Atrial fibrillation symptom reduction and improved quality of life following the hybrid convergent procedure: a CONVERGE trial subanalysis.

Background: CONVERGE was a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial that evaluated the safety of Hybrid Atrial Fibrillation Convergent (HC) and compared its effectiveness to endocardial catheter ablation (CA) for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF) and longstanding PersAF (LSPAF). In 2020, we reported that CONVERGE met its primary safety and effectiveness endpoints. The primary objective of the present study is to report CONVERGE trial results for quality of life (QOL) and Class I/III anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD) utilization following HC. Methods: Eligible patients had drug-refractory symptomatic PersAF or LSPAF and a left atrium diameter ≤6.0 cm. Enrolled patients were randomized 2:1 to receive HC or CA. Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale (AFSS) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were assessed at baseline and 12 months; statistical comparison was performed using paired t-tests. AAD utilization at baseline through 12 and 18 months post-procedure was evaluated; statistical comparison was performed using McNemar's tests. Results: A total of 153 patients were treated with either HC (n=102) or CA (n=51). Of the 102 HC patients, 38 had LSPAF. AFSS and SF-36 Mental and Physical Component scores were significantly improved at 12 months versus baseline with HC overall and for the subset of LSPAF patients treated with either HC or CA. The proportion of HC patients (n=102) who used Class I /III AADs at 12 and 18 months was significantly less (33.3% and 36.3%, respectively) than baseline (84.3%; P<0.001). In LSPAF patients who underwent HC (n=38), AADs use was 29.0% through 18 months follow-up versus 71.1% at baseline (P<0.001). Conclusions: HC reduced AF symptoms, significantly improved QOL, and reduced AAD use in patients with PersAF and LSPAF. ClinicalTrialsgov Identifier: NCT01984346.

Long-term performance of single-connector (DF4) implantable defibrillator leads.

AIMS: Single-connector (DF4) defibrillator leads have become the predominantly implanted transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead. However, data on their long-term performance are derived predominantly from manufacturer product performance reports. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed medical records in 5289 patients with DF4 leads between 2011 and 2023 to determine the frequency of lead-related abnormalities. We defined malfunction as any single or combination of electrical abnormalities requiring revision including a sudden increase (≥2×) in stimulation threshold, a discrete jump in high-voltage impedance, or sensing of non-physiologic intervals or noise. We documented time to failure, predictors of failure, and management strategies. Mean follow-up after implant was 4.15 ± 3.6 years (median = 3.63), with 37% of leads followed for >5 years. A total of 80 (1.5%) leads demonstrated electrical abnormalities requiring revision with an average time to failure of 4 ± 2.8 years (median = 3.5). Of the leads that malfunctioned, 62/80 (78%) were extracted and replaced with a new lead and in the other 18 cases, malfunctioned DF4 leads were abandoned, and a new lead implanted. In multivariable models, younger age at implant (OR 1.03 per year; P < 0.001) and the presence of Abbott/St. Jude leads increased the risk of malfunction. CONCLUSION: DF4 defibrillator leads demonstrate excellent longevity with >98.3% of leads followed for at least 5 years still functioning normally. Younger age at implant and lead manufacturer are associated with an increased risk of DF4 lead malfunction. The differences in lead survival between manufacturers require further investigation.

Safety of same-day discharge after lead extraction procedures.

BACKGROUND: Same-day discharge (SDD) after cardiovascular procedures is rapidly gaining ground. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the safety of SDD after transvenous lead extraction (TLE). METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent elective TLE between January 2020 and October 2021 at our institution. The primary outcome was SDD, and major procedural complications and readmissions within 30 days of the procedure were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: In this analysis of 111 patients who underwent elective TLE, 80 patients (72%) were discharged on the same day (SDD group) while 31 patients (28%) stayed overnight (overnight group). Lead malfunction was the most common indication for TLE in both groups. Patients in the overnight group were more likely to have a lead dwell time of ≤10 years than those in the SDD group (38.7% vs 20% of all leads in each group; P = .042), have laser sheaths used for extraction and a higher number of leads extracted. No major complications were reported in both groups. In a multivariate analysis, lower body mass index and the use of laser sheath during TLE were predictors of overnight stay. Patients who underwent a procedure using advanced extraction techniques were 3.5 times more likely to stay overnight (95% confidence interval 1.27-9.78; P = .016). CONCLUSION: In appropriately selected patients undergoing elective lead extraction, SDD is feasible and safe. Higher body mass index, fewer extracted leads, shorter lead dwell times (<10 years), and less frequent use of laser-powered extraction sheaths were associated with an increased likelihood of SDD.

