The Impact of Ipsilateral Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Axillary Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Support as Bridge to Heart Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The axillary artery (AX) access for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) as a bridge to heart transplant (HT) allows mobility while awaiting a suitable donor. As end-stage heart failure patients often have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) on the left side, the left AX approach may be avoided due to the perception of difficult access and proximity of two devices. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients bridged to HT with a left-sided AX IABP with or without ipsilateral ICDs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed HT candidates at our institution supported by left-sided axillary IABP from November 2019 to February 2024, dividing them into two groups based on the presence (Group ICD, n = 48) or absence (Group No-ICD, N = 19) of an ipsilateral left-sided ICD. The exposure time was defined as the time from skin incision to the beginning of anastomoses of a Dacron graft. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 100% of the cohort, with median exposure times for AX access similar between groups (ICD, 12 [7.8, 18.2] vs. No ICD, 11 [7, 19] min; p = 0.75). The rate of procedural adverse events, such as significant access site bleeding and ipsilateral limb ischemia, did not significantly differ between both groups. Device malfunction rates were comparable (ICD, 29.2% vs. No ICD, 15.8%; p = 0.35). Posttransplant, in-hospital mortality, severe primary graft dysfunction, and stroke rates were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: The presence of an ipsilateral left-sided ICD does not adversely impact the procedural efficacy, complication rates, or posttransplant outcomes of left-sided AX IABP insertion in HT candidates.

Axillary artery access considerations in Impella 5.5 insertion: Insights from exclusive axillary approach for successful support.

BACKGROUND: The Impella 5.5® is commonly inserted via the axillary artery (AX) in patients with cardiogenic shock. The right AX has traditionally been preferred to avoid crossing the aortic arch, and a minimum diameter of 7 mm has been recommended to accommodate the device (21 Fr). There is limited data on choice of laterality of access and AX size required, both in terms of technicality of the procedure as well as outcomes. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective cohort analysis of patients who underwent Impella 5.5® implantation between December 2020 and February 2024 (N = 75). Data including demographics and outcomes were stratified both by diameter (small, <7 mm vs. normal, ≥7 mm) and laterality of access (right vs. left). Adverse events included stroke, limb ischemia, procedural bleeding or infection, and unplanned explant due to complications. Delivery time was defined as time from advancing the first wire to activation of the device. RESULTS: AX approach was attempted in all (N = 74) but one requiring innominate access, with a technical success rate of 95.9% (N = 71/74). The mean age was 58.8 ± 13.3 years, with 81.1% males. The median delivery time was 7.0 (25th, 75th percentiles: 4.0, 11.5) min with a median support duration of 13 (7.7, 24) days. Ten patients (13.5%) had a small AX, with a mean diameter of 6.3 ± 0.5 mm and were more likely to be younger compared to the normal AX group. Fifty-nine patients (79.7%) had insertion via the right AX. Median delivery time was comparable across all groups (small, 5.4 [3.5, 10.9] vs. normal, 7 [4.0, 12.1] min, p = 0.59) and (right, 10.4 [5.3, 15.2] vs. left, 6 [3.7, 10.4] min, p = 0.35). There was no difference between the rates of stroke, ischemia, bleeding, or infection when comparing by size or laterality. Survival to discharge was 59.5%, with 21.1% mortality on support, all in patients with a normal AX diameter, but with no difference between right versus left. CONCLUSION: In our study, laterality and a small diameter of AX access did not affect outcomes of Impella 5.5®, with a similar safety profile.

Single-center experience of extended brain-death donor heart preservation with the organ care system.

