-centre study.

AIMS: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has been shown to better maintain electrical synchrony compared with right ventricular pacing (RVP), but little is known about its impact on mechanical synchrony. This study investigates whether LBBP better preserves left ventricular (LV) mechanical synchronicity and function compared with RVP. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty patients with pacing indication for bradycardia were included: LBBP (n = 31) and RVP (n = 29). Echocardiography was performed before and shortly after pacemaker implantation and at 1-year follow-up. The lateral wall-septal wall (LW-SW) work difference was used as a measure of mechanical dyssynchrony. Septal flash, apical rocking, and septal strain patterns were also assessed. At baseline, LW-SW work difference was small and similar in two groups. SW was markedly decreased, while LW work remained mostly unchanged in RVP, resulting in a larger LW-SW work difference compared with LBBP (1253 ± 687 mmHg·% vs. 439 ± 408 mmHg·%, P < 0.01) at last follow-up. In addition, RVP more often induced septal flash or apical rocking and resulted in more advanced strain patterns compared with LBBP. At 1 year follow-up, LV ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were more decreased in RVP compared with LBBP (ΔLVEF: -7.4 ± 7.0% vs. 0.3 ± 4.1%; ΔLVGLS: -4.8 ± 4.0% vs. -1.4 ± 2.5%, both P < 0.01). In addition, ΔLW-SW work difference was independently correlated with LV adverse remodelling (r = 0.42, P < 0.01) and LV dysfunction (ΔLVEF: r = -0.61, P < 0.01 and ΔLVGLS: r = -0.38, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: LBBP causes less LV mechanical dyssynchrony than RVP as it preserves a more physiologic electrical conduction. As a consequence, LBBP appears to preserve LV function better than RVP.

Evolution of ventricular and valve function in patients with right ventricular pacing - A randomized controlled trial comparing leadless and conventional pacing.

BACKGROUND: Leadless pacemakers (PMs) were recently introduced to overcome lead-related complications. They showed high safety and efficacy profiles. Prospective studies assessing long-term safety on cardiac structures are still missing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical impact of Micra with conventional PM on heart function. METHODS: We conducted a non-inferiority trial in patients with an indication for single chamber ventricular pacing. Patients were 1:1 randomized to undergo implantation of either Micra or conventional monochamber ventricular pacemaker (PM). Patients underwent echocardiography at baseline, 6 and 12 months after implantation. Analysis included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and valve function. N-terminal-pro hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) levels were measured at baseline and 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (27 in Micra group and 24 in conventional group) were included. Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups. At 12 months, (1) the left ventricular function as assessed by LVEF and GLS worsened similarly in both groups (∆LVEF -10 ± 7.3% and ∆GLS +5.7 ± 6.4 in Micra group vs. -13.4 ± 9.9% and +5.2 ± 3.2 in conventional group) (p = 0.218 and 0.778, respectively), (2) the severity of tricuspid valve regurgitation was significantly lower with Micra than conventional pacing (p = 0.009) and (3) median NT-pro-BNP was lower in Micra group (970 pg/dL in Micra group versus 1394 pg/dL in conventional group, p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Micra is non inferior to conventional PMs concerning the evolution of left ventricular function at 12-month follow-up. Our data suggest that Micra has a comparable mechanical impact on the ventricular systolic function but resulted in less valvular dysfunction.

Effect of Metrics-Based Simulation Training to Proficiency on Procedure Quality and Errors Among Novice Cardiac Device Implanters: The IMPROF Randomized Trial.

