Mortality after transvenous lead extraction: A risk prediction model for sustainable care delivery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) has become a pivotal part of a comprehensive lead management strategy, dealing with a continuously increasing demand. Nonetheless, the literature about the long-term impact of TLE on survivals is still lacking. Given these knowledge gaps, the aim of our study was to analyse very long-term mortality in patients undergoing TLE in public health perspective. METHODS: This prospective, single-centre, observational study enrolled consecutive patients with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) who underwent TLE, from January 2005 to January 2021. The main goal was to establish the independent predictors of very long-term mortality after TLE. We also aimed at assessing procedural and hospitalization-related costs. RESULTS: We enrolled 435 patients (mean age 70 ± 12 years, with mean lead dwelling time 6.8 ± 16.7 years), with prevalent infective indication to TLE (92%). Initial success of TLE was achieved in 98% of population. After a median follow-up of 4.5 years (range: 1 month-15.5 years), 150 of the 435 enrolled patients (34%) died. At multivariate analysis, death was predicted by: age (≥77 years, OR: 2.55, CI: 1.8-3.6, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (CKD) defined as severe reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 , OR: 1.75, CI: 1.24-2.4, p = 0.001) and systolic dysfunction assessed before TLE defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%, OR: 1.78, CI 1.26-2.5, p = 0.001. Mean extraction cost was €5011 per patient without reimplantation and €6336 per patient with reimplantation respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified three predictors of long-term mortality in a high-risk cohort of patients with a cardiac device infection, undergoing successful TLE. The future development of a mortality risk score before might impact on public health strategy.

Leadless pacemaker technology: clinical evidence of new paradigm of pacing.

Despite continuous technological developments, transvenous pacemakers (PM) are still associated with significant immediate and long-term complications, mostly lead or pocket-related. Recent technological advances brought to the introduction in clinical practice of leadless PM for selected cohort of patients. These miniaturize devices are implanted through the femoral vein and advanced to the right ventricle, without leaving leads in place. Lack of upper extremity vascular access and/or high infective risk in patients requiring VVI pacing are the most common indications to leadless PM. The recently introduced MICRA AV leadless PM also allows ventricular synchronization through mechanical sensing of atrial contraction waves, thus solving the problem of AV synchronization. This review will discuss and summarize available clinical evidence on leadless PM, their performance compared to transvenous devices, current applications and future perspectives.

Cardiac contractility modulation for patient with refractory heart failure: an updated evidence-based review.

Heart failure is the cardiovascular epidemic of the twenty-first century, with poor prognosis and quality of life despite optimized medical treatment. Despite over the last decade significant improvements, with a major impact on morbidity and mortality, have been made in therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, little progress was made in the development of devices, with the implantable defibrillator indicated for patients with left ventricle ejection fraction ≤ 35% and cardiac resynchronization therapy for those with QRS ≥ 130 ms and evidence of left bundle branch block. Nevertheless, only a third of patients meet these criteria and a high percentage of patients are non-responders in terms of improving symptoms. Nowadays, in patients with symptomatic heart failure with ejection fraction between 25% and 45% and QRS < 130 ms, not eligible for cardiac resynchronization, the cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) represents a concrete therapeutic option, having proved to be safe and effective in reducing hospitalizations for heart failure and improving symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life. The aim of this review is therefore to summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms, the current indications, and the recent developments regarding the new applications of the CCM for patients with chronic heart failure.

Powered sheaths for lead extraction.

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) has seen a rapid expansion in the past 20 years. The procedure has changed from early techniques involving simple manual traction that frequently proved themselves ineffective for chronically implanted leads, and carried significant periprocedural risks including death, to the availability of a wide range of more efficacious techniques and tools, providing the skilled extractor with a well-equipped armamentarium. The reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with these new extraction techniques has widened indications to TLE from prevalent use in life-threatening situations, such as infection and sepsis, to a more widespread use even in noninfectious situations such as malfunctioning leads. Powered sheaths have been a remarkable step forward in this improvement in TLE procedures and recent registries at high-volume centers report high success rates with exceedingly low complication rates. This review is aimed at describing technical features of powered sheaths as well as reported performance during TLE procedures.