BACKGROUND: The Organ Care System (OCS) (Transmedics, Andover, MA) reduces cold ischemic time of donor hearts by producing a normothermic beating state during ex vivo perfusion, enabling extended ex situ intervals, which potentially increases donor pool. We aimed to compare outcomes in utilization of OCS and conventional cold storage technique. METHODS: Consecutive heart transplants following brain death at our institution between May 2022 and July 2023 were analyzed. Recipients were divided into those receiving hearts preserved with OCS [N = 15] and those with conventional cold storage (Control, N = 27), with OCS utilization when anticipated ischemic time was more than 4 h. Pre-transplant characteristics and transplant outcomes were compared. RESULTS: OCS utilization allowed a significant increase in distance traveled for heart retrieval (OCS, 624 ± 269 vs. Control, 153 ± 128 miles, p < 0.001), with longer mean total preservation times (6.2 ± 1.1 vs 2.6 ± 0.6 h, p < 0.001). All but one patient displayed a general decrease or plateau in lactate throughout perfusion time by OCS. Both groups experienced similar rates of severe primary graft dysfunction (OCS, 6.7% [N = 1] vs. Control, 11.1% [N = 3], p = 0.63), with 100% in-hospital survival in the OCS group compared to 96.3% in the Control group (p = 0.34). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that estimated one-year survival were comparable (OCS, 93.3 ± 6.4% vs. Control, 88.9 ± 6.0%, p = 0.61). CONCLUSION: With a mean preservation time of around 6 h and distance covered of over 600 miles, our results using OCS indicate a potential to safely increase the quantity and viability of accessible organs, thus broadening the donor pool without negatively affecting outcomes.

ChatGPT: A Conceptual Review of Applications and Utility in the Field of Medicine.

Artificial Intelligence, specifically advanced language models such as ChatGPT, have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of healthcare, medical education, and research. In this narrative review, we evaluate the myriad applications of ChatGPT in diverse healthcare domains. We discuss its potential role in clinical decision-making, exploring how it can assist physicians by providing rapid, data-driven insights for diagnosis and treatment. We review the benefits of ChatGPT in personalized patient care, particularly in geriatric care, medication management, weight loss and nutrition, and physical activity guidance. We further delve into its potential to enhance medical research, through the analysis of large datasets, and the development of novel methodologies. In the realm of medical education, we investigate the utility of ChatGPT as an information retrieval tool and personalized learning resource for medical students and professionals. There are numerous promising applications of ChatGPT that will likely induce paradigm shifts in healthcare practice, education, and research. The use of ChatGPT may come with several benefits in areas such as clinical decision making, geriatric care, medication management, weight loss and nutrition, physical fitness, scientific research, and medical education. Nevertheless, it is important to note that issues surrounding ethics, data privacy, transparency, inaccuracy, and inadequacy persist. Prior to widespread use in medicine, it is imperative to objectively evaluate the impact of ChatGPT in a real-world setting using a risk-based approach.

Utilization of hepatitis C virus infected donors in heart transplant recipients with elevated MELD-XI score.

BACKGROUND: The advent of direct-acting antivirals has helped to increase the safe utilization of organs from hepatitis C virus positive (HCV+) donors. However, the outcomes of heart transplantation (HT) using an HCV+ donor are unclear in recipients with underlying liver disease represented by an elevated model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI). METHODS: The United Network of Organ Sharing database was queried from Jan 2016 to Dec 2021. Post-transplant outcomes stratified by recipient MELD-XI score (low <10.37, medium, 10.38-13.39, and high >13.4) was compared between patients with HT from HCV+ (N = 792) and patients with HT from HCV-negative donors (N = 15,266). RESULTS: The median MELD-XI score was comparable (HCV+, 12.1, vs. HCV-negative, 11.8, p = .37). In the HCV+ group, donors were older (33 vs. 31 years, p < .001). Ischemic time of donor hearts (3.48 vs. 3.28 h, p < .001) and travel distance (250 vs. 157 miles, p < .001) were longer in HCV+ group. In the Kaplan Meier analysis with a median follow-up of 750 days, survival was comparable between the two groups (2-year survival, MELD-XI Low: HCV+, 92.4 ± 3.6% vs. HCV-negative, 91.1 ±.8%, p = .83, Medium: HCV+ 89.2 ± 4.3% vs. HCV-negative, 88.2 ± 1.0%, p = .68, and High: HCV+, 84.9 ± 4.5% vs. HCV-negative, 84.6 ± 1.1%, p = .75) In multivariate Cox hazard models, HCV donors were not associated with mortality in each MELD-XI subgroup (Low: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.02, p = .94; Medium: aHR, .95, p = .81; and High: aHR, .93, p = .68). CONCLUSION: Utilization of HCV+ hearts was not associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in recipients with an elevated MELD- XI score.

