Prognostic Value of J (Osborn) Waves on Surface Electrocardiogram Tracing during Therapeutic Hypothermia in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors (JOW trial).

BACKGROUND: Patients admitted to the hospital after successful resuscitation from sudden cardiac death (SCD) are treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) to facilitate brain preservation. The prognostic significance of J (Osborn) waves (JOW) in the 12 leads electrocardiogram in this setting has not been elucidated as yet. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain retrospectively the prognostic significance of JOW recorded during TH in SCD survivors. METHODS: The study comprised 55 consecutive patients who underwent TH. All patients achieved a core temperature of 33°C at the time of electrocardiogram analysis. We compared 33 patients with JOW to 22 patients without JOW. The endpoints were in-hospital, long-term all-cause mortality, and irreversible anoxic brain injury (IABI). RESULTS: Patients with JOW compared to patients without JOW were younger (55.1 ± 11.6 vs. 64.5 ± 11.7 years, respectively, P < 0.006), with a lower incidence of hypertension (52% vs. 86%, P < 0.007), diabetes mellitus (15% vs. 50%, P < 0.005), and congestive heart failure (15% vs. 45%, P < 0.013). In-hospital and long-term mortality were significantly higher in patients without JOW (86% vs. 21%, 91% vs. 24%, respectively, P < 0.000001). Among patients without JOW who survived hospitalization, 66.7% presented with IABI versus 7.7% of the patients with JOW (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, the absence of JOW was a significant predictor for poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of J (Osborn) waves on electrocardiograms obtained during TH is associated with poor prognosis among SCD survivors.

Developing a risk score to predict mortality in the first year after implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation: Data from the Israeli ICD Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Life expectancy of less than 1 year is usually a contraindication for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. The aim was to identify patients at risk of death during the first year after implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were derived from a prospective Israeli ICD Registry. Two groups of patients were compared, those who died and those who were alive 1 year after ICD implantation. Factors associated with 1-year mortality were identified on a derivation cohort. A risk score was established and validated. A total of 2617 patients have completed 1 year of follow-up after ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation. Age greater than 75 years (hazard ratio [HR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.6 to 4.4), atrial fibrillation (AF; HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.17), chronic lung disease (HR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.76), anemia (HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.93) and chronic renal failure (CRF; HR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.74 to 6.6) were independent risk factors for 1-year mortality. We propose a simple AAACC ("triple A double C") score for prediction of 1-year mortality after ICD implantation: Age greater than 75 years (3 points(pts)), anemia (2 pts), AF (1 pt), CRF (3 pts) and chronic lung disease (1 pt). Mortality risk increased with rising number of points (from 1% with 0 pts to 12.5% with >4 pts). The risk score was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve of the validation curve is 0.71 (95% CI, 0.66 to 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Age greater than 75, AF, chronic lung disease, anemia, and CRF were independent risk factors for 1-year mortality. AAACC risk score identifies patients at high risk of death during 1 year after ICD implantation.

Long-Term Survival of Discharged Patients Admitted to Intensive Coronary Care Unit after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

BACKGROUND: Survival of patients who were discharged from the hospital following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has not been well defined. OBJECTIVES: To verify predictor variables for prognosis of patients following OHCA who survived hospitalization. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical, demographic, and outcome data of consecutive patients who were hospitalized from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2014, into the intensive coronary care unit (ICCU) after aborted OHCA and discharged alive. The patients were followed until December 31, 2015. RESULTS: Of the 180 patients who were admitted into ICCU after OHCA, 64 were discharged alive (59.3%): 55 were male (85.9%), 14 died 16.5 ± 18 months after their discharge. During 1 year follow-up, nine patients (14.1%) died after a median period of 5.5 months and 55 patients (85.9 %) survived. Diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure (CRF) were more frequent in patients who died within 1 year after their hospital discharge than those who survived. Ventricular fibrillation, such as initial arrhythmia, and opening of occluded infarct related artery were more frequent in survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients who were discharged after OHCA were alive at the 1 year follow-up. The risk of death of cardiac arrest survivors is greatest during the first year after discharge. CRF remains a poor long-term prognostic factor beyond the patients' discharge. Ventricular fibrillation, as initial arrhythmia, and opening of occluded infarct related artery have a positive impact on long-term survival.