Importance: In cardiac device implant training, there is no common system to objectively assess trainees' ability to perform tasks at predetermined performance levels before in vivo practice; therefore, patients are potentially exposed to risks related to operators' early learning curve. Objective: To assess the effect on implant performance quality of novel metrics-based simulation training to proficiency (proficiency-based progression [PBP]) vs traditional simulation-based training (SBT). Design, Setting, and Participants: In this prospective randomized trial, conducted between March 8, 2022 and November 24, 2022, novice implanters were randomized (blinded) 1:1 to participate in an SBT curriculum (procedural knowledge e-learning and in-person simulation training) at an international skills training center, with proficiency demonstration requirements at each training stage for advancing (PBP approach) or without the requirements. Ultimately, trainees performed a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implant using virtual reality simulation. The procedure was video-recorded and subsequently scored using previously validated metrics by 2 independent assessors blinded to group. Physicians who had already implanted more than 20 pacemakers or defibrillators and fewer than 200 CRT systems as the first operator were eligible. Thirty-two implanters from 10 countries voluntarily enrolled in the training program and were randomized; 30 (15 per group) started and completed training. Data analysis was performed from November 27 to December 22, 2022. Intervention: Training with PBP vs SBT. Main Outcome and Measures: The primary outcome comprised 4 objectively assessed performance metrics derived from the video-recordings: number of procedural steps completed, errors, critical errors, and all errors combined. Results: Baseline experience of the 30 participants (19 [63%] male; mean [SD] number of years in implant practice, 2.0 [1.8]; median [IQR] number of implanted pacemakers or defibrillators, 47.5 [30.0-115.0]; median [IQR] number of implanted CRT systems, 3.0 [1.25-10.0]) was similar between study groups. Compared with the SBT group, the PBP group completed 27% more procedural steps (median [IQR], 31 [30-32] vs 24 [22-27]; P < .001) and made 73% fewer errors (median [IQR], 2 [1-3] vs 7 [5-8]; P < .001), 84% fewer critical errors (median [IQR], 1 [0-1] vs 3 [3-5]; P < .001), and 77% fewer all errors combined (errors plus critical errors) (median [IQR], 3 [1-3] vs 11 [8-12]; P < .001); 14 of the 15 PBP trainees (93%) demonstrated the predefined target performance level vs 0 of the 15 SBT trainees. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized trial, the PBP approach to novice implanter training generated superior objectively assessed performance vs SBT. If implemented broadly and systematically, PBP training may ensure safe and effective performance standards before trainees proceed to (supervised) in vivo practice. Future studies are needed to verify implications on procedure-related patient complications. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05952908.

Preclinical cardiac perforation reduction in leadless pacing: An update to the Micra leadless pacemaker delivery system.

BACKGROUND: Leadless pacemakers have been developed to avoid some of the complications that are associated transvenous pacemakers. Pericardial effusion is a rare complication of leadless pacemaker implantation, which may result from perforation of the delivery catheter. In this study, we describe preclinical perforation performance of an updated Micra delivery catheter. METHODS: To assess preclinical perforation performance of the updated delivery catheter, three analyses were performed. First, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) computational modeling was performed to estimate the target tissue stress during Micra delivery catheter tenting. Second, benchtop perforation forces of ovine tissue were recorded for the original and updated delivery catheters. Finally, a Monte-Carlo simulation combining human cadaveric Micra implant forces and human ventricular tissue perforation properties was performed to estimate clinical perforation performance. RESULTS: FEA modeling demonstrated a 66% reduction in target tissue stress when using the updated Micra delivery catheter (6.2 vs. 2.2 psi, Original vs. Updated Micra delivery catheter). Updated Micra delivery catheters required 20% more force to perforate porcine ventricular tissues in benchtop testing (µupd  = 26.9N vs. µorg  = 22.4N, p = .01). Monte-Carlo Simulation of catheter performance in human cadaveric tissues predicts 28.5% reduction of catheter-perforated cases with the updated delivery catheter. CONCLUSIONS: This study, using computer modelling and benchtop experimentation, has indicated that increased surface area and rounding of the updated Micra catheter tip significantly improves preclinical perforation performance. It will be important to evaluate the impact of these catheter design changes with robust registry data.

Individualized QT interval (QTi) is a powerful diagnostic tool in long QT syndrome: results from a large validation study.

Aims: Diagnosis of Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is based on prolongation of the QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) on surface ECG and genotyping. However, up to 25% of genotype positive patients have a normal QTc interval. We recently showed that individualized QT interval (QTi) derived from 24 h holter data and defined as the QT value at the intersection of an RR interval of 1,000 ms with the linear regression line fitted through QT-RR data points of each individual patient was superior over QTc to predict mutation status in LQTS families. This study aimed to confirm the diagnostic value of QTi, fine-tune its cut-off value and evaluate intra-individual variability in patients with LQTS. Methods: From the Telemetric and Holter ECG Warehouse, 201 recordings from control individuals and 393 recordings from 254 LQTS patients were analysed. Cut-off values were obtained from ROC curves and validated against an in house LQTS and control cohort. Results: ROC curves indicated very good discrimination between controls and LQTS patients with QTi, both in females (AUC 0.96) and males (AUC 0.97). Using a gender dependent cut-off of 445 ms in females and 430 ms in males, a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 96% were achieved, which was confirmed in the validation cohort. No significant intra-individual variability in QTi was observed in 76 LQTS patients for whom at least two holter recordings were available (483 ± 36 ms vs. 489 ± 42 ms, p = 0.11). Conclusions: This study confirms our initial findings and supports the use of QTi in the evaluation of LQTS families. Using the novel gender dependent cut-off values, a high diagnostic accuracy was achieved.

