Diagnosis-to-ablation time in atrial fibrillation: A modifiable factor relevant to clinical outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrences after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation are still common. Among the reported clinical and imaging predictors of recurrences, diagnosis-to-ablation time (DAT) has been defined as a predictor of ablation outcome in single-center studies. We aimed to validate DAT in a multicenter real-life cohort. METHODS: This was a multicenter study including consecutive patients undergoing first paroxysmal and persistent AF ablation with radiofrequency or cryoballoon catheters during 2013. Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to identify predictors of recurrence. RESULTS: In total, 309 patients were included across nine centers (71% men, 57 ± 10 years old, 46% with hypertension, and 66% with CHA2 DS2 -VASc ≤ 1). Most patients had paroxysmal AF (67%) and underwent radiofrequency ablation (68%) with a median DAT of 51 (43) months. Patients with DAT ≤ 1 year (16.6%) were less likely to have repeat procedures (4% vs 18%; P = .017). The adjusted proportional hazards Cox model identified hypertension (P = .005), heart failure (P = .011), nonparoxysmal AF (P = .038), DAT > 1 year (P = .007), and LA diameter (P = .026) as independent predictors for AF recurrence. DAT > 1 year was the only modifiable factor independently associated with recurrence (HR 4.2 [95% CI, 1.5-11.9]) CONCLUSION: Diagnosis-to-ablation time is a modifiable factor independently associated with recurrent arrhythmia and repeat ablation after first AF ablation. An early intervention strategy during the first year from AF diagnosis might improve outcomes.

Differences in scar lesion formation between radiofrequency and cryoballoon in atrial fibrillation ablation: a comparison study using ultra-high-density mapping.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is usually associated to conduction gaps in pulmonary veins (PVs). Our objective was to characterize gaps in patients with recurrences after a first radiofrequency (RF) or cryoballoon (CB) PVI procedure, using a high-density mapping (HDM) system. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty patients with AF recurrence after a first PVI procedure (pre-RF 25 patients; pre-CB 25 patients) were included at two centres. Activation map (AM) and voltage map (VM) of the left atrium and PVs were built using the HDM Rhythmia® system. Superior PVs were reconnected more frequently in both groups. Right PVs were reconnected more frequently in pre-RF patients. Pre-RF patients had more reconnected veins than pre-CB patients (mean ± standard deviation: 3.00 ± 0.96 vs. 1.88 ± 1.13; P < 0.001) and more gaps (4.84 ± 2.06 vs. 2.16 ± 1.49; P < 0.001). Gaps in the VM were wider in pre-CB patients (16.5 ± 9.5 mm vs. 12.1 ± 4.8 mm; P = 0.006). There was a gap in 179 of the 800 PV segments analysed (22%); 52% were identified in both AM and VM maps; 39% only in the AM and 8% only in the VM. The highest sensitivity and specificity for gap detection was obtained with VM in pre-CB patients and with AM in pre-RF patients. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, HDM seems to be a useful and precise tool to detect conduction gaps after a first PVI procedure. The anatomical pattern and location of gaps depends on the technique used previously, usually being multiple, smaller, and better detected by AM after RF, and fewer, wider, and better detected by VM after CB.

Identification of cavotricuspid isthmus voltage patterns in typical atrial flutter ablation.

Background: Electroanatomical mapping is an essential tool in the ablation of typical AFL. Objectives: To identify the existence of voltage patterns in the CTI voltage maps and their relevance for typical AFL ablation. Methods: A voltage map of the CTI was made prior to ablation, identifying the areas of maximum voltage and their location along the CTI, allowing classification into patterns according to their distribution. A stepwise ablation approach targeting the areas of maximum voltage was conducted. The ablation characteristics were compared based on the pattern obtained. Results: Two voltage patterns were identified, with differences in ablation time to bidirectional CTI block. No complications occurred. Conclusions: Voltage mapping identifies patterns in the CTI with implications for typical AFL ablation.

