Novel SCN10A variants associated with Brugada syndrome
Conclusion
In six BrS probands who carried SCN10A variants, most experienced severe arrhythmic attacks. It is of clinical importance to screen SCN10A mutations in BrS, although the functional significance of these variants remains unclear. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Fukuyama, M., Ohno, S., Makiyama, T., Horie, M. Tags: Channelopathies Source Type: research
A Brugada syndrome proband with compound heterozygote SCN5A mutations identified from a Chinese family in Singapore
Aims
Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a rare heritable ventricular arrhythmia. Genetic defects in SCN5A, a gene that encodes the α-subunit of the sodium ion channel Nav1.5, are present in 15–30% of BrS cases. SCN5A remains by far, the highest yielding gene for BrS. We studied a young male who presented with syncope at age 11. This proband was screened for possible disease causing SCN5A mutations. The inheritance pattern was also examined amongst his first-degree family members.
Methods and results
The proband had a baseline electrocardiogram that showed Type 2 BrS changes, which escalated to a characteristic Type I B...
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Tan, B. Y., Yong, R. Y. Y., Barajas-Martinez, H., Dumaine, R., Chew, Y. X., Wasan, P. S., Ching, C. K., Ho, K. L., Gan, L. S. H., Morin, N., Chong, A. P. L., Yap, S. H., Neo, J. L., Yap, E. P. H., Moochhala, S., Chong, D. T. T., Chow, W., Seow, S. C., Hu, Tags: Channelopathies Source Type: research
Purkinje-related ventricular fibrillation associated with a homozygous H558R polymorphism in the sodium channel SCN5A gene
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Reithmann, C., Beckmann, B.-M., Kääb, S. Tags: EP CASE EXPRESS Source Type: research
Diagnostic yield of molecular autopsy in patients with sudden arrhythmic death syndrome using targeted exome sequencing
Aims
The targeted genetic screening of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) probands in a molecular autopsy has a diagnostic yield of up to 35%. Exome sequencing has the potential to improve this yield. The primary aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and diagnostic utility of targeted exome screening in SADS victims, utilizing familial clinical screening whenever possible.
Methods and results
To determine the feasibility and diagnostic yield of targeted exome sequencing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was isolated from 59 SADS victims (mean age 25 years, range 1–51 years). Targeted exome sequencing of 135...
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Nunn, L. M., Lopes, L. R., Syrris, P., Murphy, C., Plagnol, V., Firman, E., Dalageorgou, C., Zorio, E., Domingo, D., Murday, V., Findlay, I., Duncan, A., Carr-White, G., Robert, L., Bueser, T., Langman, C., Fynn, S. P., Goddard, M., White, A., Bundgaard, Tags: Channelopathies Source Type: research
Failure to shock due to misdiagnosis of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: to bin or not to bin?
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Lim, T. W., Kojodjojo, P., Seow, S.-C. Tags: EP CASE EXPRESS Source Type: research
Asymptomatic ventricular premature depolarizations are not necessarily benign
Aims
Most patients with idiopathic ventricular premature depolarizations (VPDs) complain of symptoms related to this arrhythmia, but some patients are asymptomatic even with a high VPD burden. Our understanding of the relationship between symptoms and cardiomyopathy related to this arrhythmia remains limited.
Methods and Results
We evaluated 801 subjects (381 men; mean age, 55 ± 17 years) who visited our outpatient clinic. All subjects were diagnosed with frequent VPDs (1% or>1000 beats/day). The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of typical VPD symptoms (palpitations or s...
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Park, K.-M., Im, S. I., Chun, K. J., Hwang, J. K., Park, S.-J., Kim, J. S., On, Y. K. Tags: Cardiac electrophysiology Source Type: research
Impact of previous cardiac surgery on long-term outcome of cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter ablation
Conclusion
Radiofrequency catheter ablation of CTI-AFL after surgical correction of AHD and CHD is associated with high acute success rates. The severity of the structural alterations of the underlying heart disease and consequently the type of surgical correction correlates with higher risk for recurrence. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dallaglio, P. D., Anguera, I., Jimenez-Candil, J., Peinado, R., Garcia-Seara, J., Arcocha, M. F., Macias, R., Herreros, B., Quesada, A., Hernandez-Madrid, A., Alvarez, M., Di Marco, A., Filgueiras, D., Matia, R., Cequier, A., Sabate, X. Tags: Cardiac electrophysiology Source Type: research
Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation using a catheter equipped with mini electrodes on the 8 mm tip: a prospective comparison with an 8 mm dumbbell-shaped tip catheter and 8 mm tip cryothermal catheter
Aims
The mini electrodes (ME) placed on the tip of the ablation electrode provide more precise local signal. We evaluated whether ME catheter was effective for the ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent atrial flutter.
