Corrigendum: Yield of the electrophysiological study in patients with new-onset left bundle branch block after transcathether aortic valve replacement: The PR interval matters.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.910693.].

Yield of the electrophysiological study in patients with new-onset left bundle branch block after transcathether aortic valve replacement: The PR interval matters.

Background: Studies suggest that performing an electrophysiological study (EPS) may be useful to identify patients with new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) post-TAVR at risk of atrioventricular block. However, tools to optimize the yield of such strategy are needed. We therefore aimed to investigate whether 12-lead ECG changes post-TAVR may help identify patients with abnormal EPS findings. Materials and methods: Consecutive patients with new-onset LBBB post-TAVR who underwent EPS were included. PR and QRS intervals were measured on 12-lead ECG pre-TAVR and during EPS. Abnormal EPS was defined as an HV interval > 55 ms. Results: Among 61 patients, 28 (46%) had an HV interval > 55 ms after TAVR. Post-TAVR PR interval and ΔPR (PR-post-pre-TAVR) were significantly longer in patients with prolonged HV (PR: 188 ± 38 vs. 228 ± 34 ms, p < 0.001, ΔPR: 10 ± 30 vs. 34 ± 23 ms, p = 0.001), while no difference was found in QRS duration. PR and ΔPR intervals both effectively discriminated patients with HV > 55 ms (AUC = 0.804 and 0.769, respectively; p < 0.001). A PR > 200 ms identified patients with abnormal EPS results with a sensitivity of 89% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 88%. ΔPR ≥ 20 ms alone provided a somewhat lower sensitivity (64%) but combining both criteria (i.e., PR > 200 ms or ΔPR ≥ 20 ms) identified almost every patients with abnormal HV (sensitivity = 96%, NPV = 95%). Selecting EPS candidate based on both criteria would avoid 1/3 of exams. Conclusion: PR interval assessment may be useful to select patients with new-onset LBBB after TAVR who may benefit most from an EPS. In patients with PR ≤ 200 ms and ΔPR < 20 ms the likelihood of abnormal EPS is very low independently of QRS changes.

Performance of the new SmartCardia wireless, wearable oximeter: a comparison with arterial SaO2 in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Our goal was to evaluate the performance of a new wearable arm located pulse oximeter. METHODS: Twelve volunteers were monitored with three pulse oximeters and underwent desaturation to 70% SaO2. We compared the accuracy of SpO2 reading from the SmartCardia system with SpO2 using two well established devices (Masimo and Nellcor) as reference. Oximetry was performed at different level of oxygen saturation varying from 70 to 100%. Bias, ARMS and precision were evaluated using Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The mean (SD) differences between SaO2 compared to SpO2 and the devices were as follows: SaO2 versus Masimo 2,12 ± 1,01% (95% CI 1,45 to 2,79), SaO2 versus Nellcor 0,78 ± 0,58% (95% CI - 0,29 to 1,65) and SaO2 versus SmartCardia 0,42 ± 0,24% (95% CI - 0,64 to 1,46). The bias between SmartCardia, Masimo, Nellcor devices and SaO2 was 0.16 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.33) and LoA (level of agreements) 2.96 (95% CI - 2,68 to 2,89) for SmartCardia, 2,02 (95% CI 1,49 to 2,54) and LoA - 6 to 11 for Masimo, and 0,76 (95% CI 0,5 to - 1) and LoA - 3,5 to 5,0 for Nellcor. ARMS for the 70-100% SaO2 range was 1,4 for SmartCardia, 5,0 for Masimo and 2,31 for Nellcor. CONCLUSIONS: The new wireless SmartCardia SpO2 measurement system demonstrated in-line results, bias, ARMS and precision in healthy volunteers, when compared with the gold standard SaO2 and with two well established systems, Masimo and Nellcor. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present trial was prospectively registered at UCSF record (registration number:10-00437), on March 8, 2021.

Five-year angiographic, OCT and clinical outcomes of a randomized comparison of everolimus and biolimus-eluting coronary stents with everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds.