Time to -30°C as a predictor of acute success during cryoablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Freezing rate of second-generation cryoballoon (CB) is a biophysical parameter that could assist pulmonary vein isolation. The aim of this study is to assess freezing rate (time to reach -30°C ([TT-30C]) as an early predictor of acute pulmonary vein isolation using the CB. METHODS: Biophysical data from CB freeze applications within a multicenter, nation-wide CB ablation registry were gathered. Successful application (SA), was defined as achieving durable intraprocedural vein isolation. And SA with time to isolation under 60 s (SA-TTI<60) as achieving durable vein isolation in under 60 s. Logistic regressions were performed and predictive models were built for the data set. RESULTS: 12,488 CB applications from 1,733 atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures were included within 27 centers from a Spanish CB AF ablation registry. SA was achieved in 6,349 of 9,178 (69.2%) total freeze applications, and SA-TTI<60 was obtained in 2,673 of 4,784 (55.9%) freezes where electrogram monitoring was present. TT-30C was shorter in the SA group (33.4 ± 9.2 vs 39.3 ± 12.1 s; p < 0.001) and SA-TTI<60 group (31.8 ± 7.6 vs. 38.5 ± 11.5 s; p < 0.001). Also, a 10 s increase in TT-30C was associated with a 41% reduction in the odds for an SA (odds ratio [OR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.63) and a 57% reduction in the odds for achieving SA-TTI<60 (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.39-0.49), when corrected for electrogram visualization, vein position, and application order. CONCLUSIONS: Time to reach -30°C is an early predictor of the quality of a CB application and can be used to guide the ablation procedure even in the absence of electrogram monitoring.

Repeat cryoablation as a redo procedure for atrial fibrillation ablation: Is it a good choice?

BACKGROUND: Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), both cryoablation ablation (CBA) and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA), have demonstrated to be safe and effective. About 1 in 3 patients may face a redo due to recurrence and the best technique is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of CBA as a repeat procedure in patients with prior CBA or RFCA. METHODS: A nation-wide CBA registry (RECABA) was analyzed and patients were compared who had previously undergone CBA (Prior-CB) or RFCA (Prior-RF). The primary endpoint was AF recurrence at 12 months after a 3-month blanking period. A survival analysis was performed, univariate and multivariate Cox models were also built. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included. Thirty-three (44.6%) were in the Prior-CB group and 41 (55.4%) in the Prior-RF. There were more reconnected pulmonary veins in the Prior-RF than in Prior-CB group (40.4% vs.16.5%, p = 0.0001). The 12-month Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from AF recurrence after the blanking period was 61.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 41.4-75.8%) in the Prior-CB, and 89.2% (95% CI 73.6-95.9%) in the Prior-RF group (p = 0.002). Multivariate Cox regression pointed Prior-CB as the sole independent predictor of AF recurrence, with an adjusted HR of 2.67 (95% CI 1.05-6.79). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat CBA shows higher rates of AF recurrences compared to CBA after a previous RFCA despite presenting less reconnected veins at the procedure. These data suggest that patients with AF recurrence after CBA may benefit from other ablation techniques after a recurrence. RECABA is registered at clinicaltrials.gov with the Unique Identifier NCT02785991.

Cardiac magnetic resonance outperforms echocardiography to predict subsequent implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are effective as a primary prevention measure of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The implications of using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) instead of echocardiography (Echo) to assess LVEF prior to the indication of ICD in this setting are unknown. Materials and methods: We evaluated 52 STEMI patients (56.6 ± 11 years, 88.5% male) treated with ICD in primary prevention who underwent echocardiography and CMR prior to ICD implantation. ICD implantation was indicated based on the presence of heart failure and depressed LVEF (≤ 35%) by echocardiography, CMR, or both. Prediction of ICD therapies (ICD-T) during follow-up by echocardiography and CMR before ICD implantation was assessed. Results: Compared to echocardiography, LVEF was lower by cardiac CMR (30.2 ± 9% vs. 37.4 ± 7.6%, p < 0.001). LVEF ≤ 35% was detected in 24 patients (46.2%) by Echo and in 42 (80.7%) by CMR. During a mean follow-up of 6.1 ± 4.2 years, 10 patients received appropriate ICD-T (3.16 ICD-T per 100 person-years): 5 direct shocks to treat very fast ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, 3 effective antitachycardia pacing (ATP) for treatment of ventricular tachycardia, and 2 ineffective ATP followed by shock to treat ventricular tachycardia. Echo-LVEF ≤ 35% correctly predicted ICD-T in 4/10 (40%) patients and CMR-LVEF ≤ 35% in 10/10 (100%) patients. CMR-LVEF improved on Echo-LVEF for predicting ICD-T (area under the curve: 0.76 vs. 0.48, p = 0.04). Conclusion: In STEMI patients treated with ICD, assessment of LVEF by CMR outperforms Echo-LVEF to predict the subsequent use of appropriate ICD therapies.

