Implantable loop recorders in patients with Brugada syndrome: the BruLoop study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Available data on continuous rhythm monitoring by implantable loop recorders (ILRs) in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) are scarce. The aim of this multi-centre study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and clinical implication of a continuous rhythm monitoring strategy by ILRs in a large cohort of BrS patients and to assess the precise arrhythmic cause of syncopal episodes. METHODS: A total of 370 patients with BrS and ILRs (mean age 43.5 ± 15.9, 33.8% female, 74.1% symptomatic) from 18 international centers were included. Patients were followed with continuous rhythm monitoring for a median follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS: During follow-up, an arrhythmic event was recorded in 30.7% of symptomatic patients [18.6% atrial arrhythmias (AAs), 10.2% bradyarrhythmias (BAs), and 7.3% ventricular arrhythmias (VAs)]. In patients with recurrent syncope, the aetiology was arrhythmic in 22.4% (59.3% BAs, 25.0% VAs, and 15.6% AAs). The ILR led to drug therapy initiation in 11.4%, ablation procedure in 10.9%, implantation of a pacemaker in 2.5%, and a cardioverter-defibrillator in 8%. At multivariate analysis, the presence of symptoms [hazard ratio (HR) 2.5, P = .001] and age >50 years (HR 1.7, P = .016) were independent predictors of arrhythmic events, while inducibility of ventricular fibrillation at the electrophysiological study (HR 9.0, P < .001) was a predictor of VAs. CONCLUSIONS: ILR detects arrhythmic events in nearly 30% of symptomatic BrS patients, leading to appropriate therapy in 70% of them. The most commonly detected arrhythmias are AAs and BAs, while VAs are detected only in 7% of cases. Symptom status can be used to guide ILR implantation.

The Cost of Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, with an increasing incidence and prevalence because of progressively aging populations. Costs related to AF are both direct and indirect. This systematic review aims to identify the main cost drivers of the illness, assess the potential economic impact resulting from changes in care strategies, and propose interventions where they are most needed. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed to identify analytical observational studies defining the cost of illness in cases of AF. The search strategy was based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 recommendations. RESULTS: Of the 944 articles retrieved, 24 met the inclusion criteria. These studies were conducted in several countries. All studies calculated the direct medical costs, whereas 8 of 24 studies assessed indirect costs. The median annual direct medical cost per patient, considering all studies, was €9409 (13 333 US dollars in purchasing power parities), with a very large variability due to the heterogeneity of different analyses. Hospitalization costs are generally the main cost drivers. Comorbidities and complications, such as stroke, considerably increase the average annual direct medical cost of AF. CONCLUSIONS: In most of the analyzed studies, inpatient care cost represents the main component of the mean direct medical cost per patient. Stroke and heart failure are responsible for a large share of the total costs; therefore, implementing guidelines to manage comorbidities in AF is a necessary step to improve health and mitigate healthcare costs.

Definition and management of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy: findings from the European Heart Rhythm Association survey.

AIMS: Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AiCM) represents a subtype of acute heart failure (HF) in the context of sustained arrhythmia. Clear definitions and management recommendations for AiCM are lacking. The European Heart Rhythm Association Scientific Initiatives Committee (EHRA SIC) conducted a survey to explore the current definitions and management of patients with AiCM among European and non-European electrophysiologists. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 25-item online questionnaire was developed and distributed among EP specialists on the EHRA SIC website and on social media between 4 September and 5 October 2023. Of the 206 respondents, 16% were female and 61% were between 30 and 49 years old. Most of the respondents were EP specialists (81%) working at university hospitals (47%). While most participants (67%) agreed that AiCM should be defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) impairment after new onset of an arrhythmia, only 35% identified a specific LVEF drop to diagnose AiCM with a wide range of values (5-20% LVEF drop). Most respondents considered all available therapies: catheter ablation (93%), electrical cardioversion (83%), antiarrhythmic drugs (76%), and adjuvant HF treatment (76%). A total of 83% of respondents indicated that adjuvant HF treatment should be started at first HF diagnosis prior to antiarrhythmic treatment, and 84% agreed it should be stopped within six months after LVEF normalization. Responses for the optimal time point for the first LVEF reassessment during follow-up varied markedly (1 day-6 months after antiarrhythmic treatment). CONCLUSION: This EHRA Survey reveals varying practices regarding AiCM among physicians, highlighting a lack of consensus and heterogenous care of these patients.

