The Effect of Oral Simethicone in a Bowel Preparation in a Colorectal Cancer Screening Colonoscopy Setting: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Current guidelines suggest adding oral simethicone to bowel preparation for colonoscopy. However, its effect on key quality indicators for screening colonoscopy remains unclear. The primary aim was to assess the rate of adequate bowel preparation in split-dose high-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG), with or without simethicone. Methods: This is an endoscopist-blinded, randomized controlled trial, including patients scheduled for colonoscopy after a positive faecal immunochemical test. Patients were randomly assigned to 4 L of PEG split dose (PEG) or 4 L of PEG split dose plus 500 mg oral simethicone (PEG + simethicone). The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) score, the preparation quality regarding bubbles using the Colon Endoscopic Bubble Scale (CEBuS), ADR, CIR, and the intraprocedural use of simethicone were recorded. Results: We included 191 and 197 patients in the PEG + simethicone group and the PEG group, respectively. When comparing the PEG + simethicone group versus the PEG group, no significant differences in adequate bowel preparation rates (97% vs. 93%; p = 0.11) were found. However, the bubble scale score was significantly lower in the PEG + simethicone group (0 [0] versus 2 [5], p < 0.01), as well as intraprocedural use of simethicone (7% vs. 37%; p < 0.01). ADR (62% vs. 61%; p = 0.86) and CIR (98% vs. 96%, p = 0.14) did not differ between both groups. Conclusion: Adding oral simethicone to a split-bowel preparation resulted in a lower incidence of bubbles and a lower intraprocedural use of simethicone but no further improvement on the preparation quality or ADR.

Introdução: As normas de orientação atuais sugerem a adição de simeticone oral à preparação intestinal para colonoscopia. Contudo, o seu efeito nos indicadores de qualidade no âmbito da colonoscopia de rastreio não está comprovado. O objetivo principal foi avaliar a taxa de preparação adequada usando polietilenoglicol (PEG) em dose dividida com e sem simeticone oral. Métodos: Estudo randomizado controlado, cego para o endoscopista, incluindo doentes admitidos para colonoscopia após teste fecal imunoquímico positivo. Os doentes foram aleatoriamente alocados para 4 litros de PEG em dose dividida (PEG) ou 4 litros de PEG em dose divida + simeticone oral (PEG + simeticone). Foram avaliados: Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS), qualidade da preparação relativa às bolhas através da Colon Endoscopic Bubble Scale (CEBuS) scale, ADR, CIR e uso de simeticone durante o procedimento. Resultados: Foram incluídos 191 e 197 doentes nos grupos PEG + simeticone e PEG, respetivamente. Comparando os grupos PEG + simeticone versus PEG, não se registaram diferenças de significado estatístico relativamente à taxa de preparação intestinal adequada (97% vs. 93%; p = 0,01) mas o score da escala de bolhas foi significativamente inferior no grupo PEG + simeticone [0 (0) versus 2 (5), p < 0.01], assim como o uso de simeticone durante o procedimento (7% vs. 37%; p < 0,01). A ADR (62% vs. 61%; p = 0,86) e a CIR (98% vs. 96%, p = 0,14) não diferiram significativamente entre os dois grupos, respetivamente. Discussão/Conclusão: Adicionar simeticone oral à preparação intestinal em dose dividida permitiu menor incidência de bolhas e menor utilização de simeticone durante o procedimento, mas não se associa a melhor preparação intestinal ou melhor ADR.