Cryoballoon Ablation for Persistent and Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Procedural Differences and Results from the Spanish Registry (RECABA).

Introduction: Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) has become a standard treatment for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PaAF) but limited data is available for outcomes in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF). Methods: We analyzed the first 944 patients included in the Spanish Prospective Multi-center Observation Post-market Registry to compare characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing CBA for PeAF versus PaAF. Results: A total of 944 patients (57.8 ± 10.4 years; 70.1% male) with AF (27.9% persistent) were prospectively included from 25 centers. PeAF patients were more likely to have structural heart disease (67.7 vs. 11.4%; p < 0.001) and left atrium dilation (72.6 vs. 43.3%; p < 0.001). CBA of PeAF was less likely to be performed under general anesthesia (10.7 vs. 22.2%; p < 0.001), with an arterial line (32.2 vs. 44.6%; p < 0.001) and assisted transeptal puncture (11.9 vs. 17.9%; p = 0.025). During an application, PeAF patients had a longer time to −30 °C (35.91 ± 14.20 vs. 34.93 ± 12.87 s; p = 0.021) and a colder balloon nadir temperature during vein isolation (−35.04 ± 9.58 vs. −33.61 ± 10.32 °C; p = 0.004), but received fewer bonus freeze applications (30.7 vs. 41.1%; p < 0.001). There were no differences in acute pulmonary vein isolation and procedure-related complications. Overall, 76.7% of patients were free from AF recurrences at 15-month follow-up (78.9% in PaAF vs. 70.9% in PeAF; p = 0.09). Conclusions: Patients with PeAF have a more diseased substrate, and CBA procedures performed in such patients were more simplified, although longer/colder freeze applications were often applied. The acute efficacy/safety profile of CBA was similar between PaAF and PeAF patients, but long-term results were better in PaAF patients.

Primary results of the Spanish Cryoballoon Ablation Registry: acute and long-term outcomes of the RECABA study.

Cryoablation is safe and effective for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in controlled clinical trials, but contemporary real-world usage and outcomes are limited. The Report of the Spanish Cryoballoon Ablation Registry (RECABA) was designed to evaluate acute and 12-month outcomes of cryoballoon ablation for the treatment of AF in Spain. Patients from 27 Spanish centers were prospectively enrolled. Patients were treated with cryoballoon ablation and managed according to standard of care protocols at each center. The primary endpoint was ≥ 30 s freedom from AF at 12-month after a 3-month blanking period. Secondary endpoints included a description of patient characteristics, cryoablation procedural strategy and safety, and predictors of efficacy. In total, 1742 patients (71.4% PAF, 68.8% male, mean age 58.02 ± 10.40 years, 76.1% overweight or obese, CHA2DS2-VASc index 1.40 ± 1.28) were enrolled. Patients received 7.2 ± 2.67 cryo-applications. PV potentials could be detected in 61% of the PVs during ablation, with a mean time to block of 52.9 ± 37.02 s. Acute PVI was observed in 97% of PVs with 75.8% isolated with the first cryo-application. Mean procedural time was 113 ± 41 min. Acute complications occurred in 4.4% of the cases. With follow-up in 1628 patients, AF-free survival was 78.5% (PAF: 80.6% vs PersAF 73.3%; p < 0.001). Left atrium enlargement, female sex, non-PAF, and early recurrence were independent predictors of AF recurrence (p < 0.05). RECABA provides detailed insight into current dosing practices and demonstrates cryoablation is safe and effective in real-world use.ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT02785991.

Transient narrowing of a wide QRS tachycardia. What is the mechanism?

Electrocardiogram showing a regular wide QRS tachycardia with left branch block (LBBB) like in morphology at 200 beats per minute (bpm). During electrophysiology study, it suddenly gets narrow and faster. What is the mechanism of the switch from a broad complex to a narrow complex tachycardia?

Left atrial geometry and outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation: results from the multicentre LAGO-AF study.