Takotsubo syndrome and its linkage to neuroendocrinological disorders: a case report.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an increasingly diagnosed entity, however the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and their clinical implications are incompletely understood. An 82-year-old female, diagnosed with pituitary apoplexy, presented with ECG abnormalities and hsTnI levels consistent with an acute coronary syndrome and therefore underwent urgent coronary angiography that showed no significant stenosis and apical ballooning at left ventricle angiogram and therefore a TTS diagnosis was made. Moreover, during catheterization a 20 s torsade de pointes was registered. TTS is an entity that can be triggered by numerous conditions. This case of TTS was linked to many neuroendocrinological disorders.

Clinical Impact of Cardiac Fibrosis on Arrhythmia Recurrence after Ablation in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are often affected by cardiac arrhythmias requiring catheter ablation. Catheter ablation in this setting represents the treatment of choice but is flawed by frequent recurrencies. Predictors of arrhythmia relapse have been identified, but the role of cardiac fibrosis in this setting has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the extension of cardiac fibrosis, detected by electroanatomical mapping, in predicting arrhythmia recurrencies after ablation in ACHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with congenital heart disease and atrial or ventricular arrhythmias undergoing catheter ablation were enrolled. An electroanatomical bipolar voltage map was performed during sinus rhythm in each patient and bipolar scar was assessed according to the current literature data. During follow-up, arrhythmia recurrences were recorded. The relationship between the extent of myocardial fibrosis and arrhythmia recurrence was assessed. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent successful catheter ablation of atrial (14) or ventricular (6) arrhythmias, with no inducible arrhythmia at the end of the procedure. During a median follow-up period of 207 weeks (IQR 80 weeks), eight patients (40%; five atrial and three ventricular arrhythmias) had arrhythmia recurrence. Of the five patients undergoing a second ablation, four showed a new reentrant circuit, while one patient had a conduction gap across a previous ablation line. The extension of the bipolar scar area (HR 1.049, CI 1.011-1.089, p = 0.011) and the presence of a bipolar scar area >20 cm2 (HR 6.101, CI 1.147-32.442, p = 0.034) were identified as predictors of arrhythmia relapse. CONCLUSION: The extension of the bipolar scar area and the presence of a bipolar scar area >20 cm2 can predict arrhythmia relapse in ACHD undergoing catheter ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Recurrent arrhythmias are often caused by circuits other than those previously ablated.

Mechanisms, prevalence and management of cardiac arrhythmias in cancer patients: a comprehensive review.

Recently, prognosis and survival of cancer patients has improved due to progression and refinement of cancer therapies; however, cardiovascular sequelae in this population augmented and now represent the second cause of death in oncological patients. Initially, the main issue was represented by heart failure and coronary artery disease, but a growing body of evidence has now shed light on the increased arrhythmic risk of this population, atrial fibrillation being the most frequently encountered. Awareness of arrhythmic complications of cancer and its treatments may help oncologists and cardiologists to develop targeted approaches for the management of arrhythmias in this population. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the mechanisms triggering cardiac arrhythmias in cancer patients, their prevalence and management.

Oral anticoagulants in fragile patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and atrial fibrillation: the ORIGAMI pilot investigation.

BACKGROUND: Extensive data support the superior safety without any trade-off in efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Whether DOACs may be successfully used to treat complex and fragile patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) remains to be proven. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, anticoagulant effect, and preliminary safety/efficacy profile of edoxaban administered via PEG in patients with an indication for long-term oral anticoagulation. METHODS: In this prospective, single-arm, pilot study, 12 patients with PEG and guideline-recommended indication for anticoagulation for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were prospectively enrolled. Crushed edoxaban at approved doses was administered via PEG. Quantitative measures of edoxaban's antifactor Xa activity were performed at steady state. Thromboembolic and bleeding events were assessed at one-month follow-up. RESULTS: Steady state edoxaban plasma levels were at therapeutic range in all patients; mean plasma concentration was 208.5 (±78.6) ng/mL. At one month follow-up, none had suffered a thromboembolic event; one developed minor bleeding, and one died from non-cardiovascular death, owing to sudden worsening of a pre-existing underlying severe condition. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot investigation, we report for the first time that crushed edoxaban, administered at approved doses through PEG in fragile and complex patients, is feasible, results in therapeutic edoxaban concentrations, and is apparently effective and safe.