AIMS: To compare 5-year angiographic, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and clinical outcomes between patients treated with bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) and drug-eluting stents (DES). METHODS: The EverBio-2 trial (Comparison of Everolimus- and Biolimus-Eluting Coronary Stents with Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold) was a single-center, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial in which 240 patients were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to BVS, everolimus-eluting (EES) or biolimus-eluting (BES) DES. Clinical follow-up was scheduled up to 5 years. All patients, alive and who did not have repeat revascularization of the target lesion during follow-up were asked to return for angiographic follow-up at 5 years. RESULTS: Five-year angiographic follow-up was completed in 122 patients (51%) and OCT analysis was performed in 86 (36%) patients. In-stent late lumen loss was similar in both groups with 0.50 ± 0.38 mm in BVS versus 0.58 ± 0.36 mm in EES/BES, p = 0.20. Clinical follow-up was complete in 232 patients (97%) at 5 years. The rate of the device-oriented endpoint was 22% in the BVS and 18% in the EES/BES group (p = 0.49). The patient-oriented composite endpoint occurred in 40% of BVS- and 43% of EES/BES-treated patients (p = 0.72) at 5 years. No acute coronary syndrome due to stent thrombosis was detected after 2 years. Complete BVS strut resorption was observed at 5 years in the OCT subgroup. CONCLUSION: Five-year clinical outcomes were similar between BVS and DES patients as well as angiographic outcomes in a selected subgroup. However, a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn because the EverBio-2 trial was not powered for clinical and angiographic endpoints at 5 years of follow-up.

Ischemic and Bleeding Outcomes According to the Academic Research Consortium High Bleeding Risk Criteria in All Comers Treated by Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.

Background: The Academic Research Consortium have identified a set of major and minor risk factors in order to standardize the definition of a High Bleeding Risk (ACR-HBR). Aims: The aim of this study is to stratify the bleeding risk in patients included in the Cardio-Fribourg registry, according to the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ACR-HBR) definition, and to report ischemic and hemorrhagic events at 2-year of clinical follow-up. Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively included in the Cardio-Fribourg registry. Patients were considered high (HBR) or low (LBR) bleeding risk depending on the ARC-HBR definition. Primary endpoints were hierarchical major bleeding events as defined by the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) grade 3-5, and ARC patient-oriented major adverse cardiac events (POCE) at 2-year follow-up. Results: Follow-up was complete in 1,080 patients. There were 354 patients in the HBR group (32.7%) and 726 patients in the low-bleeding risk (LBR) group (67.2%). At 2-year follow-up, cumulative BARC 3-5 bleedings were higher in HBR (10.5%) compared to LBR patients (1.5%, p < 0.01) and the impact of HBR risk factors was incremental. At 2-year follow-up, POCE were more frequent in HBR (27.4%) compared to LBR group (18.2%, <0.01). Overall mortality was higher in HBR (14.0%) vs. LBR (2.9%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: ARC-HBR criteria appropriately identified a population at a higher risk of bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention. An increased risk of bleeding is also associated with an increased risk of ischemic events at 2-year follow-up.

Bleeding Risk Profile in Patients on Oral Anticoagulation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: A Prospective 24 Months Cohort Study.

Background: The Academic Research Consortium has identified a set of major and minor risk factors in order to standardize the definition of a high bleeding risk (ACR-HBR). Oral anticoagulation is a major criterion frequently observed. Aims: The objective of this study is to quantify the risk of bleeding in patients on oral anticoagulation with at least one additional major ACR-HBR criteria in the Cardio-Fribourg Registry. Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively included in the Cardio-Fribourg registry. The study population included patients with ongoing long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) and planned to receive triple antithrombotic therapy. Patients were divided in two groups: patients on OAC with at least one additional major ACR-HBR criteria vs. patients on OAC without additional major ACR-HBR criteria. The primary endpoint was any bleeding during the 24-month follow-up. Secondary bleeding endpoint was defined as Bleeding Academic Research Classification (BARC) ≥3. Results: Follow-up was completed in 142 patients at high bleeding risk on OAC, of which 33 (23%) had at least one additional major ACR-HBR criteria. The rate of the primary endpoint was 55% in patients on OAC with at least one additional ACR-HBR criteria compared with 14% in patients on OAC without additional ACR-HBR criteria (hazard ratio, 3.88; 95%CI, 1.85-8.14; p < 0.01). Patients with additional major ACR-HBR criteria also experienced significantly higher rates of BARC ≥ 3 bleedings (39% at 24 months). Conclusion: The presence of at least one additional ACR-HBR criterion identifies patients on OAC who are at very high risk of bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Chest Pain and Hemodynamic Instability in a Young Woman.

