Ultrasound-Guided Pectoserratus Plane Block and Superficial Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND The combination of pectoserratus plane block (PSP) and superficial serratus anterior plane block (S-SAP) was established to reduce the risk of general anesthesia for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation in patients with high operative risk (American Society of Anesthesiologistsgrade III or IV). This study compared outcomes from ultrasound-guided PSP and S-SAP in 16 patients requiring a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) at a single center in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS A group of 16 patients with ASA grade III and IV qualified for S-ICD implantation was included. The pain assessment using numerical rating scale (NRS), patient's comfort using Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15), the operator's satisfaction using Operator's Comfort Scale, adverse event occurrence, and the parameters' stability were evaluated. RESULTS The mean volume of the local anesthetics mixture of PSP block was 19.4 mL; S-SAP was 34.7 mL (mean total volume, 54.1 mL). The mean duration of the block was 21.3 min; the mean time of the S-ICD implantation was 108.4 min. Neither circulatory nor respiratory instability was observed. In 8 patients (50%), non-opioid analgesics were administered intraoperatively; in 11 patients (69%), fentanyl bolus ≤200 µg was administered. The intraoperative NRS score was low (max 2 points); NRS 24 h after the procedure was low (max 4 points). The mean value of QoR-15 was 133.9 points. CONCLUSIONS S-SAP combined with PSP is feasible and safe in providing anesthesia/analgesia during S-ICD implantation and showed good effects in a group of patients with high operative risk (ASA III or IV).

Simple demographic characteristics and laboratory findings on admission may predict in-hospital mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: development and validation of the covid-19 score.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) constitutes a major health burden worldwide due to high mortality rates and hospital bed shortages. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with several laboratory abnormalities. We aimed to develop and validate a risk score based on simple demographic and laboratory data that could be used on admission in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection to predict in-hospital mortality. METHODS: Three cohorts of patients from different hospitals were studied consecutively (developing, validation, and prospective cohorts). The following demographic and laboratory data were obtained from medical records: sex, age, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets, leukocytes, sodium, potassium, creatinine, and C-reactive protein (CRP). For each variable, classification and regression tree analysis were used to establish the cut-off point(s) associated with in-hospital mortality outcome based on data from developing cohort and before they were used for analysis in the validation and prospective cohort. The covid-19 score was calculated as a sum of cut-off points associated with mortality outcome. RESULTS: The developing, validation, and prospective cohorts included 129, 239, and 497 patients, respectively (median age, 71, 67, and 70 years, respectively). The following cut of points associated with in-hospital mortality: age > 56 years, male sex, hemoglobin < 10.55 g/dL, MCV > 92.9 fL, leukocyte count > 9.635 or < 2.64 103/µL, platelet count, < 81.49 or > 315.5 103/µL, CRP > 51.14 mg/dL, creatinine > 1.115 mg/dL, sodium < 134.7 or > 145.4 mEq/L, and potassium < 3.65 or > 6.255 mEq/L. The AUC of the covid-19 score for predicting in-hospital mortality was 0.89 (0.84-0.95), 0.850 (0.75-0.88), and 0.773 (0.731-0.816) in the developing, validation, and prospective cohorts, respectively (P < 0.001The mortality of the prospective cohort stratified on the basis of the covid-19 score was as follows: 0-2 points,4.2%; 3 points, 15%; 4 points, 29%; 5 points, 38.2%; 6 and more points, 60%. CONCLUSION: The covid-19 score based on simple demographic and laboratory parameters may become an easy-to-use, widely accessible, and objective tool for predicting mortality in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Frailty and cognitive impairment are predictive of takotsubo syndrome following pacemaker implantation.