Ventricular tachycardia ablation through radiation therapy (VT-ART) consortium: Concept description of an observational multicentric trial via matched pair analysis.

Introduction: Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a life-threatening condition often observed in patients with structural heart disease. Ventricular tachycardia ablation through radiation therapy (VT-ART) for sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia seems promising, effective, and safe. VT-ART delivers focused, high-dose radiation, usually in a single fraction of 25 Gy, allowing ablation of VT by inducing myocardial scars. The procedure is fully non-invasive; therefore, it can be easily performed in patients with contraindications to invasive ablation procedures. Definitive data are lacking, and no direct comparison with standard procedures is available. Discussion: The aim of this multicenter observational study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VT-ART, comparing the clinical outcome of patients undergone to VT-ART to patients not having received such a procedure. The two groups will not be collected by direct, prospective accrual to avoid randomization among the innovative and traditional arm: A retrospective selection through matched pair analysis will collect patients presenting features similar to the ones undergone VT-ART within the consortium (in each center independently). Our trial will enroll patients with optimized medical therapy in whom endocardial and/or epicardial radiofrequency ablation (RFA), the gold standard for VT ablation, is either unfeasible or fails to control VT recurrence. Our primary outcome is investigating the difference in overall cardiovascular survival among the group undergoing VT-ART and the one not exposed to the innovative procedure. The secondary outcome is evaluating the difference in ventricular event-free survival after the last procedure (i.e., last RFA vs. VT-ART) between the two groups. An additional secondary aim is to evaluate the reduction in the number of VT episodes comparing the 3 months before the procedure to the ones recorded at 6 months (from the 4th to 6th month) following VT-ART and RFA, respectively. Other secondary objectives include identifying the benefits of VT-ART on cardiac function, as evaluated through an electrocardiogram, echocardiographic, biochemical variables, and on patient quality of life. We calculated the sample size (in a 2:1 ratio) upon enrolling 149 patients: 100 in the non-exposed control group and 49 in the VT-ART group. Progressively, on a multicentric basis supervised by the promoting center in the VT-ART consortium, for each VT-ART patient enrollment, a matched pair patient profile according to the predefined features will be shared with the consortium to enroll a patient that has not undergone VT-ART. Conclusion: Our trial will provide insight into the efficacy and safety of VT-ART through a matched pair analysis, via an observational, multicentric study of two groups of patients with or without VT-ART in the multicentric consortium (with subgroup stratification into dynamic cohorts).

Combining 3-Dimensional Electroanatomic Mapping and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance: A New Tool for Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy.

We present the case of a 17-year-old asymptomatic boy with a diagnosis of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Merging of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping provided striking visualization of the association between structural and electrical alterations and guided the decision to implant an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Atrioventricular conduction in PM recipients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Implications using Wenckebach point measurement.

Background: Atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) are a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, a significant proportion of patients might recover AV conduction at follow-up. Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the recovery of AV conduction by determination through Wenckebach point in patients with PPI and therefore identify patients who could benefit from device reprogramming to avoid unnecessary RV pacing. Methods: We enrolled 43 patients that underwent PM implantation after TAVI at our Department from January 2018 to January 2021. PM interrogation was performed at follow-up and patients with native spontaneous rhythm were further assessed for AV conduction through WP determination. Results: A total of 43 patients requiring a PM represented the final study population, divided in patients with severely impaired AV conduction (no spontaneous valid rhythm or WP < 100; 26) and patients with valid AV conduction (WP ≥ 100; 17). In the first group patients had a significantly higher number of intraprocedural atrioventricular block (AVB) (20 vs. 1, p < 0.005), showed a significant higher implantation depth in LVOT (7.7 ± 2.2 vs. 4.4 ± 1.1, p < 0.05) and lower ΔMSID (-0.28 ± 3 vs. -3.94 ± 2, p < 0.05). Conclusion: AV conduction may recover in a significant proportion of patients. In our study, valve implantation depth in the LVOT and intraprocedural AV block are associated with severely impaired AV conduction. Regular PM interrogation and reprogramming are required to avoid unnecessary permanent right ventricular stimulation in patients with AV conduction recovery.

Successful ventricular tachycardia radioablation in a patient with previous chemical pleurodesis: A case report.