We report the case of an 18-year-old female admitted to the hospital for severe hemodynamic instability and fatal outcome within 6 hours following admission. Significant electrocardiographic modifications were noted and are presented with diagnostic options. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Age-Related Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights From the SwissTAVI Registry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate age-related outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as assessed in a nationwide, prospective, multicenter cohort study. BACKGROUND: TAVR is the preferred treatment for elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis and is expanding into lower age groups. METHODS: Data from the SwissTAVI Registry were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients 70 years of age or younger (n = 324), 70 to 79 years of age (n = 1,913), 80 to 89 years of age (n = 4,353), and older than 90 years of age (n = 507). Observed deaths were correlated with expected deaths in the general Swiss population using standardized mortality ratios. RESULTS: Between February 2011 and June 2018, 7,097 patients (mean age 82.0 ± 6.4 years, 49.6% women) underwent TAVR at 15 hospitals in Switzerland. Procedural characteristics were similar; however, older patients more often had discharge to the referring hospital or a rehabilitation facility after TAVR. Using adjusted analyses, a linear trend for mortality (30-day adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj]: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18 to 1.77; 1-year HRadj: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.24), cerebrovascular accidents (30-day HRadj: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.66; 1-year HRadj: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.45), and pacemaker implantation (30-day HRadj: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.34; 1-year HRadj: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.30) was observed with increasing age. Furthermore, standardized mortality ratios were 12.63 (95% CI: 9.06 to 17.58), 4.09 (95% CI: 3.56 to 4.74), 1.63 (95% CI: 1.50 to 1.78), and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.76 to 1.14) for TAVR patients in relation to the Swiss population <70, 70 to 79, 80 to 89 and ≥90 years of age, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing age is associated with a linear trend for mortality, stroke, and pacemaker implantation during early and longer-term follow-up after TAVR. Standardized mortality ratios were higher for TAVR patients younger than 90 years of age compared with expected rates of mortality in an age- and sex-matched Swiss population. (SWISS TAVI Registry; NCT01368250).

Short-term outcomes of aortic valve neocuspidization for various aortic valve diseases.

Objectives: Bioprosthetic valve deterioration remains a major limitation following aortic valve replacement. Favorable results have been reported with an autologous pericardium aortic valve neocuspidization. Methods: Seventy patients (31 women and 39 men) (mean age, 62 ± 12 years) with aortic stenosis (n = 52 [74%]) or aortic regurgitation (n = 18 [26%]) underwent the aortic valve neocuspidization procedure. Thirty-four patients (49%) had a tricuspid valve, 35 (50%) had a bicuspid valve, and 1 (1%) had a monocuspid valve. European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation and Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores were, respectively, 2.2% ± 2% and 2.0% ± 1.8%. Four patients (6%) had active endocarditis and 2 (3%) had endocarditis sequelae. One patient (1%) had fibroelastoma. A combined procedure was performed in 33 patients (46%). Results: The follow-up period was 24 ± 12 months. One patient (1%) died in hospital and 1 patient (1%) underwent conventional valve replacement for significant aortic regurgitation. Postoperative peak and mean pressure gradients were respectively 14 ± 5 and 8 ± 3 mm Hg. Aortic valve area was 2.5 ± 0.6 cm2. During follow-up, no patients died. Reintervention occurred in 2 patients (3%). At last follow-up, peak pressure gradient was 13 ± 7 mm Hg, mean pressure gradient was 7 ± 4 mm Hg, and aortic valve area was 2.3 ± 0.7 cm2. There was 1 recurrence of moderate aortic stenosis (1%). All patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I (90%) or II (10%). Freedom from major valve-related events was 92.1%, (98.5% for death, 95.2% for reintervention, and 95.2% for endocarditis). Conclusions: In our experience, the midterm outcomes of the aortic valve neocuspidization procedure with autologous glutaraldehyde fixed pericardium were acceptable for survival, operative risk and valve-related complications, for our all-comer patient population with various aortic valve diseases.

