Complementary role of governments, non-governmental organizations, industry, and medical societies in expanding bradycardia therapy access.

As the aging population continues to grow, so has the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including bradycardia, with much of the burden falling on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Pacemaker therapy remains the only guideline-recommended therapy for symptomatic bradycardia, but due to the cost and expertise required for pacemaker implants, patients in LMICs have less access to pacemaker therapies. However, with the concerted effort of organizations (governments, non-governmental organizations, industry, and medical societies) strides can continue to be made in improving access to care. Governments play a role in extending health coverage to its citizens and improving their physical and digital healthcare infrastructure. Non-governmental organizations promote access and awareness through charity and advocacy programs. Industries can continue innovating technology that is both affordable and accessible. Medical societies provide guidelines for treatment and necessary educational and networking opportunities for physicians who serve in LMICs. All of these organizations have individual responsibilities and goals in expanding access to bradycardia therapy, which can be more easily realized by their continued collaboration.

Burden of bradycardia and barriers to accessing bradycardia therapy in underserved countries.

Bradycardia, a condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate, poses significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. While it is a concern world-wide, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face substantial barriers in accessing appropriate bradycardia therapy. This article aims to explore the global aetiology and incidence of bradycardia, compare the prevalence and management of the condition in high-income countries versus LMICs, identify the key reasons behind the disparities in access to bradycardia therapy in LMICs, and emphasize the urgent need to address these disparities to ensure equitable healthcare on a global scale.

Relationship between electrocardiogram-based features and personality traits: Machine learning approach.

BACKGROUND: Based on the known relationship between the human emotion and standard surface electrocardiogram (ECG), we explored the relationship between features extracted from standard ECG recorded during relaxation and seven personality traits (Honesty/humility, Emotionality, eXtraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Openness, and Disintegration) by using the machine learning (ML) approach which learns from the ECG-based features and predicts the appropriate personality trait by adopting an automated software algorithm. METHODS: A total of 71 healthy university students participated in the study. For quantification of 62 ECG-based parameters (heart rate variability, as well as temporal and amplitude-based parameters) for each ECG record, we used computation procedures together with publicly available data and code. Among 62 parameters, 34 were segregated into separate features according to their diagnostic relevance in clinical practice. To examine the feature influence on personality trait classification and to perform classification, we used random forest ML algorithm. RESULTS: Classification accuracy when clinically relevant ECG features were employed was high for Disintegration (81.3%) and Honesty/humility (75.0%) and moderate to high for Openness (73.3%) and Conscientiousness (70%), while it was low for Agreeableness (56.3%), eXtraversion (47.1%), and Emotionality (43.8%). When all calculated features were used, the classification accuracies were the same or lower, except for the eXtraversion (52.9%). Correlation analysis for selected features is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that clinically relevant features might be applicable for personality traits prediction, although no remarkable differences were found among selected groups of parameters. Physiological associations of established relationships should be further explored.

Diagnostic value of implantable loop recorders in patients with unexplained syncope or palpitations.

BACKGROUND: The implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small cardiac rhythm-monitoring device. Our aim was to determine ILR diagnostic value in patients with unexplained syncope, presyncope, or palpitations suggesting cardiac arrhythmias. METHODS: This has been a retrospective, observational, single-center study. We included 181 patients in whom ILR was implanted at the Clinical Center of Serbia between January 2006 and July 2019. An event was marked as diagnostic if it led to a diagnosis and ILR was considered diagnostic if it verified or excluded an arrhythmia as the cause of syncope or palpitations. RESULTS: The mean age was 51.8 ± 17.8 years and 94 (51.9%) were male. The mean follow-up period was 20.2 ± 15.8 months. ILR was diagnostic in 98 patients (54.1%). There was no significant difference in diagnostic value of ILR in regard to the baseline patients' characteristics. The mean time to occurrence of the diagnostic event was 11.1 ± 9.6 months. The time to occurrence of a diagnostic event did not differ significantly between patients who underwent basic as compared to extended diagnostics before ILR implantation. CONCLUSIONS: ILR was able to achieve an etiological diagnosis in 54.1% of patients with unexplained syncope, presyncope, or palpitations suggesting cardiac arrhythmias. In a subgroup of patients with recurrent palpitations, ILR was significantly less diagnostic than in patients with syncope or presyncope. ILR should be implanted beforehand in syncope evaluation process.

