Prehospital optimal shock energy for defibrillation (POSED): A cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial.

Background: We explored the feasibility of a large-scale UK ambulance services trial of optimal defibrillation shock energy for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The primary objective of this feasibility study was to establish the number of eligible patients and the number recruited. Secondary outcomes were adherence to allocated treatment and data completeness. Methods: We conducted a three-arm parallel group cluster randomised controlled feasibility study in a single ambulance service in southern England. Adult patients in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated for a shockable rhythm were included. Zoll X series defibrillators (clusters) were randomised to deliver 120-150-200 J, 150-200-200 J, or 200-200-200 J shock strategies. Results: Between March 2022 and February 2023, we randomised 38 eligible patients (120-150-200 J (n = 12), 150-200-200 J (n = 10), 200-200-200 J (n = 16)) to the study. The recruitment rate per cluster was 0.07 per month. The median patient age was 71 years (IQR 59-81 years); 79% were male. Twenty-eight cardiac arrests (74%) occurred in a private residence, 29 (76%) were witnessed and 32 (84%) patients received bystander CPR. Treatment adherence was 93% and completeness of clinical and electrical outcomes was 86%. At 30 days, 3/36 (8.3%) patients survived; we were unable to collect survival outcomes for two patients. Defibrillation data collection became difficult when defibrillators became separated from their allocated vehicles. Conclusion: We have demonstrated the feasibility of a cluster randomised controlled trial of optimal shock energy for defibrillation in a UK ambulance service. We have identified possible solutions to issues relating to trial design.

Application of Cut-and-Sew Technique in Thoracoscopic Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery and Concomitant Maze Procedure

ABSTRACT Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is one of the common complications of mitral valve disease. Currently, in the absence of freezing equipment, it's still impossible to fully conduct a minimally invasive Cox-maze IV procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. Methods: We analyzed the clinical data of 28 patients who underwent thoracoscopic minimally invasive mitral valve full maze surgery in our hospital from October 2021 to September 2022; 13 patients were male and 15 were female, three suffered from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and 25 suffered from permanent atrial fibrillation; average age was 61.88±8.30 years, and mean preoperative left atrial diameter was 47.12±8.34 mm. Isolation of left atrial posterior wall (box lesion) was completed in all patients by cut-and-sew technique and bipolar clamp ablation. Results: For these subjects, the median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 169 (109.75-202.75) minutes, aortic cross-clamping time was 106 (77.75-125.50) minutes, and ventilator assistance time was 6.5 (0-10) hours. Among them, eight subjects had the endotracheal tubes removed immediately after surgical operation. Three subjects were in the blanking period; two subjects still had atrial fibrillation at three months after operation, one of whom resumed sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion therapy; and all the remaining 23 subjects had sinus rhythm. Conclusion: The minimally invasive cut-and-sew technique for electrical isolation of left pulmonary veins can improve sinus conversion rate of patients suffering from both mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation. In selected subjects, it is safe and has good results in the short-term postoperative period.

Application of Cut-and-Sew Technique in Thoracoscopic Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery and Concomitant Maze Procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation is one of the common complications of mitral valve disease. Currently, in the absence of freezing equipment, it's still impossible to fully conduct a minimally invasive Cox-maze IV procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical data of 28 patients who underwent thoracoscopic minimally invasive mitral valve full maze surgery in our hospital from October 2021 to September 2022; 13 patients were male and 15 were female, three suffered from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and 25 suffered from permanent atrial fibrillation; average age was 61.88±8.30 years, and mean preoperative left atrial diameter was 47.12±8.34 mm. Isolation of left atrial posterior wall (box lesion) was completed in all patients by cut-and-sew technique and bipolar clamp ablation. RESULTS: For these subjects, the median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 169 (109.75-202.75) minutes, aortic cross-clamping time was 106 (77.75-125.50) minutes, and ventilator assistance time was 6.5 (0-10) hours. Among them, eight subjects had the endotracheal tubes removed immediately after surgical operation. Three subjects were in the blanking period; two subjects still had atrial fibrillation at three months after operation, one of whom resumed sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion therapy; and all the remaining 23 subjects had sinus rhythm. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive cut-and-sew technique for electrical isolation of left pulmonary veins can improve sinus conversion rate of patients suffering from both mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation. In selected subjects, it is safe and has good results in the short-term postoperative period.