"Real-world" analysis of battery longevity of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: an in-depth analysis of a prospective defibrillator database.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence regarding contemporary implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) battery longevity. Our aim was to assess battery longevity in ICDs in a real-world setting. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional single center study of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients who underwent ICD implantation from January 2010 to December 2015. Clinical data and battery longevity of all manufacturers were collected. RESULTS: A total of 351 patients (84.6% males, mean age of 61 ± 12 years) were included in the study (292 VVI; 6 VDD; 53 DDD). All manufacturers (Abbott, Biotronik, Boston, Medtronic and Microport) were equally represented in the study (p = 0.110). Median battery longevity was 10.8 years (11 years for VVI and 8.5 for DDD). After a follow-up time of 5 years, 98% of VVI and DDD were still in service (vs. industry-projected longevity of 98%). During this time, 89 patients (25.4%) underwent device replacement - 69 patients (77.5%) due to battery depletion, 6 patients due to infection, 3 patients due to dysfunction and 13 patients due to upgrade to CRT-D. Patients with Medtronic or Biotronik ICDs had a greater probability of being replaced earlier due to battery depletion (Biotronik HR 6.87, 95% CI 2.54-18.58, p < 0.001; Medtronic HR 6.08, 95% CI 2.45-15.06 p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: VVI and DDD ICD battery longevity matched industry-projected longevity after 5 years of follow-up. Medtronic and Biotronik ICDs appeared to have an earlier battery depletion. Further randomized studies are required to ensure optimal care.

Mid-term outcomes after catheter ablation in patients with congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrhythmias are a major concern in patients with CHD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes in patients with CHD submitted to catheter ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational retrospective study of patients with CHD referred for catheter ablation from January 2016 to December 2021 in a tertiary referral centre. Acute procedural endpoints and long-term outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 44 ablation procedures were performed in 36 CHD patients (55% male, mean age 43 ±3 years). Fifty-four arrhythmias were ablated: 23 cavotricuspid isthmus atrial flutters, 10 atrial re-entrant tachycardias, eight focal atrial tachycardias, eight atrial fibrillations, three atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardias, and two ventricular tachycardias. During a median follow-up time of 37 months (interquartile range 12-51), freedom from arrhythmia recurrence was achieved in 93%, with 1.2 procedures per patient (18% with anti-arrhythmic drugs). There were no adverse events related to catheter ablation. No predictors of recurrence were identified. CONCLUSION: In patients with CHD, catheter ablation presents a high mid-term efficacy while maintaining a safe profile.

AI-Driven Decision Support for Early Detection of Cardiac Events: Unveiling Patterns and Predicting Myocardial Ischemia.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for a significant portion of global mortality, emphasizing the need for effective strategies. This study focuses on myocardial infarction, pulmonary thromboembolism, and aortic stenosis, aiming to empower medical practitioners with tools for informed decision making and timely interventions. Drawing from data at Hospital Santa Maria, our approach combines exploratory data analysis (EDA) and predictive machine learning (ML) models, guided by the Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) methodology. EDA reveals intricate patterns and relationships specific to cardiovascular diseases. ML models achieve accuracies above 80%, providing a 13 min window to predict myocardial ischemia incidents and intervene proactively. This paper presents a Proof of Concept for real-time data and predictive capabilities in enhancing medical strategies.

Ostial vs. wide area circumferential ablation guided by the Ablation Index in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) guided by the Ablation Index (AI) has shown high acute and mid-term efficacy in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Previous data before the AI-era had suggested that wide-area circumferential ablation (WACA) was preferable to ostial ablation. However, with the use of AI, we hypothesize that ostial circumferential ablation is non-inferior to WACA and can improve outcomes in paroxysmal AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective, multicentre, non-randomized, non-inferiority study of consecutive patients were referred for paroxysmal AF ablation from January 2020 to September 2021. All procedures were performed using the AI software, and patients were separated into two different groups: WACA vs. ostial circumferential ablation. Acute reconnection, procedural data, and 1-year arrhythmia recurrence were assessed. During the enrolment period, 162 patients (64% males, mean age of 60 ± 11 years) fulfilled the study inclusion criteria-81 patients [304 pulmonary vein (PV)] in the WACA group and 81 patients (301 PV) in the ostial group. Acute PV reconnection was identified in 7.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.9-11.1%] of PVs in the WACA group compared with 3.3% (95% CI, 1.8-6.1%) of PVs in the ostial group [P < 0.001 for non-inferiority; adjusted odds ratio 0.51 (95% CI, 0.23-0.83), P = 0.05]. Patients in the WACA group had longer ablation (35 vs. 29 min, P = 0.001) and procedure (121 vs. 102 min, P < 0.001) times. No significant difference in arrhythmia recurrence was seen at 1-year of follow-up [11.1% in WACA vs. 9.9% in ostial, hazard ratio 1.13 (95% CI, 0.44-1.94), P = 0.80 for superiority]. CONCLUSION: In paroxysmal AF patients treated with tailored AI-guided PVI, ostial circumferential ablation is not inferior to WACA with regard to acute PV reconnection, while allowing quicker procedures with less ablation time.

