Clinical predictors of heart block during atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia ablation: A multicenter 18-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation is considered the first-line treatment of symptomatic atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). It has been associated with a risk of heart block (HB) requiring a pacemaker. This study aims to determine potential clinical predictors of complete heart block as a result AVNRT ablation. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for AVNRT from January 2001 to June 2019 at two tertiary hospitals were included. We defined ablation-related HB as the unscheduled implantation of pacemaker within a month of the index procedure. Use of electroanatomic mapping (EAM), operator experience, inpatient status, age, sex, fluoroscopy time, baseline PR interval, and baseline HV interval was included in univariate and multivariate models to predict HB post ablation. RESULTS: In 1708 patients (56.4 ± 17.0 years, 61% females), acute procedural success was 97.1%. The overall incidence of HB was 1.3%. Multivariate analysis showed that age more than 70 (odds ratio [OR] 7.907, p ≤ .001, confidence interval [CI] 2.759-22.666), baseline PR ≥ 190 ms (OR 2.867, p = .026, CI 1.135-7.239) and no use of EAM (OR 0.306, p = .037, CI 0.101-0.032) were independent predictors of HB. CONCLUSION: Although the incidence of HB post AVNRT ablation is generally low, patients can be further stratified using three simple predictors.

Electrocardiographic localization of ventricular arrhythmias successfully ablated from the distal great cardiac vein.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (IVAs) from the left ventricular (LV) summit may be successfully ablated from the distal great cardiac vein (dGCV). Using a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to localize IVAs that can be ablated from the dGCV is valuable for ablation planning. OBJECTIVE: To determine if a "w" wave, a notch in the Q wave in lead I, and other ECG features can identify IVAs that can be successfully ablated from the dGCV. METHODS: We reviewed outflow tract premature ventricular contraction (PVC) ablations performed at two centers between September 2010 and June 2018. Successful PVC ablations, in which the PVCs were mapped from the right ventricular outflow tract, coronary cusps, commissures, endocardial LV, and the coronary venous system including the dGCV were included. ECG characteristics were compared between patients with successful ablations in the dGCV and non-dGCV sites. RESULTS: Of the 120 patients (age 56.8 ± 13.8 years, 45% female) that met the inclusion criteria, the dGCV was the successful ablation site in 18 patients (15%). Multivariate analysis with binary logistic regression showed that a "w" in lead I in combination with an early precordial pattern break and a maximum deflection index (MDI) ≥ 0.5 had sensitivity and specificity for a successful ablation in the dGCV of 94.4% and 96.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Combining a "w" wave in lead I with an early precordial pattern break and an MDI ≥ 0.5 is highly sensitive and specific for identifying the dGCV as a successful ablation site for PVCs.

Performance of Anatomically Designed Quadripolar Left Ventricular Leads: Results from the NAVIGATE X4 Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The safety and efficacy of a novel family of quadripolar left ventricular (LV) pacing leads designed to pace from nonapical regions of the LV with low pacing capture thresholds was studied in patients undergoing implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients receiving a CRT-D were implanted with 1 of 3 ACUITY X4 leads (Spiral Long, Spiral Short, or Straight), designed to address coronary venous anatomical variability. Electrical performance and LV lead related complications were evaluated 3 and 6 months post implantation, respectively. 764 patients (68 ± 11 years, 66% male) were enrolled; 738 (97%) successfully implanted with an ACUITY X4 lead (Spiral L, n = 239, 31%; Spiral S, n = 281, 37%; Straight, n = 218, 29%). A targeted threshold ≤2.5 V was achieved in 644 (94%) patients. The median threshold from the best proximal electrode was lower than the tip electrode (0.9 V [IQR 0.7, 1.3] vs. 1.3 V [IQR 0.7, 2.5], p< 0.001) on Spiral leads. Irrespective of lead implanted, one of the proximal electrodes was the programmed cathode in most patients. The overall LV complication-free rate was 98%. LV lead dislodgment occurred in 8 (1%) patients. PNS occurred in 58 (8%) patients, but only 3 (0.4%) patients required surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: The ACUITY X4 LV leads had low pacing thresholds particularly from proximal electrodes, a high incidence of pacing from the nondistal electrode, and low likelihood of dislodgment or PNS requiring surgical intervention. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02071173).

Clinical Significance of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia on Stored Electrograms in Permanent Pacemaker Patients.