Propofol dose and efficacy of defibrillation testing during implantation of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: A retrospective, single center cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Defibrillation testing (DFT) is recommended during subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation. Previous studies analyzing the potential interference of propofol with defibrillation threshold are inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether propofol affects DFT post S-ICD placement. METHODS: All patients with S-ICD implantation between 01/2017 and 11/2020 at the University Heart Center Freiburg were retrospectively analyzed. Two groups were generated depending on the success of the first shock during DFT. Implantation characteristics and dose of anesthetics were analyzed. RESULTS: In 12 of the included 80 (15%) patients, first shock during DFT failed. The absolute dose of propofol was significantly higher in patients with first shock failure (median 653 mg [IQR 503-855]) compared to patients with first shock termination (376 mg [200-600]; p = 0.027). Doses of opioids and midazolam as well as type of anesthesia did not differ between the groups. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis confirmed an independent association of first shock termination and propofol dose (per 100 mg: OR 0.73 (95% CI: 0.56-0.95); p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: There is an independent association of propofol dose and first shock failure in routine S-ICD defibrillation testing.

Outcomes of transvenous lead extraction of very old leads using bidirectional rotational mechanical sheaths: Results of a multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Lead dwell time >10 years is a recognized predictor for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) failure and complications. Data on the efficacy and safety of TLE using the bidirectional rotational mechanical sheaths in patients with very old leads are lacking. In this multicenter study, we reported the outcomes of transvenous rotational mechanical lead extraction in patients with leads implanted for ≥10 years. METHODS: A total of 441 leads (median: 159 months [135-197]; range: 120-487) in 189 consecutive patients were removed with the Evolution RL sheaths (Cook Medical, Bloomingtom, IN, USA) and mechanical ancillary tools supporting the procedures. RESULTS: The main indication for TLE was infection in 74% of cases. Complete procedural success rate, clinical success rate, per lead were 94.8% and 98.2%, respectively. Failure of lead extraction was seen in 1.8% of leads. The additional use of a snare via the femoral approach was required in 9% of patients. Lead dwell time was the only predictor of incomplete led removal (odds ratio: 1.009; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.003-1.014; p = .002). Four major complication (2%) were encountered. During a mean time follow-up of 31 ± 27 months, 21 patients (11%) died. No procedure-related mortality occurred. Predictors of mortality included severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (hazard ratio [HR]: 8.06; 95% CI: 2.99-21.73; p = .001), TLE for infection (HR: 8.0; 95% CI: 1.04-62.5; p = .045), diabetes (HR: 3.7; 95% CI: 1.48-9.5; p = .005), and previous systemic infection (HR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.17-8.24; p = .022). Incomplete lead removal or failure lead extraction did not impact on survival during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that the use of bidirectional rotational TLE mechanical sheaths combined with different mechanical tools and femoral approach allows reasonable success and safety in patients with very old leads at experienced specialized centers.

Prevention of venous thromboembolism in right heart-sided electrophysiological procedures: results of an European Heart Rhythm Association survey.

Limited data are available regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE), specifically deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), following right-sided ablations and electrophysiological (EP) studies. Compared to left-sided procedures, no guidelines on antithrombotic management strategies for the prevention of DVT and PE are available. The main purpose of the present European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey is to report the current management of right-sided EP procedures, focusing on anticoagulation and prevention of VTE. An online survey was conducted using the EHRA infrastructure. A total of 244 participants answered a 19-items questionnaire on the periprocedural management of EP studies and right-sided catheter ablations. The right femoral vein is the most common access for EP studies and right-sided procedures. An ultrasound-guided approach is employed by more than 2/3 of respondents. Intravenous heparin is not commonly given by the majority of participants. About 1/3 of participants (34%) routinely prescribe VTE prophylaxis during (mostly aspirin and low molecular weight heparin) and 1/4 of respondents (25%) commonly prescribe VTE prophylaxis after discharge (mostly aspirin). Of note, respectively 13% and 9% of participants observed at least one DVT and one PE related to right-sided ablation or EP study within the last year in their center. The present survey shows that only a minority of operators routinely gives intraprocedural intravenous heparin and prescribes VTE prophylaxis after right-sided EP procedures. Compared to left-sided procedures like atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, there are no consistent systematic antithrombotic management strategies.