Multielectrode mapping for premature ventricular contraction ablation - A prospective, multicenter study.

PURPOSE: We aim to evaluate whether the use of a multielectrode mapping catheter could lead to higher efficacy of premature ventricular contraction (PVC) ablation. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter nonrandomized study of consecutive patients referred for PVC ablation from January 2018 to June 2021. Patients were separated into two groups: activation map performed with the PentaRay catheter (Study group) or with the ablation catheter (Control group). PMF software was used in both groups. Procedural endpoints and 1-year freedom from ventricular arrhythmia were assessed. RESULTS: During the enrollment period 136 patients (60% males, mean age of 55 ± 17 years, 60% left-sided origin) fulfilled the inclusion criteria - 68 patients in each group. Patients in the Study Group had a sevenfold higher number of acquired activation points (768 ± 728 vs. 110 ± 79, p < 0.01), a shorter mapping time (28 ± 19 min vs. 49 ± 32 min, p < 0.01) and a quicker procedure time (110 ± 33 min vs. 134 ± 50 min, p < 0.01), compared to patients in the Control Group. While there were no significant differences in the acute success (95.6% in the Study Group vs. 90.1% in Control group, p = 0.49), or adverse events (4% in the Study group vs. 7% in the Control group, p = 0.72), patients in the Study group had a higher freedom from ventricular arrhythmia at 1-year (89.7% vs. 70.6%, p = 0.01). The use of the PentaRay catheter was an independent predictor of success (HR = 6.20 [95% CI, 1.08-35.47], p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the PentaRay catheter may improve the outcome of PVC ablation while reducing procedure time.

Cap-Assisted Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors: An Effective Option.

Introduction: The incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (r-NETs) is increasing, and most small r-NETs can be treated endoscopically. The optimal endoscopic approach is still debatable. Conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) leads to frequent incomplete resection. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows higher complete resection rates but is also associated with higher complication rates. According to some studies, cap-assisted EMR (EMR-C) is an effective and safe alternative for endoscopic resection of r-NETs. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EMR-C for r-NETs ≤10 mm without muscularis propria invasion or lymphovascular infiltration. Methods: Single-center prospective study including consecutive patients with r-NETs ≤10 mm without muscularis propria invasion or lymphovascular invasion confirmed by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), submitted to EMR-C between January 2017 and September 2021. Demographic, endoscopic, histopathologic, and follow-up data were retrieved from medical records. Results: A total of 13 patients (male: 54%; n = 7) with a median age of 64 (interquartile range: 54-76) years were included. Most lesions were located at the lower rectum (69.2%, n = 9), and median lesion size was 6 (interquartile range: 4.5-7.5) mm. On EUS evaluation, 69.2% (n = 9) of tumors were limited to muscularis mucosa. EUS accuracy for the depth of invasion was 84.6%. We found a strong correlation between size measurements by histology and EUS (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). Overall, 15.4% (n = 2) were recurrent r-NETs and had been pretreated by conventional EMR. Resection was histologically complete in 92% (n = 12) of cases. Histologic analysis revealed grade 1 tumor in 76.9% (n = 10) of cases. Ki-67 index was inferior to 3% in 84.6% (n = 11) of cases. The median procedure time was 5 (interquartile range: 4-8) min. Only 1 case of intraprocedural bleeding was reported and was successfully controlled endoscopically. Follow-up was available in 92% (n = 12) of cases with a median follow-up of 6 (interquartile range: 12-24) months with no evidence of residual or recurrent lesion on endoscopic or EUS evaluation. Conclusion: EMR-C is fast, safe, and effective for resection of small r-NETs without high-risk features. EUS accurately assesses risk factors. Prospective comparative trials are needed to define the best endoscopic approach.