Risk of Adverse Outcomes Associated With Cardiac Sarcoidosis Diagnostic Schemes.

BACKGROUND: Multiple cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) diagnostic schemes have been published. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the association of different CS diagnostic schemes with adverse outcomes. The diagnostic schemes evaluated were 1993, 2006, and 2017 Japanese criteria and the 2014 Heart Rhythm Society criteria. METHODS: Data were collected from the Cardiac Sarcoidosis Consortium, an international registry of CS patients. Outcome events were any of the following: all-cause mortality, left ventricular assist device placement, heart transplantation, and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the association of outcomes with each CS diagnostic scheme. RESULTS: A total of 587 subjects met the following criteria: 1993 Japanese (n = 310, 52.8%), 2006 Japanese (n = 312, 53.2%), 2014 Heart Rhythm Society (n = 480, 81.8%), and 2017 Japanese (n = 112, 19.1%). Patients who met the 1993 criteria were more likely to experience an event than patients who did not (n = 109 of 310, 35.2% vs n = 59 of 277, 21.3%; OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.38-2.90; P < 0.001). Similarly, patients who met the 2006 criteria were more likely to have an event than patients who did not (n = 116 of 312, 37.2% vs n = 52 of 275, 18.9%; OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.74-3.71; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between the occurrence of an event and whether a patient met the 2014 or the 2017 criteria (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.85-2.27; P = 0.18 or OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 0.97-2.33; P = 0.067, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CS patients who met the 1993 and the 2006 criteria had higher odds of adverse clinical outcomes. Future research is needed to prospectively evaluate existing diagnostic schemes and develop new risk models for this complex disease.

Selection of patients for hybrid ablation procedure.

Catheter ablation for treatment of symptomatic non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation remains challenging. Clinical failure and need for continued medical therapy or repeat ablation is common, especially in more advanced forms of atrial fibrillation. Hybrid ablation has emerged as a more effective and safe therapy than endocardial-only ablation particularly for longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation as demonstrated by the randomized controlled CONVERGE trial. Hybrid ablation requires collaboration of electrophysiologists and cardiac surgeons to develop specific workflows. This review describes the Hybrid Convergent approach in the context of available ablation options and offers guidance for workflow development and patient selection.

The Feasibility and Safety of Flecainide Use Among Patients With Varying Degrees of Coronary Disease.

BACKGROUND: Class IC antiarrhythmic agents are effective for treating atrial tachyarrhythmias, but their use is restricted in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Data on the safety of the use of IC agents in patients with CAD in the absence of recent acute coronary syndromes are lacking. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the safety and feasibility of treatment with IC agents in patients with varying degrees of CAD in a large serial, real-world cohort. METHODS: We retrospectively identified all patients at our institution from January 2005 to February 2021 on a IC agent (n = 3,445) and those on sotalol or dofetilide (n = 2,216) as controls, excluding those with a prior history of ventricular tachycardia, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement, or nonrevascularized myocardial infarction. Baseline clinical characteristics included degree of CAD (categorized as none, nonobstructive, or obstructive), other comorbid illness, and medication use. Clinical outcomes, including survival, were ascertained. We performed Cox regression analysis to evaluate the effect of IC use on event-free survival across varying degrees of CAD. RESULTS: After adjustment for baseline characteristics, there was an independent association between IC use and improved mortality. However, there was an interaction between IC use and degree of CAD (compared to sotalol) demonstrating poorer event-free survival among those with obstructive coronary disease (HR: 3.80; 95% CI: 1.67-8.67; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Among select patients with nonobstructive CAD and without a history of ventricular tachycardia, IC agents are not associated with increased mortality. Therefore, these agents may be an option for some patients in whom they are frequently restricted. Further prospective studies are warranted.

