Catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter improves cardiac chamber size and function.

INTRODUCTION: Cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent atrial flutter (AFL) is one of the most common atrial arrhythmias involving the right atrium (RA) for which radiofrequency catheter ablation has been widely used as a therapy of choice. However, there is limited data on the effect of this intervention on cardiac size and function. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 468 patients who underwent ablation for CTI dependent typical AFL at a single institution between 2010 and 2019. After excluding patients with congenital or rheumatic heart disease, heart transplant recipients, or those without baseline echocardiogram, a total of 130 patients were included in the analysis. Echocardiographic data were analyzed at baseline before ablation, and at early follow-up within 1-year postablation. Follow-up echocardiographic data was available for 55 patients. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients with CTI-AFL, the mean age was 64.2 ± 14.8 years old with 14.5% (n = 8) female. The average left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) significantly improved on follow-up echo (40.2 ± 16.9 to 50.4 ± 14.9%, p < .0001), of which 50% of patients had an improvement in LVEF of at least 10%. There was a significant reduction in left atrial volume index (82.74 ± 28.5 to 72.96 ± 28 mL/m2 , p = .008) and RA volume index (70.62 ± 25.6 to 64.15 ± 31 mL/m2 , p = .046), and a significant improvement in left atrial reservoir strain (13.04 ± 6.8 to 19.10 ± 7.7, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent CTI dependent AFL ablation showed an improvement in cardiac size and function at follow-up evaluation. While long-term results are still unknown, these findings indicate that restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with typical AFL is associated with improvement in atrial size and left ventricular function.

Efficacy and Safety of Appropriate Shocks and Antitachycardia Pacing in Transvenous and Subcutaneous Implantable Defibrillators: Analysis of All Appropriate Therapy in the PRAETORIAN Trial.

BACKGROUND: The PRAETORIAN trial (A Prospective, Randomized Comparison of Subcutaneous and Transvenous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy) showed noninferiority of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) compared with transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (TV-ICD) with regard to inappropriate shocks and complications. In contrast to TV-ICD, S-ICD cannot provide antitachycardia pacing for monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. This prespecified secondary analysis evaluates appropriate therapy and whether antitachycardia pacing reduces the number of appropriate shocks. METHODS: The PRAETORIAN trial was an international, investigator-initiated randomized trial that included patients with an indication for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy. Patients with previous ventricular tachycardia <170 bpm or refractory recurrent monomorphic ventricular tachycardia were excluded. In 39 centers, 849 patients were randomized to receive an S-ICD (n=426) or TV-ICD (n=423) and were followed for a median of 49.1 months. ICD programming was mandated by protocol. Appropriate ICD therapy was defined as therapy for ventricular arrhythmias. Arrhythmias were classified as discrete episodes and storm episodes (≥3 episodes within 24 hours). Analyses were performed in the modified intention-to-treat population. RESULTS: In the S-ICD group, 86 of 426 patients received appropriate therapy, versus 78 of 423 patients in the TV-ICD group, during a median follow-up of 52 months (48-month Kaplan-Meier estimates 19.4% and 17.5%; P=0.45). In the S-ICD group, 83 patients received at least 1 shock, versus 57 patients in the TV-ICD group (48-month Kaplan-Meier estimates 19.2% and 11.5%; P=0.02). Patients in the S-ICD group had a total of 254 shocks, compared with 228 shocks in the TV-ICD group (P=0.68). First shock efficacy was 93.8% in the S-ICD group and 91.6% in the TV-ICD group (P=0.40). The first antitachycardia pacing attempt successfully terminated 46% of all monomorphic ventricular tachycardias, but accelerated the arrhythmia in 9.4%. Ten patients with S-ICD experienced 13 electrical storms, versus 18 patients with TV-ICD with 19 electrical storms. Patients with appropriate therapy had an almost 2-fold increased relative risk of electrical storms in the TV-ICD group compared with the S-ICD group (P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this trial, no difference was observed in shock efficacy of S-ICD compared with TV-ICD. Although patients in the S-ICD group were more likely to receive an ICD shock, the total number of appropriate shocks was not different between the 2 groups. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01296022.

Device-related complications in subcutaneous versus transvenous ICD: a secondary analysis of the PRAETORIAN trial.