Emergency department management of atrial fibrillation: 2023 consensus from the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES), the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC), and the Spanish Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH). / Manejo de la fibrilación auricular en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios: actualización a 2023 del consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias (SEMES), la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (SEC) y la Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hemostasia (SETH).

OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia managed in emergency departments, and the already high prevalence of this arrhythmia is increasing in Spain. This serious condition associated with increased mortality and morbidity has a negative impact on patient quality of life and the functioning of the health care system. The management of AF requires consideration of diverse clinical variables and a large number of possible therapeutic approaches, justifying action plans to coordinate the work of several medical specialties in the interest of providing appropriate care and optimizing resources. This consensus statement brings together recommendations for emergency department management of AF based on available evidence adapted to special circumstances. The statement was drafted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists from the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES), the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC), and the Spanish Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH). Strategies for stroke prophylaxis, measures to bring heart rate and heart rhythm under control, and related diagnostic and logistic issues are discussed in detail.

OBJETIVO: La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia sostenida de mayor prevalencia en los servicios de urgencias (SU), y en España presenta una frecuentación elevada y creciente. Esta arritmia es una enfermedad grave, que incrementa la mortalidad y asocia una relevante morbilidad e impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y en el funcionamiento de los servicios sanitarios. La diversidad de aspectos clínicos a considerar y el elevado número de opciones terapéuticas posibles justifican la implementación de estrategias de actuación coordinadas entre los diversos profesionales implicados, con el fin de incrementar la adecuación del tratamiento y optimizar el uso de recursos. Este documento, realizado por un grupo multidisciplinario de expertos en arritmias cardiacas miembros de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias, la Sociedad Española de Cardiología y la Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hemostasia, recoge las recomendaciones para el manejo de la FA en los SU hospitalarios, basadas en la evidencia disponible y adaptadas a las especiales circunstancias de los mismos. En él se analizan con detalle las estrategias de profilaxis tromboembólica, control de frecuencia y control del ritmo, y los aspectos logísticos y diagnósticos relacionados.

Manejo de la fibrilación auricular en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios: actualización a 2023 del consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias (SEMES), la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (SEC) y la Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hem / Emergency department management of atrial fibrillation: 2023 consensus from the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES), the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC), and the Spanish Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH)

La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia sostenida de mayor prevalencia en los servicios de urgencias (SU), y en España presenta una frecuentación elevada y creciente. Esta arritmia es una enfermedad grave, que incrementa la mortalidad y asocia una relevante morbilidad e impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y en el funcionamiento de los servicios sanitarios. La diversidad de aspectos clínicos a considerar y el elevado número de opciones terapéuticas posibles justifican la implementación de estrategias de actuación coordinadas entre los diversos profesionales implicados, con el fin de incrementar la adecuación del tratamiento y optimizar el uso de recursos. Este documento, realizado por un grupo multidisciplinario de expertos en arritmias cardiacas miembros de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias, la Sociedad Española de Cardiología y la Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hemostasia, recoge las recomendaciones para el manejo de la FA en los SU hospitalarios, basadas en la evidencia disponible y adaptadas a las especiales circunstancias de los mismos. En él se analizan con detalle las estrategias de profilaxis tromboembólica, control de frecuencia y control del ritmo, y los aspectos logísticos y diagnósticos relacionados. (AU)