Effects of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Cardio-Respiratory Coupling.

In this study, the effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on the relationship between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in heart failure subjects was examined for the first time. We hypothesized that alterations in cardio-respiratory interactions, after CRT implantation, quantified by signal complexity, could be a marker of a favorable CRT response. Sample entropy and scaling exponents were calculated from synchronously recorded cardiac and respiratory signals 20 min in duration, collected in 47 heart failure patients at rest, before and 9 months after CRT implantation. Further, cross-sample entropy between these signals was calculated. After CRT, all patients had lower heart rate and CRT responders had reduced breathing frequency. Results revealed that higher cardiac rhythm complexity in CRT non-responders was associated with weak correlations of cardiac rhythm at baseline measurement over long scales and over short scales at follow-up recording. Unlike CRT responders, in non-responders, a significant difference in respiratory rhythm complexity between measurements could be consequence of divergent changes in correlation properties of the respiratory signal over short and long scales. Asynchrony between cardiac and respiratory rhythm increased significantly in CRT non-responders during follow-up. Quantification of complexity and synchrony between cardiac and respiratory signals shows significant associations between CRT success and stability of cardio-respiratory coupling.

Multiscale Entropy Analysis: Application to Cardio-Respiratory Coupling.

It is known that in pathological conditions, physiological systems develop changes in the multiscale properties of physiological signals. However, in real life, little is known about how changes in the function of one of the two coupled physiological systems induce changes in function of the other one, especially on their multiscale behavior. Hence, in this work we aimed to examine the complexity of cardio-respiratory coupled systems control using multiscale entropy (MSE) analysis of cardiac intervals MSE (RR), respiratory time series MSE (Resp), and synchrony of these rhythms by cross multiscale entropy (CMSE) analysis, in the heart failure (HF) patients and healthy subjects. We analyzed 20 min of synchronously recorded RR intervals and respiratory signal during relaxation in the supine position in 42 heart failure patients and 14 control healthy subjects. Heart failure group was divided into three subgroups, according to the RR interval time series characteristics (atrial fibrillation (HFAF), sinus rhythm (HFSin), and sinus rhythm with ventricular extrasystoles (HFVES)). Compared with healthy control subjects, alterations in respiratory signal properties were observed in patients from the HFSin and HFVES groups. Further, mean MSE curves of RR intervals and respiratory signal were not statistically different only in the HFSin group (p = 0.43). The level of synchrony between these time series was significantly higher in HFSin and HFVES patients than in control subjects and HFAF patients (p < 0.01). In conclusion, depending on the specific pathologies, primary alterations in the regularity of cardiac rhythm resulted in changes in the regularity of the respiratory rhythm, as well as in the level of their asynchrony.

Gauging the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: The important interplay between predictor variables and definition of a favorable outcome.

AIMS: Selection of patients who are viable candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), prediction of the response to CRT as well as an optimal definition of a favorable response, all require further exploration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interplay between the prediction of the response to CRT and the definition of a favorable outcome. METHODS: Seventy patients who received CRT were included. All patients met current guideline criteria for CRT. Forty-three echocardiographic parameters were evaluated before CRT and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. M-mode, 2D echocardiography, and Doppler imaging were used to quantify left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, mitral regurgitation, right ventricular systolic function, pulmonary artery pressure, and myocardial mechanical dyssynchrony. The following definitions of a favorable CRT response were used: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement more >5% acutely following CRT, LVEF improvement >20% at 12-month follow-up, and a LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) decrease >15% at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: For the LVEF improvement >5%, the best predictor was isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT; P=.035). For improvement of LVEF >20%, the best predictors were left ventricular stroke index (LVSI; P=.044) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS; P=.031). For the drop in left ventricular systolic volume (LVESV >15%), the best predictor was septal-to-lateral wall delay (ΔT) (P=.043, RR=1.023, 95% CI for RR=1.001-1.045). CONCLUSION: The definition of a favorable CRT response influenced the optimal predictor variable(s). Standardization of defining a favorable response to CRT is needed to guide clinical decision making processes.