Hybrid Convergent ablation for atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Hybrid Convergent ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) combines minimally invasive surgical (epicardial) and catheter (endocardial) ablation. The procedural goal is to achieve more extensive, enduring ablation of AF substrate around the pulmonary veins, posterior wall, and vestibule of the posterior wall left atrium. Objective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on safety and effectiveness of contemporary Hybrid Convergent procedures. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and manual searches identified primary research articles on Hybrid Convergent. Inclusion criteria focused on contemporary practices (epicardial ablation device and lesions). Clinical outcomes at 1 year or later follow-up, patient population, procedural details, and major adverse events (MAE) were recorded. Results: Of 249 records, 6 studies (5 observational, 1 randomized controlled trial) including 551 patients were included. Endocardial energy sources included radiofrequency and cryoballoon. Hybrid Convergent ablation was mostly performed in patients with drug-refractory persistent and longstanding persistent AF. Mean preprocedural AF duration ranged between 2 and 5.1 years. Most patients (∼92%) underwent Hybrid Convergent in a single hospitalization. At 1 year follow-up or later, 69% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61%-78%, n = 523) were free from atrial arrhythmias and 50% (95% CI: 42%-58%, n = 343) were free from atrial arrhythmias off antiarrhythmic drugs. Thirty-day MAE rate was 6% (95% CI: 3%-8%, n = 551). Conclusion: Hybrid Convergent ablation is an effective ablation strategy for persistent and longstanding persistent AF. Contemporary procedural approaches and published strategies aim to mitigate complications reported in early experience and address delayed inflammatory effusions.

Relationship between device-detected burden and duration of atrial fibrillation and risk of ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Wider availability of continuous rhythm monitoring has made feasible the incorporation of metrics of atrial fibrillation (AF) burden and duration into the decision to initiate anticoagulation. However, the relationship between thresholds of burden and duration and underlying risk factors at which anticoagulation should be considered remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships of these metrics with each other and the outcome of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA). METHODS: We identified patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) with atrial leads who had at least 1 interrogation in 2016 demonstrating nonpermanent AF and were not receiving oral anticoagulation (OAC). We evaluated the relationship between burden (ie, percentage of time spent in AF), the longest single episode of AF, and risk factors (ie, CHA2DS2-VASc score) in predicting risk of stroke/TIA. RESULTS: The study included 384 patients with mean follow-up of 3.2 ± 0.8 years and incidence of stroke/TIA of 14.8% during follow-up (∼4.6% per year). The burden of AF and the duration of longest episode demonstrated a significant positive correlation to each other but not CHA2DS2-VASc score. Importantly, although the CHA2DS2-VASc score was predictive of stroke/TIA, neither burden nor duration was associated with stroke/TIA. CONCLUSION: Among patients with CIED-detected AF not receiving OAC, the amount of AF (measured by either burden or duration) does not seem to significantly impact stroke risk, whereas CHA2DS2-VASc score does. These data suggest that among patients with CIED-detected AF, once AF occurs, stroke risk seems to be predominantly driven by underlying risk factors.

Venous Vascular Closure System Versus Manual Compression Following Multiple Access Electrophysiology Procedures: The AMBULATE Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the efficacy and safety of the VASCADE MVP Venous Vascular Closure System (VVCS) device (Cardiva Medical, Santa Clara, California) to manual compression (MC) for closing multiple access sites after catheter-based electrophysiology procedures. BACKGROUND: The VASCADE MVP VVCS is designed to provide earlier ambulatory hemostasis than MC after catheter-based procedures. METHODS: The AMBULATE (A Randomized, Multi-center Trial to Compare Cardiva Mid-Bore [VASCADE MVP] VVCS to Manual Compression in Closure of Multiple Femoral Venous Access Sites in 6 - 12 Fr Sheath Sizes) trial was a multicenter, randomized trial of device closure versus MC in patients who underwent ablation. Outcomes included time to ambulation (TTA), total post-procedure time (TPPT), time to discharge eligibility (TTDe), time to hemostasis (TTH), 30-day major and minor complications, pain medication usage, and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 204 patients at 13 sites were randomized to the device arm (n = 100; 369 access sites) or the MC arm (n = 104; 382 access sites). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Mean TTA, TPPT, TTDe, and TTH were substantially lower in the device arm (respective decreases of 54%, 54%, 52%, and 55%; all p < 0.0001). Opioid use was reduced by 58% (p = 0.001). There were no major access site complications. Incidence of minor complications was 1.0% for the device arm and 2.4% for the MC arm (p = 0.45). Patient satisfaction scores with duration of and comfort during bedrest were 63% and 36% higher in device group (both p < 0.0001). Satisfaction with bedrest pain was 25% higher (p = 0.001) for the device overall, and 40% higher (p = 0.002) for patients with a previous ablation. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the closure device for multiple access ablation procedures resulted in significant reductions in TTA, TPPT, TTH, TTDe, and opioid use, with increased patient satisfaction and no increase in complications. (A Randomized, Multi-center Trial to Compare Cardiva Mid-Bore VVCS to Manual Compression in Closure of Multiple Femoral Venous Access Sites in 6 - 12 Fr Sheath Sizes [AMBULATE]; NCT03193021).