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia managed in emergency departments, and the already high prevalence of this arrhythmia is increasing in Spain. This serious condition associated with increased mortality and morbidity has a negative impact on patient quality of life and the functioning of the health care system. The management of AF requires consideration of diverse clinical variables and a large number of possible therapeutic approaches, justifying action plans to coordinate the work of several medical specialties in the interest of providing appropriate care and optimizing resources. This consensus statement brings together recommendations for emergency department management of AF based on available evidence adapted to special circumstances. The statement was drafted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists from the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES), the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC), and the Spanish Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH). Strategies for stroke prophylaxis, measures to bring heart rate and heart rhythm under control, and related diagnostic and logistic issues are discussed in detail. (AU)

Machine Learning Prediction for the Recurrence After Electrical Cardioversion of Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is limited evidence regarding machine-learning prediction for the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after electrical cardioversion (ECV). This study aimed to predict the recurrence of AF after ECV using machine learning of clinical features and electrocardiograms (ECGs) in persistent AF patients. METHODS: We analyzed patients who underwent successful ECV for persistent AF. Machine learning was designed to predict patients with 1-month recurrence. Individual 12-lead ECGs were collected before and after ECV. Various clinical features were collected and trained the extreme gradient boost (XGBoost)-based model. Ten-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate the performance of the model. The performance was compared to the C-statistics of the selected clinical features. RESULTS: Among 718 patients (mean age 63.5±9.3 years, men 78.8%), AF recurred in 435 (60.6%) patients after 1 month. With the XGBoost-based model, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) were 0.57, 0.60, and 0.63 if the model was trained by clinical features, ECGs, and both (the final model), respectively. For the final model, the sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score were 84.7%, 28.2%, and 0.73, respectively. Although the AF duration showed the best predictive performance (AUROC, 0.58) among the clinical features, it was significantly lower than that of the final machine-learning model (p<0.001). Additional training of extended monitoring data of 15-minute single-lead ECG and photoplethysmography in available patients (n=261) did not significantly improve the model's performance. CONCLUSIONS: Machine learning showed modest performance in predicting AF recurrence after ECV in persistent AF patients, warranting further validation studies.

Cardiac Arrhythmias Requiring Electric Countershock during the Neonatal Period-A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In neonates, cardiac arrhythmias are rare. Electric countershock therapy is an effective alternative to drug therapy for neonatal arrhythmias. There are no randomized controlled studies investigating electric countershock therapy in neonates. OBJECTIVE: To identify all studies and publications describing electric countershock therapy (including defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing) in newborn infants within 28 days after birth, and to provide a comprehensive review of this treatment modality and associated outcomes. METHODS: For this systematic review we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). All articles reporting electric countershock therapy in newborn infants within 28 days after birth were included. RESULTS: In terms of figures, 113 neonates who received electric countershock due to arrhythmias were reported. Atrial flutter (76.1%) was the most common arrhythmia, followed by supraventricular tachycardia (13.3%). Others were ventricular tachycardia (9.7%) and torsade de pointes (0.9%). The main type of electric countershock therapy was synchronized cardioversion (79.6%). Transesophageal pacing was used in twenty neonates (17.7%), and defibrillation was used in five neonates (4.4%). CONCLUSION: Electric countershock therapy is an effective treatment option in the neonatal period. In atrial flutter especially, excellent outcomes are reported with direct synchronized electric cardioversion.

Impact of Various Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Strategies on Length of Stay in the Emergency Department and Early Complications-3 Years of a Single-Center Experience.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia presenting in emergency departments (EDs), vastly increasing mainly due to society's lifestyles leading to numerous comorbidities. Its management depends on many factors and is still not unified. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare different AF management strategies in the ED and to evaluate their influence on the length of stay (LOS) in the ED and their safety. We analyzed medical records over 3 years of data collection, including age, primary AF diagnosis, an attempt to restore sinus rhythm, complications, and length of stay. Patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment method received: only pharmacological cardioversion (MED), only electrical cardioversion (EC), and patients who received medications followed by electrical cardioversion (COMB). We included 599 individuals in the analysis with a median age of 71. The restoration of sinus rhythm and LOS were as follows: MED: 64.95%, 173 min; COMB: 87.91%, 295 min; SH: 92.40%, 180 min. The difference between the MED and EC strategies, as well as MED and COMB, was statistically significant (p < 0.001 in both). The total number of complications was 16, with a rate of 32.67%. The majority of them followed a drug administration, and the most common complication was bradycardia. Electrical cardioversion is a safe and effective treatment strategy in stable patients with AF in the ED. It is associated with a shortened LOS. Medication administration preceded the majority of complications.