BACKGROUND: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is developed to overcome lead-related complications and systemic infections, inherent to transvenous ICD (TV-ICD) therapy. The PRAETORIAN trial demonstrated that the S-ICD is non-inferior to the TV-ICD with regard to the combined primary endpoint of inappropriate shocks and complications. This prespecified secondary analysis evaluates all complications in the PRAETORIAN trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: The PRAETORIAN trial is an international, multicentre, randomized trial in which 849 patients with an indication for ICD therapy were randomized to receive an S- ICD (N = 426) or TV-ICD (N = 423) and followed for a median of 49 months. Endpoints were device-related complications, lead-related complications, systemic infections, and the need for invasive interventions. Thirty-six device-related complications occurred in 31 patients in the S-ICD group of which bleedings were the most frequent. In the TV-ICD group, 49 complications occurred in 44 patients of which lead dysfunction was most frequent (HR: 0.69; P = 0.11). In both groups, half of all complications were within 30 days after implantation. Lead-related complications and systemic infections occurred significantly less in the S-ICD group compared with the TV-ICD group (P < 0.001, P = 0.03, respectively). Significantly more complications required invasive interventions in the TV-ICD group compared with the S-ICD group (8.3% vs. 4.3%, HR: 0.59; P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: This secondary analysis shows that lead-related complications and systemic infections are more prevalent in the TV-ICD group compared with the S-ICD group. In addition, complications in the TV-ICD group were more severe as they required significantly more invasive interventions. This data contributes to shared decision-making in clinical practice.

Clinical and cardiac characteristics of COVID-19 mortalities in a diverse New York City Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Electrocardiographic characteristics in COVID-19-related mortality have not yet been reported, particularly in racial/ethnic minorities. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed demographics, laboratory and cardiac tests, medications, and cardiac rhythm proximate to death or initiation of comfort care for patients hospitalized with a positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in three New York City hospitals between March 1 and April 3, 2020 who died. We described clinical characteristics and compared factors contributing toward arrhythmic versus nonarrhythmic death. Of 1258 patients screened, 133 died and were enrolled. Of these, 55.6% (74/133) were male, 69.9% (93/133) were racial/ethnic minorities, and 88.0% (117/133) had cardiovascular disease. The last cardiac rhythm recorded was VT or fibrillation in 5.3% (7/133), pulseless electrical activity in 7.5% (10/133), unspecified bradycardia in 0.8% (1/133), and asystole in 26.3% (35/133). Most 74.4% (99/133) died receiving comfort measures only. The most common abnormalities on admission electrocardiogram included abnormal QRS axis (25.8%), atrial fibrillation/flutter (14.3%), atrial ectopy (12.0%), and right bundle branch block (11.9%). During hospitalization, an additional 17.6% developed atrial ectopy, 14.7% ventricular ectopy, 10.1% atrial fibrillation/flutter, and 7.8% a right ventricular abnormality. Arrhythmic death was confirmed or suspected in 8.3% (11/133) associated with age, coronary artery disease, asthma, vasopressor use, longer admission corrected QT interval, and left bundle branch block (LBBB). CONCLUSIONS: Conduction, rhythm, and electrocardiographic abnormalities were common during COVID-19-related hospitalization. Arrhythmic death was associated with age, coronary artery disease, asthma, longer admission corrected QT interval, LBBB, ventricular ectopy, and usage of vasopressors. Most died receiving comfort measures.

Performance of electrophysiology procedures at an academic medical center amidst the 2020 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

A global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic occurred at the start of 2020 and is already responsible for more than 74 000 deaths worldwide, just over 100 years after the influenza pandemic of 1918. At the center of the crisis is the highly infectious and deadly SARS-CoV-2, which has altered everything from individual daily lives to the global economy and our collective consciousness. Aside from the pulmonary manifestations of disease, there are likely to be several electrophysiologic (EP) sequelae of COVID-19 infection and its treatment, due to consequences of myocarditis and the use of QT-prolonging drugs. Most crucially, the surge in COVID-19 positive patients that have already overwhelmed the New York City hospital system requires conservation of hospital resources including personal protective equipment (PPE), reassignment of personnel, and reorganization of institutions, including the EP laboratory. In this proposal, we detail the specific protocol changes that our EP department has adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, including performance of only urgent/emergent procedures, after hours/7-day per week laboratory operation, single attending-only cases to preserve PPE, appropriate use of PPE, telemedicine and video chat follow-up appointments, and daily conferences to collectively manage the clinical and ethical dilemmas to come. We discuss also discuss how we perform EP procedures on presumed COVID positive and COVID tested positive patients to highlight issues that others in the EP community may soon face in their own institution as the virus continues to spread nationally and internationally.