Methods and results
Eighty-five consecutive patients (68 men; 62 ± 10 years) underwent CTI ablation either using a catheter equipped with ME on the 8 mm tip (ME catheter) in 25 patients (Group A), 8 mm dumbbell-shaped (DS) tip catheter (DS catheter) in 30 patients (Group B), or 8 mm tip cryothermal catheter (Cryo catheter) in 30 patients (Group C). In cases of failed isthmus block, the cat...
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Iwasawa, J., Miyazaki, S., Takagi, T., Taniguchi, H., Nakamura, H., Hachiya, H., Iesaka, Y. Tags: Cardiac electrophysiology Source Type: research
Radiofrequency ablation of left atrial appendage accessory pathway
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Mollazadeh, R., Eslami, M. Tags: EP CASE EXPRESS Source Type: research
Bundled preparation of skin antisepsis decreases the risk of cardiac implantable electronic device-related infection
Conclusion
Pocket haematoma was the most important risk factor for CIED infection. The bundled skin antiseptic preparation strategy significantly reduced the risk of minor CIED infection. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Chen, H.-C., Chen, M.-C., Chen, Y.-L., Tsai, T.-H., Pan, K.-L., Lin, Y.-S. Tags: Pacing and resynchronization therapy Source Type: research
Quantitative assessment of cardiac mechanical dyssynchrony and prediction of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy using equilibrium radionuclide angiography
Conclusion
Baseline SD LVmPA and LV–RVmPA derived from ERNA are useful for prediction of response to CRT in non-ischaemic DCM patients. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Mukherjee, A., Patel, C. D., Naik, N., Sharma, G., Roy, A. Tags: Pacing and resynchronization therapy Source Type: research
Mid-term clinical and echocardiographic evaluation of super responders with and without pacing: the preliminary results of a prospective, randomized, single-centre study
Conclusion
Super responders without pacing had poor clinical and echocardiographic outcomes at the mid-term follow-up. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Cay, S., Ozeke, O., Ozcan, F., Aras, D., Topaloglu, S. Tags: Pacing and resynchronization therapy Source Type: research
Clinical features and changes in epidemiology of infective endocarditis on pacemaker devices over a 27-year period (1987-2013)
Aims
Use of cardiac pacing devices has grown in recent years. Our aim was to evaluate changes in epidemiology and clinical features of infective endocarditis (IE) involving pacemaker devices in a large series of IE over the last 27 years (1987–2013).
Methods and results
From 1987 to December 2013, 413 consecutive IE cases were diagnosed in our hospital. During this period, 7424 pacemaker devices were implanted (6917 pacemakers, 239 implantable cardiac defibrillators, 158 resynchronization devices, and 110 resynchronization/defibrillator devices). All consecutive cases of IE on pacemaker devices were included and ana...