Cardiac Ambulatory Monitoring: New Wireless Device Validated Against Conventional Holter Monitoring in a Case Series.

Background: Cardiac arrhythmias are very common but underdiagnosed due to their transient and asymptomatic nature. An optimization of arrhythmia detection would permit to better treat patients and could substantially reduce morbidity and mortality. The SmartCardia ScaAI wireless patch is a novel CE IIa approved, single-lead electrocardiographic (ECG) ambulatory monitor designed for cardiac arrhythmias detection. Hypothesis: The accuracy of the new SmartCardia wireless patch to detect arrhythmias is comparable to the conventional Holter monitoring. Methods: Patients referred for a suspicion of arrhythmia between February and March 2020 were included in the trial. Simultaneous ambulatory ECG were recorded using a conventional 24-h Holter and the SmartCardia. The primary endpoint was the detection of cardiac arrhythmias over the total wear time of the devices, defined as premature atrial contraction (PAC), supraventricular tachycardia ≥3 beats, premature ventricular contraction (PVC), and ventricular tachycardia ≥3 beats. Conduction abnormalities, pause ≥2 s and atrioventricular block (AVB), were also tracked. McNemar's test was used to compare the matched pairs of data from both devices. Results: A total of 40 patients were included in the trial. Over the total wear time, there was no significant difference between the devices for ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias detection. Pauses and AVB were equally identified by the two devices in three patients. Conclusion: Over the total wear time, the SmartCardia device showed an accuracy to detect arrhythmia similar to the 24-h Holter monitoring: single-lead, adhesive-patch monitoring might become an interesting alternative to the conventional Holter monitoring.

Impact of first medical contact to revascularisation time on long-term clinical outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Increased age impacts the first medical contact to revascularisation delay in patients with STEMI. Patients with shorter treatment delays (<90 minutes after first medical contact) have significantly lower major adverse cardiac events rates at 3 years.

Efficacy of the SEPARPROCATH® radiation drape to reduce radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization: A pilot comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Interventional cardiologists are exposed to radiation-induced diseases, partly due to patient's scatter radiation. OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare the radiation exposure (RE) of the cardiac catheterization room staff using SEPARPROCATH®, a novel radio-protective drape versus standard shielding equipment. METHODS: This was a two-step prospective, randomized pilot trial: first, in experimental conditions using a phantom model, and second, during cardiac catheterization. Primary end-point was operator RE corresponding to the ratio between operator cumulative dose (CD) and dose area product (DAP). Secondary end-points were nurse RE, operator and nurse CD, DAP, and fluoroscopy time. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients were included. SEPARPROCATH® was associated with a lower operator RE (0.07 [0-0.19] vs. 0.37 [0.23-0.81] µSv/Gy.cm2 without SEPARPROCATH®, p value <0.0001) and lower nurse RE (0 [0-0.05] vs. 0.13 [0.03-0.28] µSv/Gy.cm2 , p value <0.0001) corresponding to an RE relative risk reduction of 81% and 99%, respectively. Similar reductions were observed for operator and nurse CDs. No difference was found in DAP (19 [11-29] vs. 14 [10-32] Gy.cm2 without SEPARPROCATH®, p value 0.81). CONCLUSION: SEPARPROCATH® offers significant additional radioprotection to the operator and nurse during cardiac catheterization without affecting patient safety.

Multianalysis with optical coherence tomography and vasomotion in everolimus-eluting stents and everolimus-eluting biovascular scaffolds: the MOVES trial.