Groin wound management after decannulation of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in heart transplantation: Role of sartorius muscle flap.

BACKGROUND: The management of complex groin wounds following VA-ECMO after heart transplant (HT) is uncertain due to limited experience. Sartorius muscle flaps (SMF) have been used in vascular surgery for groin wound complications. However, their use in HT recipients with perioperative VA-ECMO is unclear. This study aims to describe characteristics and outcomes of HT patients with groin complications after arterial decannulation for femoral VA-ECMO. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed HT patients who underwent peri-transplant femoral VA-ECMO at our institution from April 2011 to February 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence of cannulation-related wound complications. RESULTS: Among the 34 patients requiring VA-ECMO peri-transplant, 17 (50%) experienced complications at the cannulation site. Baseline characteristics including duration of VA-ECMO support were comparable in both groups. Patients with complications presented mostly with open wounds (41.1%) after a median duration of 22 days post-transplant. Concurrent groin infections were observed in 52.3% of patients, all caused by gram-negative bacteria. Wound complications were managed with 12 (70.6%) undergoing SMF treatment and 5 (31.2%) receiving conventional therapy. Four SMF recipients had preemptive procedures for wound dehiscence, while eight underwent SMF for groin infections. Among the SMF group, 11 patients had favorable outcomes without recurrent complications, except for one patient who developed a groin infection with pseudoaneurysm formation. Conventional therapy with vacuum assisted closure (VAC) and antibiotics were utilized in four patients without infection and one patient with infection. Three patients required additional surgeries with favorable healing of the wound. CONCLUSION: Complications related to femoral VA-ECMO are common in HT patients, with infection being the most frequent complication. SMFs can be a useful tool to prevent progression of infection and improve local healing.

Evolution of concomitant use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support with Impella in cardiogenic shock: From percutaneous femoral Impella to axillary Impella 5.5.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about safety and efficacy of the use of Impella 5.5 compared to previous iterations in the setting of Impella with Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support as ECPELLA. METHODS: Consecutive patients who were treated by ECPELLA with surgically implanted axillary Impella 5.5 (N = 13) were compared with patients supported by ECPELLA with percutaneous femoral Impella CP or 2.5 (Control, N = 13). RESULTS: The total ECPELLA flow was higher in ECPELLA 5.5 group (6.9 vs. 5.4 L/min, p = 0.019). Actual hospital survival was higher than predicted and comparable in both groups (ECPELLA 5.5, 61.5% vs. Control, 53.8%, p = 0.691). Both total device complications (ECPELLA 5.5, 7.7% vs. Control, 46.1%, p = 0.021) and Impella-specific complications (ECPELLA 5.5, 0% vs. Control, 30.8%, p = 0.012) were significantly lower in the ECPELLA 5.5 group. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of Impella 5.5 in the setting of ECPELLA provides greater hemodynamic support with a lower risk of complications compared to Impella CP or 2.5.

The Evolving Paradigm of Revascularization in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: from Recovery of Systolic Function to Protection Against Future Ischemic Events.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aim to reevaluate how the assessment of myocardial viability can guide optimal treatment strategies for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) based on a more contemporary understanding of the mechanism of benefit of revascularization. RECENT FINDINGS: The assessment of viability in left ventricular (LV) segments with diminished contraction has been proposed as key to predict the benefit of revascularization and, therefore, as a requisite for the selection of patients to undergo this form of treatment. However, data from prospective trials have diverged from earlier retrospective studies. Traditional binary viability assessment may oversimplify ICM's complexity and the nuances of revascularization benefits. A conceptual shift from the traditional paradigm centered on the assessment of viability as a dichotomous variable to a more comprehensive approach encompassing a thorough understanding of ICM's complex pathophysiology and the salutary effect of revascularization in the prevention of myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmias is required.