BACKGROUND: Pacemaker (PM) implantation may cause acute emotional distress leading to takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Frailty and cognitive impairment are known to influence outcomes after surgical procedures. It is unclear whether they may also predispose to TTS following PM implantation. METHODS: We identified nine cases (81 ± 6 years) of TTS following PM implantation that took place between 2013 and 2017 in one high volume implantation center. TTS was diagnosed based on typical echocardiographic appearance with resolution over time and (in cases where deemed necessary) normal coronary angiography. The TTS cases were compared with 30 consecutive cases of PM implantation (75 ± 9 years), which were not complicated by TTS (control group). Frailty was assessed using retrospective Risk Analysis Index (RAI-A). Pacing parameters were analyzed during PM implantation and after 1 month. RESULTS: Cognitive impairment was more prevalent (67% vs 10%, P = .0005), and RAI-A index was significantly higher in the TTS group compared to the control group (26 ± 13.7 vs 13.1 ± 9.8, P = .008). Perioperative right ventricular threshold was significantly higher in patients with TTS comparing to controls (0.99 ± 0.43 V vs 0.74 ± 0.20 V, P = .04). The magnitude of decrease in right ventricular threshold between implantation and 1 month follow-up was greater in TTS patients compared to controls (-0.41 ± 0.29 V vs -0.15 ± 0.38 V, P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: TTS is a rare complication of PM implantation. Patients with cognitive impairment and frailty are at risk of TTS. Right ventricular pacing threshold is acutely affected by TTS and improves over time.

How to implant a phrenic nerve stimulator for treatment of central sleep apnea?

BACKGROUND: Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a breathing disorder caused by the intermittent absence of central respiratory drive. Transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation is a new therapeutic option, recently approved by the FDA , for the treatment of CSA. OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique used to implant the transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation system (the remede System, Respicardia, Inc). METHODS: The remede System is placed in the pectoral region, typically on the right side. A single stimulation lead is placed in either the left pericardiophrenic vein (PPV) or the right brachiocephalic vein (RBC). A sensing lead is placed into the azygous vein to detect respiration. RESULTS: In the remede System Pivotal trial, 147 of 151 (97%) patients were successfully implanted with the system. Sixty-two percent of stimulation leads were placed in the PPV and 35% in the RBC. Mean procedure time was 2.7 ± 0.8 hours and 94% of patients were free from implant-related serious adverse events through 6 months. CONCLUSION: In patients with CSA, transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation is an effective and safe therapy with an implant procedure similar to that of cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Seat belts-related behaviors in car drivers with cardiac implantable electronic devices.

BACKGROUND: Seat belt use is the single most effective means of reducing fatal injuries in road traffic accidents. The presence of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) might influence seat belt-related behaviors due to the physical proximity of the seat belt and left subclavian area in which the device is usually implanted. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of improper seat belt use may improve safety of these patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective study using a structured questionnaire with 120 CIED recipients (age, 63.9 ± 10.9 years) attending a pacing outpatient clinic. All study participants were active drivers and predominantly male. The majority of patients (79%) had undergone high-energy device implantation. RESULTS: We found that 18% of study participants do not fasten seat belts on a regular basis or use the seat belt in an atypical fashion (such as under the armpit). Moderate or high level of discomfort from the interaction between seat belt and CIED was present in 27%, while more than half (51%) were afraid of seat belt-induced CIED damage. In multifactorial analysis, we found the following independent predictors of improper seat belt use: (1) at least moderate level of discomfort at the CIED site (P = 0.02); (2) fear of CIED damage (P = 0.009); and (3) irregular seat belt use prior to CIED implantation (P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Improper seat belt-related behaviors are common in CIED recipients. They arise from previous habits and from CIED-related physical and psychological factors. Patients' education regarding the importance and safety of proper seat belt use is a priority.

Epidemiology, clinical and cytological features of lymphoma in Boxer dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical and laboratory characteristics of canine lymphomas as well as some aspects of treatment outcomes. The study was conducted on Boxer dogs with lymphoma diagnosed by cytology and immunocytochemistry (CD3 and CD79 alpha). During the study period, lymphoma was diagnosed in 63 Boxers; 86.8% were T-cell (based on the Kiel classification: small clear cell lymphoma, pleomorphic small cell lymphoma, pleomorphic mixed T-cell lymphoma, pleomorphic large T-cell lymphoma, lymphoblastic lymphoma/acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) and 13.2% were B-cell lymphomas (according to the Kiel classification: B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, centroblastic/centroblastic polymorphic lymphoma). Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in dogs with low-grade than with high-grade lymphoma (median OS of 6.8 and 4.7 months, respectively; P = 0.024). OS was not influenced by WHO clinical stage, WHO clinical substage, presence of splenomegaly, early administration of glucocorticoids or the time from the first presentation to the beginning of chemotherapy. There are no significant differences in clinical and laboratory parameters between low-grade and high-grade lymphomas. Boxer dogs are predisposed to T-cell lymphoma, with a predominance of high-grade tumour, especially pleomorphic, mixed small and large T-cell subtype. It is possible that Boxer dogs may respond less favourably to chemotherapy than patients of other breeds.