Reduction in inappropriate therapies through device programming in subcutaneous implantable defibrillator patients: data from clinical practice.

AIMS: In subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) recipients, the UNTOUCHED study demonstrated a very low inappropriate shock rate on programming a conditional zone between 200 and 250 bpm and a shock zone for arrhythmias >250 bpm. The extent to which this programming approach is adopted in clinical practice is still unknown, as is its impact on the rates of inappropriate and appropriate therapies. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed ICD programming on implantation and during follow-up in a cohort of 1468 consecutive S-ICD recipients in 56 Italian centres. We also measured the occurrence of inappropriate and appropriate shocks during follow-up. On implantation, the median programmed conditional zone cut-off was set to 200 bpm (IQR: 200-220) and the shock zone cut-off was 230 bpm (IQR: 210-250). During follow-up, the conditional zone cut-off rate was not significantly changed, while the shock zone cut-off was changed in 622 (42%) patients and the median value increased to 250 bpm (IQR: 230-250) (P < 0.001). UNTOUCHED-like programming of detection cut-offs was adopted in 426 (29%) patients immediately after device implantation, and in 714 (49%, P < 0.001) at the last follow-up. UNTOUCHED-like programming was independently associated with fewer inappropriate shocks (hazard ratio 0.50, 95%CI 0.25-0.98, P = 0.044), and had no impact on appropriate and ineffective shocks. CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, S-ICD implanting centres have increasingly programmed high arrhythmia detection cut-off rates, at the time of implantation in the case of new S-ICD recipients, and during follow-up in the case of pre-existing implants. This has contributed significantly to reducing the incidence of inappropriate shocks in clinical practice. Rordorf: Programming of the S-ICD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/Identifier: NCT02275637.

Procedure, management, and outcome of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator extraction in clinical practice.

AIMS: Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) therapy is expanding rapidly. However, there are few data on the S-ICD extraction procedure and subsequent patient management. The aim of this analysis was to describe the procedure, management, and outcome of S-ICD extractions in clinical practice. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled consecutive patients who required complete S-ICD extraction at 66 Italian centres. From 2013 to 2022, 2718 patients undergoing de novo implantation of an S-ICD were enrolled. Of these, 71 required complete S-ICD system extraction (17 owing to infection). The S-ICD system was successfully extracted in all patients, and no complications were reported; the median procedure duration was 40 (25th-75th percentile: 20-55) min. Simple manual traction was sufficient to remove the lead in 59 (84%) patients, in whom lead-dwelling time was shorter [20 (9-32) months vs. 30 (22-41) months; P = 0.032]. Hospitalization time was short in the case of both non-infectious [2 (1-2) days] and infectious indications [3 (1-6) days]. In the case of infection, no patients required post-extraction intravenous antibiotics, the median duration of any antibiotic therapy was 10 (10-14) days, and the re-implantation was performed during the same procedure in 29% of cases. No complications arose over a median of 21 months. CONCLUSION: The S-ICD extraction was safe and easy to perform, with no complications. Simple traction of the lead was successful in most patients, but specific tools could be needed for systems implanted for a longer time. The peri- and post-procedural management of S-ICD extraction was free from complications and not burdensome for patients and healthcare system. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/Identifier: NCT02275637.

Clinical course of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients implanted with a transvenous or subcutaneous defibrillator.