The initial U.S. experience with the Tempo active fixation temporary pacing lead in structural heart interventions.

OBJECTIVES: This multicenter retrospective study of the initial U.S. experience evaluated the safety and efficacy of temporary cardiac pacing with the Tempo® Temporary Pacing Lead. BACKGROUND: Despite increasing use of temporary cardiac pacing with the rapid growth of structural heart procedures, temporary pacing leads have not significantly improved. The Tempo lead is a new temporary pacing lead with a soft tip intended to minimize the risk of perforation and a novel active fixation mechanism designed to enhance lead stability. METHODS: Data from 269 consecutive structural heart procedures were collected. Outcomes included device safety (absence of clinically significant cardiac perforation, new pericardial effusion, or sustained ventricular arrhythmia) and efficacy (clinically acceptable pacing thresholds with successful pace capture throughout the index procedure). Postprocedure practices and sustained lead performance were also analyzed. RESULTS: The Tempo lead was successfully positioned in the right ventricle and achieved pacing in 264 of 269 patients (98.1%). Two patients (0.8%) experienced loss of pace capture. Procedural mean pace capture threshold (PCT) was 0.7 ± 0.8 mA. There were no clinically significant perforations, pericardial effusions, or sustained device-related arrhythmias. The Tempo lead was left in place postprocedure in 189 patients (71.6%) for mean duration of 43.3 ± 0.7 hr (range 2.5-221.3 hr) with final PCT of 0.84 ± 1.04 mA (n = 80). Of these patients, 84.1% mobilized out of bed with no lead dislodgment. CONCLUSION: The Tempo lead is safe and effective for temporary cardiac pacing for structural heart procedures, provides stable peri and postprocedural pacing and allows mobilization of patients who require temporary pacing leads.

New-onset left bundle branch block after transcatheter aortic valve replacement is associated with adverse long-term clinical outcomes in intermediate-risk patients: an analysis from the PARTNER II trial.

AIMS: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is now an established therapy for intermediate-risk surgical candidates with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis. The clinical impact of new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) after TAVR remains controversial and has not been studied in intermediate-risk patients. We therefore sought to analyse outcomes associated with new LBBB in a large cohort of intermediate-risk patients treated with TAVR. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 2043 patients underwent TAVR in the PARTNER II trial and S3 intermediate-risk registry and survived to hospital discharge. Patients were excluded from the current analysis due to baseline conduction disturbances, pre-existing permanent pacemaker (PPM), and new PPM during the index hospitalization. Clinical outcomes at 2 years were compared between patients with and without persistent, new-onset LBBB at hospital discharge, and multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of mortality. Among 1179 intermediate-risk patients, new-onset LBBB at discharge occurred in 179 patients (15.2%). Patients with new LBBB were similar to those without except for more frequent diabetes and more frequent treatment with SAPIEN 3 vs. SAPIEN XT. At 2 years, new LBBB was associated with increased rates of all-cause mortality (19.3% vs. 10.8%, P = 0.002), cardiovascular mortality (16.2% vs. 6.5%, P < 0.001), rehospitalization, and new PPM implantation. By multivariable analysis, new LBBB remained an independent predictor of 2-year all-cause [hazard ratio (HR) 1.98, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.33, 2.96; P < 0.001] and cardiovascular (HR 2.66 95% CI 1.67, 4.24; P < 0.001) mortality. New LBBB was also associated with worse left ventricular systolic function at 1 and 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of intermediate-risk patients from the PARTNER II trial and registry, persistent, new-onset LBBB occurred in 15.2% of patients without baseline conduction disturbances or pacemaker. New LBBB was associated with adverse clinical outcomes at 2 years, including all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, rehospitalization, new pacemaker implantation, and worsened left ventricular systolic function. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01314313 and NCT03222128.