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Carrasco, F., Anguita, M., Ruiz, M., Castillo, J. C., Delgado, M., Mesa, D., Romo, E., Pan, M., Suarez de Lezo, J. Tags: Pacing and resynchronization therapy Source Type: research
Concerns about implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks mediate the relationship between actual shocks and psychological distress
Conclusion
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator-related concerns have a bigger impact on psychological distress than receipt of an actual shock. Assessing ICD-related concerns in clinical practice can identify patients at risk for psychological distress. Further research on assessment of, and interventions targeting, ICD-related concerns is warranted. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Thylen, I., Moser, D. K., Strömberg, A., Dekker, R. A., Chung, M. L. Tags: Sudden death and ICDs Source Type: research
Impact of remote monitoring on reducing the burden of inappropriate shocks related to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead fractures: insights from a French single-centre registry
Conclusion
Remote monitoring helps to reduce the burden of ISs related to ICD lead fractures. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Souissi, Z., Guedon-Moreau, L., Boule, S., Kouakam, C., Finat, L., Marquie, C., Brigadeau, F., Wissocque, L., Mouton, S., Montaigne, D., Klug, D., Kacet, S., Lacroix, D. Tags: Sudden death and ICDs Source Type: research
Ratchet syndrome in complex congenital heart disease
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Shoda, M., Takeuchi, D., Manaka, T. Tags: IMAGES IN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY Source Type: research
Feasibility and safety of temporary subcutaneous venous figure-of-eight suture to achieve haemostasis after ablation of atrial fibrillation
Conclusion
Figure-of-eight suture is a fast closure technique that can be used as an efficient alternative to usual compression methods to prevent bleeding during high-intensity anticoagulation and the use of large-diameter venous sheaths and multiple femoral venous accesses. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Traulle, S., Kubala, M., Doucy, A., Quenum, S., Hermida, J.-S. Tags: Ablation for atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
Combined remote magnetic navigation and ultra-high-density mapping (Rhythmia™) in slow pathway ablation
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Latcu, D. G., Bun, S.-S., Saoudi, N. Tags: EP CASE EXPRESS Source Type: research
Safety, efficacy, and clinical applicability of pulmonary vein isolation with circular multi-electrode ablation systems: PVAC(R) vs. nMARQ™ for atrial fibrillation ablation
Aims
We compare our experience with available circular multi-electrode catheters for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation: PVAC®, a phased radiofrequency system, and nMARQ™, an irrigated tip-CARTO-based technology.
Methods and results
Prospective observational study of 175 consecutive patients with follow-up duration of at least 5 months who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for symptomatic AF using PVAC® (n = 93, age 61.4 ± 9.8 years; 60% male, 13% persistent AF) vs. nMARQ™ (n = 82, age 63.2 ± 10.6 years; 67% male, 24% persistent AF). Procedure and radiation times were 94 ± 27...
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Laish-Farkash, A., Khalameizer, V., Fishman, E., Cohen, O., Yosefy, C., Cohen, I., Katz, A. Tags: Ablation for atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
Role of insertable cardiac monitors in anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk of bleeding
Conclusion
In AF patients with high bleeding risk, ICM-guided rhythm control with AADs and assessment of AF burden may allow safe discontinuation of OACs. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Mascarenhas, D. A. N., Farooq, M. U., Ziegler, P. D., Kantharia, B. K. Tags: Atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
Peripheral arterial disease is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation in the elderly
We examined the relationship between PAD and AF in 5143 participants (85% white, 43% male) in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), a longitudinal, observational study of adults aged 65 years and older. Peripheral arterial disease was defined by abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) values (1.4). Incident AF events were ascertained by self-reported history, study electrocardiograms, and hospitalization discharge records. Cox regression was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between PAD and AF. Over a median follow-up of 11.7 years, a total of 1521 participants develope...
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Griffin, W. F., Salahuddin, T., O'Neal, W. T., Soliman, E. Z. Tags: Atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
Smart-watches: a potential challenger to the implantable loop recorder?
The newest generation of smart-watches offer heart rate monitoring technology via photoplethysmography, a technology shown to demonstrate impressive ability in diagnosing arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation. Combining such technology with the portability, connectivity and other location and activity tracking features smart-watches could represent a powerful new tool in extended non-invasive arrhythmia detection. The technology itself, including potential uses and limitations, is discussed. There is a need for further software development but crucially, further work into clarifying the diagnostic accuracy of such tech...
Source: Europace - June 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Carpenter, A., Frontera, A. Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research
Results from a multicentre comparison of cryoballoon vs. radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: is cryoablation more reproducible?
AimCryoballoon ablation (Cryoballoon) has emerged as a new alternative for the treatment of symptomatic drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether the results of Cryoballoon are more reproducible than those of radiofrequency (RF) ablation remains to be proved.Methods and resultsA total of 860 consecutive patients undergoing a first ablation procedure for paroxysmal AF (467 treated with RF and 393 treated with Cryoballoon) were selected from a prospective multicentre survey of AF ablation (FrenchAF). Radiofrequency and Cryoballoon were compared regarding mid-term efficacy and safety. During a median follow-up of 14 m...