A leadless pacemaker in the real-world setting: Patient profile and performance over time.

Background: While prior Micra trials demonstrated a high implant success rate and favorable safety and efficacy results, changes in implant populations and safety over time is not well studied. The objective of this analysis was to report the performance of Micra in European and Middle Eastern patients and compare to the Micra Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) and Micra Post Approval Registry (PAR) studies. Methods: The prospective, single-arm Micra Acute Performance European and Middle Eastern (MAP EMEA) registry was designed to further study the performance of Micra in patients from EMEA. The primary endpoint was to characterize acute (30-day) major complications. Electrical performance was analyzed. The major complication rate through 12 months was compared with the IDE and PAR studies. Results: The MAP EMEA cohort (n = 928 patients) had an implant success rate of 99.9% and were followed for an average of 9.7 ± 6.5 months. Compared to prior studies, MAP EMEA patients were more likely to have undergone dialysis and have a condition which precluded the use of a transvenous pacemaker (p < .001). Within 30 days of implantation, the MAP EMEA cohort had a major complication rate of 2.59%. Mean pacing thresholds were low and stable through 12 months (0.61 ± 0.40 V at 0.24 ms at implant and 12 months). Through 12 months post-implantation, the major complication rate for MAP EMEA was not significantly different from IDE (p = .56) or PAR (p = .79). Conclusion: Despite patient differences over time, the Micra leadless pacemaker was implanted with a high success rate and low complication rate, in-line with prior reports.

Correlation between AV synchrony and device collected AM-VP sequence counter in atrioventricular synchronous leadless pacemakers: A real-world assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Micra atrioventricular (AV) provides leadless atrioventricular synchronous pacing by sensing atrial contraction (A4 signal). Real-world operation and reliability of AV synchrony (AVS) assessment using device data have not been described. The purposes of this study were to (1) assess the correlation between AVS and atrial mechanical sensed-ventricular pacing (AM-VP) percentages in patients with permanent high-degree AV block and (2) report on the real-world effectiveness of Micra AV. METHODS: The correlation between ECG-determined AVS in-clinic and device-collected %AM-VP was assessed using data from 40 patients with high-degree AV block enrolled in the Micra Atrial tRacking using a Ventricular AccELerometer (MARVEL) 2 study. A retrospective analysis to assess continuously-sampled %AM-VP since last session, device programming, and electrical parameters was performed using Micra AV transmissions from the Medtronic CareLink database. Patients with transmissions ≥180 days postimplant were included. RESULTS: Among the 40 MARVEL 2 AV block patients with a median %VP of 99.7%, AVS was highly correlated with AM-VP (median AVS 87.1%, median AM-VP 79.1%; R2 = 0.764, p < .001). The CareLink cohort included 4384 patients programmed to VDD mode. The mean A4 amplitude was 2.3 ± 1.8 m/s2 at implant and 2.3 ± 1.6 m/s2 at 28 weeks. In patients with %VP >90% (n = 1662), the median %AM-VP was 74.7%. For the full cohort, median %VP was 65.6% and median projected battery longevity was 10.5 years. CONCLUSION: In patients with a high pacing burden, %AM-VP provides a reasonable estimation of AVS. The first large real-world analysis of Micra AV patients with >90% VP showed stable atrial sensing over time with a median %AM-VP, a correlate of AVS, of 74.7%.

Is it feasible to outsource the remote monitoring of implantable cardiac defibrillators in a large tertiary hospital?