Cardiac electrophysiology consultative experience at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly altered the practice of cardiac electrophysiology around the world for the foreseeable future. Professional organizations have provided guidance for practitioners, but real-world examples of the consults and responsibilities cardiac electrophysiologists face during a surge of COVID-19 patients is lacking. METHODS: In this observational case series we report on 29 consecutive inpatient electrophysiology consultations at a major academic medical center in New York City, the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States, during a 2 week period from March 30-April 12, 2020, when 80% of hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients, and the New York City metropolitan area accounted for 10% of COVID-19 cases worldwide. RESULTS: Reasons for consultation included: Atrial tachyarrhythmia (31%), cardiac implantable electronic device management (28%), bradycardia (14%), QTc prolongation (10%), ventricular arrhythmia (7%), post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement conduction abnormality (3.5%), ventricular pre-excitation (3.5%), and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (3.5%). Twenty-four patients (86%) were positive for COVID-19 by nasopharyngeal swab. All elective procedures were canceled, and only one urgent device implantation was performed. Thirteen patients (45%) required in-person evaluation and the remainder were managed remotely. CONCLUSION: Our experience shows that the application of a massive alteration in workflow and personnel forced by the pandemic allowed our team to efficiently address the intersection of COVID-19 with a range of electrophysiology issues. This experience will prove useful as guidance for emerging hot spots or areas affected by future waves of the pandemic.

Recurrent atrial fibrillation/flutter detection after ablation or cardioversion using the AliveCor KardiaMobile device: iHEART results.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of daily ECG (electrocardiogram) self-recordings on time to documented recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL) and time to treatment of recurrent arrhythmia in patients undergoing catheter radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or direct current cardioversion (DCCV) for AF/AFL. BACKGROUND: AF recurrence rates after RFA and DCCV are 20% to 45% and 60% to 80%, respectively. Randomized trials comparing mobile ECG devices to standard of care have not been performed in an AF/AFL population after treatment. METHODS: Of 262 patients consented, 238 were randomized to either standard of care (123) or to receive the iHEART intervention (115). Patients in the intervention group were provided with and trained to use an AliveCor KardiaMobile ECG monitor, and were instructed to take and transmit daily ECG recordings. Data were collected from transmitted ECG recordings and patients' electronic health records. RESULTS: In a multivariate Cox model, the likelihood of recurrence detection was greater in the intervention group (hazard ratio = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.30, P = .024). Hazard ratios did not differ significantly for RFA and DCCV procedures. Recurrence during the first month after ablation strongly predicted later recurrence (hazard ratio = 4.53, 95% CI: 2.05-10.00, P = .0006). Time from detection to treatment was shorter for the control group (hazard ratio = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.57-2.92, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of mobile ECG self-recording devices allows for earlier detection of AF/AFL recurrence and may empower patients to engage in shared health decision-making.

Leadless pacemaker implantation: A feasible and reasonable option in transcatheter heart valve replacement patients.

BACKGROUND: Leadless pacemakers (LPMs) have been shown to have lower postoperative complications than traditional permanent pacemakers but there have been no studies on the outcomes of LPMs in patients with transcatheter heart valve replacements (THVRs). This study determined outcomes of LPMs compared to transvenous single-chamber pacemakers (SCPs) post-THVR. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center study including 10 patients who received LPMs post-THVR between February 2017 and August 2018 and a comparison group of 23 patients who received SCP post-THVR between July 2008 and August 2018. LPM or SCP was implanted at the discretion of electrophysiologists for atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response or sinus node dysfunction with need for single-chamber pacing only. RESULTS: LPMs were associated with decreased tricuspid regurgitation (P = 0.04) and decreased blood loss during implantation (7.5 ± 2.5 cc for LPMs vs 16.8 ± 3.2 cc for SCPs, P = 0.03). Five LPM patients had devices positioned in the right ventricular septum as seen on transthoracic echocardiogram. Frequency of ventricular pacing was similar between LPM and SCP groups. In the LPM group, one case was complicated by a pseudoaneurysm and one death was due to noncardiac causes. There was one pneumothorax and one pocket infection in the SCP group. CONCLUSIONS: In this small retrospective study, LPMs were feasible post-THVR and found to perform as well as SCPs, had less intraprocedural blood loss, and were associated with less tricuspid regurgitation. Further, larger studies are required to follow longer-term outcomes and complications.

Sex, adverse cardiac events, and infarct size in anterior myocardial infarction: an analysis of intracoronary abciximab and aspiration thrombectomy in patients with large anterior myocardial infarction (INFUSE-AMI).

