WATCH-BPM-Comparison of a WATCH-Type Blood Pressure Monitor with a Conventional Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor and Auscultatory Sphygmomanometry.

BACKGROUND: Smart devices that are able to measure blood pressure (BP) are valuable for hypertension or heart failure management using digital technology. Data regarding their diagnostic accuracy in comparison to standard noninvasive measurement in accordance to Riva-Rocci are sparse. This study compared a wearable watch-type oscillometric BP monitor (Omron HeartGuide), a wearable watch-type infrared BP monitor (Smart Wear), a conventional ambulatory BP monitor, and auscultatory sphygmomanometry. METHODS: Therefore, 159 consecutive patients (84 male, 75 female, mean age 64.33 ± 16.14 years) performed observed single measurements with the smart device compared to auscultatory sphygmomanometry (n = 109) or multiple measurements during 24 h compared to a conventional ambulatory BP monitor on the upper arm (n = 50). The two BP monitoring devices were simultaneously worn on the same arm throughout the monitoring period. In a subgroup of 50 patients, single measurements were also performed with an additional infrared smart device. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the difference and the mean of the oscillometric Omron HeartGuide and the conventional method for the single measurement was calculated for both systole (0.765) and diastole (0.732). This is exactly how the ICC was calculated for the individual mean values calculated over the 24 h long-term measurement of the individual patients for both systole (0.880) and diastole (0.829). The ICC between the infrared device and the conventional method was "bad" for SBP (0.329) and DBP (0.025). Therefore, no further long-term measurements were performed with the infrared device. CONCLUSION: The Omron HeartGuide device provided comparable BP values to the standard devices for single and long-term measurements. The infrared smart device failed to acquire valid measurement data.

Catheter navigation by intracardiac echocardiography enables zero-fluoroscopy linear lesion formation and bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus block in patients with typical atrial flutter.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most helpful aspects of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) implementation in electrophysiological studies (EPS) is the real-time visualisation of catheters and cardiac structures. In this prospective study, we investigated ICE-guided zero-fluoroscopy catheter navigation during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFL). METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty consecutive patients (mean age 72.9 ± 11.4 years, 23 male) with ongoing (n = 23) or recent CTI-dependent AFL underwent an EPS, solely utilizing ICE for catheter navigation. Zero-fluoroscopy EPS could be successfully accomplished in all patients. Mean EPS duration was 41.4 ± 19.9 min, and mean ablation procedure duration was 20.8 ± 17.1 min. RF ablation was applied for 6.0 ± 3.1 min (50W, irrigated RF ablation). Echocardiographic parameters, such as CTI length, prominence of the Eustachian ridge (ER), and depth of the CTI pouch on the ablation plane, were assessed to analyse their correlation with EPS- or ablation procedure duration. The CTI pouch was shallower in patients with an ablation procedure duration above the median (4.8 ± 1.1 mm vs. 6.4 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.04), suggesting a more lateral ablation plane in these patients, where the CTI musculature is stronger. CTI length or ER prominence above the respective median did not correlate with longer EPS duration. CONCLUSIONS: Zero-fluoroscopy CTI ablation guided solely by intracardiac echocardiography in patients with CTI-dependent AFL is feasible and safe. ICE visualisation may help to localise the optimal ablation plane, detect and correct poor tissue contact of the catheter tip, and recognise early potential complications during the ablation procedure.