A multicenter study of shock pathways for subcutaneous implantable defibrillators.

INTRODUCTION: A purely subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) requires higher energy but may be an effective alternative to transvenous ICDs to deliver lifesaving therapies. OBJECTIVE: To identify combinations of anteroposterior subcutaneous shock pathways and waveforms with defibrillation efficacy comparable to transvenous ICDs. METHODS: Defibrillation testing was performed in 141 patients temporarily implanted with an active can emulator and subcutaneous coil electrodes. The patients were subdivided into 5 groups within 2 study phases. In all groups, a posterior electrode was positioned with its tip close to the spine. In the first study phase, 2 different can locations were evaluated: (1) an inframammary pocket (IM-1-750), or (2) a conventional infraclavicular pocket (IC-1-750). In both cases, a 70 J biphasic shock was used (peak voltage 750 V; 270 µF capacitance). In the second phase, configuration IC-1-750 was enhanced by the addition of a second (parasternal) subcutaneous electrode (IC-2-750). Furthermore, the effects of a different 70 J shock waveform (1,000 V, 160 µF) were evaluated for configurations IM-1-750 and IC-2-750 (becoming IM-1-1000 and IC-2-1000). RESULTS: The proportion of patients satisfying a defibrillation safety margin test of 2 consecutive successes at ≤50 J was 74%, 11%, and 44%, respectively, for the IM-1-750, IC-1-750, and IC-2-750 configurations, and 93% and 86% for the IM-1-1000 and IC-2-1000 configurations. CONCLUSIONS: Defibrillation efficacy comparable to that of a transvenous system was achieved with an anteroposterior subcutaneous ICD configuration, with 160 µF capacitance, 1,000 V, and 70 J output. An infraclavicular pocket location becomes feasible if a parasternal subcutaneous coil is added.

Safety, efficacy, and reliability evaluation ofa novel small-diameter defibrillation lead: Global LEADR pivotal trial results.

BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators last longer, and interest in reliable leads with targeted lead placement is growing. The OmniaSecure defibrillation lead is a novel, small-diameter, catheter-delivered lead designed for targeted placement, based on the established SelectSecure SureScan MRI Model 3830 lumenless pacing lead platform. OBJECTIVE: This trial assessed safety and efficacy of the OmniaSecure defibrillation lead. METHODS: The worldwide LEADR pivotal clinical trial enrolled patients indicated for de novo implantation of a primary or secondary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator, all of whom received the study lead. The primary efficacy end point was successful defibrillation at implantation per protocol. The primary safety end point was freedom from study lead-related major complications at 6 months. The primary efficacy and safety objectives were met if the lower bound of the 2-sided 95% credible interval was >88% and >90%, respectively. RESULTS: In total, 643 patients successfully received the study lead, and 505 patients have completed 12-month follow-up. The lead was placed in the desired right ventricular location in 99.5% of patients. Defibrillation testing at implantation was completed in 119 patients, with success in 97.5%. The Kaplan-Meier estimated freedom from study lead-related major complications was 97.1% at 6 and 12 months. The trial exceeded the primary efficacy and safety objective thresholds. There were zero study lead fractures and electrical performance was stable throughout the mean follow-up of 12.7 ± 4.8 months (mean ± SD). CONCLUSION: The OmniaSecure lead exceeded prespecified primary end point performance goals for safety and efficacy, demonstrating high defibrillation success and a low occurrence of lead-related major complications with zero lead fractures.