Introdução: Os tumores neuroendócrinos do reto (r-NETs) apresentam incidência crescente. A maioria dos tumores de pequenas dimensões pode ser excisada endoscopicamente, no entanto, a abordagem ótima é controversa. A mucosectomia convencional associa-se, frequentemente, a resseção endoscópica incompleta. A disseção endoscópica submucosa (ESD) permite elevadas taxas de resseção completa, mas é tecnicamente complexa e associa-se a maior número de complicações. Alguns estudos sugerem a mucosectomia assistida por cap (EMR-C) como uma alternativa eficaz e segura. Objetivo: Este estudo pretendeu avaliar a eficácia e segurança da mucosectomia com cap na resseção de r-NETs com dimensões ≤10 mm, sem invasão da muscularis própria nem infiltração linfovascular. Material e Métodos: Estudo prospetivo unicêntrico incluindo consecutivamente r-NETs com ≤10 mm, sem invasão da muscularis própria ou linfovascular confirmada em ultrassonografia endoscópica (EUS), submetidos a mucosectomia assistida cap entre janeiro de 2017 e setembro de 2021. Colheita de dados demográficos, clínicos e histopatológicos através de registos médicos eletrónicos. Resultados: Incluídos 13 doentes (género masculino: 54%; n = 7) com idade mediana de 64 (intervalo interquartil [IIQ]: 54­76) anos. A maioria das lesões localizava-se no reto inferior (69.2%; n = 9) e apresentava tamanho mediano de 6 (IIQ: 4.5­7.5) mm. Na avaliação por EUS, 69.2% (n = 9) encontravam-se limitados à muscularis mucosa. A acuidade da EUS na avaliação do envolvimento das camadas da parede retal foi de 84.6% e o tamanho avaliado por EUS correlacionou-se fortemente com o medido na histologia (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). Dois casos (15.4%) corresponderam a recorrências de mucosectomias convencionais prévias. A resseção foi macroscópica e histologicamente completa em 92% (n = 12) dos casos. A análise histológica revelou 76.9% (n = 10) tumores de grau 1. O índice Ki-67 foi inferior a 3% em 84.6% (n = 11) dos casos. O tempo mediano de procedimento foi 5 (IIQ: 4­8) minutos. Verificou-se apenas um caso de hemorragia intraprocedimento resolvida endoscopicamente. O seguimento de 92% dos casos (n = 12) com mediana de 6 (IIQ:12­24) meses não revelou lesão residual ou recorrência em avaliações endoscópica e ultrassonográfica. Discussão/Conclusão: A EMR-C é uma técnica endoscópica segura, rápida e efetiva para a resseção de r-TNEs pequenos sem fatores de alto risco. A EUS apresenta elevada acuidade na avaliação dos fatores de risco. Estudos comparativos prospetivos são necessários para estabelecimento da abordagem endoscópica mais profícua.

VDD pacemaker: An effective and reliable physiological pacing modality in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: In elderly patients, single chamber pacing may be considered. For sinus rhythm patients, VDD pacemaker (PM), by preserving atrial sensing, is a more physiological mode than VVI devices. This study aims to evaluate the long-term performance of VDD PM in elderly patients with atrioventricular block (AVB). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational study of 200 elderly patients (≥75 years) with AVB and normal sinus rhythm who consecutively implanted VDD PM between 2016 and 2018. Baseline clinical characteristics were analyzed, complications related to pacemaker implantation were assessed and a 3-years follow-up (FUP) was made. RESULTS: Mean age was 84 ± 5 years. After 3-years FUP, 90.5% (n = 181) of the patients preserved their original VDD mode. Only 19 patients (9.5%) switched to VVIR mode, 5.5% (n = 11) due to P-wave undersensing and 4% (n = 8) due to permanent AF. Those patients had a less amplitude of sensed P wave at baseline [median value of 1.30 (IQR 0.99-2.0) versus 0.97 (IQR 0.38-1.68), p = 0.04]. One third of the patients died during the FUP, 89% (n = 58) from non-cardiovascular causes. All-cause, CV, and non-CV mortality did not relate with atrial sensing loss during FUP (p = 0.58, p = 0.38 and p = 0.80, respectively). However, atrial sensing loss during FUP was associated with de novo atrial fibrillation (12.7% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: VDD pacing is a reliable pacing modality in elderly patients even in long-term. The majority of VDD-paced elderly patients maintained their original VDD mode program, with good atrial sensing.