[TRENDS OF PERMANENT PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION IN A SINGLE CENTER OVER A 20-YEAR PERIOD].

AIMS: To review the changes in permanent pacemaker implantation indications, pacing modes and patients' demographics over a 20-year period. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively retrieved data on patients who underwent first implantation of the pacemaker between 1-1-1991 and 31-12-2010. One thousand and nine (1,009) patients underwent a first pacemaker implantation during that period; 535 were men (53%), their mean age was 74.6±19.5 years; the highest rate of implanted pacemaker was in patients ranging in age from 70-79 years, however there was an increasing number of patients aged over 80 years. The median survival time after initial pacemaker implantation was 8 years. Syncope was the most common symptom (62.5%) and atrioventricular block was the most common electrocardiographic indication (56.4%) leading to pacemaker implantation. There was increased utilization of dual chamber and rate responsive pacemakers over the years. There was no difference regarding mode selection between genders. CONCLUSIONS: Pacemaker implantation rates have increased over a 20-year period. Dual chamber replaced most of the single ventricular chamber pacemaker and rate responsive pacemakers became the norm. The data of a small volume center are similar to those reported in pacemaker surveys of high volume pacemaker implantation centers. They confirm adherence to the published guidelines for pacing.

Permanent pacing in nonagenarians over 20-year period.

INTRODUCTION: Life expectancy increases progressively and nonagenarians are a growing population. We report trends in pacing and long-term outcome in nonagenarians over a 20-year period in a single center compared with those of younger patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all the patients who underwent their first pacemaker implantation from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2010 and were followed through December 31, 2013. RESULTS: During the study period, 1,009 patients underwent first pacemaker implantation: 45 patients were older than 90 years (mean age 92.5 ± 2.6) (4.5%); 21 were men. Battery replacement was performed in four patients in whom first implant was made at age ≥ 90 years (8.9%) and in 231 patients aged <90 (24%; P < 0.01). Syncope was the most common symptom leading to pacing, followed by dizziness and fatigue in all age groups; no significant difference of symptoms was found between patient age groups. In patients aged ≥ 90 atrioventricular block and atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response were more frequent, while sick sinus syndrome and carotid sinus hypersensitivity were less frequent than in younger patients. Ventricular chamber pacemakers were implanted with significant growing frequency, according to the older patients' age. Neither the indication for pacemaker implantation nor pacing mode influenced survival. CONCLUSIONS: Nonagenarians are a growing population. Symptoms leading to pacing in patients aged ≥ 90 were similar to those of younger patients, but different frequency was found in the electrocardiographic indications. Ventricular chamber pacemakers were significantly more implanted than dual-chamber pacemakers but without negative survival influence.

[Ventricular fibrillation following hyperventilation and apneic underwater swimming].

This is a case study of an 18 years old boy who lost consciousness during apneic underwater swimming. When cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated ventricular fibrillation was seen on cardiac monitoring. Bradycardia, atrial and ventricular premature beats are a known response to hyperventilation and apneic underwater diving. This case is the first documentation of ventricular fibritllation as a cause of sudden cardiac death during apneic underwater swimming.

Renal dysfunction and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing ICD and CRTD implantation: data from the Israeli ICD registry.

BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduce mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and left ventricular dysfunction. However, their efficacy in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is controversial. OBJECTIVE: We examined the association between renal dysfunction and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing ICD and CRT defibrillator (CRTD) implantation. METHODS: Data were collected from the Israeli ICD registry. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at implantation was assessed using the modification of diet in renal disease formula. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included the composite endpoints of death or HF and death or ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation [VT/VF]); any hospitalizations; first appropriate and inappropriate ICD therapy. RESULTS: During the study period (July 2010-November 2012), 2,811 patients were implanted with ICD or CRTD. One-year follow-up data were available for 730 ICD patients and 453 CRTD patients. Patients with eGFR < 30 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) (n = 54, 4.6%) were older, had a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, or ischemic heart disease. eGFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) was associated with increased mortality risk in ICD (HR 5.4; 95% CI 1.5-19.2), but not in CRTD patients (HR 0.9; 95% CI 0.1-7.5). Renal dysfunction was associated with the composite endpoints of death or HF and death or VT/VF in ICD, but not in CRTD patients. Mean eGFR during follow-up decreased by 8.0 ± 4.3 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) in ICD patients (P = 0.06) and by 1.8 ± 1.3 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) in patients with CRTD (P = 0.2). CONCLUSION: Based on this retrospective analysis, CKD is associated with adverse prognosis after ICD implantation, but not after CRTD implantation. GFR decreased in patients with ICD, but not in CRTD patients.