Introduction: Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is a novel technique for the ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with contraindications to standard procedures, i.e., radiofrequency ablation. Case presentation: We report the case of a 73-year-old man with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and recurrent VT episodes. Electroanatomic mapping showed VT prevalently of epicardial origin, but direct epicardial access through subxyphoid puncture could not be performed due to pleuropericardial adhesions from a past history of chemical pleurodesis. STAR was performed, with no VT recurrence at 6 months follow-up. Conclusions: Previous experiences with STAR have demonstrated its importance in the management of patients with refractory VT in whom other ablation strategies were not successful. Our case report highlights the use of STAR as a second choice in a patient with an unfavorable VT anatomical location and technical limitations to an optimal radiofrequency ablation. Moreover, it confirms STAR's effectiveness in the ablation of complex transmural lesions, which are more often associated with non-ischemic structural heart disease.

Short-Term Atrioventricular Dysfunction Recovery after Post-TAVI Pacemaker Implantation.

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) represents a frequent complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) due to atrio-ventricular (AV) node injury. Predictors of early AV function recovery were investigated. We analyzed 50 consecutive patients (82 ± 6 years, 58% males, EuroSCORE: 7.8 ± 3.3%, STS mortality score: 5 ± 2.8%). Pacemaker interrogations within 4−6 weeks from PPI were performed to collect data on AV conduction. The most common indication of PPI was persistent third-degree (44%)/high-degree (20%) AV block/atrial fibrillation (AF) with slow ventricular conduction (16%) after TAVI. At follow-up, 13 patients (26%) recovered AV conduction (i.e., sinus rhythm with stable 1:1 AV conduction/AF with a mean ventricular response >50 bpm, associated with a long-term ventricular pacing percentage < 5%). At multivariate analysis, complete atrio-ventricular block independently predicted pacemaker dependency at follow-up (p = 0.019). Patients with persistent AV dysfunction showed a significant AV conduction time prolongation after TAVI (PR interval from 207 ± 50 to 230 ± 51, p = 0.02; QRS interval from 124 ± 23 to 147 ± 16, p < 0.01) compared to patients with recovery, in whom AV conduction parameters remained unchanged. Several patients receiving PPI after TAVI have recovery of AV conduction within a few weeks. Longer observation periods prior to PPI might be justified, and algorithms to minimize ventricular pacing should be utilized whenever possible.

2019 novel Coronavirus: current knowledge, cardiovascular implications and management.

From first cases reported on December 31, 2019, in Wuhan, Hubei-China, SARS-CoV2 has spread worldwide and finally the World Health Organization declared the pandemic status. We summarize what makes SARS-CoV2 different from previous highly pathogenic coronaviruses and why it is so contagious, with focus on its clinical presentation and diagnosis, which is mandatory to start the appropriate management and reduce the transmission. As far as infection pathophysiology is still not completely clarified, this review focuses also on the cardiovascular (CV) implication of COVID-19 and the capability of this virus to cause direct myocardial injury, myocarditis and other CV manifestations. Furthermore, we highlight the relationship between the virus, enzyme ACE2 and ACE inhibitors. Clinical management involves the intensive care approach with intubation and mechanical ventilation in the most serious cases and drug therapy with several apparently promising old and new molecules. Aim of this review is then to summarize what is actually known about the SARS-CoV2 and its cardiovascular implications.

A nontrivial differential diagnosis in COVID-19 pandemic: a case report and literary review of amiodarone-induced interstitial pneumonia.

Amiodarone is a drug commonly used to treat and prevent cardiac arrhythmias, but it is often associated with several adverse effects, the most serious of which is pulmonary toxicity. A 79-year-old man presented with respiratory failure due to interstitial pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The viral etiology was nevertheless excluded by repeated nasopharyngeal swabs and serological tests and the final diagnosis was amiodarone-induced organizing pneumonia. The clinical and computed tomography findings improved after amiodarone interruption and steroid therapy. Even during a pandemic, differential diagnosis should always be considered and pulmonary toxicity has to be taken into account in any patient taking amiodarone and who has new respiratory symptoms.

Platelets: the point of interconnection among cancer, inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.