Sharing Health Information Using a Blockchain.

Data sharing in the health sector represents a big problem due to privacy and security issues. Health data have tremendous value for organisations and criminals. The European Commission has classified health data as a unique resource owing to their ability to enable both retrospective and prospective research at a low cost. Similarly, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) encourages member nations to create and implement health data governance systems that protect individual privacy while allowing data sharing. This paper proposes adopting a blockchain framework to enable the transparent sharing of medical information among health entities in a secure environment. We develop a laboratory-based prototype using a design science research methodology (DSRM). This approach has its roots in the sciences of engineering and artificial intelligence, and its primary goal is to create relevant artefacts that add value to the fields in which they are used. We adopt a patient-centric approach, according to which a patient is the owner of their data and may allow hospitals and health professionals access to their data.

Can white-light endoscopy or narrow-band imaging avoid biopsy of colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection scars? A multicenter randomized single-blind crossover trial.

BACKGROUND : Current guidelines suggest that routine biopsy of post-endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) scars can be abandoned, provided that a standardized imaging protocol with virtual chromoendoscopy is used. However, few studies have examined the accuracy of advanced endoscopic imaging, such as narrow-band imaging (NBI) vs. white-light endoscopy (WLE) for prediction of histological recurrence. We aimed to assess whether NBI accuracy is superior to that of WLE and whether one or both techniques can replace biopsies. METHODS : The study was a multicenter, randomized, pathologist-blind, crossover trial, with consecutive patients undergoing first colonoscopy after EMR of lesions ≥ 20 mm. Computer-generated randomization and opaque envelope concealed allocation. Patients were randomly assigned to scar examination with NBI followed by WLE (NBI + WLE), or WLE followed by NBI (WLE + NBI). Histology was the reference method, with biopsies being performed for all tissues. RESULTS : The study included 203 scars (103 in the NBI + WLE group, 100 in the WLE + NBI group). Recurrence was confirmed histologically in 29.6 % of the scars. The diagnostic accuracy of NBI was not statistically different from that of WLE (95 % [95 %CI 92 %-98 %] vs. 94 % [95 %CI 90 %-97 %]; P = 0.48). The negative predictive values (NPVs) were 96 % (95 %CI 93 %-99 %) for NBI and 93 % (95 %CI 89 %-97 %) for WLE (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS : The accuracy of NBI for the diagnosis of recurrence was not superior to that of WLE. Endoscopic assessment of EMR scars with WLE and NBI achieved an NPV that would allow routine biopsy to be avoided in cases of negative optical diagnosis.

Vaginal lesion as first manifestation of colorectal disease.

A 73-year-old woman presented at Gyneacology Consultation with vaginal sensation of a lump. Physical examination revealed a vaginal exophytic lesion with 3 cm located at the right inner lip. The lesion was biopsied and histologic examination revealed infiltration by a mucinous adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical study suggested the diagnosis of colorectal aetiology. A subsequent colonoscopy demonstrated an ulcerated circumferential lesion at 8 cm from the anal verge Additional staging examinations revealed pulmonary metastasis and the patient was diagnosed with colorectal cancer stage IV. She was evaluated for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We present an exceedingly rare case of true vaginal metastasis identified before the diagnosis of colorectal primary lesion.

High-power short-duration versus low-power long-duration ablation guided by the ablation index.