BACKGROUND: Women are more likely than men to experience adverse cardiac events after ST-elevation myocardial (STEMI). Whether differences in infarct size or reperfusion contribute to sex differences in outcomes is unknown. METHODS: We compared baseline and procedural characteristics, angiographic and electrocardiographic indices of reperfusion, microvascular obstruction, infarct size, and clinical outcomes in 118 women and 334 men with anterior STEMI enrolled in the INFUSE-AMI randomized trial of intralesion abciximab and aspiration thrombectomy (NCT00976521). Infarct size was assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 30 days, and clinical end points were adjudicated by an independent committee. RESULTS: Women were older, were more commonly affected by hypertension and renal impairment, and had a 50.5-minute longer delay to reperfusion. There were no differences in infarct size, microvascular obstruction, or reperfusion success. At 30 days, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as death, reinfarction, new-onset severe heart failure, or rehospitalization for heart failure, were more common in women (11.1% vs 5.4%, hazard ratio 2.09, 95% CI 1.03-4.27, P = .04). After multivariable adjustment, age, but not sex or time to reperfusion, was an independent predictor of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In the INFUSE-AMI randomized trial, women with anterior STEMI experienced a higher rate of MACE, attributable to older age. Despite longer delay from symptom onset to reperfusion therapy, there was no difference between women and men in infarct size or reperfusion success.

Clinical implications of new-onset left bundle branch block after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: analysis of the PARTNER experience.

AIMS: Cardiac conduction disturbances, including a left bundle branch block (LBBB), occur frequently following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and may be associated with adverse clinical events. This analysis examines the incidence and implications of new onset, persistent LBBB in patients undergoing TAVR with a balloon-expandable valve. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients undergoing TAVR in the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) trial and continued access registries with baseline and discharge/7-day electrocardiograms were included. Prior permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) and baseline intraventricular conduction abnormalities were exclusion criteria. Predictors of new LBBB were identified and outcomes compared between patients with and without new LBBB. New LBBB occurred in 121 of 1151 (10.5%) patients and persisted in more than half at 6 months to 1 year. The only predictor of new LBBB was prior coronary artery bypass grafting. New LBBB was not associated with significant differences in 1-year mortality, cardiovascular mortality, repeat hospitalization, stroke, or myocardial infarction. However, it was associated with increased PPI during hospitalization (8.3 vs 2.8%, P = 0.005) and from discharge to 1 year (4.7 vs. 1.5%, P = 0.01). The ejection fraction failed to improve after TAVR in patients with new LBBB and remained lower at 6 months to 1 year (52.8 vs. 58.1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Persistent, new-onset LBBB occurred in 10.5% of patients without intraventricular baseline conduction who underwent TAVR in the PARTNER experience. New LBBB was not associated with death, repeat hospitalization, stroke, or myocardial infarction at 1 year, but was associated with a higher rate of PPI and failure of left ventricular ejection fraction to improve.

Predictors of Transthoracic Impedance in Patients Who Underwent Elective Electrical Cardioversion.

Successful synchronized direct current cardioversion (DCCV) requires adequate current delivery to the heart. However, adequate current for successful DCCV has not yet been established. Transmyocardial current depends on 2 factors: input energy and transthoracic impedance (TTI). Although factors affecting TTI have been studied in animal models, factors affecting TTI in humans have not been well established. Herein, we explored the potential factors that affect TTI in humans. A retrospective review of patients who underwent DCCV at a large quaternary medical center between October 2019 and August 2021 was conducted. Pertinent clinical information, including demographics, echocardiography findings, laboratory findings, and body characteristics, was collected. Cardioversion details, including joules delivered and TTI, were recorded by the defibrillator for each patient's first shock. Predictors of thoracic impedance were assessed using regression analysis. A total of 220 patients (29% women) were included in the analysis; 143 of the patients (65%) underwent DCCV for atrial fibrillation and 77 (35%) underwent DCCV for atrial flutter. The mean impedance in our population was 73 ± 18 Ω. In a regression model with high impedance defined as the upper quartile of our cohort, body mass index (BMI), female sex, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic kidney disease (all p values <0.05) were significantly associated with high impedance. According to a receiver operating characteristic analysis, BMI has a high predictive value for high impedance, with an area under the curve of 0.76. In conclusion, our study reveals that elevated BMI, female sex, sleep apnea, and chronic kidney disease were predictors of higher TTI. These factors may help determine the appropriate initial shock energy in patients who underwent DCCV for atrial fibrillation and flutter.