Axillary vein puncture without contrast venography for pacemaker and defibrillator leads implantation.

BACKGROUND: Axillary vein puncture has been demonstrated to be an effective method for pacemaker and defibrillator leads implantation, without the complications encountered with the standard intrathoracic approach. OBJECTIVE: Different techniques have been adopted for the cannulation of the axillary vein. We report our experience using the outer edge of the first rib below the inferior border of the clavicle as fluoroscopic landmark. METHOD: A subcutaneous pocket is created 1-cm medially and parallel to the delto-pectoral groove and 2 cm below the clavicle. An 18-gauge needle from the upper border of the pocket is directed perpendicularly to the outer edge of the first rib just below the inferior border of the clavicle. If the vein is not entered, the needle is withdrawn and the puncture is repeated with slight variations of needle direction for a maximum of four to five times, then contrast-guided vein puncture is performed. Upon successful vein puncture, a guidewire is inserted and positioned in the superior vena cava. The remainder of the implantation is carried out in a routine manner. RESULTS: The axillary vein was successfully cannulated without venography in 172 of 182 consecutive patients (94.5%); the vein could not be found in 10 patients (5.5%): in these patients the vein was successfully cannulated after venography performance. No pneumothorax, hemothorax, or brachial plexus injury occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our approach of axillary venipunture using fluoroscopic landmark, without contrast venography, is simple, safe, and effective.

Supraclavicular vein approach to overcoming ipsilateral chronic subclavian vein obstruction during pacemaker-ICD lead revision or upgrading.

AIMS: We report our experience with the supraclavicular vein approach of subclavian vein puncture to overcome ipsilateral chronic obstruction when implanting pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads. METHODS AND RESULTS: The subclavian vein obstruction was documented by venography. The skin was punctured with an 18-gauge needle, 1 cm lateral to the lateral head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and 1 cm cranial to the clavicle. The needle was directed under and close to the clavicle pointing to the sternal notch. Once the vein was successfully punctured, medial to the obstruction, a 0.38 in. guidewire was inserted into the venous bed. A peel-away sheath was indwelled using the Seldinger technique. The leads were placed in the standard fashion; they were secured by suture to the subcutaneous tissue of the fossa supraclavicularis major using a protective sleeve. The proximal portion of the lead was tunnelled over the clavicle down to the device's prepectoral pocket. Lead insertion was performed in four patients (twice in one patient) with total left subclavian vein obstruction; the site of the obstruction was in the mid-segment of the left subclavian vein in two patients, in the axillary and distal segment of the subclavian vein in one patient, and in the distal segment of the subclavian vein in one patient. There were no complications with the surgical wound and the lead parameters remained stable. CONCLUSION: The supraclavicular approach of the subclavian vein puncture to overcome ipsilateral total occlusion is feasible and safe.

Supraclavicular vein approach for upgrading an implantable cardioverter defibrillator to a biventricular device.

Total occlusion of the left subclavian vein was found in a 52-year-old patient, 5 years after implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). During replacement, the ICD was upgraded to a biventricular device for worsening of the patient's congestive heart failure to New York Heart Association class III. Insertion of the left ventricular lead in the ipsilateral vein system was successfully achieved by using the supraclavicular approach, enabling puncturing of the left subclavian vein medially to the obstruction.

Pacing and defibrillation lead exchange without vein puncture.

BACKGROUND: During lead implantation, venous access is generally achieved by puncturing the subclavian or axillary vein. Sometimes, although rarely, after lead positioning, the lead must be changed because of its inadequate mechanical stability or poor pacing parameters. This report concerns a technique of lead exchange that avoids an additional vein puncture. METHOD: The tip of the lead, that has to be replaced, is retracted from the right atrium or ventricle into the superior vena cava; the lead insulation is lanced along a few millimeters; the straight flexible tip of the guide wire is inserted between the insulation layer and the conductor of the lead. Then the lead is advanced, while the guide wire is driven in, until the tip of the guide wire is in the superior vena cava. At this point, the tip of the guide wire, gently retracted from its position, is released in the vein lumen. Subsequently, the lead is completely extracted from the vein but the guide wire is maintained inside it. A dilator with a mounted peel-away sheath is advanced over the guide wire. The lead positioning follows in the usual manner. RESULTS: Three (2.2%) of the 139 implanted defibrillator leads and 13 (3.3%) of the 391 pacing leads were replaced. All the procedures were successful; their mean time was 2 +/- 1 minutes. CONCLUSION: This technique is successful and safe in providing vein access using the previously implanted lead, thus avoiding the need to repeat the puncturing of a vein.