AIMS: To compare the two different ablation strategies, both guided by the Ablation Index (AI), in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation: high-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation using 40 W on the posterior wall and 50 W elsewhere versus low-power long-duration (LPLD) using 25 W posteriorly and 35 W elsewhere. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter nonrandomized, noninferiority study of consecutive patients referred for paroxysmal AF ablation from January 2018 to July 2019. Ablation was guided by the AI (≥500 for anterior segments, ≥450 for the roof and inferior segments and 400 posteriorly) and an interlesion distance (ILD) ≤ 6 mm. Patients were separated into two groups: HPSD vs LPLD. Acute reconnection (after adenosine trial) and 2-year outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: 160 patients (61% males, median age of 62 [IQR 51-69] years), fulfilled the study inclusion criteria - 80 patients (316 pulmonary veins [PV]) in the HPSD group and 80 patients (314 PV) in the LPLD. The probability of acute PV reconnection was similar between both groups: 2.2% in HPSD, 95%CI 0.6% to 3.8% vs. 3.4% in LPLD, 95%CI 1.4% to 5.4%; p < 0.001 for noninferiority. Median PV ablation time (20 min vs 30 min, p < 0.01) and procedure duration (80 min vs 100 min, p < 0.001) were shorter in the HPSD group. After a median follow-up of 26 months, arrhythmia recurrence was similar between groups (17.5% in HPSD group vs. 18.8% in LPLD group, p = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: In paroxysmal AF patients treated with the Ablation Index, a HPSD strategy is noninferior to the more standard LPLD ablation, while allowing for quicker procedures with shorter ablation times.

Outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation for persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess one-year outcomes in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) treated by catheter ablation. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted of consecutive patients referred for catheter ablation of persistent or long-standing persistent AF between May 2016 and October 2018. Patients underwent two different ablation strategies: pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plus complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) (from May 2016 to June 2017) or a tailored approach (from July 2017 to October 2018). The overall recurrence rate at one year was analyzed. The secondary endpoint was arrhythmia recurrence according to the type of AF (persistent vs. long-standing persistent AF) and according to the ablation strategy employed. RESULTS: During the study period, 67 patients were included (40% with long-standing persistent AF). During a mean follow-up of 16±6 months, 27% of the patients had arrhythmia recurrence. Patients with long-standing persistent AF had a higher recurrence rate than those with persistent AF (44.4% vs. 15%, p=0.006), while patients who underwent a tailored approach presented better outcomes than those undergoing PVI plus CFAE ablation (17.5% vs. 40.7%, p=0.024). Ablation strategy (HR 6.457 [1.399-29.811], p=0.017), time in continuous AF (HR 1.191 [1.043-1.259], p=0.010) and left atrial volume index (HR 1.160 [1.054-1.276], p=0.002) were independent predictors of arrhythmia recurrence. CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF. Patients with persistent AF and those undergoing a tailored approach presented lower arrhythmia recurrence.

Two years after pulmonary vein isolation guided by ablation index-a multicenter study.

Background: The use of the Ablation Index (AI) software for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with higher acute effectiveness and higher 1-year arrhythmia freedom. There is, however, a lack of data concerning longer follow-up. We aim to evaluate the 2-year outcomes after a standardized AI-guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods: Prospective, multicenter study of consecutive patients referred for paroxysmal AF ablation from January 2018 to July 2019. PVI was guided by a tailored AI value (≥500 for anterior segment, ≥450 for the roof segments and inferior segments, and 400 for the posterior wall) and an ILD ≤6 mm. The primary endpoints were acute and long-term effectiveness. Results: The study included 218 (842 PV) patients (61% males, median age of 60 [IQR 49-68] years) with paroxysmal AF. First-pass isolation was obtained in 93% of the patients, with an acute reconnection occurring in 10.6% of the patients (3.2% of the PV) following adenosine trial. After a median follow-up of 26 (IQR 20-30) months, freedom from any documented atrial arrhythmia was 83.4%, off-AAD. The rate of adverse events was 1.4%. Although procedural parameters differ across centers (p < 0.001), the acute (p = 0.56) and long-term effectiveness (p = 0.83) were consistent between centers. Conclusions: Patients with paroxysmal AF submitted to an AI-guided PVI workflow presented high arrhythmia freedom at 2-years of follow-up.

High-sensitivity Troponin I and Ablation Effectiveness Quotient after Ablation Index-guided pulmonary vein isolation-markers of arrhythmia recurrence?