Predictors and 5-Year Clinical Outcomes of Pacemaker After TAVR: Analysis From the PARTNER 2 SAPIEN 3 Registries.

BACKGROUND: Conduction disturbances requiring a permanent pacemaker (PPM) are a frequent complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with few reports of rates, predictors, and long-term clinical outcomes following implantation of the third-generation, balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 (S3) transcatheter heart valve (THV). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the rates, predictors, and long-term clinical outcomes of PPM implantation following TAVR with the S3 THV. METHODS: The current study included 857 patients in the PARTNER 2 S3 registries with intermediate and high surgical risk without prior PPM, and investigated predictors and 5-year clinical outcomes of new PPM implanted within 30 days of TAVR. RESULTS: Among 857 patients, 107 patients (12.5%) received a new PPM within 30 days after TAVR. By multivariable analysis, predictors of PPM included increased age, pre-existing right bundle branch block, larger THV size, greater THV oversizing, moderate or severe annulus calcification, and implantation depth >6 mm. At 5 years (median follow-up 1,682.0 days [min 2.0 days, max 2,283.0 days]), new PPM was not associated with increased rates of all-cause mortality (Adj HR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.85-1.70; P = 0.30) or repeat hospitalization (Adj HR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.67-2.21; P = 0.52). Patients with new PPM had a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction at 1 year that persisted at 5 years (55.1 ± 2.55 vs 60.4 ± 0.65; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: PPM was required in 12.5% of patients without prior PPM who underwent TAVR with a SAPIEN 3 valve in the PARTNER 2 S3 registries and was not associated with worse clinical outcomes, including mortality, at 5 years. Modifiable factors that may reduce the PPM rate include bioprosthetic valve oversizing, prosthesis size, and implantation depth.

Complementary prognostic utility of myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution after primary percutaneous coronary intervention: analysis from the HORIZONS-AMI trial.

BACKGROUND: Both ST-segment resolution (STR) and myocardial blush grade (MBG) have prognostic utility after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. We sought to clarify how frequently MBG and STR provide discordant measures of reperfusion success and to determine the independent prognostic significance of each on long-term outcomes. METHODS: In HORIZONS-AMI, core laboratory measures of both MBG and STR were assessed in 2,367 patients undergoing primary PCI. Four groups were identified based on MBG (grades 2/3 vs 0/1) and STR (≥50% vs <50%). A multivariable model identified predictors of death and major adverse cardiac events at 3 years. RESULTS: Myocardial blush grade 2/3 was achieved in 77.7% of patients, and STR ≥50% was achieved in 75.1% of patients. Myocardial blush grade and STR were discordant in 765 patients (30.9%). By multivariable analysis, MBG 2/3 compared with 0/1 was an independent predictor of lower mortality at 3 years (4.4% vs 8.4%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.57 [0.39, 0.82], P = .003). In contrast, STR ≥50% compared with <50% was not associated with mortality (5.1% vs 5.9%, adjusted HR = 1.11 [0.68, 1.56], P = .89). However, repeated revascularization at 3 years was less frequent when STR ≥50% (12.4% vs 17.6%, adjusted HR = 0.74 [0.58, 0.95], P = .02). In contrast, MBG 2/3 vs 0/1 was not associated with reduced repeated revascularization (13.6% vs 14.1%, adjusted HR = 1.02 [0.79, 1.33], P = .85). CONCLUSIONS: In HORIZONS-AMI, MBG and STR after primary PCI were concordant in only 70% of patients and provided complementary prognostic information. Myocardial blush grade predicted long-term survival, whereas STR predicted freedom from repeated revascularization.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: an emerging cause of centrally mediated sinus node dysfunction.