Aims: Left atrial (LA) remodelling is a key determinant of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation outcome. Optimal methods to assess this process are scarce. LA sphericity is a shape-based parameter shown to be independently associated to procedural success. In a multicentre study, we aimed to test the feasibility of assessing LA sphericity and evaluate its capability to predict procedural outcomes. Methods and results: This study included consecutive patients undergoing first AF ablation during 2013. A 3D model of the LA chamber, excluding pulmonary veins and LA appendage, was used to quantify LA volume (LAV) and LA sphericity (≥82.1% was considered spherical LA). In total, 243 patients were included across 9 centres (71% men, aged 56 ± 10 years, 44% with hypertension and 76% CHA2DS2-VASc ≤ 1). Most patients had paroxysmal AF (66%) and underwent radiofrequency ablation (60%). Mean LA diameter (LAD), LAV, and LA sphericity were 42 ± 6 mm, 100 ± 33 mL, and 82.6 ± 3.5%, respectively. Adjusted Cox models identified paroxysmal AF [hazard ratio (HR 0.54, P = 0.032)] and LA sphericity (HR 1.87, P = 0.035) as independent predictors for AF recurrence. A combined clinical-imaging score [Left Atrial Geometry and Outcome (LAGO)] including five items (AF phenotype, structural heart disease, CHA2DS2-VASc ≤ 1, LAD, and LA sphericity) classified patients at low (≤2 points) and high risk (≥3 points) of procedural failure (35% vs. 82% recurrence at 3-year follow-up, respectively; HR 3.10, P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this multicentre, real-life cohort, LA sphericity and AF phenotype were the strongest predictors of AF ablation outcome after adjustment for covariates. The LAGO score was easy to implement, identified high risk of procedural failure, and could help select optimal candidates. Clinical Trial Registration Information: NCT02373982 (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02373982).

Time-to-Effect-Based Dosing Strategy for Cryoballoon Ablation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Results of the plusONE Multicenter Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial.

BACKGROUND: The optimal dosage of cryotherapy during cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins is still unclear. This trial tested the noninferiority of a novel, individualized, cryotherapy-dosing strategy for each vein. METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective, randomized, multicenter, noninferiority study included 140 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which was refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. Patients were randomly assigned to a conventional strategy of 180-second cryoballoon applications per vein with a bonus freeze (control group, n=70) or to a shorter-time application protocol, with 1 application that lasted the time required for electric block time to effect plus 60- and a 120-second freeze bonus (study group, n=70). Patients were followed with a long-term monitoring system of 30 days. At 1-year follow-up, no difference was observed in terms of free atrial fibrillation-recurrence rates: 79.4% in control versus 78.3% in study group (Δ=1.15%; 90% confidence interval, -10.33% to 12.63%; P=0.869). Time to effect was detected in 72.1% of veins. The control and study groups had similar mean number of applications per patient (9.6±2 versus 9.9±2.4; P=0.76). Compared with controls, the study group had a significantly shorter cryotherapy time (28.3±7 versus 19.4±4.3 minutes; P<0.001), left atrium time (104±25 versus 92±23 minutes; P<0.01), and total procedure time (135±35 versus 119±31 minutes; P<0.01). No differences were observed in complications or acute reconnections. CONCLUSIONS: The new time-to-effect-based cryotherapy dosage protocol led to shorter cryotherapy and procedure times, with equal safety, and similar acute and 1-year follow-up results, compared with the conventional approach. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02789358.

[Effect of combined beta-blocker and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment on 1-year survival after acute myocardial infarction: findings of the PRIAMHO-II registry]. / Efecto de la asociación de bloqueadores beta e inhibidores de la enzima de conversión en la supervivencia al año tras un infarto agudo de miocardio. Resultados del registro PRIAMHO II.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Clinical trials have shown that combining beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors has an additive effect in reducing mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction following acute myocardial infarction. Whether this additive effect also occurs in unselected post-myocardial infarction patients is unknown. METHODS: In total, 5397 patients who were discharged from hospital after suffering an acute myocardial infarction were followed for 1 year. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The effects of the medications on 1-year survival were analyzed using a Cox regression model, which included propensity scores for beta-blocker and ACE inhibitor use to take account of any potential imbalance in drug prescription rates. RESULTS: At hospital discharge, 55.9% of patients were receiving beta-blockers and 45.1%, ACE inhibitors. The 1-year mortality rate was 5.5%. Overall, combination of the two medications significantly reduced the 1-year mortality rate (hazard ratio [HR]=0.51; 95% confidence interval [IC], 0.32-0.82); P<.005) to a greater extent than ACE inhibitors alone (HR=0.78; 95% CI, 0.54-1.12; P=.2) or beta-blockers alone (HR=0.67; 95% CI, 0.43-1.05; P=.08). The same trend was also observed in low-risk patients without acute heart failure who had an ejection fraction > or =40%. CONCLUSIONS: In unselected post-myocardial infarction patients, combined prescription of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors had an additive effect on the 1-year survival rate.