Teste de Limiar de Desfibrilação e Seguimento a Longo Prazo de Pacientes com Cardiopatia Crônica da Doença de Chagas / Defibrillation Threshold Testing and Long-term Follow-up in Chagas Disease

Resumo Fundamento A morte súbita cardíaca (MSC) é a causa mais comum de óbito na cardiomiopatia crônica da doença de Chagas (CCDC). Visto que muitos pacientes com CCDC que são candidatos a receber um cardioversor desfibrilador implantável (CDI) atendem a critérios que sugerem alto risco de apresentarem limiares de desfibrilação elevados, sugere-se realizar um teste de limite de desfibrilação (LDF). Objetivos Investigamos o uso do teste de LDF em pacientes com CCDC, com enfoque nos óbitos relacionados ao implante do CDI e na ocorrência de eventos arrítmicos e o tratamento oferecido durante o seguimento de longo prazo. Métodos Avaliações retrospectivas de 133 pacientes com CCDC que receberam CDI, principalmente para prevenção secundária. Foram coletados dados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais, escore de Rassi e dados do teste de LDF. Adotou-se p<0,05 como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados A média de idade foi 61±13 anos, e 72% da amostra era do sexo masculino. A fração de ejeção basal do ventrículo esquerdo foi 40±15%, e o escore de Rassi médio foi 10±4 pontos. Não ocorreram óbitos durante o teste de LDF, e não foram documentadas falhas do CDI. Foi identificada relação entre escore de Rassi basal mais elevado e LDFs mais elevados (ANOVA =0,007). O tempo médio até o primeiro choque foi de 474±628 dias, mas a aplicação de choque foi necessária em apenas 28 (35%) pacientes com TV, visto que a maioria dos casos se resolveu espontaneamente ou através da programação de ATP. Após seguimento clínico de 1728±1189 dias, em média, ocorreram 43 óbitos, relacionados principalmente a insuficiência cardíaca progressiva e sepse. Conclusões Um teste de LDF de rotina pode não ser necessário para pacientes com CCDCs que receberam CDI para prevenção secundária. LDFs elevados parecem ser incomuns e podem estar relacionados a escore de Rassi elevado.

Abstract Background Sudden cardiac death is the most common cause of death in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). Because most CCC patients who are candidates for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) meet criteria for high defibrillation threshold values, a defibrillator threshold test (DTT) is suggested. Objectives We investigated the use of DTT in CCC patients, focusing on deaths related to ICD and arrhythmic events, as well as treatment during long-term follow-up. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 133 CCC patients who received an ICD mainly for secondary prevention. Demographic, clinical, laboratory data, Rassi score, and DTT data were collected, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results The mean patient age was 61 (SD, 13) years and 72% were men. The baseline left ventricular ejection fraction was 40 (SD, 15%) and the mean Rassi score was 10 (SD, 4). No deaths occurred during DTT and no ICD failures were documented. There was a relationship between higher baseline Rassi scores and higher DTT scores (ANOVA = 0.007). The mean time to first shock was 474 (SD, 628) days, although shock was only necessary for 28 (35%) patients with ventricular tachycardia, since most cases resolved spontaneously or through antitachycardia pacing. After a mean clinical follow-up of 1728 (SD, 1189) days, 43 deaths occurred, mainly related to progressive heart failure and sepsis. Conclusions A routine DTT may not be necessary for CCC patients who receive an ICD for secondary prevention. High DTT values seem to be unusual and may be related to high Rassi scores.

Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled feasibility study of Prehospital Optimal Shock Energy for Defibrillation (POSED).

Aims: The Prehospital Optimal Shock Energy for Defibrillation (POSED) study will assess the feasibility of conducting a cluster randomised controlled study of clinical effectiveness in UK ambulance services to identify the optimal shock energy for defibrillation. Methods: POSED is a pragmatic, allocation concealed, open label, cluster randomised, controlled feasibility study. Defibrillators within a single UK ambulance service will be randomised in an equal ratio to deliver one of three shock strategies 120-150-200 J, 150-200-200 J, 200-200-200 J. Consecutive adults (≥18 years) presenting with out of hospital cardiac arrest requiring defibrillation will be eligible. The study plans to enrol 90 patients (30 in each group). Patients (or their relatives for non-survivors) will be informed about trial participation after the initial emergency has resolved. Survivors will be invited to consent to participate in follow-up (i.e., at 30 days or discharge).The primary feasibility outcome is the proportion of eligible patients who receive the randomised study intervention. Secondary feasibility outcomes will include recruitment rate, adherence to allocated treatment and data completeness. Clinical outcomes will include Return of an Organised Rhythm (ROOR) at 2 minutes post-shock, refibrillation rate, Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) at hospital handover, survival and neurological outcome at 30 days. Conclusion: The POSED study will assess the feasibility of a large-scale trial and explore opportunities to optimise the trial protocol.Trial registration: ISRCTN16327029.

Trombo Atrial Esquerdo e Contraste Espontâneo Denso no Uso de Anticoagulante Oral de Ação Direta em Fibrilação Atrial: Visão de Centro Referenciado / Left Atrial Thrombus and Dense Spontaneous Contrast in Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy of Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from a Reference Center

Resumo Fundamento No tratamento da fibrilação atrial (FA), a arritmia sustentada mais frequente, com ablação por cateter (ABL) ou cardioversão elétrica (CVE), o período periprocedimento é uma das fases mais críticas. Atualmente, o uso de novos anticoagulantes orais de ação direta (DOAC) é cada vez mais frequente, no entanto, no mundo real, ainda existem poucos dados de estudos sobre a incidência de trombo no átrio esquerdo (TrAE) ou contraste espontâneo denso (CE) no ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE). Objetivo Analisar a prevalência de TrAE, por ETE, em pacientes em uso de DOAC submetidos à CVE/ABL. Secundariamente: avaliar a associação de comorbidades com a presença de trombos e CE. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, unicêntrico, com pacientes do Ambulatório de Arritmia (InCor-HCFMUSP). Foram selecionados e analisados dados clínicos e ecocardiográficos no prontuário da instituição de pacientes com indicação de procedimentos e em uso de DOACs. Considerado um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Foram incluídos 354 pacientes, no total de 400 procedimentos, de março de 2012-março de 2018. TrAE foi encontrado em 11 pacientes (2,8%), associado com idade avançada (p=0,007) e CHA2DS2-VASc maior (p<0,001). Foi encontrado CE no AE no procedimento antes da ETE em 29 pacientes (7,3%), com menor FEVE (p <0,038) e maior dimensão do AE (p <0,0001). Conclusão A incidência de TrAE e CE em pacientes em uso de DOAC no contexto de CVE/ABL de FA, embora pequena, não é desprezível. Pacientes com escore CHA2DS2-VASc maior, principalmente mais idosos e com diâmetro do AE maior, são mais propensos a esses achados ecocardiográficos.