Comparison of echocardiographic and fluoroscopic sizing of the left atrial appendage prior to percutaneous closure.

PURPOSE: Sizing of the left atrial appendage (LAA) ostium prior to occlusion (LAAO) is routinely performed with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). We sought to compare the utility of sizing via fluoroscopy to TEE for percutaneous LAAO. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all patients undergoing percutaneous LAAO at our institution from April 2015 through January 2018 (n = 195). We evaluated baseline characteristics, maximum measured ostium size (for both TEE and fluoroscopy), and differences in measured size to device size for both techniques. RESULTS: Of the total cohort, 185 (95%) had both intraoperative TEE and fluoroscopic images available for analysis and were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 74 years and 64% were male. Hypertension was present in 89%, diabetes in 30%, and stroke in 32% of patients. The mean ejection fraction was 51%. The most common LAA morphology was "wind sock" (52%). Measured ostial diameter on fluoroscopy was larger compared with TEE (2.04 ± 3.43 mm larger on fluoroscopy, p < 0.001). Ostium diameter on TEE was more closely correlated to the size of the device implanted compared with fluoroscopy (0.76 vs. 0.61, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroscopy results in larger estimated LAA ostium diameter compared with TEE. Despite this, TEE was more strongly correlated to operator choice in device sizing, which may reflect practice patterns. Because compression of the ostium on the device is necessary for long-term procedural success, under-sizing may lead to a higher rate of leaks. Prospective evaluation of the utility of routine fluoroscopic sizing compared with TEE is warranted.

The Safety and Feasibility of Same-Day Discharge After Implantation of MICRA Transcatheter Leadless Pacemaker System.

BACKGROUND: Data suggests that same day discharge after implantation of trans-venous pacemakers is safe and feasible. We sought to determine whether same day discharge was feasible and safe following implantation of Medtronic MICRA leadless pacemakers. METHODS: We retrospectively identified all patients undergoing MICRA placement at our institution between April 2014 to August 2018 (n=167). Patients were stratified into two groups: those discharged on the same day as their procedure (SD, n=25), and those observed for at least one night in the hospital (HD, n=142). The primary endpoint included a composite of major complications including: access site complications, new pericardial effusion, device dislodgement, and need for device revision up to approximately 45 days of follow up. RESULTS: SD and HD had similar age (75±13 vs. 75±13 years, p=0.923), prevalence of male sex (49 vs. 44%, p=0.669), and frequency of high-grade heart block as an indication for pacing (38 vs. 32%, p=0.596). There were more Caucasians in the SD group (72 vs. 66%, p=0.038). The rate of the composite endpoint was statistically non-significantly higher in the HD group (3.5% vs. 0.0%, p=1.00). The rates of each individual components comprising the composite endpoint were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that in appropriately selected patients, same day discharge can occur safely following Micra leadless pacemaker implantation.

Outcomes of Micra leadless pacemaker implantation with uninterrupted anticoagulation.