Comparison of a pulsatile and a continuous flow left ventricular assist device in high-risk PCI.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical circulatory support devices are able to generate additional cardiac output or maintain sufficient circulation during high-risk PCI. We prospectively compared the hemodynamic and clinical performance of the new iVAC2L® device with the Impella 2.5® device during high-risk PCI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 40 patients [10 female, age 75 ± 8 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 44 ± 11%] high-risk PCIs were performed under iVAC (n = 20) or Impella (n = 20) support. Hemodynamic parameters were collected before and after device placement as well as immediately after PCI. Blood parameters of hemolysis were analyzed before and after support. RESULTS: Correct device placement was achieved in 17 patients (85%) under iVAC use and in 19 patients (95%) under Impella use. PCI success was 98%. Under iVAC2L® support, systolic, diastolic and mean aortic blood pressure increased significantly with increasing support time. In contrast, aortic pressure increased directly under Impella support, but the increase was comparable between both devices. Impella support generated a significantly higher additional blood flow, as compared to iVAC support (2.07 ± 0.09 l/min vs. 1.25 ± 0.05 l/min, p < 0.001). Five patients (iVAC n = 3) suffered from critical events during high-risk PCI, but both devices were able to maintain stable hemodynamic conditions. After PCI, one severe bleeding occurred in each group. After Impella support, haptoglobin was significantly decreased, indicating potential hemolysis. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk PCIs under support by both devices are feasible and safe and ensure stable hemodynamic conditions also if complications occur. Aortic pressure increases significantly with both devices, but later under iVAC use. Potential hemolysis occurs more frequent under Impella support.

Real-world analysis of a Biolimus A9 polymer-free drug-coated stent with very short dual antiplatelet therapy in patients at high bleeding risk.

BACKGROUND: Patients at high risk of bleeding requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) need careful evaluation of both their thrombotic and their bleeding risks. In these patients, a polymer-free metallic stent coated with biolimus-A9 (BA9-DCS) followed by 1­month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) could be a safe option; however, real-world data are still lacking. We analyzed the performance of the device in a real-world scenario. METHODS: Patients assessed as being at high risk of bleeding with an indication for PCI were treated with BA9-DCS and DAPT consisting of aspirin (100 mg/day) and clopidogrel (75 mg/day) for at least 1 month, followed by either oral anticoagulation or single antiplatelet therapy. No exclusion criteria were used. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of an adverse event after PCI, i.e. severe bleeding requiring hospitalization, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, clinically driven stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction or cardiac death. RESULTS: Overall, 89 patients were enrolled in this study [median age 75 (66-81) years; 27 females (30%)] and 171 interventions were performed. During a median follow-up of 203 (145-273) days the primary endpoint occurred in 20 patients (23%): 12 (13%) had clinically significant bleeding, four (5%) ischemic stroke and four (5%) died from cardiac causes related neither to stent thrombosis nor to acute myocardial infarction. Female gender emerged as the only statistically significant predictor of an adverse event (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-8.7, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: In real-world patients at high risk of bleeding, implantation of the polymer-free metallic stent coated with Biolimus-A9 (Biofreedom®; Biosensors Europe, Morges, Switzerland) followed by 1 -month DAPT showed encouraging results without any stent thrombosis.

Patient Directed Recording of a Bipolar Three-Lead Electrocardiogram using a Smartwatch with ECG Function.

Cardiac arrhythmias and cardiovascular diseases are a major public health problem in developed countries. A major goal in preventive medicine is the reduction of cardiovascular death by early detection of atrial fibrillation (AF), which may cause stroke, or early detection of life-threatening myocardial ischemia in acute coronary syndrome. Detection of arrhythmia is often challenging if symptoms occur when patients have no chance for immediate electrocardiogram (ECG) diagnostic testing, or if the observation time period is short or an immediate visit to their doctor is not possible. Smartwatches and other wearable devices are able to record a single lead ECG recording, but a single lead ECG is often not sufficient for diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders. Even diagnosis of AF can be difficult with only information from a single lead bipolar ECG. Some smart devices use photoplethysmography for detection of cardiac rhythm, but this technique can only give indirect hints of the underlying cardiac rhythm, is prone to interferences, and cannot be used for detection of myocardial ischemia. A three-lead bipolar ECG like the Einthoven leads used in regular ECGs can add useful information concerning arrhythmia detection or even diagnosis of other cardiovascular diseases like ischemia. Therefore, we describe a protocol for the patient-directed recording of an Einthoven three-lead ECG using a smartwatch.

High-risk PCI under support of a pulsatile left ventricular assist device - First German experience with the iVAC2L system.