Nationwide Analysis of the Outcomes and Mortality of Hospitalized Infants with Concomitant Diagnosis of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) generally causes milder illness in the pediatric population. However, infants represent a higher-risk population with evolving symptomatology and severity. There is a paucity of large population-based data on the impact of COVID-19 on hospitalized infants. STUDY DESIGN: In this large cohort study, the National Inpatient Sample database was queried for all infant hospital admissions between January and December 2020 in the United States, with and without a diagnosis of COVID-19 based on ICD-10-CM U07. The mortality and morbidity of infants with and without COVID-19 were evaluated. Parent-reported race and outcomes were also analyzed. RESULTS: A weighted total of 3,754,236 infants who were hospitalized were identified, of which 4,265 patients (0.11%) had a concomitant diagnosis of COVID-19. Infants with COVID-19 had similar mortality and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation utilization. Infants with concomitant COVID-19 had a higher rate of respiratory failure, congestive heart failure, acute kidney injury, and coagulopathy. Compared with Caucasian infants and Asian infants, Hispanic and African American infants were more likely to have COVID-19 hospital admissions than hospitalizations without COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with lower median household income represented the majority of the COVID-19 hospitalization. The infants with COVID-19 were more likely to have Medicaid or Medicare insurance and less likely to have private insurance. CONCLUSION: In this large cohort of hospitalized infants with COVID-19, the infection was associated with complications, including respiratory failure and endotracheal intubations but not associated with a higher risk for mortality. Infants from racial minorities and lower socioeconomic strata carry the highest burden of COVID-19 infection. KEY POINTS: · Infants with COVID-19 represent a higher-risk group with evolving symptomatology and severity.. · Infants with COVID-19 had similar mortality rates and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation utilization as those without COVID-19.. · Racial minorities and lower socioeconomic strata carry the highest burden of COVID-19 infection..

Practical approach to confirm femoral artery patency after percutaneous closure for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation.

BACKGROUND: We describe a technique to assess blood flow distal to the decannulation site after deployment of Perclose ProGlide (Abbott Vascular, Abbott Park, Ill) in patients on femoral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support. TECHNIQUE: An antegrade distal perfusion catheter was placed in all patients, and decannulation was primarily performed at bedside (N = 11/12). With the VA-ECMO circuit switched off, a needle was inserted into the arterial tubing, passed through the femoral arterial cannula into the artery. The arterial cannula was removed over a wire and the previously placed Proglide Perclose sutures were secured. Back bleeding from the antegrade distal perfusion catheter, confirmed using a three-way connector, indicated blood flow to the superficial femoral artery. This was followed by confirmation of blood flow to the lower leg using a Doppler ultrasound. Hemostasis of the antegrade perfusion catheter was achieved through manual compression. RESULTS: We implemented this technique in 12 patients with a technical success rate of 100%. There were no ipsilateral leg ischemia, bleeding, pseudoaneurysm, or infection after decannulation. CONCLUSIONS: This technique allows prompt assessment of blood flow to the distal leg immediately following arterial decannulation.

Catheter thrombectomy for basilar artery stroke immediately after insertion of durable left ventricular assist device.

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a serious complication associated with device morbidity. AIS development following LVAD placement typically presents between 6- and 24-months post implantation.Case/Results: We report a case of a 67-year-old male who initially presented with reduced ejection fraction and severe coronary vessel disease. Following coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the patient remained in a low output state necessitating placement of an LVAD device. Approximately 4.5 hours following LVAD implantation, a severe acute decrease in mental status revealed new development of ischemic stroke of the basilar artery, which was successfully treated in one pass with catheter endovascular thrombectomy.Conclusion: While embolic stroke management in these cases remains difficult as patients are usually anticoagulated, our case demonstrates the utilization of endovascular thrombectomy as a viable therapeutic option in the setting of an uncommon occurrence of embolic stroke in the hours following LVAD implantation.