AIM: To provide a detailed description of the workflow at our telecardiology centre and to analyse the workload of real-world remote monitoring with the aim to assess the feasibility to outsource this service. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the telecardiology service provided at the University Hospitals of Leuven by extracting patient demographic data, general time usage and detailed information about the type of remote contacts. 10,869 contacts in 948 patients have been included. A 2-week prospective study was conducted on the same service by documenting and monitoring every action performed by specialised nurses when analysing and solving remote monitoring transmissions. 337 contacts in 262 patients were collected during this period. RESULTS: Both analyses indicated similar numbers of events and interventions. Unplanned transmissions were more challenging and required more interventions than planned transmissions. Relatively little time (retrospective median: 1.83 min; prospective median: 1.56 min, per event) was spent on incoming non-actionable 'normal' transmissions (retrospective: 46%; prospective: 40% of all events). Retrospectively 54% and prospectively 60% of transmissions showed abnormalities and were responsible for most of the time expended. Disease-related issues were the most frequent cause for these 'abnormal' alerts. Contacting patients and physicians were key interventions undertaken. Interaction initiated by patients mainly involved the installation process (42%) and bedside monitoring problems (32%). CONCLUSION: External data centres could deal with 40% of the transmissions, but the decline in workload would be negligible for the in-hospital remote monitoring team, because very little time is spent dealing with the many 'non-event' transmissions whereas most of the time is spent solving clinical problems. Providing sufficient resources and optimising communication protocols is necessary to aid in managing the workload of the remote monitoring team.Implications for practiceContacting patients and physicians are key interventions for specialist nurses in remote monitoring centres.Detailed timing confirmed that most time was spent on relevant disease-related clinical problems.Despite dealing with ∼40% of transmissions, outsourcing to external data centres would decrease the workload only by 15-25%.Patient initiated contacts with questions concerning remote monitoring form a high burden and should be countered by scaling the service and creating communication protocols.

Development and validation of a risk score for predicting pericardial effusion in patients undergoing leadless pacemaker implantation: experience with the Micra transcatheter pacemaker.

AIMS: There is limited information on what clinical factors are associated with the development of pericardial effusion after leadless pacemaker implantation. We sought to determine predictors of and to develop a risk score for pericardial effusion in patients undergoing Micra leadless pacemaker implantation attempt. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients (n = 2817) undergoing implant attempt from the Micra global trials were analysed. Characteristics were compared between patients with and without pericardial effusion (including cardiac perforation and tamponade). A risk score for pericardial effusion was developed from 18 pre-procedural clinical variables using lasso logistic regression. Internal validation and future prediction performance were estimated using bootstrap resampling. The scoring system was also externally validated using data from the Micra Acute Performance European and Middle East (MAP EMEA) registry. There were 32 patients with a pericardial effusion [1.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8-1.6%]. Following lasso logistic regression, 11 of 18 variables remained in the model from which point values were assigned. The C-index was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71-0.88). Patient risk score profile ranged from -4 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest risk) with 71.8% patients considered low risk (risk score ≤0), 16.6% considered medium risk (risk score = 1), and 11.7% considered high risk (risk score ≥2) for effusion. The median C-index following bootstrap validation was 0.73 (interquartile range: 0.70-0.75). The C-index based on 9 pericardial effusions from the 928 patients in the MAP EMEA registry was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.52-0.83). The pericardial effusion rate increased significantly with additional Micra deployments in medium-risk (P = 0.034) and high-risk (P < 0.001) patients. CONCLUSION: The overall rate of pericardial effusion following Micra implantation attempt is 1.1% and has decreased over time. The risk of pericardial effusion after Micra implant attempt can be predicted using pre-procedural clinical characteristics with reasonable discrimination. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Micra Post-Approval Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02536118), Micra Continued Access Study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02488681), and Micra Transcatheter Pacing Study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02004873).

Leadless pacemaker implant, anticoagulation status, and outcomes: Results from the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System Post-Approval Registry.

BACKGROUND: Early results from the Micra investigational trial and Micra Post-Approval Registry (PAR) demonstrated excellent safety and device performance; however, outcomes based on anticoagulation (AC) status at implant have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report implant characteristics, perforation rate, and vascular-related events based on perioperative oral AC strategy in patients undergoing Micra implant. METHODS: We compared procedure characteristics, major complications, and vascular events, including pericardial effusion, stratified by any adverse event (including major complications, minor complications, and observations) or major complication only according to AC status in the Micra PAR. RESULTS: Among 1795 patients with AC status available, 585 were not on AC, 795 had AC interrupted, and 415 had AC continued during Micra implant. Non-AC patients tended to be younger, with less history of atrial fibrillation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more history of dialysis than interrupted and continued patients. The implant success rate was similar for all groups (99.1%-99.8%). Through 30 days postimplant, the overall major complication rate was 3.1% for the non-AC group, 2.6% for the interrupted group, and 1.5% for the continued group. The combined rate for any vascular or pericardial effusion adverse event did not differ significantly among AC strategies (6.5%, 4.8%, and 3.6%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Implant of Micra seems to be safe and feasible regardless of an interrupted or continued periprocedural oral AC strategy, with no increased risk of perforation or vascular complications.

Quality of life outcomes in cryoablation of atrial fibrillation-A literature review.