[Reduction in acute myocardial infarction mortality over a five-year period]. / Reducción de la mortalidad por infarto agudo de miocardio en un período de 5 años.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To assess recent changes in the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and their impact on mortality using data from the PRIAMHO I and II registries (1995 and 2000). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Of the 168 public hospitals in Spain, 24 and 58 contributed to the 1995 and 2000 PRIAMHO registries, respectively. RESULTS: Patients in the PRIAMHO II registry (n=6221) were significantly older, more often female, and proportionally more likely to have coronary risk factors or a previous myocardial infarction, or to have undergone revascularization than those in PRIAMHO I (n=5242). Reperfusion therapy was administered more often (46.9% vs 41.9%, P<.001) and earlier (48 min vs 60 min, P<.001). Antiplatelet drugs were given to 96.1% vs 89.1% of patients, beta-blockers to 51.1% vs 30.1%, and ACE inhibitors to 41.6% vs 24.9% (P<.001 for all comparisons). In addition, 28-day mortality was 11.3% and 14.2% (P<.001), respectively, and one-year mortality, 16.4% and 18.5% (P<.001), respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio for mortality at one year in PRIAMHO II compared with PRIAMHO I was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70-0.86, P<.001; adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, smoking, dyslipemia, hypertension, previous MI and CABG, ST-elevation status and Killip class at admission, and hospital characteristics). CONCLUSIONS: Even though patients registered in 2000 formed a higher risk group than those registered in 1995, one-year mortality after AMI decreased by 22% over the five-year period. This improvement was due to more frequent and earlier reperfusion therapy and better use of antithrombotics, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors.

Endo-epicardial versus only-endocardial ablation as a first line strategy for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia in patients with ischemic heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial ablation has shown improvement in clinical outcomes of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) after ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. However, usually epicardial access is only performed when endocardial ablation has failed. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of endocardial+epicardial ablation versus only endocardial ablation in the first procedure in patients with IHD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-three patients with IHD, referred for a first VT ablation to our institution, from 2012 to 2014, were included. They were divided in 2 groups according to enrollment time: from May 2013, we started to systematically perform endo-epicardial access (Epi-Group) as first-line approach in consecutive patients with IHD (n=15). Patients who underwent only an endocardial VT ablation in their first procedure (Endo-Group) included patients with previous cardiac surgery and the historical (before May 2013; n=35). All late-potentials in the scar zone were eliminated, and if VT was tolerated, critical isthmuses were also approached. The end point was the noninducibility of any VT. During a median follow-up of 15±10 months, the combined end point (hospital or emergency admission because of a ventricular tachycardia or reablation) occurred in 14 patients of the Endo-group and in one patient in the Epi-group (event-free survival curves by Grey-test, P=0.03). Ventricular arrhythmia recurrences occurred in 16 and in 3 patients in the Endo and Epi-Group, respectively (Grey-test, P=0.2). CONCLUSIONS: A combined endocardial-epicardial ablation approach for initial VT ablation was associated with fewer readmissions for VT and repeat ablations. Further studies are warranted.

[Role of emergency departments in acute myocardial infarction care. EVICURE study]. / El infarto agudo de miocardio en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios españoles. El estudio EVICURE.