AIMS: The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) at risk of sudden cardiac death. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator complications are of concern. The subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) does not use transvenous leads and is expected to reduce complications. However, it does not provide bradycardia and anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). The aim of this study was to compare appropriate and inappropriate ICD interventions, complications, disease-related adverse events and mortality between HCM patients implanted with a S- or transvenous (TV)-ICD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive HCM patients implanted with a S- (n = 216) or TV-ICD (n = 211) were enrolled. Propensity-adjusted cumulative Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazard ratios were used to compare 5-year event-free survival and the risk of events. The S-ICD patients had lower 5-year risk of appropriate (HR: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.15-0.65; P = 0.002) and inappropriate (HR: 0.44; 95%CI: 0.20-0.95; P = 0.038) ICD interventions, driven by a high incidence of ATP therapy in the TV-ICD group. The S- and TV-ICD patients experienced similar 5-year rate of device-related complications, albeit the risk of major lead-related complications was lower in S-ICD patients (HR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.038-0.79; P = 0.023). The TV- and S-ICD patients displayed similar risk of disease-related complications (HR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.27-1.52; P = 0.309) and mortality (HR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.29-1.87; P = 0.521). CONCLUSION: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients implanted with a S-ICD had lower 5-year risk of appropriate and inappropriate ICD therapies as well as of major lead-related complications as compared to those implanted with a TV-ICD. Long-term comparative follow-up studies will clarify whether the lower incidence of major lead-related complications will translate into a morbidity or survival benefit.

Intermuscular technique for implantation of the subcutaneous implantable defibrillator: a propensity-matched case-control study.

AIMS: A previous randomized study demonstrated that the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) was noninferior to transvenous ICD with respect to device-related complications and inappropriate shocks. However, that was performed prior to the widespread adoption of pulse generator implantation in the intermuscular (IM) space instead of the traditional subcutaneous (SC) pocket. The aim of this analysis was to compare survival from device-related complications and inappropriate shocks between patients who underwent S-ICD implantation with the generator positioned in an IM position in comparison with an SC pocket. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 1577 consecutive patients who had undergone S-ICD implantation from 2013 to 2021 and were followed up until December 2021. Subcutaneous patients (n = 290) were propensity matched with patients of the IM group (n = 290), and their outcomes were compared. : During a median follow-up of 28 months, device-related complications were reported in 28 (4.8%) patients and inappropriate shocks were reported in 37 (6.4%) patients. The risk of complication was lower in the matched IM group than in the SC group [hazard ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17-0.99, P = 0.041], as well as the composite of complications and inappropriate shocks (hazard ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.86, P = 0.013). The risk of appropriate shocks was similar between groups (hazard ratio 0.90, 95% CI 0.50-1.61, P = 0.721). There was no significant interaction between generator positioning and variables such as gender, age, body mass index, and ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: Our data showed the superiority of the IM S-ICD generator positioning in reducing device-related complications and inappropriate shocks. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02275637.

Modern subcutaneous implantable defibrillator therapy in patients with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies: data from a large multicentre registry.

AIMS: Patients with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies are usually younger and have a predominantly arrhythmia-related prognosis; they have nearly normal life expectancy thanks to the protection against sudden cardiac death provided by the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) is an effective alternative to the transvenous ICD and has evolved over the years. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of inappropriate shocks (IS), appropriate therapies, and device-related complications in patients with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies who underwent modern S-ICD implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled consecutive patients with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies who had undergone implantation of a modern S-ICD from January 2016 to December 2020 and who were followed up until December 2022. A total of 1338 S-ICD implantations were performed within the observation period. Of these patients, 628 had cardiomyopathies or channelopathies. The rate of IS at 12 months was 4.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8-6.9] in patients with cardiomyopathies and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.1-3.8) in patients with channelopathies (P = 0.032). No significant differences were noted over a median follow-up of 43 months [hazard ratio (HR): 0.76; 95% CI: 0.45-1.31; P = 0.351]. The rate of appropriate shocks at 12 months was 2.3% (95% CI: 1.1-4.1) in patients with cardiomyopathies and 2.1% (95% CI: 0.6-5.3) in patients with channelopathies (P = 1.0). The rate of device-related complications was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.3-2.3) and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.2-6.8), respectively (P = 0.074). No significant differences were noted over the entire follow-up. The need for pacing was low, occurring in 0.8% of patients. CONCLUSION: Modern S-ICDs may be a valuable alternative to transvenous ICDs in patients with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies. Our findings suggest that modern S-ICD therapy carries a low rate of IS. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/Identifier: NCT02275637.