Predictors of inappropriate shocks from implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Inappropriate shocks in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) are associated with significant psychological and physical consequences and increased long-term mortality. The aim: To assess predictors associated with inappropriate high-energy discharges of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and Methods: Retrospective data analysis of 150 patients aged 64.2±12.8 years (84.7% male) admitted to the Hospital Emergency Department due to at least one cardioverter-defibrillator discharge was performed. All of the discharges were inappropriate in the group of 33 patients, and in the group of 117 patients at least one discharge was appropriate. The following data: age, gender, concomitant diseases, type of ICD implantation (primary vs. secondary prevention), type of discharge, number of discharges, serum potassium, and sodium concentration were collected. RESULTS: Results: Patients with only inappropriate discharges were younger, significantly more often had chronic atrial fibrillation, a significantly higher number of discharges, and ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the occurrence of only inappropriate discharges was related to the number of discharges over three, the age of patients below 60 years, the serum sodium concentration between 135 mEq/L and 142 mEq/L, and the primary type of prevention of sudden cardiac death. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: 1. Predictors of inappropriate discharges include: age, serum sodium concentration, and primary type of indications for cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. 2. Further research is necessary to determine the influence of disturbances in the sodium economy on the occurrence of appropriate and inappropriate interventions of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

[Patient with the intervention of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in a hospital emergency department].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) improve prognosis in patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with ICD represent a significant proportion of all Emergency Department (ED) admissions. The number of these visits due to the high-energy therapy or antitachycardia pacing (ATP) delivered by the implanted cardioverter-defibrillator is constantly increasing. The aim: To present the prevalence and type of therapeutic interventions of an ICD in patients admitted to ED in 2014-2017 at two medical centers covering approx. 400 000 residents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The patients' documentation was analyzed to find patients admitted to emergency department because of the suspicion of the ventricular arrhythmias' therapy delivered by ICD. RESULTS: Results: In most cases adequate high-energy therapies due to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias were the reason for hospitalization. We identified 126 patients aged 63.0±12.0 years, 108 (86&) of male and 18 (14&) of female. Among 171 ED admissions 6 were associated with ATP and 149 with high-energy therapy, 10 cases presented with VT without therapies, 5 with fantom shocks and in one case the patient had only a pacemaker but not ICD. The number of ICD shocks ranged from 1 to 108. Inadequate ICD discharges were found in 26 (17.4&) of high energy therapies. CONCLUSION: Conclusions:1. The number of patients with ICD admitted to Emergency Department due to the initiation of high-energy or anti-tachyarrhythmic therapy has been steadily increasing in recent years. 2. In most cases, the reason for the admissions are adequate high-energy therapies, i.e. ICD discharges that disrupt the potentially life threatening arrhythmia. 3. Accurate medical history, the possibility of assessing the heart rate stored in the ICD memory during its intervention form the basis for establishing a plan of action in patients with ICD.

A 128-slice CT scanner helpful in localising coronary sinus ostium during CRT-D implantation - case report.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become a successful treatment option for symptomatic heart failure in patients with poor left ventricular (LV) systolic function and broad QRS complex in the surface electrocardiogram (ECG). CASE REPORT: In this report we present a case of a 70-year-old woman with advanced heart failure due to ischaemic heart disease who underwent an upgrade from VVIR stimulator (pacemaker, PM) to cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). The first attempt was unsuccessful due to problems with inefficient cannulation of the orifice of the coronary sinus (CS). After performing a 3D reconstruction with a 128-slice CT scanner, it was possible to carry out the up-grade to CRT-D resulting in enormous clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The case represents an example of the usefulness of 3D reconstruction with the 128-slice CT scanner used after failed CRT-D implantation due to difficulties with efficient cannulation of the coronary sinus orifice in a rare anatomical variant.