Abstract Background In the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most frequently sustained arrhythmia, with catheter ablation (CA) or electrical cardioversion (ECV), the periprocedural period is one of the most critical phases. Currently, the use of new direct action oral anticoagulants (DOAC) is increasingly frequent; however, in the real world, there are still few data on studies on the thrombus incidence in the left atrium (TrLA) or dense spontaneous contrast (DSC) on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Objective To evaluate the prevalence of events and association with risk factors in patients using DOACs. Primary objective: to analyze the prevalence of thrombus in the LA by TEE in patients using DOAC undergoing ECV/CA. Second, evaluate the association of comorbidities with the presence of thrombi and DSC. Methods Retrospective cohort, single-center study with patients followed at the Arrhythmia Outpatient Unit (InCor-HCFMUSP). Patients indicated for procedures and using DOACs were selected, and their clinical/echocardiographic data were analyzed. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results 354 patients were included, a total of 400 procedures, from March 2012-March 2018. Thrombus in the LA was found in 11 patients (2.8%), associated with advanced age (p=0.007) and higher CHA2DS2-VASc (p<0.001) score. DSC in the LA before TEE was found in 29 patients (7.3%), with lower LVEF (p<0.038) and greater LA dimension (p<0.0001). Conclusion The incidence of LA thrombus and DSC in patients using DOC in the context of AF ECV/CA, although small, is not negligible. Patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores, especially older and with larger LA diameter, are more prone to these echocardiographic findings.

Comparison of Bolus Dosing of Methohexital and Propofol in Elective Direct Current Cardioversion.

Background Methohexital and propofol can both be used as sedation for direct current cardioversion (DCCV). However, there are limited data comparing these medications in this setting. We hypothesized that patients receiving methohexital for elective DCCV would be sedated more quickly, recover from sedation faster, and experience less adverse effects. Methods and Results This was a prospective, blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at a single academic medical center. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive either methohexital (0.5 mg/kg) or propofol (0.8 mg/kg) as a bolus for elective DCCV. The times from bolus of the medication to achieving a Ramsay Sedation Scale score of 5 to 6, first shock, eyes opening on command, and when the patient could state their age and name were obtained. The need for additional medication dosing, airway intervention, vital signs, and medication side effects were also recorded. Seventy patients who were randomized to receive methohexital (n=37) or propofol (n=33) were included for analysis. The average doses of methohexital and propofol were 0.51 mg/kg and 0.84 mg/kg, respectively. There were no significant differences between methohexital and propofol in the time from end of injection to loss of conscious (1.4±1.8 versus 1.1±0.5 minutes; P=0.33) or the time to first shock (1.7±1.9 versus 1.4±0.5 minutes; P=0.31). Time intervals were significantly lower for methohexital compared with propofol in the time to eyes opening on command (5.1±2.5 versus 7.8±3.7 minutes; P=0.0005) as well as at the time to the ability to answer simple questions of age and name (6.0±2.6 versus 8.6±4.0 minutes; P=0.001). The methohexital group experienced less hypotension (8.1% versus 42.4%; P<0.001) and less hypoxemia (0.0% versus 15.2%; P=0.005), had lower need for jaw thrust/chin lift (16.2% versus 42.4%; P=0.015), and had less pain on injection compared with propofol using the visual analog scale (7.2±9.7 versus 22.4±28.1; P=0.003). Conclusions In this model of fixed bolus dosing, methohexital was associated with faster recovery, more stable hemodynamics, and less hypoxemia after elective DCCV compared with propofol. It can be considered as a preferred agent for sedation for DCCV. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct; Unique identifier: NCT04187196.

Prolonged Resuscitation with Multiple Defibrillations; a Case Report.

Although American Heart Association Guidelines (AHA) are practical and standardized in many aspects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance, recommendations on when to terminate resuscitation are not fully understood and clear. There is not enough evidence about how long we can continue CPR in shockable rhythms and how many shocks can be delivered to patients, and if there is an end point for it or not. This issue is more challenging when we read papers published on survival rates and good functional and neurological outcomes after prolonged CPRs. Here, we demonstrate a case of cardiac arrest receiving CPR in the emergency room, for whom it was hard and challenging to make a decision on when to terminate the resuscitation attempts.