Prediction of a good response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with severe dilated cardyomyopathy: could conventional echocardiography be the answer after all?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of echocardiographic parameters to predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). BACKGROUND: CRT reduces morbidity and mortality due to the proper selection of candidates for CRT. METHODS: The 12-month trial was performed on 70 optimally medicated patients with standard inclusion criteria: NYHA class III or IV heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35%, and QRS ≥ 120 ms. All parameters were evaluated by conventional and tissue Doppler-based methods. Indicator of positive CRT response was more than 20% in improvement of LVEF. RESULTS: LVEF increased >20% in 42 patients. Out of 43 tested baseline echocardiographic parameters, 12 showed statistical difference between responders and nonresponders. Out of these 12 parameters, six (LVSV, LVSI, LVFS, RVd, VPMR, and PISA) had modest to moderately good ability to predict LVEF response with sensitivity ranging from 62.2% to 82.4%, and specificity ranging from 56.5% to 81.2%. For those parameters, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for positive response to CRT was ≤0.76. Multivariate regression analysis resulted in selection of LVSI and LVFS as possible predictive independent parameters for a good response. The cutoff value for LVSI was 38.7 mL/m(2) (P = 0.045) and for LVFS was 13% (P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Contribution of LVSI and LVFS is to be confirmed in larger trials. Simplicity of their assessment by conventional echocardiography could be an argument for adding them to the inclusion criteria for CRT in severe heart failure patients.

Chronic vagus nerve stimulation: a new and promising therapeutic approach for chronic heart failure.

AIMS: In chronic heart failure (CHF), reduced vagal activity correlates with increased mortality and acute decompensation. Experimentally, chronic vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) improved left ventricular (LV) function and survival; clinically, it is used for the treatment of drug-refractory epilepsy. We assessed safety and tolerability of chronic VNS in symptomatic CHF patients, using a novel implantable nerve stimulation system. The secondary goal was to obtain preliminary data on clinical efficacy. METHODS AND RESULTS: This multi-centre, open-label phase II, two-staged study (8-patient feasibility phase plus 24-patient safety and tolerability phase) enrolled 32 New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-IV patients [age 56 ± 11 years, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) 23 ± 8%]. Right cervical VNS with CardioFit (BioControl Medical) implantable system started 2-4 weeks after implant, slowly raising intensity; patients were followed 3 and 6 months thereafter with optional 1-year follow-up. Overall, 26 serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 13 of 32 patients (40.6%), including three deaths and two clearly device-related AEs (post-operative pulmonary oedema, need of surgical revision). Expected non-serious device-related AEs (cough, dysphonia, and stimulation-related pain) occurred early but were reduced and disappeared after stimulation intensity adjustment. There were significant improvements (P < 0.001) in NYHA class quality of life, 6-minute walk test (from 411 ± 76 to 471 ± 111 m), LVEF (from 22 ± 7 to 29 ± 8%), and LV systolic volumes (P = 0.02). These improvements were maintained at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: This open-label study shows that chronic VNS in CHF patients with severe systolic dysfunction may be safe and tolerable and may improve quality of life and LV function. A controlled clinical trial appears warranted.

Differentiation of Heart Failure Patients by the Ratio of the Scaling Exponents of Cardiac Interbeat Intervals.