AIMS: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDARE) is a recently recognized form of autoimmune encephalitis that typically affects young women, often as a paraneoplastic syndrome related to ovarian teratoma. Clinical features include psychiatric and neurological disturbances, central hypoventilation, autonomic instability, and cardiac dysrhythmias. The prevalence, nature, and outcomes of cardiac dysrhythmias in patients with NMDARE have not been well described. METHODS AND RESULTS: Records of 10 consecutive patients with NMDARE were reviewed to obtain clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, and radiological data. Patients were all female with an average age of 23 ± 5.5 years. Echocardiograms revealed structurally normal hearts with the exception of mild left ventricular hypertrophy in two cases. Eight patients had inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Six patients developed significant sinus bradycardia, which included periods of sinus arrest in four cases. Five patients manifested both sinus bradycardia and tachycardia. Bradycardia was often triggered by identifiable vagal stimuli. Temporary pacing was instituted in three patients, but permanent pacing was not required in any of the patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed mesial temporal abnormalities in nine patients. In all cases, the dysrhythmias resolved with treatment of the underlying immune disorder with immunotherapy and/or teratoma resection. There was no evidence of dysrhythmia recurrence in any patient at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is a recently recognized cause of autoimmune encephalitis with a predilection to cause severe sinus node abnormalities. Temporary pacing is occasionally required, but permanent pacing appears to be unnecessary. An analysis of the clinical syndrome coupled with MRI and experimental data may offer insight into central mechanisms of heart rate regulation.

Focal left atrial tachycardias not associated with prior catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: clinical and electrophysiological characteristics.

BACKGROUND: The clinical features and electrophysiological characteristics of patients with focal left atrial tachycardias (LATs) are not well characterized. This study reports the experience of a single center in catheter mapping and radiofrequency ablation of focal LAT not associated with prior atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, including in cardiac sarcoidosis and transplant patients. METHODS: Patients with focal LAT without a history of AF ablation were included in this retrospective analysis. RESULTS: A total of 24 focal LATs were documented in 20 patients. Two patients were subsequently diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis. Two patients were status post a thoracic transplant. The mean initial cycle length of the focal LATs was 347.4 ± 96.2 ms (range 190-510 ms). Patients with a pulmonary vein (PV) ostium focus (n = 6) demonstrated a shorter cycle length than patients with other LA foci (259.2 ± 56.4 ms vs 371.9 ± 91.1 ms, P = 0.02), as well as a trend for a history of AF (67% vs 21%, P = NS). Catheter ablation was immediately successful for 19 of 22 focal LATs. CONCLUSIONS: Focal LATs not associated with prior AF ablation can originate in a variety of LA locations and clinical settings. Focal LAT arising in the PV ostia is associated with a history of AF and demonstrates a faster tachycardia rate. We also report focal LAT in cardiac sarcoidosis patients and in the donor heart of an orthotopic heart transplant recipient. Radiofrequency ablation is a successful treatment for focal LAT not associated with prior ablation, including those refractory to medical therapy.

Intracoronary abciximab and aspiration thrombectomy in patients with large anterior myocardial infarction: the INFUSE-AMI randomized trial.

CONTEXT: Thrombus embolization during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is common and results in suboptimal myocardial perfusion and increased infarct size. Two strategies proposed to reduce distal embolization and improve outcomes after primary PCI are bolus intracoronary abciximab and manual aspiration thrombectomy. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether bolus intracoronary abciximab, manual aspiration thrombectomy, or both reduce infarct size in high-risk patients with STEMI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Between November 28, 2009, and December 2, 2011, 452 patients presenting at 37 sites in 6 countries within 4 hours of STEMI due to proximal or mid left anterior descending artery occlusion undergoing primary PCI with bivalirudin anticoagulation were randomized in an open-label, 2 x 2 factorial design to bolus intracoronary abciximab delivered locally at the infarct lesion site vs no abciximab and to manual aspiration thrombectomy vs no thrombectomy. INTERVENTIONS: A 0.25-mg/kg bolus of abciximab was administered at the site of the infarct lesion via a local drug delivery catheter. Manual aspiration thrombectomy was performed with a 6 F aspiration catheter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary end point: infarct size (percentage of total left ventricular mass) at 30 days assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) in the abciximab vs no abciximab groups (pooled across the aspiration randomization); major secondary end point: 30-day infarct size in the aspiration vs no aspiration groups (pooled across the abciximab randomization). RESULTS: Evaluable cMRI results at 30 days were present in 181 and 172 patients randomized to intracoronary abciximab vs no abciximab, respectively, and in 174 and 179 patients randomized to manual aspiration vs no aspiration, respectively. Patients randomized to intracoronary abciximab compared with no abciximab had a significant reduction in 30-day infarct size (median, 15.1%; interquartile range [IQR], 6.8%-22.7%; n = 181, vs 17.9% [IQR, 10.3%-25.4%]; n = 172; P = .03). Patients randomized to intracoronary abciximab also had a significant reduction in absolute infarct mass (median, 18.7 g [IQR, 7.4-31.3 g]; n = 184, vs 24.0 g [IQR, 12.1-34.2 g]; n = 175; P = .03) but not abnormal wall motion score (median, 7.0 [IQR, 2.0-10.0]; n = 188, vs 8.0 [IQR, 3.0-10.0]; n = 184; P = .08). Patients randomized to aspiration thrombectomy vs no aspiration had no significant difference in infarct size at 30 days (median, 17.0% [IQR, 9.0%-22.8%]; n = 174, vs 17.3% [IQR, 7.1%-25.5%]; n = 179; P = .51), absolute infarct mass (median, 20.3 g [IQR, 9.7-31.7 g]; n = 178, vs 21.0 g [IQR, 9.1-34.1 g]; n = 181; P = .36), or abnormal wall motion score (median, 7.5 [IQR, 2.0-10.0]; n = 186, vs 7.5 [IQR, 2.0-10.0]; n = 186; P = .89). CONCLUSION: In patients with large anterior STEMI presenting early after symptom onset and undergoing primary PCI with bivalirudin anticoagulation, infarct size at 30 days was significantly reduced by bolus intracoronary abciximab delivered to the infarct lesion site but not by manual aspiration thrombectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00976521.