Outcomes in congenital and childhood complete atrioventricular block: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The long-term outcomes of patients with congenital and childhood complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB/CAVB) after pacemaker implantation are unclear. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of all the studies of CCAVB. A systematic search of PubMed and CENTRAL databases from January 1, 1967 to January 31, 2020 was performed. The quality of studies included was critically appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and outcome data were analyzed using the restricted maximum likelihood function. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were eligible for analysis, with a total of 1553 patients. The all-cause-mortality was 5.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5%-9.9%), while pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) was seen in 3.8% (95% CI: 1.2-7.2). Diagnosis at birth (effect size [ES] [95%CI]: -2.23 [-0.36 to -0.10]; p < .001), presence of congenital heart disease (ES [95%CI]: -0.67 [0.41-0.93]; p < .001), younger age at pacemaker implantation (ES [95%CI]: -0.01 [-0.02 to -0.001]; p = .02), and duration of pacing (ES [95%CI]: -0.03 [-0.05 to -0.003]; p = .03), were associated with an higher mortality on binominal logistic regression. None of the parameters were significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Pooled proportional mortality in patients with CCAVB and CAVB is 5.7% with an infrequent incidence of PICM (3.8%) in the paced patients with AVB suggesting that pacing in these patients is an effective management strategy with a low incidence of long-term side effects. Registry and randomized data can throw additional light regarding the natural history and appropriate management strategy in these patients.

Escalation from intra-aortic balloon pump to axillary impella 5.5 support: Staged removal of the femoral access.

Background: With the growing population of advanced heart failure, the use of Impella 5.5 has been increasing. Here, we report an effective strategy of removing the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in the setting of escalation of support to Impella 5.5.Results: From January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022, a total of 6 patients have undergone IABP removal during Impella 5.5 insertion. The IABP was subsequently removed over the long wire with manual compression on the femoral artery to control bleeding. An 8 or 9 Fr short sheath is inserted over the wire. Staged hemostasis was successfully performed in 4 patients, and the remaining two patients required escalation of support to veno-arterial membrane oxygenation as EC-PELLA utilizing the femoral arterial sheath.Conclusion: This does not only achieve secured hemostasis but also enables a smooth transition to further escalate support such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, if necessary.

Fibroplasty (venoplasty) to facilitate transvenous lead placement: A single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Venous stenosis is a well-recognized complication of transvenous leads (TVLs) that is encountered during lead revisions or device upgrades. We here report the outcomes of TVL placement facilitated by fibroplasty or tunneling (TUN) procedure. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing TVL implantation requiring fibroplasty or TUN from 2005 to 2017. Medical records and procedure reports were reviewed for relevant data. Outcomes for fibroplasty and TUN to facilitate TVL placement were compared. RESULTS: Sixty patients had fibroplasty and thirty-five patients had a TUN procedure. There was no difference in procedure success rates between the two groups (97% fibroplasty vs. 100% TUN; p = .98). The fluoroscopy time was longer (fibroplasty = 39.7 ± 21.5 min vs. TUN = 29.2 ± 21.3 min; p = .01) and the total procedural time was shorter in the fibroplasty group (fibroplasty = 247 ± 77.8 min vs. TUN = 287 ± 77.1 min; p = .01). TUN was associated with a significantly higher incidence of acute complications (fibroplasty = 0 vs. TUN = 8; p = .002) most requiring invasive intervention and/or transfusion with blood products. Long-term complications requiring additional device-related procedures were comparable between the two groups (fibroplasty = 6 vs. TUN = 6; logrank p = .21). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with venous stenosis requiring additional TVL, balloon fibroplasty is associated with similar rates of success and a significantly decreased incidence of acute complications when compared with subcutaneous TUN.