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most frequent heart diseases. It is usually characterized with structural and functional cardiac abnormalities followed by dysfunction of autonomic cardiac control. Current methods of heartbeat interval analysis are not capable to differentiate HF patients and some new differentiation of HF patients could be useful in the determination of the direction of their treatment. In this study, we examined potential of the ratio of the short-term and long-term scaling exponents (α 1 and α 2) to separate HF patients with similar level of reduced cardiac autonomic nervous system control and with no significant difference in age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and NYHA class. Thirty-five healthy control subjects and 46 HF patients underwent 20 min of continuous supine resting ECG recording. The interbeat interval time series were analyzed using standardized power spectrum analysis, detrended fluctuation analysis method and standard Poincaré plot (PP) analysis with measures of asymmetry of the PP. Compared with healthy control group, in HF patients linear measures of autonomic cardiac control were statistically significantly reduced (p < 0.05), heart rate asymmetry was preserved (C up > C down, p < 0.01), and long-term scaling exponent α 2 was significantly higher. Cluster analysis of the ratio of short- and long-term scaling exponents showed capability of this parameter to separate four clusters of HF patients. Clusters were determined by interplay of presence of short-term and long-term correlations in interbeat intervals. Complementary measure, commonly accepted ratio of the PP descriptors, SD2/SD1, showed tendency toward statistical significance to separate HF patients in obtained clusters. Also, heart rate asymmetry was preserved only in two clusters. Finally, a multiple regression analysis showed that the ratio α 1/α 2 could be used as an integrated measure of cardiac dynamic with complex physiological background which, besides spectral components as measures of autonomic cardiac control, also involves breathing frequency and mechanical cardiac parameter, left ventricular ejection fraction.

Percent ventricular pacing with managed ventricular pacing mode in standard pacemaker population.

AIMS: Unnecessary right ventricular pacing has deleterious effects and becomes more significant when cumulative percent ventricular pacing (Cum%VP) exceeds 40% of time. The Managed Ventricular Pacing (MVP) mode has been shown to significantly reduce the percent ventricular pacing compared to the DDD/R mode. This study assessed the percent of ventricular pacing in a standard pacemaker population programmed to MVP and for which patients it is possible to achieve a Cum%VP < or = 40%. METHODS AND RESULTS: Unselected, consecutive patients were implanted with a dual chamber pacemaker with a mean follow-up period of 76 days. The Cum%VP was calculated from device diagnostics between pre-hospital discharge (PHD) and the 1-month post implant visit. The median Cum%VP of 107 patients (age 67.2 +/- 14 years; 53% male) who were programmed to MVP was 3.9%. The median Cum%VP was 1.4% in patients with sinus node disease (SND) and 28.8% in patients with AV block (AVB). Cum%VP < or = 40% was observed in 72% of all patients, in 50% of AVB patients, and in 86% of SND patients. CONCLUSION: The MVP mode is capable of achieving a low percent of ventricular pacing in a standard pacemaker population with SND and AVB. In addition, 72% of patients in MVP mode demonstrated Cum%VP < or = 40%.

Comparison of two strategies to reduce ventricular pacing in pacemaker patients.

BACKGROUND: Managed Ventricular Pacing (MVP) and Search AV+ (SAV+) are two pacing algorithms designed to reduce ventricular pacing. MVP promotes conduction by operating in AAI/R mode with backup ventricular pacing during atrioventricular block (AVB). SAV+ operates in DDD/R mode with a nominal AV extension of 290 ms during atrial sensing and 320 ms during atrial pacing. The reduction in ventricular pacing was compared with these two algorithms in pacemaker patients. METHODS: The EnRhythm and EnPulse clinical studies assessed the percentage of ventricular pacing (%VP) after 1 month. Each patient's AVB status was assigned using the following hierarchical categories: persistent third-degree AVB (p3AVB), episodic third-degree AVB (e3AVB), second-degree AVB (2AVB), first-degree AVB (1AVB), and no AVB (nAVB). The%VP was tabulated for each AVB status category. RESULTS: Data were available from 322 patients of whom 129 received DDD(R) pacing with the MVP algorithm activated and 193 patients with DDD(R) pacing and the SAV+ function activated, each for a month period. MVP resulted in a significantly lower median%VP than SAV+ in all AVB categories except for p3AVB: nAVB (0.3 vs 2.9, P < 0.0001), 1AVB (0.9% vs 80.6%, P < 0.0001), 2AVB (37.6 vs 99.3, P< 0.002), e3AVB (1.2 vs 42.2, P = 0.02), p3AVB (98.9 vs 100, P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: MVP resulted in a greater reduction in%VP than SAV+ across all patient groups except persistent third-degree AV block. The greatest reduction in%VP was observed in patients with mildly impaired AV conduction.