Outcomes of transvenous lead extraction in octogenarians using bidirectional rotational mechanical sheaths.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) are well reported in the general population, However, data on safety, efficacy of TLE in octogenarians with a long lead dwell time, using powered extraction tools are limited. The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the safety, effectiveness of TLE in octogenarians using the bidirectional rotational mechanical sheaths and mid-term outcome after TLE. METHODS: The study population comprised 83 patients (78.3% male; mean age 85 ± 3 years; [range 80-94 years]) with 181 target leads. All the leads (mean implant duration 112 ± 77 months [range 12-377]) were extracted exclusively using the Evolution RL sheaths (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA). RESULTS: The main indication for TLE was infection in 84.3% of cases. Complete procedural success rate, clinical success rate, per lead were 93.9% and 98.3%, respectively. Failure of lead extraction was seen in 1.7% of leads. The additional use of a snare was required in 8.4% of patients. Major complications occurred in one patient (1.2%). Thirty-day mortality after TLE was 6%. During a mean time follow-up of 22 ± 21 months, 24 patients (29%) died. No procedure-related mortality occurred. Predictors of mortality included ischemic cardiomyopathy (HR 4.35; 95% CI 1.87-10.13; p = .001), left ventricularejection fraction ≤35% (HR 7.89; 95% CI 3.20-19.48; p < .001), and TLE for systemic infection (HR 4.24; 95% CI 1.69-10.66; p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: At experienced centers bidirectional rotational mechanical sheaths combined with different mechanical tools and femoral approach allowreasonable success and safety in octogenarian with long lead dwell time. Patient's age should not influence the decision to extract or not the leads, although the 30-day and mid-term mortality are significant, especially in the present of specific comorbidities.

Multiparametric identification of subclinical atrial fibrillation after an embolic stroke of undetermined source.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) may represent a cause of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and its detection has important implications for secondary prevention with anticoagulation. Indications to implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) include SCAF detection. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the frequency of ICM-detected SCAF; (2) determine predictors of SCAF; and (3) identify patients who would benefit most from ICM implantation. METHODS: Between February 2017 and November 2020, all consecutive patients referred for ICM implantation after a diagnosis of ESUS and without previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter were included in this study. SCAF was diagnosed if the ICM electrogram demonstrated an episode of irregularly irregular rhythm without distinct P waves lasting > 2 min. RESULTS: We enrolled 109 patients (age 66, SD = 13 years; 36% females). During a median follow-up of 19.2 (IQR 11.0-27.5) months, SCAF episodes were detected in 36 (33%) patients. Only abnormal P wave terminal force in lead V1, left atrial end-systolic indexed volume > 34 ml/m2, and BMI > 25 kg/m2 were independently associated with an increased risk of SCAF (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.14-5.21, p = 0.021; HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.11-5.13, p = 0.026; and HR 2.64, 95% CI 1.06-6.49, p = 0.036 respectively). The ROC curve showed that the presence of all three parameters had the best accuracy (74%) to predict SCAF detection (sensitivity 39%, specificity 91%). CONCLUSION: A multiparametric evaluation has the best accuracy to predict SCAF in ESUS patients and may help identifying those who would benefit most from ICM.

Subcutaneous versus transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator among drug-induced type-1 ECG pattern Brugada syndrome: a propensity score matching analysis from IBRYD study.

No real-world data are available about the complications rate in drug-induced type 1 Brugada Syndrome (BrS) patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Aim of our study is to compare the device-related complications, infections, and inappropriate therapies among drug-induced type 1 BrS patients with transvenous- ICD (TV-ICD) versus subcutaneous-ICD (S-ICD). Data for this study were sourced from the IBRYD (Italian BRugada sYnDrome) registry which includes 619 drug-induced type-1 BrS patients followed at 20 Italian tertiary referral hospitals. For the present analysis, we selected 258 consecutive BrS patients implanted with ICD. 198 patients (76.7%) received a TV-ICD, while 60 a S-ICD (23.4%). And were followed-up for a median time of 84.3 [46.5-147] months. ICD inappropriate therapies were experienced by 16 patients (6.2%). 14 patients (7.1%) in the TVICD group and 2 patients (3.3%) in S-ICD group (log-rank P = 0.64). ICD-related complications occurred in 31 patients (12%); 29 (14.6%) in TV-ICD group and 2 (3.3%) in S-ICD group (log-rank P = 0.41). ICD-related infections occurred in 10 patients (3.88%); 9 (4.5%) in TV-ICD group and 1 (1.8%) in S-ICD group (log-rank P = 0.80). After balancing for potential confounders using the propensity score matching technique, no differences were found in terms of clinical outcomes between the two groups. In a real-world setting of drug-induced type-1 BrS patients with ICD, no significant differences in inappropriate ICD therapies, device-related complications, and infections were shown among S-ICD vs TV-ICD. However, a reduction in lead-related complications was observed in the S-ICD group. In conclusion, our evidence suggests that S-ICD is at least non-inferior to TV-ICD in this population and may also reduce the risk of lead-related complications which can expose the patients to the necessity of lead extractions.