Aims: To compare endothelium-dependent vasomotor function and vascular healing 15 months after implantation of two new-generation drug-eluting stents and biovascular scaffolds (BVS). Methods and results: A total of 28 patients previously treated with a SYNERGY stent (bioabsorbable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (BP-EES)), a PROMUS stent (persistent polymer everolimus-eluting stents (PP-EES)) or an ABSORB (BVS) underwent control coronary angiography, 15 months after implantation, coupled with optical coherence tomography imaging and supine bicycle exercise. Intracoronary nitroglycerin was administered after exercise testing. Coronary vasomotor response was assessed using quantitative coronary angiography at rest, during supine bicycle exercise and after nitroglycerin. The primary end point was the percent change in mean lumen diameter compared with baseline. Secondary end points were strut coverage and apposition.There were no significant differences in vasomotor response between the three treatment groups. Patients with PP-EES showed significant vasoconstriction of the proximal peristent segment at maximum exercise (P=0.02). BP-EES (2.7%, 95% CI 0 to 5.5) and BVS (3.2%, 95% CI 0 to 6.7) showed less uncovered struts than PP-EES (12.1%, 95% CI 2.9 to 21.3, P=0.02 and 0.09, respectively). Complete strut apposition was more frequently seen with BP-EES (99.6%, 95% CI 99.2 to 100) than with BVS (98.9%, 95% CI 98.2 to 99.6, P=0.04) or PP-EES (95.0%, 95% CI 91.6 to 98.5, P=0.001). Conclusion: BVS and thin strut BP-EES have a reassuring vasomotion profile, suggesting minimal endothelial dysfunction 15 months after implantation.

Comparison of everolimus- and biolimus-eluting coronary stents with everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds: Two-year clinical outcomes of the EVERBIO II trial.

BACKGROUND: Data from randomized controlled trials have shown that the ABSORB BVS is non-inferior to Cobalt Chromium everolimus-eluting stents at 2years. METHODS & RESULTS: The EVERBIO II trial (Comparison of Everolimus- and Biolimus-Eluting Coronary Stents with Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold) is a single-center, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolling 240 patients with an allocation ration of 1:1:1 conducted at University and Hospital Fribourg, Switzerland. The studied devices were an everolimus-eluting persistent polymer stent (EES), a biolimus-eluting stent with bioabsorbable polymer (BES) and a fully bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS). Clinical end points collected at 9months, 12months, and 2years, were academic research consortium defined composites, device thrombosis and target-vessel revascularization. Clinical follow-up at 2years was available in 96% (N=77) of patients in the EES group, in 100% (N=80) in the BES and 99% (N=77) in the BVS group. The device-oriented composite end point of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction and target-lesion revascularization occurred in 13 (16%) patients treated with EES, in 7 (9%) patients treated with BES and in 16 (21%) patients treated with BVS. There was no significant difference when the metallic stents were compared to the BVS (p=0.12). There was one late scaffold thrombosis throughout the trial in the BVS group, and no definite stent thrombosis in either EES or BES treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The current analysis shows no significant differences with regard to clinical outcomes at 2years between BVS and the best-in-class metallic DES. Event rates were numerically higher in BVS-treated patients. However, when BVS were compared to BES alone, the occurrence of device related adverse events was significantly increased.

Transcutaneous aortic valve implantation using the carotid artery access: Feasibility and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Transcarotid access is an alternative route for transcutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with impossible transfemoral access. AIMS: We evaluated the safety, effectiveness and early and late clinical outcomes of CoreValve® implantation via the common carotid artery. METHODS: Eighteen patients (10 men, 8 women; mean age 84±5 years) at high surgical risk (mean EuroSCORE II 16±13%) with significant peripheral artery disease underwent TAVI via common carotid artery access under general anaesthesia. Mean aortic valve area was 0.64±0.13cm2 (0.36±0.07cm2/m2). RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 605±352 days, two patients (11%) had died in hospital, on days 6 and 20, as a result of sepsis with multiorgan failure (n=1) or pneumonia (n=1). There were no perioperative deaths, myocardial infarctions or strokes. Perioperative prosthesis embolization occurred in one patient (6%), requiring implantation of a second valve. In-hospital complications occurred in four patients (23%): blood transfusion for transient significant bleeding at the access site in one patient (6%); permanent pacemaker implantation in two patients (11%); and pericardial drainage in one patient (6%). The rate of event-free in-hospital stay was 66%. Post-procedural echocardiography showed very good haemodynamic performance, with a mean gradient of 8±3mmHg. Moderate paravalvular leak was present in one patient (6%). Mean intensive care unit stay was 48±31h; mean in-hospital stay was 7±3 days. CONCLUSION: TAVI performed by transcarotid access in this small series of severely ill patients was associated with a low incidence of complications, which were associated with the procedure itself rather than the access route.