BACKGROUND: During high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) complications may occur, leading to unstable hemodynamic conditions. Circulatory support devices might help to intercept these conditions by supporting cardiac output. We investigated in a prospective trial the performance of the pulsatile iVAC2L system in the setting of high-risk PCI. METHODS: Circulatory support by the iVAC2L device was attempted in 20 consecutive patients (three females, mean age 72 ±â€¯9 years, LVEF 44 ±â€¯12%) undergoing high-risk PCI. Aortic pressure data were collected after device placement and immediately after PCI. RESULTS: Successful device placement was achieved in 17 (85%) patients; kinking of iliac artery and device length limited correct device placement in the remaining three patients. PCI success was 100%. With ongoing support (overall support time 122 ±â€¯32min) systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure increased significantly and kept the higher level until device removal. Critical events occurred in three patients (massive vasospasm, coronary perforation, no-flow in LCA after wire placement), but the iVAC2L device helped to maintain stable hemodynamic conditions with no need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Serial controls of hemolysis related parameters in a subgroup of ten patients revealed no significant device related hemolysis after the performance of the iVAC2l system. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk PCI under hemodynamic support by the iVAC2L device is feasible and safe. Aortic pressure increases with ongoing support. The device helps to stabilize hemodynamic situations if complications occur.

Single-Lead ECG Recordings Including Einthoven and Wilson Leads by a Smartwatch: A New Era of Patient Directed Early ECG Differential Diagnosis of Cardiac Diseases?

BACKGROUND: Smartwatches that are able to record a bipolar ECG and Einthoven leads were recently described. Nevertheless, for detection of ischemia or other cardiac diseases more leads are required, especially Wilson's chest leads. OBJECTIVES: Feasibility study of six single-lead smartwatch (Apple Watch Series 4) ECG recordings including Einthoven (I, II, III) and Wilson-like pseudo-unipolar chest leads (Wr, Wm, Wl). METHODS: In 50 healthy subjects (16 males; age: 36 ± 11 years, mean ± SD) without known cardiac disorders, a standard 12-lead ECG and a six single-lead ECG using an Apple Watch Series 4 were performed under resting conditions. Recording of Einthoven I was performed with the watch on the left wrist and the right index finger on the crown, Einthoven II was recorded with the watch on the left lower abdomen and the right index finger on the crown, Einthoven III was recorded with the watch on the left lower abdomen and the left index finger on the crown. Wilson-like chest leads were recorded corresponding to the locations of V1 (Wr), V4 (Wm) and V6 (Wl) in the standard 12-lead ECG. Wr was recorded in the fourth intercostal space right parasternal, Wm was recorded in the fifth intercostal space on the midclavicular line, and Wl was recorded in the fifth intercostal space in left midaxillary line. For all Wilson-like chest lead recordings, the smartwatch was placed on the described three locations on the chest, the right index finger was placed on the crown and the left hand encompassed the right wrist. Both hands and forearms also had contact to the chest. Three experienced cardiologists were independently asked to allocate three bipolar limb smartwatch ECGs to Einthoven I-III leads, and three smartwatch Wilson-like chest ECGs (Wr, Wm, Wl) to V1, V4 and V6 in the standard 12-lead ECG for each subject. RESULTS: All 300 smartwatch ECGs showed a signal quality useable for diagnostics with 281 ECGs of good signal quality (143 limb lead ECGs (95%), 138 chest lead ECGs (92%). Nineteen ECGs had a moderate signal quality (7 limb lead ECGs (5%), 12 chest lead ECGs (8%)). One-hundred percent of all Einthoven and 92% of all Wilson-like smartwatch ECGs were allocated correctly to corresponding leads from 12-lead ECG. Forty-six subjects (92%) were assigned correctly by all cardiologists. Allocation errors were due to similar morphologies and amplitudes in at least two of the three recorded Wilson-like leads. Despite recording with a bipolar smartwatch device, morphology of all six leads was identical to standard 12-lead ECG. In two patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction, all three cardiologists recognized the ST-elevations in Wilson-like leads and assumed an occluded left anterior descending coronary artery correctly. CONCLUSION: Consecutive recording of six single-lead ECGs including Einthoven and Wilson-like leads by a smartwatch is feasible with good ECG signal quality. Thus, this simulated six-lead smartwatch ECG may be useable for the detection of cardiac diseases necessitating more than one ECG lead like myocardial ischemia or more complex cardia arrhythmias.