Prognostic role of the updated Kiel classification in canine high-grade T-cell lymphomas.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine and describe the prognostic role of the morphological subtype determined according to the updated Kiel classification in dogs with high-grade T-cell lymphomas (HGTCLs) depending on the treatment applied. OBJECTIVES: The HGTCLs were classified into three subtypes according to the updated Kiel classification: pleomorphic mixed (PM), lymphoblastic lymphoma/acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and plasmacytoid (P). The treatment was divided into a palliative therapy (PlT) group and a chemotherapy (ChT) group. METHODS: The study was conducted between 2009 and 2017, and it enrolled 58 dogs in which cytomorphological and immunocytochemistry diagnoses were HGTCL. RESULTS: Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the ChT group (median OS-4 months, interquartile range [IQR] from 2 to 8 months) than in the PlT group (median OS-6 weeks, IQR from 1 week to 3 months). In the PlT group, PM subtype and glucocorticosteroids (GCSs) treatment proved significantly and independently linked to longer OS and approximately three-fold lower risk of death during the study period (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj] = 0.26, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 0.08-0.81; p = 0.020 and HRadj = 0.30, CI 95%: 0.11-0.77; p = 0.013, respectively), although due to small group size, precision of estimations was poor (wide CI 95%). In the ChT group, >7 days elapsing between diagnosis and the beginning of chemotherapy and GCS treatment prior to chemotherapy were significantly associated with lower chance of complete remission (CR; p = 0.034 for both); GCS treatment prior to chemotherapy was significantly associated with shorter OS (p = 0.016); chemotherapy based on the modified CHOP protocol was significantly associated with higher chance of CR (p = 0.034) and longer OS (p = 0.039); and CR was significantly linked to longer OS (p = 0.001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The morphological subtype of HGTCL has some prognostic value in dogs treated palliatively (with PM subtype associated with longer OS than P subtype); however, this effect is no longer visible when a dog is treated with chemotherapy.

Atrioventricular synchronous leadless pacing: Micra AV.

Since the arrival of leadless pacemakers (LPs), they have become a cornerstone in remedial treatment of bradycardia and atrioventricular (AV) conduction disorders, as an alternative to transvenous pacemakers. Even though clinical trials and case reports show indisputable benefits of LP therapy, they also bring some doubts. Together with the positive results of the MARVEL trials, AV synchronization has become widely available in LPs, presenting a significant development in leadless technology. This review presents the Micra AV (MAV), describes major clinical trials, and introduces the basics of AV synchronicity obtained with the MAV and its unique programming options.

Outcomes for patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillators admitted to the Emergency Department due to electrical shock during the pre-pandemic and COVID-19 era.

BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD)/cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillation (CRT-D) recipients may be susceptible to the arrhythmic effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized for ICD/CRT-D shocks during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed medical records of patients hospitalized for ICD/CRT-D shock in the pre-pandemic (January 1, 2018-December 31, 2019) and pandemic periods (March 4, 2020-March 3, 2022). Survival data were obtained on October 24, 2022. RESULTS: In total, 198 patients (average age 65.6 years) had 138 pre-pandemic and 124 pandemic visits. Of these patients, 115 were hospitalized during pre-pandemic, 108 during the pandemic, and 25 in both periods. No significant differences were noted in age, sex, number of shocks, or appropriateness of therapy between these periods. During the pandemic, during 14 hospital stays of patients with SARS-CoV-2, 8 (57.1%) received electrical shocks, compared to 12 (10.9%) with negative SARS-CoV-2 tests (P <0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate was 2 of 115 patients hospitalized during the pre-pandemic and 7 of 108 during pandemic periods (4 patients with and 3 without SARS-CoV-2 [P = 0.10]). During the follow-up, there were 66 deaths. Cox regression analysis showed that survival decreased with age and heart failure decompensation in medical history but increased with higher ejection fraction. The pandemic alone was not a survival predictor. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection, older age, and heart failure decompensation in medical history predicted worse outcomes during the pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic did not increase the number of hospital visits due to ICD/CRT-D discharges. SARS-CoV-2 infection predicts increased mortality in patients with ICD/CRT-D shocks.

Corrigendum: Melanoma of the dog and cat: consensus and guidelines.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1359426.].

Melanoma of the dog and cat: consensus and guidelines.