BACKGROUND: Permanent pacemaker electrograms record a variety of arrhythmias, including nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). Little has been reported regarding incidence and clinical significance of NSVT in pacemaker patients after long-term monitoring. METHODS: Records from all patients implanted with Medtronic pacemakers (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) at a single institution from January 1, 2009 to February 27, 2012 were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, imaging studies, pacemaker interrogations, and the Social Security Death Index were examined in patients older than 18 years of age who had ≥ 2 follow-up device interrogations. RESULTS: A total of 262 patients with an ejection fraction (EF) >40% were included in the final analysis with a mean follow-up of 29.2 months. Of these patients, 83.2% (n = 218) had hypertension (HTN) and 45.4% (n = 119) had NSVT. Among patients with an EF ≥ 55%, hypertensive patients had a NSVT burden 2.46 times greater than normotensive patients (incidence rate ratio: 2.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-5.50; P < 0.028). NSVT was not associated with increased mortality (P < 0.1229). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients, there was a high prevalence of HTN and while hypertensive subjects had a significantly higher NSVT burden, NSVT was not associated with an increased mortality.

Site-specific effects of dobutamine on cardiac conduction and refractoriness.

BACKGROUND: Isoproterenol, a non-specific beta agonist, is commonly used during electrophysiology studies (EPS). However, with the significant increase in the price of isoproterenol in 2015 and the increasing number of catheter ablations performed, the cost implications cannot be ignored. Dobutamine is a less expensive synthetic compound developed from isoproterenol with a similar mechanism to enhance cardiac conduction and shorten refractoriness, thus making it a feasible substitute with a lower cost. However, the use of dobutamine for EPS has not been well-reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To determine the site-specific effects of various doses of dobutamine on cardiac conduction and refractoriness and assess its safety during EPS. METHODS: From February 2020 to October 2020, 40 non-consecutive patients scheduled for elective EPS, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and premature ventricular contraction ablations at a single center were consented and prospectively enrolled to assess the effect of dobutamine on the cardiac conduction system. At the end of each ablation procedure, measures of cardiac conduction and refractoriness were recorded at baseline and with incremental doses of dobutamine at 5, 10, 15, and 20 mcg/kg/min. For the primary analysis, the change per dose of dobutamine from baseline to each dosing level of dobutamine received by the patients, comparing atrioventricular node block cycle length (AVNBCL), ventricular atrial block cycle length (VABCL) and sinus cycle length (SCL), was tested using mixed-effect regression. For the secondary analysis, dobutamine dose level was tested for association with relative changes from baseline of each electrophysiologic parameter (SCL, AVNBCL, VABCL, atrioventricular node effective refractory period (AVNERP), AH, QRS, QT, QTc, atrial effective refractory period (AERP), ventricular effective refractory period (VERP), using mixed-effect regression. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also assessed. The Holm-Bonferroni method was used to adjust for multiple testing. RESULTS: For the primary analysis there was no statistically significant change of AVNBCL and VABCL relative to SCL from baseline to each dose level of dobutamine. The SCL, AVNBCL, VABCL, AVNERP, AERP, VERP and the AH, and QT intervals all demonstrated a statistically significant decrease from baseline to at least one dose level with incremental dobutamine dosing. Two patients (5%) developed hypotension during the study and one patient (2.5%) received a vasopressor. Two patients (5%) had induced arrhythmias but otherwise no major adverse events were noted. CONCLUSION: In this study, there was no statistically significant change of AVNBCL and VABCL relative to SCL from baseline to any dose level of dobutamine. As expected, the AH and QT intervals, and the VABCL, VERP, AERP and AVNERP all significantly decreased from baseline to at least one dose level with an escalation in dobutamine dose. Dobutamine was well-tolerated and safe to use during EPS.

Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Approach to Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using Prolonged Apneic Oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Improved ablation catheter-tissue contact results in more effective ablation lesions. Respiratory motion causes catheter instability, which impacts durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel ablation strategy involving prolonged periods of apneic oxygenation during PVI. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, prospective controlled study of 128 patients (mean age 63 ± 11 years; 37% women) with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing PVI. Patients underwent PVI under general anesthesia using serial 4-minute runs of apneic oxygenation (apnea group; n = 64) or using standard ventilation settings (control group; n = 64). Procedural data, arterial blood gas samples, catheter position coordinates, and ablation lesion characteristics were collected. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics between the 2 groups were similar. Catheter stability was significantly improved in the apnea group, as reflected by a decreased mean catheter displacement (1.55 ± 0.97 mm vs 2.25 ± 1.13 mm; P < 0.001) and contact force SD (4.9 ± 1.1 g vs 5.2 ± 1.5 g; P = 0.046). The percentage of lesions with a mean catheter displacement >2 mm was significantly lower in the apnea group (22% vs 44%; P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the total ablation time to achieve PVI was reduced in the apnea group (18.8 ± 6.9 minutes vs 23.4 ± 7.8 minutes; P = 0.001). There were similar rates of first-pass PVI, acute PV reconnections and dormant PV reconnections between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A novel strategy of performing complete PVI during apneic oxygenation results in improved catheter stability and decreased ablation times without adverse events. (Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Under Apnea; NCT04170894).