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting data regarding the relationship between high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin I (Hs-cTnI) and the ablation effectiveness quotient (AEQ) with arrhythmia recurrence following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Our goals were to evaluate the impact of the Ablation Index (AI) software on Hs-cTnI and AEQ levels and to assess whether these markers are predictors of arrhythmia recurrence. METHODS: Prospective single-center study of 75 consecutive patients referred for paroxysmal AF ablation from October 2017 to January 2019. Procedural endpoints and 2-year outcomes were assessed and compared to those of 75 propensity score-matched patients submitted to non-AI-guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) [control group]. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, patients having AI-guided PVI had lower Hs-cTnI values (1580 [IQR 1180-2140] ng/L vs. 2600 [IQR 1840 - 3900], p < 0.001) and a lower AEQ (0.9 [IQR 0.6-1.2] ng/L/s vs. 1.4 [0.8-1.6] ng/L/s, p < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 26 (IQR 20-32) months, there was a significant reduction in arrhythmia recurrence in the AI group (15% vs. 31%, HR 0.67 [95% CI, 0.32-1.40], p = 0.02). However, neither Hs-cTnI nor AEQ was predictors of arrhythmia recurrence in AI-guided PVI. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the AI software led to reduced levels of Hs-cTnI and lower AEQ in AF patients submitted to PVI. However, none of these markers predicted arrhythmia recurrence.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in urgent pacemaker implantations: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decrease in patients' follow-up and interventions with cardiovascular disease. In Portugal, the consequences on emergent pacemaker implantation rates are largely unknown. We sought to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergent pacemaker implantation rate and patient profile. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical profile of the 180 patients who had pacemakers implanted in our hospital in an emergent setting from March 18, 2020, to May 17, 2020 ("lockdown") and May 19 to July 17, 2020 ("postlockdown"). This data was then directly compared to the homologous periods from the year before. RESULTS: Urgent pacemaker implantation rates during "lockdown" was lower than its homologous period (-23.7%), and cases in "postlockdown" were significantly increased (+106.9% vs. "lockdown"; +13.2% vs. May-July 2019).When comparing "lockdown" and "postlockdown," there was a tendency for a higher number of temporary pacemaker use (p = .076). Patients during "lockdown" were 7.57 times more likely to present with hypotension/shock (odds ratio 7.57; p = .013). We also noted a higher tendency for hypotension on presentation during "lockdown" (p = .054) in comparison to 2019. In comparison to its homologous 2019 period, "postlockdown" saw more patients presenting with bradycardia (p = .026). No patients were admitted to the emergency department during "lockdown" for anomalies detected on ambulatory tests. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the COVID-19 pandemic had a real impact on urgent pacemaker implantation. Patients with bradyarrhythmias are at particular risk for severe complications and should seek medical care regardless of the pandemic.

Digoxin in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure and Sinus Rhythm Submitted to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-Is There Any Benefit?

ABSTRACT: Digoxin (DG) use in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and sinus rhythm remains controversial. We aimed to assess the prognostic effect of DG in patients in sinus rhythm submitted to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Retrospective study including 297 consecutive patients in sinus rhythm, with advanced HFrEF submitted to CRT. Patients were divided into 2 groups: with DG and without DG (NDG). During a mean follow-up of 4.9 ± 3.4 years, we evaluated the effect of DG on the composite end point defined as cardiovascular hospitalization, progression to heart transplantation, and all-cause mortality. Previous to CRT, 104 patients (35%) chronically underwent DG and 193 patients (65%) underwent NDG treatment. The 2 groups did not differ significantly regarding HF functional class, HF etiology, QRS, and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction. The proportion of responders to CRT was similar in both groups (54% in DG vs. 56% in NDG; P = 0.78). During the long-term follow-up period, the primary end point occurred in a higher proportion in DG patients (67 vs. 48%; P = 0.002). After adjustment for potential confounders, DG use remained as an independent predictor of the composite end point of CV hospitalization, heart transplantation, and all-cause mortality [hazards ratio = 1.58; confidence interval, 95 (1.01-2.46); P = 0.045]. In conclusion, in patients in sinus rhythm with HFrEF submitted to CRT, DG use was associated with CV hospitalization, progression to heart transplant, and all-cause mortality.