INTRODUCTION: The association between thrombosis, cancer and inflammation is well-established. Platelets play a major role in atherosclerosis, inflammation and immune response. Furthermore, growing evidence suggests that they are also significantly involved in tumor development and progression so that anti-platelet agents may prevent cancer and improve outcomes in oncological patients. In this review, we aimed at analyzing the relationship between platelets, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. A comprehensive study in the main educational platforms was performed and high-quality original articles and reviews were included. AREAS COVERED: This review will focus on the role of platelets in cardiovascular disease and in cancer genesis and progression, analyzing their function as immune cells that link inflammation to thrombosis. Finally, it will examine the recent controversies on the use of anti-platelet agents as cancer medications, in particular the already known anti-tumor properties of aspirin, as well as the new perspectives regarding P2Y12 inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION: Platelet-cancer crosstalk generates a vicious feed-back loop involving tumor cells and secreting molecules that activate platelets, which in turn promote cancer-associated inflammation, proliferation, spreading and immune system evasion. Therefore, platelets inhibition may represent an innovative therapeutical strategy offered to cancer patients, in the perspective of personalized medicine.

[Cardiac contractility modulation: a treatment option for patients with refractory heart failure]. / La modulazione della contrattilità cardiaca: un'opzione terapeutica per il paziente con insufficienza cardiaca refrattaria.

Heart failure is the cardiovascular epidemic of the 21st century, with poor prognosis and quality of life despite optimized medical treatment. In the past two decades, only two new drugs have been added to therapeutic strategies for patients with symptomatic heart failure and even less progresses have been made on devices, with the implantable defibrillator indicated for patients with ejection fraction ≤35% and cardiac resynchronization therapy for those with QRS >130 ms and evidence of left bundle branch block. Nevertheless, only a third of patients meet these criteria and a high percentage of patients are non-responders in terms of improving symptoms. Nowadays, in patients with symptomatic heart failure with ejection fraction between 25% and 45% and QRS <130 ms, not eligible for cardiac resynchronization therapy, cardiac contractility modulation represents a concrete treatment option, having proved to be safe and effective in reducing hospitalizations for heart failure and improving symptoms, functional capacity and quality of life.The aim of this review is therefore to summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms, the current indications and the recent developments regarding the new applications of cardiac contractility modulation for patients with chronic heart failure.

ORal anticoagulants In fraGile patients with percutAneous endoscopic gastrostoMy and atrIal fibrillation: the (ORIGAMI) study.

AIMS: The ORal anticoagulants In fraGile patients with percutAneous endoscopic gastrostoMy and atrIal fibrillation (ORIGAMI) study investigates the safety and efficacy of Edoxaban administered via PEG in patients with atrial fibrillation and a clinical indication for a long-term anticoagulation. DESIGN: In this prospective, single-centre observational study, 12 PEG-treated patients with indication to anticoagulation will receive edoxaban via PEG and will be followed up to 6 months. Plasma antifactor Xa activity and edoxaban concentrations will be assessed. Thromboembolic (ischaemic stroke, systemic embolism, venous thromboembolism) and bleeding events (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) will be recorded at 1 and 6 months. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of five atrial fibrillation cases undergoing PEG implantation at our Institution who received edoxaban via PEG showed plasma anti-FXa levels at a steady state of 146 ±â€Š15 ng/ml, without major adverse event at a mean follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSION: ORIGAMI prospectively investigates PEG-administration of edoxaban in PEG-treated patients requiring long-term anticoagulation. Our preliminary retrospective data support this route of DOAC administration. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04271293.

2019 novel-coronavirus: Cardiovascular insights about risk factors, myocardial injury, therapy and clinical implications.

From December 31st, 2019, a novel highly pathogenic coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide, reaching at present the dimension of a pandemic. In addition to damaging the lungs, SARS-CoV-2 may also damage the heart and this is corroborated by the evidence that cardiovascular comorbidities are associated with a higher mortality and poor clinical outcomes in patient infected by the virus. During the infection myocardial injury, myocarditis and arrhythmias have also been reported, but the pathophysiological mechanisms of these complications are yet to be understood. Great attention is also being posed on the potential beneficial/harmful role of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, as far as the virus binds to ACE2 to infect cells, but evidences lack. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 can also affect the aspect of acute coronary syndromes, not only because these two distinct pathological entities share pathogenic aspects (such as the systemic inflammatory state and cytokine release), but also and above all for the consequences that the need to contain the infection has on the management of cardiological urgencies. The aim of this review was therefore to summarize the relationship between the virus and the cardiovascular system.