Melanoma of the dog and cat poses a clinical challenge to veterinary practitioners across the globe. As knowledge evolves, so too do clinical practices. However, there remain uncertainties and controversies. There is value for the veterinary community at large in the generation of a contemporary wide-ranging guideline document. The aim of this project was therefore to assimilate the available published knowledge into a single accessible referenced resource and to provide expert clinical guidance to support professional colleagues as they navigate current melanoma challenges and controversies. Melanocytic tumors are common in dogs but rare in cats. The history and clinical signs relate to the anatomic site of the melanoma. Oral and subungual malignant melanomas are the most common malignant types in dogs. While many melanocytic tumors are heavily pigmented, making diagnosis relatively straightforward, melanin pigmentation is variable. A validated clinical stage scheme has been defined for canine oral melanoma. For all other locations and for feline melanoma, TNM-based staging applies. Certain histological characteristics have been shown to bear prognostic significance and can thus prove instructive in clinical decision making. Surgical resection using wide margins is currently the mainstay of therapy for the local control of melanomas, regardless of primary location. Radiotherapy forms an integral part of the management of canine oral melanomas, both as a primary and an adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant immunotherapy or chemotherapy is offered to patients at high risk of developing distant metastasis. Location is the major prognostic factor, although it is not completely predictive of local invasiveness and metastatic potential. There are no specific guidelines regarding referral considerations for dogs with melanoma, as this is likely based on a multitude of factors. The ultimate goal is to provide the best options for patients to extend quality of life and survival, either within the primary care or referral hospital setting.

Transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation for the treatment of central sleep apnoea in heart failure.

AIMS: Periodic breathing with central sleep apnoea (CSA) is common in heart failure patients and is associated with poor quality of life and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We conducted a prospective, non-randomized, acute study to determine the feasibility of using unilateral transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation for the treatment of CSA in heart failure patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-one patients from six centres underwent attempted transvenous lead placement. Of these, 16 qualified to undergo two successive nights of polysomnography-one night with and one night without phrenic nerve stimulation. Comparisons were made between the two nights using the following indices: apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), central apnoea index (CAI), obstructive apnoea index (OAI), hypopnoea index, arousal index, and 4% oxygen desaturation index (ODI4%). Patients underwent phrenic nerve stimulation from either the right brachiocephalic vein (n = 8) or the left brachiocephalic or pericardiophrenic vein (n = 8). Therapy period was (mean ± SD) 251 ± 71 min. Stimulation resulted in significant improvement in the AHI [median (inter-quartile range); 45 (39-59) vs. 23 (12-27) events/h, P = 0.002], CAI [27 (11-38) vs. 1 (0-5) events/h, P≤ 0.001], arousal index [32 (20-42) vs. 12 (9-27) events/h, P = 0.001], and ODI4% [31 (22-36) vs. 14 (7-20) events/h, P = 0.002]. No significant changes occurred in the OAI or hypopnoea index. Two adverse events occurred (lead thrombus and episode of ventricular tachycardia), though neither was directly related to phrenic nerve stimulation therapy. CONCLUSION: Unilateral transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation significantly reduces episodes of CSA and restores a more natural breathing pattern in patients with heart failure. This approach may represent a novel therapy for CSA and warrants further study.

Stents in Veterinary Medicine.

Stenting in veterinary medicine has been a rapidly growing method of interventional surgery for several years. This procedure is usually performed in the respiratory and urinary tracts, but there are cases of stenting of blood vessels or gastrointestinal structures. It is based on maintaining the permeability of a given tubular structure, thus allowing the passage of gas or liquid. This procedure is often performed as a first-line treatment in situations where pharmacological agents do not work and as an alternative method, often cheaper than the classically performed ones. There are also cases where stenting is used as a palliative treatment, e.g., to enable defecation in colonic obstruction due to tumour infiltration of the colon wall. Stenting is often a life-saving or comfort-improving procedure for animals, but one should also be aware of possible postoperative complications and be prepared for any adversity. For this reason, this review provides an insight into the current knowledge in veterinary medicine about stenting and the consequences associated with this procedure.

Redox imbalance in patients with heart failure and ICD/CRT-D intervention. Can it be an underappreciated and overlooked arrhythmogenic factor? A first preliminary clinical study.