BACKGROUND: Implantation of the MICRA Leadless pacemaker requires the use of a 27 French introducer, blunt delivery system and device fixation to the myocardium via nitinol tines. While prior studies have proven its safety, it is unclear whether performing this procedure with uninterrupted anticoagulation exposes patients to increased risks. We sought to investigate the feasibility and safety of continuing therapeutic anticoagulation during the periprocedural period. METHODS: We evaluated all patients undergoing MICRA placement at our institution between April 2014 and August 2018 with complete follow-up data (n = 170). Patients were stratified into two groups: those on active anticoagulation (OAC, n = 26), defined as having an International normalized ratio >2.0 or having continued a direct oral anticoagulant, and those not anticoagulated (Off-OAC, n = 144). We evaluated for a composite outcome of all major complications, including access site complications and pericardial effusion. RESULTS: OAC and Off-OAC groups had similar mean age (74 ± 13 vs 75 ± 13 years; P = .914). The OAC group had a nonsignificantly lower prevalence of end-stage renal disease (8% vs 17%; P = .375) and aspirin use (27% vs 47%; P = .131). Those in the OAC group were more likely to be on warfarin than those in the Off-OAC group (81% vs 30%; P < .001). The rate of the composite endpoint was similar between the OAC and Off-OAC groups (3.8 % vs 1.4%, respectively; P = .761). Length of stay was similar between groups (1.3 ± 2.6 vs 2.3 ± 3.4 days; P = 0.108). CONCLUSION: Continuation of therapeutic anticoagulation during MICRA implantation appears to be feasible, safe and associated with shorter hospitalization among appropriately selected individuals.

Implantation success and infection in cardiovascular implantable electronic device procedures utilizing an antibacterial envelope.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection rates are increasing faster than implantation rates. More effective antimicrobial prophylaxis may help reduce CIED infections and improve clinical outcomes. The AIGIS(Rx)(®) antibacterial envelope is a polymer mesh implanted in the generator pocket with the CIED. After implantation it releases two antibiotics, minocycline and rifampin, that have been shown to reduce infections associated with other medical devices. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study is to determine the rate of CIED implantation success and CIED infection in procedures utilizing the antibacterial envelope. METHODS: This study enrolled consecutive CIED procedures utilizing the antibacterial envelope at 10 US academic, community, and Veterans Affairs medical centers. Procedures following an explantation for a prior CIED infection or off-label use of the antibacterial envelope were excluded. RESULTS: The 624 eligible procedures (age 70 ± 13 years, 68.1% men, 27.2% renal insufficiency, 35.4% oral anticoagulant use, 67.8% replacement/revision procedures) utilized pacemakers (35%), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD)(29%), and cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator devices (CRT-D)(36%). Nearly half of the patients (49%) had at least three predefined risk factors for CIED infection. CIED implantation was successful in 621 procedures (99.5%[95% confidence interval (CI) 98.8-99.9]). There were three major infections (0.48%[95%CI 0.17-1.40]) after 1.9 ± 2.4 months follow-up. The infections followed one ICD revision and two CRT-D replacements. There were seven deaths; none was a result of the antibacterial envelope or the CIED procedure. CONCLUSIONS: CIED procedures that utilized an antibacterial envelope had a high rate of CIED implantation success (>99%). Although the follow-up to date is short, there was also a low rate of infection (<0.50%) in this population at high risk for CIED infection.

A comparison of cardiac resynchronization by sequential biventricular pacing and left ventricular pacing to simultaneous biventricular pacing: rationale and design of the DECREASE-HF clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The first generation of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices approved for the treatment of heart failure used simultaneous biventricular (BiV) pacing to achieve ventricular resynchronization. Left ventricular pacing alone and sequential BiV pacing also show promise as alternative ways to deliver CRT, but have not been studied together in a large randomized trial. METHODS: The Device Evaluation of CONTAK RENEWAL 2 and EASYTRAK 2: Assessment of Safety and Effectiveness in Heart Failure (DECREASE-HF) Trial is a randomized, double-blind, 3-arm study of patients in New York Heart Association Class III or IV with an ejection fraction of 35% or less and a QRS duration > or =150 ms. Patients are randomized to receive either left ventricular pacing, simultaneous BiV pacing, or sequential BiV pacing. CONCLUSION: The study uses a novel composite endpoint that combines peak oxygen consumption and left ventricular end systolic dimension, thus combining a measure of symptomatic improvement (peak oxygen consumption) with a physiologic measure of ventricular reverse remodeling (left ventricular end systolic dimension) into a single composite score. Additionally, the safety and effectiveness of the CONTAK RENEWAL 2/4/4HE/EASYTRAK 2 system will be evaluated using: heart failure-related adverse events; system-related complications; left ventricular lead-related complications; detection time of induced ventricular fibrillation; and left ventricular lead performance (pacing threshold, pacing impedance, and R-wave amplitude).