Association of Neighborhood-Level Material Deprivation With Atrial Fibrillation Care in a Single-Payer Health Care System: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the association of material deprivation with clinical care and outcomes after atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis in jurisdictions with universal health care. METHODS: This was a population-based cohort study of individuals ≥66 years of age with first diagnosis of AF between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2019, in the Canadian province of Ontario, which provides public funding and prohibits private payment for medically necessary physician and hospital services. Prescription medications are subsidized for residents >65 years of age. The primary exposure was neighborhood material deprivation, a metric derived from Canadian census data to estimate inability to attain basic material needs. Neighborhoods were categorized by quintile from Q1 (least deprived) to Q5 (most deprived). Cause-specific hazards regression was used to study the association of material deprivation quintile with time to AF-related adverse events (death or hospitalization for stroke, heart failure, or bleeding), clinical services (physician visits, cardiac diagnostics), and interventions (anticoagulation, cardioversion, ablation) while adjusting for individual characteristics and regional cardiologist supply. RESULTS: Among 347 632 individuals with AF (median age 79 years, 48.9% female), individuals in the most deprived neighborhoods (Q5) had higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, risk factors, and noncardiovascular comorbidity relative to residents of the least deprived neighborhoods (Q1). After adjustment, Q5 residents had higher hazards of death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16 [95% CI, 1.13-1.20]) and hospitalization for stroke (HR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.07-1.27]), heart failure (HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.11-1.18]), or bleeding (HR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.07-1.25]) relative to Q1. There were small differences across quintiles in primary care physician visits (HR, Q5 versus Q1, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.89-0.92]), echocardiography (HR, Q5 versus Q1, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.96-0.99]), and dispensation of anticoagulation (HR, Q5 versus Q1, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.95-0.98]). There were more prominent disparities for Q5 versus Q1 in cardiologist visits (HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.82-0.86]), cardioversion (HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.76-0.84]), and ablation (HR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.30-0.67]). CONCLUSIONS: Despite universal health care and prescription medication coverage, residents of more deprived neighborhoods were less likely to visit cardiologists or receive rhythm control interventions after AF diagnosis, even though they exhibited higher cardiovascular disease burden and higher risk of adverse outcomes.

Effectiveness of alternative shock strategies for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A systematic review.

Aim: To determine the optimal first-shock energy level for biphasic defibrillation and whether fixed or escalating protocols for subsequent shocks are most effective. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, the Web of Science and national and international trial registry databases for papers published from database inception to January 2022. We reviewed reference lists of key papers to identify additional references. The population included adults sustaining non traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest subject to attempted defibrillation. Studies of internal or monophasic defibrillation and studies other than randomised controlled trials or prospective cohorts were excluded. Two reviewers assessed study relevance. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment, using the ROBINS-I tool, were conducted by one reviewer and checked by a second reviewer. Data underwent intention-to-treat analysis. Results: We identified no studies evaluating first shock energy. Only one study (n = 738) comparing fixed versus escalating energy met eligibility criteria: a prospective cohort analysis of a randomised controlled trial of manual versus mechanical CPR. High fixed (360 J) energy was compared with an escalating (200-200/300-360 J) strategy. Researchers found 27.5% (70/255) of patients in the escalating energy group and 27.61% (132/478) in the fixed high energy group survived to hospital discharge (unadjusted risk ratio 0.99, 95% CI 0.73, 1.23). Results were of very low certainty as the study was at serious risk of bias. Conclusion: This systematic review did not identify an optimal first-shock energy for biphasic defibrillation. We identified no survival advantage at 30 days when comparing 360 J fixed with 200 J escalating strategy.

Safety concern with electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response.