Common Data Elements for Acute Coronary Syndrome: Analysis Based on the Unified Medical Language System.

BACKGROUND: Standardization in clinical documentation can increase efficiency and can save time and resources. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this work are to compare documentation forms for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), check for standardization, and generate a list of the most common data elements using semantic form annotation with the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS). METHODS: Forms from registries, studies, risk scores, quality assurance, official guidelines, and routine documentation from four hospitals in Germany were semantically annotated using UMLS. This allowed for automatic comparison of concept frequencies and the generation of a list of the most common concepts. RESULTS: A total of 3710 forms items from 86 sources were semantically annotated using 842 unique UMLS concepts. Half of all medical concept occurrences were covered by 60 unique concepts, which suggests the existence of a core dataset of relevant concepts. Overlap percentages between forms were relatively low, hinting at inconsistent documentation structures and lack of standardization. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis shows a lack of standardized and semantically enriched documentation for patients with ACS. Efforts made by official institutions like the European Society for Cardiology have not yet been fully implemented. Utilizing a standardized and annotated core dataset of the most important data concepts could make export and automatic reuse of data easier. The generated list of common data elements is an exemplary implementation suggestion of the concepts to use in a standardized approach.

Recording of Bipolar Multichannel ECGs by a Smartwatch: Modern ECG Diagnostic 100 Years after Einthoven.

Aims: Feasibility study of accurate three lead ECG recording (Einthoven I, II and III) using an Apple Watch Series 4. Methods: In 50 healthy subjects (18 male; age: 40 ± 12 years) without known cardiac disorders, a 12-lead ECG and three bipolar ECGs, corresponding to Einthoven leads I, II and III were recorded using an Apple Watch Series 4. Einthoven I was recorded with the watch on the left wrist and the right index finger on the crown, Einthoven II with the watch on the left lower abdomen and the right index finger on the crown, Einthoven III with the watch on the left lower abdomen and the left index finger on the crown. Four experienced cardiologists were independently asked to assign the watch ECGs to Einthoven leads from 12-lead ECG for each subject. Results: All watch ECGs showed an adequate signal quality with 134 ECGs of good (89%) and 16 of moderate signal quality (11%). Ninety-one percent of all watch ECGs were assigned correctly to corresponding leads from 12-lead ECG. Thirty-nine subjects (78%) were assigned correctly by all cardiologists. All assignment errors occurred in patients with similar morphologies and amplitudes in at least two of the three recorded leads. Erroneous assignment of all watch ECGs to leads from standard ECG occurred in no patient. Conclusion: Recording of Einthoven leads I-III by a smartwatch is accurate and highly comparable to standard ECG. This might contribute to an earlier detection of cardiac disorders, which are associated with repolarization abnormalities or arrhythmias.

Transmission and loss of ECG snapshots: Remote monitoring in implantable cardiac monitors.

INTRODUCTION: Remote monitoring including transmission of electrocardiogram (ECG) strips has been implemented in implantable cardiac monitors (ICM). We appraise whether the physician can rely on remote monitoring to be informed of all possibly significant arrhythmias. METHODS: We analyzed remote monitoring transmissions of patients in the ongoing BIO|GUARD-MI study, in which Biotronik devices are used. Once per day, the devices automatically transmit messages with up to six ECG snapshots to the Home Monitoring Service Center. If more than one type of arrhythmia is recorded during a day, at least one ECG of each arrhythmia type is transmitted. RESULTS: 212 study patients were registered at the service center. The mean age of the patients was 70 ±â€¯8 years, and 74% were male. Patients were followed for an average of 13 months. The median time from device implantation until the first message receipt in the service center was 2 days. The median patient-individual transmission success was 98.0% (IQR 93.6-99.8) and remained stable in the second and third year. The most frequent arrhythmias were atrial fibrillation, bradycardia and high ventricular rate. 17.3% of the messages with ECG snapshots contained more than one arrhythmia type. DISCUSSION: Our analysis confirms that the physician can rely on Home Monitoring to be informed of all possibly significant arrhythmias during long-term follow-up. We have found hints that the transmission of only one episode per day may lead to the loss of clinically relevant information if patients with ICMs are followed by remote monitoring only.