Temporal Changes and Clinical Implications of Delayed Peridevice Leak Following Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess temporal changes and clinical implications of peridevice leak (PDL) after left atrial appendage closure. BACKGROUND: Endocardial left atrial appendage closure devices are alternatives to long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) for patients with atrial fibrillation. PDL >5 mm may prohibit discontinuation of OAC. METHODS: Patients included in the study had: 1) successful Watchman device implantation without immediate PDL; 2) new PDL identified at 45 to 90 days using transesophageal echocardiography; 3) eligibility for OAC; and 4) 1 follow-up transesophageal echocardiographic study for PDL surveillance. Relevant clinical and imaging data were collected by chart review. The combined primary outcome included failure to stop OAC after 45 to 90 days, transient ischemic attack or stroke, device-related thrombi, and need for PDL closure. RESULTS: Relevant data were reviewed for 1,039 successful Watchman device implantations. One hundred eight patients (10.5%) met the inclusion criteria. The average PDL at 45 to 90 days was 3.2 ± 1.6 mm. On the basis of a median PDL of 3 mm, patients were separated into ≤3 mm (n = 73) and >3 mm (n = 35) groups. In the ≤3 mm group, PDL regressed significantly (2.2 ± 0.8 mm vs 1.6 ± 1.4 mm; P = 0.002) after 275 ± 125 days. In the >3 mm group, there was no significant change in PDL (4.9 ± 1.4 mm vs 4.0 ± 3.0 mm; P = 0.12) after 208 ± 137 days. The primary outcome occurred more frequently (69% vs 34%; P = 0.002) in the >3 mm group. The incidence of transient ischemic attack or stroke in patients with PDL was significantly higher compared with patients without PDL, irrespective of PDL size. CONCLUSIONS: New PDL detected by transesophageal echocardiography at 45 to 90 days occurred in a significant percentage of patients and was associated with worse clinical outcomes. PDL ≤3 mm tended to regress over time.

Frequent recurrent polymorphic ventricular tachycardia during sleep due to managed ventricular pacing.

We report a case of a patient with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and no prior history of heart block with managed ventricular pacing (MVP) programmed who had frequent recurrent episodes of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. All of the episodes were initiated by transient atrioventricular block which resulted in short-long-short sequences permitted by MVP. This case illustrates that MVP should be used with caution not only in patients with complete heart block, but also in patients at risk for brief heart block due to such states as hypervagatonia due to sleep apnea.

Effect of Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, and Azithromycin on the Corrected QT Interval in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

BACKGROUND: The novel SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is responsible for the global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Small studies have shown a potential benefit of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine±azithromycin for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019. Use of these medications alone, or in combination, can lead to a prolongation of the QT interval, possibly increasing the risk of Torsade de pointes and sudden cardiac death. METHODS: Hospitalized patients treated with chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine±azithromycin from March 1 to the 23 at 3 hospitals within the Northwell Health system were included in this prospective, observational study. Serial assessments of the QT interval were performed. The primary outcome was QT prolongation resulting in Torsade de pointes. Secondary outcomes included QT prolongation, the need to prematurely discontinue any of the medications due to QT prolongation, and arrhythmogenic death. RESULTS: Two hundred one patients were treated for coronavirus disease 2019 with chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine. Ten patients (5.0%) received chloroquine, 191 (95.0%) received hydroxychloroquine, and 119 (59.2%) also received azithromycin. The primary outcome of torsade de pointes was not observed in the entire population. Baseline corrected QT interval intervals did not differ between patients treated with chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (monotherapy group) versus those treated with combination group (chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin; 440.6±24.9 versus 439.9±24.7 ms, P=0.834). The maximum corrected QT interval during treatment was significantly longer in the combination group versus the monotherapy group (470.4±45.0 ms versus 453.3±37.0 ms, P=0.004). Seven patients (3.5%) required discontinuation of these medications due to corrected QT interval prolongation. No arrhythmogenic deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest reported cohort of coronavirus disease 2019 patients to date treated with chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine±azithromycin, no instances of Torsade de pointes, or arrhythmogenic death were reported. Although use of these medications resulted in QT prolongation, clinicians seldomly needed to discontinue therapy. Further study of the need for QT interval monitoring is needed before final recommendations can be made.

Inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks attributed to alternating-current leak in a swimming pool.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are the standard of care for preventing sudden cardiac death in patients who are predisposed to malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Causes of inappropriate ICD shock include equipment malfunction, improper arrhythmia evaluation, misinterpretation of myopotentials, and electromagnetic interference. As the number of implanted ICDs has increased, other contributors to inappropriate therapy have become known, such as minimal electrical current leaks that mimic ventricular fibrillation. We present the case of a 63-year-old man with a biventricular ICD who received 2 inappropriate shocks, probably attributable to alternating-current leaks in a swimming pool. In addition, we discuss ICD sensitivity and offer recommendations to avoid similar occurrences.