Introduction: Redox imbalance and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias. They also play a significant role in pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). In patients with HFand implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D), the direct current shocks may be responsible for additional redox disturbances and additionally increase arrhythmia risk. However, the precise role of oxidative stress in potentially fatal arrhythmias and shock induction remains unclear. Methods: 36 patients with diagnosed HF and implanted ICD/CRT-D were included in this study. Patients were qualified to the study group in case of registered ventricular arrhythmia and adequate ICD/CRT-D intervention. The control group consisted of patients without arrhythmia with elective replacement indicator (ERI) status. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) in erythrocyte (RBC), SOD, GPx activity and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) concentration in plasma were determined. The values were correlated with glucose, TSH, uric acid, Mg and ion concentrations. Results: In the perishock period, we found a significant decrease in RBC and extracellular (EC) SOD and RBC CAT activity (p = 0.0110, p = 0.0055 and p = 0.0002, respectively). EC GPx activity was also lower (p = 0.0313). In all patients, a decrease in the concentration of all forms of glutathione was observed compared to the ERI group. Important association between ROS/RNS and GSH, Mg, TSH and uric acid was shown. A relationship between the activity of GSH and antioxidant enzymes was found. Furthermore, an association between oxidative stress and ionic imbalance has also been demonstrated. The patients had an unchanged de Haan antioxidant ratio and glutathione redox potential. Conclusion: Here we show significant redox disturbances in patients with HF and ICD/CRT-D interventions. Oxidative stress may be an additional risk factor for the development of arrhythmia in patients with HF. The detailed role of oxidative stress in ventricular arrhythmias requires further research already undertaken by our team.

Shared Decision Making and Cardioneuroablation Allow Discontinuation of Permanent Pacing in Patients with Vagally Mediated Bradycardia.

BACKGROUND: Safe discontinuation of pacemaker therapy for vagally mediated bradycardia is a dilemma. The aim of the study was to present the outcomes of a proposed diagnostic and therapeutic process aimed at discontinuing or not restoring pacemaker therapy (PPM) in patients with vagally mediated bradycardia. METHODS: The study group consisted of two subgroups of patients with suspected vagally mediated bradycardia who were considered to have PPM discontinued or not to restore their PPM if cardioneuroablation (CNA) would successfully treat their bradycardia. A group of 3 patients had just their pacemaker explanted but reimplantation was suggested, and 17 patients had preexisting pacemakers implanted. An invasive electrophysiology study was performed. If EPS was negative, extracardiac vagal nerve stimulation (ECVS) was performed. Then, patients with positive ECVS received CNA. Patients with an implanted pacemaker had it programmed to pace at the lowest possible rate. After the observational period and control EPS including ECVS, redo-CNA was performed if pauses were induced. The decision to explant the pacemaker was obtained based on shared decision making (SDM). RESULTS: After initial clinical and electrophysiological evaluation, 17 patients were deemed eligible for CNA (which was then performed). During the observational period after the initial CNA, all 17 patients were clinically asymptomatic. The subsequent invasive evaluation with ECVS resulted in pause induction in seven (41%) patients, and these patients underwent redo-CNA. Then, SDM resulted in the discontinuation of pacemaker therapy or a decision to not perform pacemaker reimplantation in all the patients after CAN. The pacemaker was explanted in 12 patients post-CNA, while in 2 patients explantation was postponed. During a median follow-up of 18 (IQR: 8-22) months, recurrent syncope did not occur in the CNA recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Pacemaker therapy in patients with vagally mediated bradycardia could be discontinued safely after CNA.

Employment of the Evolution RL sheath as a first-choice device shortens transvenous lead extraction time without affecting procedural safety and efficacy compared to its auxiliary use: Insights from the prospective multicenter EVO registry.

BACKGROUND: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is recommended in cases of local and systemic infections related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Additionally, TLE is indicated in the event of lead damage or CIED malfunction. The extraction procedure is associated with a risk of life-threatening complications. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the EVO registry was to assess the safety and efficacy of birotational Evolution tool usage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This registry study was prospectively conducted in 8 high-volume implantation centers in Poland. The study included 133 patients aged 63.5 ±15.1 years, and 76.69% were male. Indications for the procedure were: local or systemic infection (33.1%) and lead dysfunction (66.9%). The number of leads extracted varied from 1 (39.84%) to 3 (9.77%). RESULTS: Clinical procedural success was achieved in 99.1% of cases. A total of 226 leads were extracted, and 206 used the Evolution system. Two procedural strategies were identified while using the Evolution system: (1) usage of locking stylet, propylene sheaths and the Evolution system (118 leads, 52%) - group A; (2) usage of locking stylet and Evolution (88 leads, 39%) - group B. There were no differences in the number of complications between these 2 groups. The extraction time was significantly shorter (p = 0.02) in group B than in group A. Major complications occurred in 5.2% of cases with 2 intraprocedural deaths. Minor complications occurred in 1.5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The registry confirmed the efficacy and relative safety of the birotational Evolution sheath. Using the rotational sheath as a first attempt significantly reduces extraction time without compromising its safety.