Bidirectional Cardio-Respiratory Interactions in Heart Failure.

We investigated cardio-respiratory coupling in patients with heart failure by quantification of bidirectional interactions between cardiac (RR intervals) and respiratory signals with complementary measures of time series analysis. Heart failure patients were divided into three groups of twenty, age and gender matched, subjects: with sinus rhythm (HF-Sin), with sinus rhythm and ventricular extrasystoles (HF-VES), and with permanent atrial fibrillation (HF-AF). We included patients with indication for implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy device. ECG and respiratory signals were simultaneously acquired during 20 min in supine position at spontaneous breathing frequency in 20 healthy control subjects and in patients before device implantation. We used coherence, Granger causality and cross-sample entropy analysis as complementary measures of bidirectional interactions between RR intervals and respiratory rhythm. In heart failure patients with arrhythmias (HF-VES and HF-AF) there is no coherence between signals (p < 0.01), while in HF-Sin it is reduced (p < 0.05), compared with control subjects. In all heart failure groups causality between signals is diminished, but with significantly stronger causality of RR signal in respiratory signal in HF-VES. Cross-sample entropy analysis revealed the strongest synchrony between respiratory and RR signal in HF-VES group. Beside respiratory sinus arrhythmia there is another type of cardio-respiratory interaction based on the synchrony between cardiac and respiratory rhythm. Both of them are altered in heart failure patients. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia is reduced in HF-Sin patients and vanished in heart failure patients with arrhythmias. Contrary, in HF-Sin and HF-VES groups, synchrony increased, probably as consequence of some dominant neural compensatory mechanisms. The coupling of cardiac and respiratory rhythm in heart failure patients varies depending on the presence of atrial/ventricular arrhythmias and it could be revealed by complementary methods of time series analysis.

Is pacemaker therapy the right key to patients with vasovagal syncope?

Introduction: Vasovagal syncope is the most common type of reflex syncope. Efficacy of cardiac pacing in this indication has not been the subject of many studies and pacemaker therapy in patients with vasovagal syncope is still controversial. Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of pacing therapy in treatment of patients with vasovagal syncope, to determine contribution of new therapeutic models in increasing its success, and to identify risk factors associated with a higher rate of symptoms after pacemaker implantation. Methods: A retrospective study included 30 patients with pacemaker implanted due to vasovagal syncope in the Pacemaker Center, Clinical Center of Serbia, between November 2003 and June 2014. Head-up tilt test was performed to diagnose vasovagal syncope. Patients with cardioinhibitory and mixed type of disease were enrolled in the study. Results: Mean age was 48.1 ± 11.1 years and 18 (60%) patients were men. Mean follow-up period was 5.9 ± 3.0 years. Primarily, implantable loop recorder was implanted in 10 (33.3%) patients. Twenty (66.7%) patients presented cardioinhibitory and 10 (33.3%) mixed type of vasovagal syncope. After pacemaker implantation, 11 (36.7%) patients had syncope. In multiple logistic regression analysis we showed that syncope is statistically more likely to occur after pacemaker implantation in patients with mixed type of vasovagal syncope (p = 0.018). There were two (6.7%) perioperative surgical complications. Conclusion: Pacemaker therapy is a safe treatment for patients with vasovagal syncope, whose efficacy can be improved by strict selection of patients. We showed that symptoms occur statistically more often in patients with mixed type of disease after pacemaker implantation.

The Relationship of Myocardial Collagen Metabolism and Reverse Remodeling after Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