Source: Europace - June 4, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: patients' preferences and needs for information provision and care options
ConclusionDespite a high satisfaction level with information provision, particular topics are not broached with patients (e.g. device activation) and patients have unmet needs that are not met in current clinical practice. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 4, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Left-ventricular geometry and risk of sudden cardiac arrest in patients with preserved or moderately reduced left-ventricular ejection fraction
AbstractAimsThe majority of sudden cardiac arrests (SCAs) occur in patients with left-ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF)>35%, yet there are no methods for effective risk stratification in this sub-group. Since abnormalities of LV geometry can be identified even with preserved LVEF, we investigated the potential impact of LV geometry as a novel risk marker for this patient population.Methods and resultsIn the ongoing Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study, SCA cases with archived echocardiographic data available were prospectively identified during 2002 –15, and compared with geographical controls. Analysis wa...
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Prognosis of high sinus heart rate after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
AbstractAimsAlthough atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation increases sinus heart rate (HR), its mechanism and prognosis have not yet been clearly elucidated. We hypothesize that post-AF ablation high sinus HR (PA-HSR) is associated with a better clinical outcome of AF ablation without adverse cardiac effects.Methods and resultsWe studied 991 AF patients (75% male, 58 ± 11 years old, 70% paroxysmal AF) with HR variability (HRV) at 3 months and 1 year after catheter ablation, and pre- and post-1-year echocardiograms. Post-AF ablation high sinus HR was defined as an average HR greater than 2 SD (≥92 bpm) as mea...
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Venous thromboembolism in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
ConclusionThree-month risk of VTE following ICD implantation was 0.3% regardless of comorbidity level. Five-year risk of VTE following ICD implantation was 1.9% and more than twice as high for patients with severe comorbidity as for patients without comorbidity. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Pulmonary vein reconnection predicts good clinical outcome after second catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
AbstractAimsAlthough electrically reconnected pulmonary veins (PV) are the main mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence, PV isolation (PVI) is well-preserved in certain patients who undergo a repeat procedure. We explored the association between PV reconnection and clinical outcomes after a second ablation.Methods and resultsThis observational cohort study included 143 patients (79.0% male, 56.1 ± 10.0 years old, 65.0% paroxysmal AF) who underwent a second procedure. Pulmonary vein isolation was well-maintained in 52 patients (PVP− group, 36.4%), although the remaining 91 patients showed PV reconnecti...
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Reduction of radiation exposure in cryoballoon ablation procedures: a single-centre study applying intracardiac echocardiography and other radioprotective measures
AbstractAimsThe population treated with cryoballoon (CB) ablation is relatively young, and radiation protection is of major importance. We aimed to demonstrate that radiation exposure can be markedly reduced by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and optimized settings of the X-ray system.Methods and resultsWe analysed 100 patients undergoing CB pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. In 50 consecutive patients (25 male, 59 ± 13 years; Group 1), we used ICE, skipped PV angiography prior to CB inflation, and avoided fluoroscopy whenever possible. Furthermore, we reduced the fra...
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Exome sequencing in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a new diagnostic tool?
This editorial refers to ‘Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: implications of next-generation sequencing in appropriate diagnosis, by A. Medeiros-Domingoet al., on pages 1063 –1069. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices: focus on contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging protocols
ConclusionUsing a pre-specified protocol, cardiac and non-cardiac MRIs were performed in CIED patients with pacemaker dependency, abandoned leads, or depleted batteries without occurrence of major adverse events. Patients with devices on advisory need to be monitored carefully during MRI, especially if they are pacemaker dependent. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Influence of patients' age at implantation on mortality and defibrillator shocks
AimsPatients have increasing comorbidities and competing causes of death with advancing age, raising questions about the effectiveness of the implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) in older age. We therefore investigated the effect of patients' age at initial device implantation on all-cause mortality and on the risk of ICD shocks in single-chamber (V-ICD), dual-chamber (D-ICD), and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) recipients.Methods and resultsWe reviewed de-identified records of 67 128 ICD recipients enrolled in the Boston Scientific ALTITUDE database of remote monitored patients [V-ICD (n =...
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Implanted defibrillators in trouble: initial device misclassification leads to correct diagnosis —a case series
ConclusionThorough analysis of stored electrograms yielded correct diagnosis in all cases, which subsequently was confirmed by electrophysiological study. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Limited left atrial surgical ablation effectively treats atrial fibrillation but decreases left atrial function
AimsLimited left atrial (LA) surgical ablation with bipolar radiofrequency is considered to be an effective procedure for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). We studied whether limited LA surgical ablation concomitant to cardiac surgery is able to maintain LA function.Methods and ResultsThirty-six consecutive patients (age 66 ± 12 years, 53% male, 78% persistent AF) scheduled for valve surgery and/or coronary revascularization and concomitant LA surgical ablation were included. Epicardial pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and additional endo-epicardial lines were performed using bipolar radiofrequency. An age- and g...