No published information is available about myocardial infarction management in Spanish emergency departments. The EVICURE is a prospective, multicenter, observational study involving 35 hospitals that for a 3-week period collected all the cases of patients requiring care in which the final diagnosis of the cause of symptoms was ischemic heart disease. The study included 2,216 patients, of which 600 (27.1%) with acute myocardial infarction formed the study population. Fifteen patients died in the emergency department (2.5%) and 80 (13.3%) diagnosed as myocardial infarction were admitted to the ward instead of the coronary care unit. The median time before patients were admitted to the coronary care unit was 32 minutes versus a median time of 111 minutes for all patients. Before leaving the emergency room, 461 patients (76.5%) received aspirin and 93 (15.5%) underwent fibrinolysis. We concluded that there is room for improvement in light of current standards of care.

[Management of myocardial infarction in Spain in the year 2000. The PRIAMHO II study]. / Tratamiento del infarto agudo miocardio en España en el año 2000. El estudio PRIAMHO II.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hospital registries are useful tools to measure the degree of implementation of new treatments and clinical practice guidelines. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The hospital registry described here was developed in the prospective PRIAMHO II study, which involved a random selection of Spanish hospitals with a coronary intensive care unit and external quality control. This study investigated patients admitted to the coronary care unit with acute myocardial infarction. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, as well as the management, clinical course and survival after 28 days and one year. RESULTS: From May 15 to December 15 2000 we included in the registry 6,221 patients from the 58 hospitals that complied with the quality control requirements (71.6% of all participating hospitals). Acute mortality was 9.6%; 28-day and one-year mortality were 11.4% and 16.5%, respectively. Of the patients with ST elevation-myocardial infarction of less than 12 hours' duration, 71.6% were reperfused and 89.3% received fibrinolysis with a median door-to-needle time of 48 minutes. Ejection fraction was measured in 81% of the patients, and 43% were tested for inducible ischemia. About nine-tenths (91%) of the patients were discharged on least one antiplatelet drug, 56% on a beta blocker, 45% on an ACE inhibitor, and 45% on a lipid-lowering agent, with a coefficient of variation between hospitals greater than 25% for the last three drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of patients with ST elevation treated with reperfusion should increase, as it probably will thanks to the increasing use of primary angioplasty. The door-to-needle time was longer than the recommended interval. In-hospital risk stratification was good but nonsystematic for the evaluation of ejection fraction, and unsatisfactory for inducible ischemia testing. At discharge the percentages of patients receiving beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and statins were not optimal, and there were wide variations in prescribing practices between hospitals.

[2002 Update of the Guidelines of the Spanish Society of Cardiology for Unstable Angina/Without ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction]. / Actualización (2002) de las Guías de Práctica Clínica de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología en angina inestable/infarto sin elevación del segmento ST.

Since the Spanish Society of Cardiology Clinical Practice Guidelines on Unstable Angina/Non-Q-Wave Myocardial Infarction were released in 1999, the conclusions of several studies that have been published make it advisable to update current clinical recommendations. The main findings are related to the developing role of Chest Pain Units in the management and early risk stratification of acute coronary syndromes in the emergency department; new information concerning the efficacy of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, clopidogrel and low-molecular-weight heparins in the pharmacological treatment of acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation; and the role of early invasive strategy in improving the prognosis of these patients. The published evidence is reviewed and the corresponding clinical recommendations for the management of acute coronary syndromes without persistent ST-segment elevation are updated.

Spanish Catheter Ablation Registry. 13th Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Electrophysiology and Arrhythmias (2013).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This report presents the results of the 2013 Spanish Catheter Ablation Registry. METHODS: Data were collected using 2 systems: retrospectively by completing a dedicated form and prospectively by reporting to a central database. Each participating center chose 1 of the 2 data collection methods. RESULTS: Eighty centers voluntarily contributed data to the registry. A total of 11 987 ablation procedures were performed, with a mean (standard deviation) of 149 (105) procedures per center. The 3 main arrhythmic substrates treated were atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (n=2959; 24.6%), cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (n=2700; 22.5%), and atrial fibrillation (n=2201; 18.4%). The number of ventricular ablation procedures was similar to the 2012 activity, but there was a slight increase in procedures for scar-related postmyocardial infarction ventricular tachycardia. The success rate was 94.4%, major complications occurred in 1.8%, and the mortality rate was 0.03%. CONCLUSIONS: In line with previous reports, the data from the 2013 registry show a continuing increase in the number of ablations performed. Overall, there was a high success rate and few complications. Ablation of complex substrates has continued to increase.