BACKGROUND: In the majority of patients with a wide QRS complex and heart failure resistant to optimal medical therapy, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) leads to reverse ventricular remodeling and possibly to changes in cardiac collagen synthesis and degradation. We investigated the relationship of biomarkers of myocardial collagen metabolism and volumetric response to CRT. METHODS: We prospectively studied 46 heart failure patients (mean age 61±9 years, 87% male) who underwent CRT implantation. Plasma concentrations of amino-terminal propeptide type I (PINP), a marker of collagen synthesis, and carboxy-terminal collagen telopeptide (CITP), a marker of collagen degradation, were measured before and 6 months after CRT. Response to CRT was defined as 15% or greater reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Baseline PINP levels showed a negative correlation with both left ventricular end-diastolic volume (r=-0.51; p=0.032), and end-systolic diameter (r=-0.47; p=0.049). After 6 months of device implantation, 28 patients (61%) responded to CRT. No significant differences in the baseline levels of PINP and CITP between responders and nonresponders were observed (p>0.05 for both). During follow-up, responders demonstrated a significant increase in serum PINP level from 31.37±18.40 to 39.2±19.19 µg/L (p=0.049), whereas in non-responders serum PINP levels did not significantly change (from 28.12±21.55 to 34.47± 18.64 µg/L; p=0.125). There were no significant changes in CITP levels in both responders and non-responders (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular reverse remodeling induced by CRT is associated with an increased collagen synthesis in the first 6 months of CRT implantation.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Heart Failure: The INOVATE-HF Trial.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is increasing in prevalence and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite advances in medical and device therapy. Autonomic imbalance, with excess sympathetic activation and decreased vagal tone, is an integral component of the pathophysiology of HF. OBJECTIVES: The INOVATE-HF (Increase of Vagal Tone in Heart Failure) trial assessed the safety and efficacy of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) among patients with HF and a reduced ejection fraction. METHODS: INOVATE-HF was a multinational, randomized trial involving 85 centers including patients with chronic HF, New York Heart Association functional class III symptoms and ejection fraction ≤40%. Patients were assigned to device implantation to provide VNS (active) or continued medical therapy (control) in a 3:2 ratio. The primary efficacy endpoint was composite of death from any cause or first event for worsening HF. RESULTS: Patients (n = 707) were randomized and followed up for a mean of 16 months. The primary efficacy outcome occurred in 132 of 436 patients in the VNS group, compared to 70 of 271 in the control group (30.3% vs. 25.8%; hazard ratio: 1.14; 95% confidence interval: 0.86 to 1.53; p = 0.37). During the trial, the estimated annual mortality rates were 9.3% and 7.1%, respectively (p = 0.19). Quality of life, New York Heart Association functional class, and 6-min walking distance were favorably affected by VNS (p < 0.05), but left ventricular end-systolic volume index was not different (p = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: VNS does not reduce the rate of death or HF events in chronic HF patients. (INcrease Of VAgal TonE in CHF [INOVATE-HF]; NCT01303718).

Automatic measurement of atrial pacing thresholds in dual-chamber pacemakers: clinical experience with atrial capture management.

BACKGROUND: The Medtronic EnPulse pacemaker incorporates the new atrial capture management (ACM) algorithm to automatically measure atrial capture thresholds and subsequently manage atrial pacing outputs. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of ACM. METHODS: Two hundred patients with an indication for a dual-chamber pacemaker underwent implantation. ACM thresholds and manually measured atrial pacing thresholds were assessed at follow-up visits. Clinical equivalence was defined as the ACM-measured threshold being within -0.25 V to +0.5 V of the manually measured threshold. The clinician analyzed all ACM measurements performed in-office for evidence of proarrhythmia. RESULTS: All 200 implanted patients had a 1-month visit, and validated manual and in-office ACM threshold data were available for 123 patients. The ACM threshold was 0.595 +/- 0.252 V, and the manual threshold was 0.584 +/- 0.233 V. The mean difference was 0.010 V with a 95% confidence interval of (-0.001, 0.021). The mean difference over all visits was 0.011 V. For all patients, the individual threshold differences were within the range of clinical equivalence at all visits. No atrial arrhythmias were observed during 892 ACM tests in 193 patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the ACM algorithm is safe, accurate, and reliable over time. ACM was demonstrated to be clinically equivalent to the manual atrial threshold test in all patients at 1 month and over the entire follow-up period of up to 6 months. ACM ensures atrial capture, may save time during follow-up, and can be used to manage atrial pacing outputs.