Efficacy of a one-catheter concept for transradial coronary angiography.

INTRODUCTION: Transradial coronary angiography (TRC) can be performed with a one-catheter approach for the right and left coronary ostium (R/LCO). We investigated the performance of a special diagnostic catheter widely used for the one-catheter-approach, the Tiger (Tiger II, TerumoTM). METHODS: In a dual center registry we analyzed 1412 TRC-procedures exclusively performed by experienced TRC-operators. We compared the performance of the Tiger with Judkins catheters by retrospectively judging ostial catheter stability during contrast injection, and by measuring contrast use, fluoroscopy time (FT) and complication rate. RESULTS: Poor or failed ostial engagement was found in 40.5% in the Tiger group, compared to 46.6% with the use of Judkins catheters (p<0.183). Ostial instability of the Tiger was found more often during engagement of the LCO than the RCO (34.4% vs. 10.8%, p<0.001), whereas it was similar in the LCO and RCO for Judkins catheters (27.4% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.840). TRC-procedures performed with Tiger catheters were associated with less contrast volume (63.48 ± 29.83mL vs. 82.51 ± 56.58mL, p<0.004) and shorter FT than with Judkins catheters. (198.27 ± 194.8sec vs. 326.85 ± 329.70sec). Forearm hematomas occurred less often with the Tiger (1.2% vs. 6.6%, p< 0.02). CONCLUSION: The Tiger employed as a single catheter in TRC is an effective tool to achieve lower contrast volume and fluoroscopy time at a low complication rate. Unstable engagement affects predominantly the left coronary artery, but its overall frequency is similar for both, the Tiger and Judkins catheters.

First successful prevention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention by use of a pulsatile left ventricular assist device: baptism of fire of the iVAC2L device: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Efforts in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) lead to interventional treatment of complex stenoses as an alternative to coronary bypass surgery. Nevertheless, complications during PCI can occur with sudden need for circulatory support. Circulatory support devices are helpful tools during high-risk PCI to generate additional output or maintain sufficient circulation in critical situations. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of the first successful prevention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by use of transfemoral pulsatile ventricular assist device with up to 2l additional cardiac output during a high-risk PCI in an 80-year old man with complex stenosis and a history of ventricular fibrillation during prior coronary angiography. DISCUSSION: The device managed to maintain an adequate circulation during massive vasospasm and bradycardia. The iVAC2L seems to be a useful tool in high-risk PCI. Its general effect on haemodynamics and patients' outcome has to be evaluated in larger multi-centre studies.

Third generation drug eluting stent (DES) with biodegradable polymer in diabetic patients: 5 years follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To report the long-term safety and efficacy data of a third generation drug eluting stent (DES) with biodegradable polymer in the complex patient population of diabetes mellitus after a follow-up period of 5 years. BACKGROUND: After percutaneous coronary intervention patients with diabetes mellitus are under higher risk of death, restenosis and stent thrombosis (ST) compared to non-diabetic patients. METHODS: In 126 centers worldwide 3067 patients were enrolled in the NOBORI 2 registry, 888 patients suffered from diabetes mellitus (DM), 213 of them (14%) being insulin dependent (IDDM). Five years follow-up has been completed in this study. RESULTS: At 5 years, 89.3% of the patients were available for follow-up. The reported target lesion failure (TLF) rates at 5 years were 12.39% in DM group and 7.34% in non-DM group; (p < 0.0001). In the DM group, the TLF rate in patients with IDDM was significantly higher than in the non-IDDM subgroup (17.84 vs. 10.67%; p < 0.01). The rate of ST at 5 years was not different among diabetic versus non-diabetic patients or IDDM versus NIDDM. Only 10 (<0.4%) very late stent thrombotic events beyond 12 months occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The Nobori DES performed well in patients with DM. As expected patients with DM, particularly those with IDDM, had worse outcomes. However, the very low rate of very late stent thrombosis in IDDM patients might have significant clinical value in the treatment of these patients. Clinical trial registration ISRCTN81649913; http://www.controlled-trials.com/isrctn/search.html?srch=81649913&sort=3&dir=desc&max=10.