Prospective evaluation of the utility of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with non-MRI-conditional pacemakers and defibrillators.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with legacy cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in situ is likely underutilized. We hypothesized the clinical benefit of MRI would outweigh the risks in legacy CIED patients. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study that evaluated and classified the utility of MRI using a prospectively maintained database. The outcomes were classified as aiding in diagnosis, treatment, or both for the patients attributable to the MRI. We then assessed the incidence of adverse effects (AE) when the MRI was performed. RESULTS: In 668, MRIs performed on 479 patients, only 13 (1.9%) MRIs did not aid in the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Power-on reset events without clinical sequelae in three scans (0.45%) were the only AE. The probability of an adverse event happening without any benefit from the MRI scan was 1.1 × 10-4 . A maximum benefit in diagnosis using MRI was obtained in ruling out space-occupying lesions (121/185 scans, 65.4%). Scans performed in patients for elucidating answers to queries in treatment were most frequently done for disease staging at long term follow-up (167/470 scans, 35.5%). Conservative treatment (184/470 scans, 39%) followed by medication changes (153/470 scans, 28.7%) were the most common treatment decisions made. CONCLUSIONS: The utility of MRI in patients with non-MRI-conditional CIEDs far outweighs the risk of adverse events when imaging is done in the context of a multidisciplinary program that oversees patient safety.

Safety and compatibility of smart device heart rhythm monitoring in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.

INTRODUCTION: Emerging medical technology has allowed for monitoring of heart rhythm abnormalities using smartphone compatible devices. The safety and utility of such devices have not been established in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). We sought to assess the safety and compatibility of the Food and Drug Administration-approved AliveCor Kardia device in patients with CIEDs. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively recruited patients with CIED for a Kardia recording during their routine device interrogation. A recording was obtained in paced and nonpaced states. Adverse clinical events were noted at the time of recording. Electrograms (EGMs) from the cardiac device were obtained at the time of recording to assess for any electromagnetic interference (EMI) introduced by Kardia. Recordings were analyzed for quality and given a score of 3 (interpretable rhythm, no noise), 2 (interpretable rhythm, significant noise) or 1 (uninterpretable). A total of 251 patients were recruited (59% with a pacemaker and 41% with ICD). There were no adverse clinical events noted at the time of recording and no changes to CIED settings. Review of all EGMs revealed no EMI introduced by Kardia. Recordings were correctly interpreted in 90% of paced recordings (183 had a score of 3, 43 of 2, and 25 of 1) and 94.7% of nonpaced recordings (147 of 3, 15 of 2, and 9 of 1). CONCLUSION: The AliveCor Kardia device has an excellent safety profile when used in conjunction with most CIEDs. The quality of recordings was preserved in this population. The device, therefore, can be considered for heart rhythm monitoring in patients with CIEDs.

Diagnostic and therapeutic value of implantable loop recorder: A tertiary care center experience.

BACKGROUND: Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are effective in achieving symptom-rhythm correlation. However, diagnostic yield in routine clinical practice is not well established. METHODS: Patients undergoing ILR implantation between April 2010 and May 2015 were included. All devices were enrolled in remote monitoring with automatic arrhythmia detection and P sense algorithms switched "ON." Symptom-rhythm correlation was assessed and changes in management were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients (57% male, age 53 ± 22 years; median CHADS2VaSc score  =  1) were included in this study. ILRs were implanted for evaluation of syncope in 206 (66.0%), presyncope in 23 (7.4%), unexplained palpitations in 51 (16.3%), and cryptogenic stroke in 27 (8.7%) patients. ILR monitoring yielded a diagnosis that changed management strategy in 146 (46.8%) patients over a median of 12 (1-42) months. Out of 163 (52.2%) patients with symptoms during the monitoring period, 100 (61.3%) had an arrhythmia. ILR was useful in ruling out an arrhythmic cause for symptoms in 63 (38.7%) patients. ILR results led to pacemaker implantation in 23 patients (7.4% overall and 11.2% of those with syncope) after median follow-up of 3 months. A new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation was made in 38 (12.2%) patients, 11 of whom were initiated on oral anticoagulants. ILR results led to pacemaker implantation in 31 patients (9.9% overall and 19.0% of those with syncope) after median follow-up of 3 months. A new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation was made in 38 (12.2%) patients, nine of whom were initiated on oral anticoagulants. Overall, ILR led to a change in management in 47% patients with a number needed to implant of 2.1 to change management. CONCLUSION: ILR monitoring is effective in achieving symptom-rhythm correlation and results in changes in management in nearly half of implanted patients. Additional studies are needed to evaluate cost efficacy of ILR and the optimal monitoring duration.

