Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead failure and revision following transcutaneous bicaval valve (TricValve®) implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Tricuspid regurgitation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and occurs at a higher rate in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices. Percutaneous strategies for managing tricuspid regurgitation are evolving, including the development of bicaval valve implantation which has been successfully used in patients with pacing leads. METHODS AND RESULTS: We present the first documented case of lead failure following TricValve® implantation, a dedicated self-expanding system for bicaval valve implantation, and the first successful lead revision procedure in this setting. CONCLUSION: The case illustrates important considerations in undertaking percutaneous intervention in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, and their ongoing management.

Media reporting of health interventions in New Zealand: a retrospective analysis.

AIM: To evaluate New Zealand media articles on their coverage of key issues regarding health interventions and whether it is consistent with available evidence. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of all articles published in five New Zealand media sources over a 6-week period between 15 October and 26 November 2014. Articles were included if their primary focus was on health interventions involving medications, devices or in-hospital procedures. Articles were assessed for coverage of key issues using previously validated 10-point criteria. A literature review was performed to compare content with scientific evidence. RESULTS: We identified 30 articles for review. Only 4 of 30 articles covered indications, benefits and risks, and of these, two were consistent with available evidence (7%, 95% CI 1%-22%). For articles that discussed at least one of indications, benefits or risks, and there was corresponding evidence available, there was a high level of consistency with the evidence (89%, 95% CI 77%-95%). The overall mean value of coverage from the 10-point criteria was 51% (95% CI 45%-58%). Single questions regarding the potential harm, costs associated with the intervention and the availability of alternative options were particularly poorly covered. They were rated as 'satisfactory' in 13%, 23% and 33% of the 30 articles respectively. CONCLUSION: New Zealand news articles covering medical treatments and interventions are largely consistent with available evidence but are incomplete. Vital information is being consistently missed, especially around the potential harms and costs of medical interventions.

Outcome following heart transplantation in New Zealand Maori.

BACKGROUND: Disparities in health care access and outcomes between Maori (M) and Non-Maori (NM) New Zealanders have been reported but little is known about access to and outcomes following heart transplantation (HT). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of M and NM who underwent HT in New Zealand. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected. RESULTS: Of 253 patients transplanted, 176 were European, 47 M (19%) and 30 of other ethnicities. M and NM groups were compared. Median age (both 46 years), gender (17% vs 21% female), waiting time (90 vs 76 days) and diagnosis (dilated cardiomyopathy - 62% vs 58%) were similar for both groups. M were heavier (81 vs 71 kg, p<0.0001) and more were blood group A (58% vs 39%). Five year survival was similar (79% vs 78%) but 10 year survival was significantly reduced in M (54% vs 67% p=0.02). CONCLUSION: The proportion of Maori who have undergone heart transplantation in New Zealand compares favourably with their proportion in the New Zealand population. The reasons for the adverse diverging outcomes after five years require further investigation.