Predictors of atrial fibrillation on implantable cardiac monitoring for cryptogenic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Since the CRYSTAL-AF trial, implantation and usage of implantable loop recorder (ICM) after cryptogenic stroke (CS) for detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased. However, it is unclear which CS patients would most benefit from long term ICM monitoring. This study aims to determine the risk factors in patients that would confer maximum benefit from ICM placement following CS. METHODS: A Columbia University Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved retrospective analysis of medical records of 125 patients with CS followed by implantation of ICM was evaluated. Univariable and multivariable time-to-event analyses were performed on demographics, hours of activity and variability (HRV), stroke location, thrombosis etiology, and CHA2DS2 - VASc score. The primary outcome was presence of ICM-detected AF defined as AF lasting at least 2 min. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five patients (mean 67.6 years ± 2.4 years, 60% male) were followed for at least 3 months. Twenty-two patients (18%) were found to have clinically verified detected AF; median of time to detection was 95 days. Upon univariable demographic analysis followed by multivariable Cox regression analysis, individuals with age 75 or older (HR: 3.987, p = 0.0046) or LVEF 40% and lower (HR: 3.056, p = 0.0213) had significantly higher risk of AF. Diabetics also had a lower AF detection in multivariable analysis (HR: 0.128, p = 0.0466). CONCLUSIONS: Age 75 or older and LVEF ≤40% were the factors on multivariable analysis that predicted AF detection. Diabetes is a possible significant factor which should be evaluated further. CHA2DS2 - VASc score was notably not predictive of AF detected on ICM.

Risk factor management of atrial fibrillation using mHealth: The Atrial Fibrillation - Helping Address Care with Remote Technology (AF-HEART) Pilot Study.

Background: Personalized treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors using mHealth and telehealth may improve patient outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the Atrial Fibrillation Helping Address Care with Remote Technology (AF-HEART) intervention on the following patient outcomes: (1) heart rhythm tracking; (2) weight, alcohol, blood pressure (BP), and sleep apnea reduction; (3) AF symptom reduction; and (4) quality-of-life (QOL) improvement. Methods: A total of 20 patients with AF undergoing antiarrhythmic therapy, cardioversion, and/or catheter ablation were enrolled and followed for 6 months. The AF-HEART intervention included remote heart rhythm, weight, and BP tracking; televisits with a dietician focusing on AF risk factors; and referrals for sleep apnea and hypertension treatment. Results: Patients transmitted a median of 181 rhythm recordings during the 6-month follow-up period. Patients lost an average of 3.5 kilograms at 6 months (P = .005). Patients had improved SF-12 scores (P = .01), AFSS score (P = .01), EQ-5D score (P = .006), and AFEQT Global Score (P = .03). There was significant correlation between weight loss and decrease in symptom severity (r = -0.45, P = .05), and between % weight loss and decrease in symptom severity (r = -0.49, P = .03). Conclusion: This study described the feasibility of the AF-HEART intervention for (1) consistent remote tracking of heart rhythm, weight, and BP; (2) achievement of weight loss; (3) reduction of symptoms; and (4) improvement in QOL. Expansion to a larger randomized study is planned.