Long term follow-up of patients with ventricular high rate events detected on remote monitoring of pacemakers.

AIMS: Previous data suggest ventricular high rate episodes (VHREs) on pacemakers are frequent and not associated with overall mortality on short term follow up. We sought to determine whether VHREs are associated with mortality, device upgrade, or change in ejection fraction on long term follow up. METHODS: A single center, retrospective study was performed on 542 patients with permanent pacemakers followed between 2011 and 2013. Follow-up was extended to 2017 for determination of long term outcomes. "True" VHREs were defined as episodes adjudicated to be due to non-sustained ventricular tachycardia on review of electrograms and "false" VHREs were defined as supraventricular arrhythmias or noise. RESULTS: VHRE occurred in 202(37.2%)/542 included patients. True VHRE was detected in 148(27.3%) while 54(10%) had false VHRE. The mean age of the population was 72 ±â€¯15 years and 46% were women. Mean follow-up was 3.3 ±â€¯1.4 years. The baseline characteristics of the true, false and no VHRE patients were similar. There was no difference in all-cause mortality between groups (27% mortality in true VHRE, 33% in false VHRE and 29% in no VHRE). Furthermore, there was no difference between groups with regards to any device upgrade (5% any upgrades in the VHRE, 9% in false VHRE and 5% in no VHRE.) On follow up, EF declined in all groups: -4% vs -2.4% vs -3.5% for true, false and no VHRE. CONCLUSION: VHRE are frequently encountered on remote monitoring of pacemakers and not associated with increased risk of mortality or need for downstream device upgrade.

Percutaneous epicardial pacing using a novel transverse sinus device.

BACKGROUND: Transvenous lead implantation has multiple drawbacks and complications that can be overcome by epicardial lead placement. We aimed to design percutaneously implanted epicardial leads that are anchored through the transverse sinus (TS). METHODS AND RESULTS: We designed a novel multielectrode pacing device with four bipole electrode pairs. The device is advanced through the TS, with both ends externalized out of the pericardium. We tested the prototype in one proof-of-concept and 5 additional acute canine experiments. The TS device recorded ventricular and atrial electrograms. The median amplitude of near-field ventricular electrograms was 3.3 mA (IQR 2.0-4.3) and of near-field atrial electrograms was 2.1 mA (IQR 1.3-2.2). The median ventricular threshold (N  =  30) was 1.1 mA (IQR 0.7-3.1) at a median pulse width of 0.5 ms (IQR 0.5-0.5). The median atrial threshold (N  =  10) was 2.4 mA (IQR 1.1-7.8) at a median pulse width of 0.5 ms (IQR 0.5-0.9). Right and left ventricular and atrial pacing morphologies were noted while pacing electrodes adjacent to these chambers. Simultaneous left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) pacing showed reduction in QRS duration from 116 ms (RV) and 105 ms (LV) to 91 ms. On necropsy, the device was located in the TS in all animals. There were TS abrasions in one animal, and no other acute complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a novel approach to epicardial pacing harnessing the unique anatomy of the transverse sinus as an anchoring point. Placement of this novel transverse sinus device was safe and feasible, with acceptable atrial and ventricular thresholds.