First high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention under use of the iVAC2l system in Germany.

Percutaneous coronary intervention of complex stenoses is becoming more and more of an alternative to coronary bypass surgery. Nevertheless, complications can occur and lead to the need for circulatory support and/or emergency surgery. Circulatory support devices like the intra-aortic balloon pump showed only low benefit in patients' outcome. Devices with higher cardiac output necessitate more complex implantation procedures. We report the case of the first successful use of a transfemoral pulsatile ventricular assist device with up to 2 l additional cardiac output during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention in a 74-year-old man with complex stenosis. The device was safe and feasible during coronary intervention in its use. Its beneficial effect on hemodynamics and patients' outcome has to be evaluated in larger multicenter studies.

Improved Clinical Risk Stratification in Patients with Long QT Syndrome? Novel Insights from Multi-Channel ECGs.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether multichannel ECG-recordings are useful to risk-stratify patients with congenital long-QT syndrome (LQTS) for risk of sudden cardiac death under optimized medical treatment. METHODS: In 34 LQTS-patients (11 male; age 31±13 years, QTc 478±51ms; LQT1 n = 8, LQT2 n = 15) we performed a standard 12-channel ECG and a 120-channel body surface potential mapping. The occurrence of clinical events (CE; syncope, torsade de pointes (TdP), sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)) was documented and correlated with different ECG-parameters in all lead positions. RESULTS: Seven patients developed TdP, four survived SCA and 12 experienced syncope. 12/34 had at least one CE. CE was associated with a longer QTc-interval (519±43ms vs. 458±42ms; p = 0.001), a lower T-wave integral (TWI) on the left upper chest (-1.2±74.4mV*ms vs. 63.0±29.7mV*ms; p = 0.001), a lower range of T-wave amplitude (TWA) in the region of chest lead V8 (0.10±0.08mV vs. 0.18±0.07mV; p = 0.008) and a longer T-peak-T-end time (TpTe) in lead V1 (98±23ms vs. 78±26ms; p = 0.04). Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analyses revealed a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 75% (area under curve (AUC) 0.89±0.06, p = 0.001) at a cut-off value of 26.8mV*ms for prediction of CE by TWI, a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 83% at a cut-off value of 0.11mV (AUC 0.83±0.09, p = 0.002) for prediction of CE by TWA and a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 73% at a cut-off value of 87ms (AUC 0.80±0.07, p = 0.005) for prediction of CE by TpTe. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of CE in LQTS-patients seems to be associated with a prolonged, low-amplitude T-wave.

Atrial fibrillation and silent stroke: links, risks, and challenges.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, with a projected number of 1 million affected subjects in Germany. Changes in age structure of the Western population allow for the assumption that the number of concerned people is going to be doubled, maybe tripled, by the year 2050. Large epidemiological investigations showed that AF leads to a significant increase in mortality and morbidity. Approximately one-third of all strokes are caused by AF and, due to thromboembolic cause, these strokes are often more severe than those caused by other etiologies. Silent brain infarction is defined as the presence of cerebral infarction in the absence of corresponding clinical symptomatology. Progress in imaging technology simplifies diagnostic procedures of these lesions and leads to a large amount of diagnosed lesions, but there is still no final conclusion about frequency, risk factors, and clinical relevance of these infarctions. The prevalence of silent strokes in patients with AF is higher compared to patients without AF, and several studies reported high incidence rates of silent strokes after AF ablation procedures. While treatment strategies to prevent clinically apparent strokes in patients with AF are well investigated, the role of anticoagulatory treatment for prevention of silent infarctions is unclear. This paper summarizes developments in diagnosis of silent brain infarction and its context to AF.

Low stroke risk after elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: an analysis of the Flec-SL trial.