Rhythm control strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) can bring many clinical benefits. However, there is still uncertainty regarding selection of the optimal rhythm control strategy for persistent AF. Chronicity, substrate alteration, and underlying bradyarrhythmias could influence the clinical outcomes. Current guidelines do not provide a distinct recommendation for electrical cardioversion (ECV) in patients with AF with a slow ventricular response (SVR). We present two cases of sudden cardiac arrest due to sustained ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation after ECV of persistent AF with SVR.

Open-Label, Multicenter Study of Flecainide Acetate Oral Inhalation Solution for Acute Conversion of Recent-Onset, Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation to Sinus Rhythm.

BACKGROUND: Oral and intravenous flecainide is recommended for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. In this open-label, dose-escalation study, the feasibility of delivering flecainide via oral inhalation (flecainide acetate inhalation solution) for acute conversion was evaluated. We hypothesized that flecainide delivered by oral inhalation would quickly reach plasma concentrations sufficient to restore sinus rhythm in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Patients (n=101) with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (for ≤48 hours) self administered flecainide acetate inhalation solution using a nebulizer (30 mg [n=10], 60 mg [n=22], 90 mg [n=21], 120 mg [n=19], and 120 mg in a formulation containing saccharin [n=29]). Electrocardiograms and flecainide plasma concentrations were obtained, cardiac rhythm using 4-hour Holter was monitored, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Conversion rates increased with dose and with the maximum plasma concentrations of flecainide. At the highest dose, 48% of patients converted to sinus rhythm within 90 minutes from the start of inhalation. Among patients who achieved a maximum plasma concentration >200 ng/mL, the conversion rate within 90 minutes was 50%; for those who achieved a maximum plasma concentration <200 ng/mL, it was 24%. Conversion was rapid (median time to conversion of 8.1 minutes from the end of inhalation), and conversion led to symptom resolution in 86% of the responders. Adverse events were typically mild and transient and included: cough, throat pain, throat irritation; at the highest dose with the formulation containing saccharin, these adverse events were reported by 41%, 14%, and 3% of patients, respectively. Cardiac adverse events consistent with those observed with oral and intravenous flecainide were uncommon and included postconversion pauses (n=2), bradycardia (n=1), and atrial flutter with 1:1 atrioventricular conduction (n=1); none required treatment, and all resolved without sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of flecainide via oral inhalation was shown to be safe and to yield plasma concentrations of flecainide sufficient to restore sinus rhythm in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03539302.

Anterior-Lateral Versus Anterior-Posterior Electrode Position for Cardioverting Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Smaller randomized studies have reported conflicting results regarding the optimal electrode position for cardioverting atrial fibrillation. However, anterior-posterior electrode positioning is widely used as a standard and believed to be superior to anterior-lateral electrode positioning. Therefore, we aimed to compare anterior-lateral and anterior-posterior electrode positioning for cardioverting atrial fibrillation in a multicenter randomized trial. METHODS: In this multicenter, investigator-initiated, open-label trial, we randomly assigned patients with atrial fibrillation scheduled for elective cardioversion to either anterior-lateral or anterior-posterior electrode positioning. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients in sinus rhythm after the first shock. The secondary outcome was the proportion of patients in sinus rhythm after up to 4 shocks escalating to maximum energy. Safety outcomes were any cases of arrhythmia during or after cardioversion, skin redness, and patient-reported periprocedural pain. RESULTS: We randomized 468 patients. The primary outcome occurred in 126 patients (54%) assigned to the anterior-lateral electrode position and in 77 patients (33%) assigned to the anterior-posterior electrode position (risk difference, 22 percentage points [95% CI, 13-30]; P<0.001). The number of patients in sinus rhythm after the final cardioversion shock was 216 (93%) assigned to anterior-lateral electrode positioning and 200 (85%) assigned to anterior-posterior electrode positioning (risk difference, 7 percentage points [95% CI, 2-12]). There were no significant differences between groups in any safety outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior-lateral electrode positioning was more effective than anterior-posterior electrode positioning for biphasic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. There were no significant differences in any safety outcome. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03817372.