Scarring/arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

The designation of 'arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy' reflects the evolving concept of a heart muscle disease affecting not only the right ventricle (ARVC) but also the left ventricle (LV), with phenotypic variants characterized by a biventricular (BIV) or predominant LV involvement (ALVC). Herein, we use the term 'scarring/arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (S/ACM)' to emphasize that the disease phenotype is distinctively characterized by loss of ventricular myocardium due to myocyte death with subsequent fibrous or fibro-fatty scar tissue replacement. The myocardial scarring predisposes to potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias and underlies the impairment of systolic ventricular function. S/ACM is an 'umbrella term' which includes a variety of conditions, either genetic or acquired (mostly post-inflammatory), sharing the typical 'scarring' phenotypic features of the disease. Differential diagnoses include 'non-scarring' heart diseases leading to either RV dilatation from left-to-right shunt or LV dilatation/dysfunction from a dilated cardiomyopathy. The development of 2020 upgraded criteria ('Padua criteria') for diagnosis of S/ACM reflected the evolving clinical experience with the expanding spectrum of S/ACM phenotypes and the advances in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. The Padua criteria aimed to improve the diagnosis of S/ACM by incorporation of CMR myocardial tissue characterization findings. Risk stratification of S/ACM patients is mostly based on arrhythmic burden and ventricular dysfunction severity, although other ECG or imaging parameters may have a role. Medical therapy is crucial for treatment of ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the only proven life-saving treatment, despite its significant morbidity because of device-related complications and inappropriate shocks. Selection of patients who can benefit the most from ICD therapy is one of the most challenging issues in clinical practice.

The valuable interaction among cardiac surgeon and electrophysiologist for transvenous rotational mechanical lead extraction.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that Evolution RL bidirectional rotational mechanical sheath (Cook Medical, USA) is an effective and safe technique for transvenous lead extraction (TLE). We reported our experience with the bidirectional rotational mechanical tools using a multidisciplinary approach highlighting the value of a joint cardiac surgeon and electrophysiologist collaboration. METHODS: The study population comprised 84 patients (77% male; mean age 65 ± 18 years) undergoing TLE. After a multidisciplinary evaluation, a combined procedure was considered. RESULTS: The main indication for TLE was infection in 54 cases (64%). Overall, 152 leads were extracted with a mean implant duration of 94 ± 63 months (range 12-421). Complete procedural success rate, clinical success rate, and lead removal with clinical success rate were 91.6% (77/84), 97.6% (82/84), and 98.6% (150/152), respectively. Eighteen combined procedures were performed in 12 patients (14%), such as "hybrid approach" (n = 2) or TLE concomitant to: 1) transcatheter aspiration procedure for large vegetation (n = 8); 2) left ventricular assistance device implantation as bridge to cardiac transplantation (n = 1); 3) permanent pacing with epicardial leads (n = 6); 4) tricuspid valve replacement (n = 1). One major complication (1.2%) and 11 (13%) minor complications were encountered. No injury to the superior vena cava occurred and no procedure-related deaths were reported. During a mean time follow-up of 21 ± 18 months, 17 patients (20%) died. They were more often diabetics (p = .02), and they underwent TLE more often for infection (p = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the finding that excellent outcomes can be achieved in performing TLE of chronically implanted leads by using the Evolution RL bidirectional rotational mechanical sheath and a multidisciplinary team approach involving both electrophysiologist and cardiac surgeon as first line operators.

Totally peripheral approach for ICD lead vegetation removal in a GUCH patient.