BACKGROUND: Cryoballoon ablation (CRYO) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an established treatment option as alternative for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). As symptom relief is still the main indication for PVI, quality of life (QoL) is a key outcome parameter. This review summarizes the evidence about the evolution of QoL after CRYO. METHODS: A search for clinical studies reporting QoL outcomes after CRYO was performed on PUBMED and COCHRANE. A total of 506 publications were screened and 10 studies met the in- and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: All studies considered QoL as a secondary endpoint and reported significant improvement in QoL between baseline and 12 months follow-up, independent of the QoL instruments used. The effect size of CRYO on QoL was comparable between studies and present in both paroxysmal and persistent AF. Direct comparison between CRYO and RFCA was limited to two studies, there was no difference between ablation modalities after 12 months FU. Two studies in paroxysmal AF reported outcome beyond 12 months follow-up and QoL improvement was maintained up to 36 months after ablation. There were no long-term data available for persistent AF. CONCLUSION: CRYO of AF significantly improves QoL. The scarce amount of data with direct comparison between subgroups limits further exploration. Assessment of QoL should be considered a primary outcome parameter in future trials with long-term follow-up.

Left ventricular remodelling in mitral valve prolapse patients: implications of apical papillary muscle insertion.

AIMS: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) causes left ventricular (LV) remodelling even in the absence of significant mitral regurgitation. To evaluate whether apical insertion of the papillary muscle (PM) influences the pattern and severity of MVP-related LV remodelling. METHODS AND RESULTS: All MVP patients who underwent CMR at our institution between December 2008 and December 2019 were included, thoroughly reviewed and grouped according to apical/non-apical PM insertion. Apical PM insertion was found in 53/92 patients (58%) and associated with mitral leaflet thickening (P < 0.01) and a trend towards higher prevalence of mitral annular disjunction (P = 0.05). Whereas no differences in ventricular volumes or ejection fraction were found, patients with apical PM insertion showed more lateral wall remodelling with mid lateral wall thinning [2.1 (1.8-2.5) vs. 4.0 (3.5-5.0) mm, P < 0.01], increased LV eccentricity and a lower GCS at this level (15 ± 3% vs. 20 ± 3%, P < 0.01). In long-axis direction, increased end-diastolic mid lateral wall angulation was found (i.e. angle <155° measured in the thinnest point of the mid lateral wall in four-chamber view) with a higher angle variation during systole (25 ± 11° vs. 17 ± 8°, P < 0.01). Remarkably, PM fibrosis was significantly more frequent in patients with apical PM insertion (i.e. 66% vs. 28%, P < 0.01). Finally, a higher burden of premature ventricular complexes (>5%) and non-sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias was found in patients with apical PM insertion: 53% vs. 25% (P = 0.04) and 38% vs. 18% (P = 0.04), respectively. CONCLUSION: Apical PM insertion is part of the phenotypic spectrum of MVP, impacts significantly LV remodelling, and potentially may be related to increased ventricular arrhythmogenicity.

Behavior of AV synchrony pacing mode in a leadless pacemaker during variable AV conduction and arrhythmias.

INTRODUCTION: MARVEL 2 assessed the efficacy of mechanical atrial sensing by a ventricular leadless pacemaker, enabling a VDD pacing mode. The behavior of the enhanced MARVEL 2 algorithm during variable atrio-ventricular conduction (AVC) and/or arrhythmias has not been characterized and is the focus of this study. METHODS: Of the 75 patients enrolled in the MARVEL 2 study, 73 had a rhythm assessment and were included in the analysis. The enhanced MARVEL 2 algorithm included a mode-switching algorithm that automatically switches between VDD and ventricular only antibradycardia pacing (VVI)-40 depending upon AVC status. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (58%) had persistent third degree AV block (AVB), 18 (25%) had 1:1 AVC, 5 (7%) had variable AVC status, and 8 (11%) had atrial arrhythmias. Among the 42 patients with persistent third degree AVB, the median ventricular pacing (VP) percentage was 99.9% compared to 0.2% among those with 1:1 AVC. As AVC status changed, the algorithm switched to VDD when the ventricular rate dropped less than 40 bpm. During atrial fibrillation (AF) with ventricular response greater than 40 bpm, VVI-40 mode was maintained. No pauses longer than 1500 ms were observed. Frequent ventricular premature beats reduced the percentage of AV synchrony. During AF, the atrial signal was of low amplitude and there was infrequent sensing. CONCLUSION: The mode switching algorithm reduced VP in patients with 1:1 AVC and appropriately switched to VDD during AV block. No pacing safety issues were observed during arrhythmias.