BACKGROUND: Current recommendations for anticoagulation management during cardioversion are largely based on historical data and expert consensus. METHODS AND RESULTS: To characterize current practice of anticoagulation during and after elective cardioversion for AF and the risk of stroke and bleeding events, all patients enrolled into the Flec-SL trial were analyzed for stroke/transient ischemic attack and major bleeds after cardioversion. Flec-SL (ISRCTN62728743, NCT00215774) enrolled 635 patients (mean age 63.7 ± 10.9, 66% male). 629 (99.1%) patients received periprocedural anticoagulation, 556 (87.6%) were adequately anticoagulated following current recommendations. 202 (31.8%) patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography-guided cardioversion. Electrical cardioversion was used in 508 patients (80.0%), pharmacological cardioversion in 127 (20%). Six patients suffered from stroke (n = 5) or transient ischemic attack (3 TIAs in 1 patient, event rate 0.9%, 95% CI 0.4-2.1), five others from major bleeds (event rate 0.8%, 95% CI 0.3-1.9), consistent with the low reported event rates in prior studies. Three strokes occurred in the first 5 days after cardioversion. Events were independent of type of cardioversion or the use of TEE to exclude thrombi. CONCLUSION: Strokes are rare in this large, prospectively followed cohort of patients undergoing cardioversion for AF and receiving antithrombotic therapy following local routine. These results support adherence to current recommendations for anticoagulation during cardioversion of AF.

Predictors and outcome of early-onset pneumonia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: Early-onset pneumonia (EOP) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is frequently observed. Causative factors are loss of airway protection during cardiac arrest, pulmonary contusion, and emergency airway management. We assessed the incidence, risk factors, and clinical course of EOP, and evaluated the impact of an early exchange of the prehospitally inserted endotracheal tube (ETT). METHODS: In our retrospective analysis we included 104 consecutive subjects admitted to our ICU after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between 2007 and 2012. All subjects underwent therapeutic hypothermia. We analyzed clinical course, inflammation indicators, Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score, occurrence of EOP, duration of ventilatory support, microbiological findings, and short-term outcome. RESULTS: Of the 104 subjects, 46.2% received an exchange of ETT directly after hospital admission. Neither ETT exchange nor observed aspiration were associated with elevated CPIS or EOP, nor with proof of microorganisms in respiratory secretions. We found no differences in duration of ventilatory support, P(aO2)/F(IO2), ICU days, or outcome. C-reactive protein was significantly higher in subjects with aspiration (P = .046). Sex, age, smoking status, aspiration, cause of cardiac arrest, first detected heart rhythm, and use of supraglottic airways devices were not associated with EOP. Subjects with EOP had a longer need for ventilatory support (P = .005), higher tracheotomy rate (P = .03), longer ICU stay (P = .005), higher C-reactive protein (P < .001), higher body temperature (P = .003), higher Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (P < .001), and lower P(aO2)/F(IO2) (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of EOP was not significantly influenced by the exchange of the preclinically inserted ETT, but was associated with longer need for mechanical ventilation and ICU stay.

Prevalence of unknown atrial fibrillation in patients with risk factors.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. 'Silent', undiagnosed AF is often only detected with the first complication, e.g. a stroke. Detection of 'silent' AF prior to the first cerebrovascular event would be valuable to institute adequate therapy and prevent complications related to AF. We performed a simple electrocardiography (ECG) screening for silent AF in patients at risk for AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-two adult patients (76 male; age: 64 ± 14, mean ± SD) without known AF presenting to the diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia clinics (76 outpatients in the different clinics), or to the stroke unit (56 stroke survivors) at the University Hospital Muenster were screened for unknown AF using a simple patient-operated, single-channel ECG recorder (Omron hcg-801-e, Germany). Silent AF was found in 7/132 patients (5.3%; four stroke survivors, two diabetics, one patient with hypertension, median CHADS2 score: 2 (25-75 quartiles 1-3). The prevalence of AF was higher in patients with multiple risk factors for stroke and AF: AF was found in 3% (1/32) patient with hypertension and no other risk factors for AF, but in 7% (5/71) patients with two risk factors including stroke patients (diabetes and hypertension, stroke, or stroke and hypertension), and in 11% (1/9) with stroke, hypertension, and diabetes. Standard ECG did not detect further patients with AF. CONCLUSION: A simple ECG screening could help to detect 'silent' AF prior to the first cerebrovascular events, especially in patients with multiple cardiovascular conditions. Larger studies of such a screening are warranted.