AngioVac system (AngioDynamics) has already proved to be a useful tool in the treatment of thrombotic and endocarditic formations concerning the venous district. Herein, the AngioVac aspiration system combined with the bidirectional rotational Evolution mechanical sheath lead extraction was used for an effective and safety cardiac-device-related-infective-endocarditis removal in a grown-up congenital heart disease patient through a totally peripheral approach.

Acute shock efficacy of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator according to the implantation technique.

BACKGROUND: The traditional technique for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation involves three incisions and a subcutaneous (SC) pocket. An intermuscular (IM) 2-incision technique has been recently adopted. AIMS: We assessed acute defibrillation efficacy (DE) of S-ICD (DE ≤65 J) according to the implantation technique. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients who underwent S-ICD implantation and DE testing at 53 Italian centers. Regression analysis was used to determine the association between DFT and implantation technique. RESULTS: A total of 805 patients were enrolled. Four groups were assessed: IM + 2 incisions (n = 546), SC + 2 incisions (n = 133), SC + 3 incisions (n = 111), and IM + 3 incisions (n = 15). DE was ≤65 J in 782 (97.1%) patients. Patients with DE ≤65 J showed a trend towards lower body mass index (25.1 vs. 26.5; p = .12), were less frequently on antiarrhythmic drugs (13% vs. 26%; p = .06) and more commonly underwent implantation with the 2-incision technique (85% vs. 70%; p = .04). The IM + 2-incision technique showed the lowest defibrillation failure rate (2.2%) and shock impedance (66 Ohm, interquartile range: 57-77). On multivariate analysis, the 2-incision technique was associated with a lower incidence of shock failure (hazard ratio: 0.305; 95% confidence interval: 0.102-0.907; p = .033). Shock impedance was lower with the IM than with the SC approach (66 vs. 70 Ohm p = .002) and with the 2-incision than the 3-incision technique (67 vs. 72 Ohm; p = .006). CONCLUSIONS: In a large population of S-ICD patients, we observed a high defibrillation success rate. The IM + 2-incision technique provides lower shock impedance and a higher likelihood of successful defibrillation.

Antithrombotic treatment management in low stroke risk patients undergoing cardioversion of atrial fibrillation <48 h duration: results of an EHRA survey.

Data supporting the safety of cardioversion (CV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) without anticoagulation in patients with AF duration <48 h are scarce. Observational studies suggest that the risk of stroke in these patients is very low when the definite duration of the AF episode is of <48 h and the clinical risk profile as estimated through the CHA2DS2VASc score is low (a score of 0 for men and 1 for women). As the recent 2020 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines indication for this clinical scenario is based mainly on consensus, we sent out a survey to assess the current clinical practice on anticoagulation prior to and post-CV in patients with AF <24-48 h duration and low stroke risk across centres in Europe. Of the 136 respondents, half were affiliated to university hospitals (68/136; 50%). Non-university hospitals (50/136; 36%) and private hospitals (2/136; 1.4%) accounted over a third of respondents. The main findings of our survey were (i) heterogeneity in the anticoagulation management both before and post-CV in low stroke-risk patients with AF <48 h, (ii) higher utilization of periprocedural low-molecular-weight heparin than of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant, (iii) higher utilization of pre-CV transoesophageal echocardiography for electrical CV than for pharmacological CV regardless of the duration of AF, (iv) high adherence to a 4-week post-CV oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy, mainly for electrical CV, and finally, (v) perceived higher acceptance of lack of post-CV OAC therapy in patients with <24 h than 24-48 h episode duration. The results obtained in this survey highlight the need for more research providing definitive clarification on the safety of CV without anticoagulation in patients with short duration AF.

"Apical sparing" T-wave inversion in a case of mid-ventricular takotsubo syndrome.

Previous studies showed that myocardial edema correlates with dynamic T-wave inversion and QTc prolongation in a variety of acute cardiovascular diseases including takotsubo syndrome (TTS). We reported the case of a patient with "atypical" (mid-ventricular) TTS showing a unique pattern of diffuse T-wave inversion that spared only the apical precordial leads V3-V4. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed myocardial edema involving all mid-ventricular segments but not the apex. Both ECG and CMR normalized at follow-up evaluation. This case further reinforces the theory of an association between presence and regional distribution of acute myocardial inflammation and dynamic repolarization changes.