[Intravenous flecainide administration for conversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the emergency room].

INTRODUCTION: Since the removal of intravenous propafenone from the Israeli market, flecainide is the only intravenous antiarrhythmic class 1C drug available nowadays in Israel. AIM: The study aimed to report our experience of intravenous flecainide administration in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in the Emergency Room (ER). METHODS: Patients with AF lasting > 1 hour and <48 hour duration were considered possible candidates for entry into the study. Exclusion criteria were clinical signs of congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, electrolyte imbalances, significant hepatic and renal disease, and any previously documented conduction disturbance. Flecainide was administered as a bolus dose of 2mg/kg in 10 minutes (maximum 150 mg). The patients with a ventricular response > 130 beats/min received intravenous verapamil or metoprolol in order to reduce the ventricular rate. Efficacy was defined as conversion to sinus rhythm (SR) within 120 minutes of starting medication. RESULTS: Twenty three consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 60 +/- 19 years; the mean ventricular response at admission was 128 +/- 26 beats/min. SR was achieved in 10 patients (43%) after the intravenous bolus of flecainide (10 minutes) and in 17 patients (74%) 120 minutes after the beginning of the therapy. COMPLICATIONS: Hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) was reported in 1 patient and QRS enlargement was seen in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Intravenous flecainide has effective and rapid action in the conversion of PAF and its administration is safe in the treatment of this arrhythmia in the ER.

Torsade de pointes in patients on chronic amiodarone treatment: contributing factors and drug interactions.

BACKGROUND: Torsade de pointes is rarely associated with chronic amiodarone treatment, despite the effect of amiodarone on QT interval prolongation. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors and associated conditions that may cause TdP in patients on chronic amiodarone treatment. METHODS: We reviewed the data of six consecutive patients on chronic amiodarone treatment who were admitted to the intensive cardiac care unit due to syncope and TdP. RESULTS: The patients' median age was 73.5 years, and five were women. Concomitantly, loratadine was given to two patients and trazodone to one patient. Associated and attributing conditions to the development of TdP were hypokalemia in three patients, drug-induced bradycardia in one and reduced left ventricular function in four. CONCLUSIONS: TdP associated with chronic amiodarone treatment may occur when amiodarone is co-administered with drugs that may potentially prolong QT interval. Additional risk factors for amiodarone-associated TdP include female gender, hypokalemia, reduced left ventricular function and bradycardia.

[Intravenous propafenone for conversion of atrial fibrillation in the emergency room].

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained symptomatic arrhythmia encountered in the emergency room (ER). Rapid, safe and effective conversions of AF to sinus rhythm (SR) are important aspects in the treatment of arrhythmia in a busy ER setting. The aim of our study was to investigate the rate of conversion, efficacy and safety of intravenous (i.v.) propafenone administration for the treatment of AF in the ER. Seventy five patients (pts), admitted in the ER with symptomatic AF were randomized to receive propafenone or placebo: 40 pts received propafenone as an i.v. bolus of 2 mg/kg in 15 minutes, followed by maintenance infusion of 0.0067 mg/kg/min until conversion to SR or for up to 90 minutes (Group 1). The matching placebo (an equal volume of saline solution) was administered to 35 pts in the same fashion (Group 2). Direct current (DC) cardioversion was attempted in pts still in AF 15 minutes after infusion administration was terminated. SR was achieved in 24 pts treated with propafenone (60%) versus 10 pts treated with placebo (29%) (p<0.02) and the median conversion time was 15 minutes versus 105 minutes respectively (p<0.001). None of the pts who were in AF for more than 48 hours were converted to SR by infusion. Five patients had mild and transient adverse event during propafenone treatment versus none with placebo (p=ns). Therefore, we conclude that i.v. administration of propafenone in the ER is an effective, rapid and safe therapeutic alternative for pts with symptomatic AF.