Trends in Fidelis lead survival: transition from an exponential to linear pattern of lead failure over time.

BACKGROUND: The Sprint Fidelis implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead was recalled in 2007 because of an levated risk of lead fracture. Several studies have demonstrated an accelerating risk of lead failure over time. We sought to identify predictors and characterize trends of Fidelis lead failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated 604 Fidelis leads with ≥ 90 days of follow-up implanted at our institution. Fidelis lead survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Analysis of log-log plots of cumulative hazard plots was performed to assess changes in lead failure rate over time. During follow-up of 3.3 ± 1.7 years, 51 (8.4%) Fidelis lead failures were identified. The 3-year and 5-year Fidelis lead survival rates were 93.5% and 85.3%, respectively. Female sex was the only significant predictor of lead failure (heart rate, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9; P<0.0001). The rate of lead failure initially increased exponentially with a power of 2.3 (95% CI, 2.22-2.43; P<0.0001). However, log-log analysis of cumulative hazard for leads functioning at 2 and 4 years revealed a stable rate of failure of 4.5%/year. Mathematical modeling of the Fidelis lead failure demonstrated a transition from an exponential to linear pattern of lead failure at 2.9 years. CONCLUSIONS: After 3 years, failure rates of Fidelis leads stabilize but at a significantly elevated rate. Female sex is associated with a doubling of the risk of Fidelis lead failure. These findings have implications for Fidelis lead management decisions that are based on the prediction of lead failure risk.

Coronary venous angioplasty and stenting for biventricular pacemaker left ventricular lead implantation.

Biventricular pacing for the treatment of congestive heart failure is now one of the forefront therapies for symptomatic heart failure patients who are receiving maximal medical therapy. Recent advances in lead technology and delivery systems have improved the success rates of left ventricular (LV) lead implantation. A major difficulty in LV lead implantation, however, occurs in patients with coronary vein stenoses, insufficient coronary vein caliber, or significant variations in coronary venous anatomy, in terms of left ventricular lead implantation. We sought to examine whether cardiac vein angioplasty and/or stenting would allow for the proper placement of the LV lead in these patients.

Effect of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin on the QT interval: is this a significant "clinical" event?

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of the fluoroquinolones has raised the question of the cardiac safety of these medications. This widespread use of this class of antibiotics has displayed their safety profile, which is actually more favorable than many other drug classes. The cardiac toxicity issue at the center of this discussion is the prolongation of the QT interval leading to torsade de pointes. Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, two of the more commonly used fluoroquinolones, are considered less likely than other fluoroquinolones to prolong the QT interval. The authors set out to evaluate the effect on the QT interval of patients after administration of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. METHODS: A prospective evaluation of 38 consecutive patients evaluated by the infectious disease service and receiving either ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin was undertaken. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were obtained at baseline and at least 48 hours after the first dose of the antibiotic was administered. Both the longest QT interval and the mean QT interval were evaluated. To account for variations in heart rate, the corrected QT interval was calculated by using Bazett's formula (QTc = QT(square root of) R-R). Statistical analysis was undertaken to assess for the presence of a change after the administration of the antibiotic. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (mean age, 65 +/- 19 years), 23 women and 15 men, were studied. There was a small but significant increase in the longest QTc intervals over baseline in patients receiving levofloxacin; there was no significant change in the mean QTc interval. However, one patient who received levofloxacin was, statistically, an outlier and, on retrospective analysis, had demonstrated severe electrolyte disturbances at the time of the study. When this patient was excluded, the increase in the longest QTc interval was not significant. Patients receiving ciprofloxacin did not demonstrate any significant change in the longest QTc interval or mean QTc interval. CONCLUSIONS: Neither levofloxacin nor ciprofloxacin significantly prolonged the mean QTc interval over baseline. When electrolyte deficiencies in one of the patients evaluated were taken into account, this also held true for the longest QTc interval. There is, therefore, evidence that taking ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, assuming that there are not any concurrent risk factors, will not cause a significant prolongation in the QT interval.

Large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm presenting 25 years after penetrating chest trauma.

Penetrating chest wounds leading to damage of thoracic structures are common. A rare sequelae of chest trauma is a contained rupture of the left ventricle of the heart leading to the development of a pseudoaneurysm. This complication needs prompt recognition and repair because of the high likelihood of rupture and death. We report the case of a 47-year-old man who underwent repair of a stab wound to the heart 25 years ago and subsequently developed a large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm and presented with angina.