Radiation Exposure of the Operator During Coronary Interventions (from the RADIO Study).

We sought to compare operator radiation exposure during procedures using right femoral access (RFA), right radial access (RRA), and left radial access (LRA) during coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Because of an increased incidence of long-term malignancy in interventional cardiologists, operator radiation exposure is of rising concern. This prospective study included all consecutive patients who underwent elective or emergency CA ± PCI from September 2014 to March 2015. The primary end point was operator radiation exposure, quantified as the ratio of operator cumulative dose (CD) and patient radiation reported as dose-area product (DAP) (CD/DAP). Secondary end points included CD, DAP, and fluoroscopy time (FT). Overall 830 procedures (457 CA [55%] and 373 PCI [45%]) were performed, 455 (55%) through RFA, 272 (33%) through RRA, and 103 (12%) through LRA. The CD/DAP was lower in RFA (0.09 µSv/Gycm(2) [0.02 to 0.20]) compared with RRA (0.47 µSv/Gycm(2) [0.25 to 0.75], p <0.001). The LRA showed lower CD/DAP compared with RRA (p <0.001). CD was significantly lower in RFA (3 µSv [1 to 7]) compared with RRA (12 µSv [6 to 29], p <0.001). The LRA showed lower CD compared with RRA (p <0.001). There were no significant differences in DAP among the 3 access sites. FT was similar for the 3 groups (RFA 7 ± 7, RRA 5 ± 5, LRA 6 ± 5 minutes, RFA vs RRA: p = 1, RFA vs LRA: p = 0.16, RRA vs LRA: p = 0.52). In conclusion, the use of RFA during CA ± PCI is associated with significantly lower operator radiation exposure compared with RRA. LRA is associated with significantly lower operator radiation exposure compared with RRA.

Heart rate never lies: interventional cardiologist and Braude's quote revised.

BACKGROUND: Interventional cardiologists may be immune to stress, allowing them to perform complex percutaneous interventions under pressure. OBJECTIVES: To assess heart rate (HR) variations as a surrogate marker of stress of interventional cardiologists during percutaneous cardiac procedures and in every-day life. DESIGN: This is a single-centre observational study including a total of six male interventional cardiologists performing coronary interventions and pacemaker implantations. Participants were asked to record their HR with the Apple Watch Device during procedures, every-day life and control activities such as outpatient consultations, sport, marital conflicts and sexual intercourse. RESULTS: Average daily HR was 88±17 bpm. During work days, HR increased significantly during procedures (90±17 bpm) compared with days outside the cathlab (87±17 bpm, p=0.02). The average HR was higher during a regular week working (88±16 bpm) compared with weekends off (84±18 bpm, p=0.002). Complex cardiac procedures were associated with higher HR up to 122 bpm. Peak HR were higher during physical exertion. Of note, participants complained of hypersexuality and mania after night shifts. CONCLUSIONS: Work and especially percutaneous cardiac procedures increase HR independently of physical exertion suggesting that interventional cardiologists experience mental stress and emotions.

PATIENT DOSE ASSESSMENT AFTER INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY PROCEDURES: A MULTI-CENTRIC APPROACH TO TRIGGER OPTIMISATION.

As the number and complexity of fluoroscopically guided interventions increase, a serious effort has to be put on the optimisation of the X-ray dose delivered to the patient. In order to set up this optimisation process, the clinical practice for a given cardiology centre has to be analysed with relevant statistical power and compared with the data at local or national level. Data from 8 Swiss cardiology centres for 10 different vascular and heart rhythm procedures have been collected. The collected dose indicators were, when available, cumulated air kerma, cumulated dose-area product, fluoroscopy time and the number of images per procedure. Data analysis was performed using an in-house software solution in terms of the first, second and third quartiles. This kind of large-scale analysis could yield some onsets towards local practice optimisation based on anonymous dose indicator cross-comparison. Further effort should nevertheless be made in order to proceed towards an operator-based data analysis, thus allowing for an individual practice optimisation.