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Self-reported physical activity and major adverse events in patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the EURObservational Research Programme Pilot Survey on Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) General Registry
AimsPhysical activity is protective against cardiovascular (CV) events, both in general population and in high-risk CV cohorts. However, the relationship between physical activity with major adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF) is not well-established. Our aim was to analyse this relationship in a ‘real-world’ AF population. Second, we investigated the influence of physical activity on arrhythmia progression.Methods and ResultsWe studied all patients enrolled in the EURObservational Research Programme on AF (EORP-AF) Pilot Survey. Physical activity was defined as ‘none’, ‘occasional&rs...
Source: Europace - June 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Provision of magnetic resonance imaging for patients with ‘MR-conditional’ cardiac implantable electronic devices: an unmet clinical need
ConclusionProvision of MRI for patients with CIEDs is currently poor, despite increasing numbers of patients with MR-conditional devices and extremely low reported complication rates. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 1, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Atypical lower loop reentrant tachycardia associated with multiple hepatic veins
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - June 1, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Premature termination of radiofrequency delivery during pulmonary vein isolation due to oesophageal temperature alerts: impact on acute and chronic pulmonary vein reconnection
ConclusionJust over half of patients undergoing PV isolation will have an oesophageal temperature alert, however, precautionary oesophageal temperature monitoring does not compromise ablation efficacy. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - May 31, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Is modification of the VVI backup mode in implantable cardioverter-defibrillators from St Jude medical required due to increased risk of inappropriate shocks?
Inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shock therapy is painful, stressful, and typically occurs unexpected in conscious patients and may be related to a less favourable prognosis. In our institution, we have observed four cases of multiple inappropriate ICD shocks during reset to VVI backup mode. All four patients were implanted with a St Jude Medical ICD since 2010. The reset to VVI backup mode happens as a ‘safety’ response when the ICD encounters errors in the software or hardware often due to electromagnetic interference. The ICD then operates in a simple mode, with only a ventricular f...
Source: Europace - May 31, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Ablation index, a novel marker of ablation lesion quality: prediction of pulmonary vein reconnection at repeat electrophysiology study and regional differences in target values
AimsForce –Time Integral (FTI) is commonly used as a marker of ablation lesion quality during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), but does not incorporate power. Ablation Index (AI) is a novel lesion quality marker that utilizes contact force, time, and power in a weighted formula. Furthermore, only a single FT I target value has been suggested despite regional variation in left atrial wall thickness. We aimed to study AI's and FTI's relationships with PV reconnection at repeat electrophysiology study, and regional threshold values that predicted no reconnection.Methods and resultsForty paroxysmal atrial fibrillation pat...
Source: Europace - May 31, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Left ventricular dysfunction is associated with frequent premature ventricular complexes and asymptomatic ventricular tachycardia in children
ConclusionIn children with idiopathic PVCs and asymptomatic VTs, development of LV dysfunction is associated with a higher burden of PVCs, the presence of sVTs, and couplets. Left ventricular dysfunction appears to be reversible if the burden of PVCs is decreased by medication or ablation. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - May 31, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Long-term outcome of transvenous pacemaker implantation in infants: a retrospective cohort study
AimEvaluation of long-term outcome of transvenous pacemaker (PM) implantation in infants.Methods and ResultsA retrospective analysis of all transvenous PM implantations in infants
Source: Europace - May 31, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Impact of basal inferolateral scar burden determined by automatic analysis of 99m Tc-MIBI myocardial perfusion SPECT on the long-term prognosis of cardiac resynchronization therapy
ConclusionThe scarring determined by automatic analysis of MP-SPECT images may predict a poor response to CRT regardless of the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy. The basal inferolateral scar burden in particular may have an adverse impact on long-term prognosis. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - May 31, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Geometry of Koch's triangle
ConclusionMean values and proportions of triangle's sides and angles were presented. Koch's triangle showed considerable individual variations in size. The dimensions of the triangle were strongly independent from individual-specific and heart-specific morphometric parameters; however, the maximum triangle's height can be estimated as 22 mm. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - May 30, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Sudden cardiac death in adult congenital heart disease: can the unpredictable be foreseen?
AimsSudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major cause of mortality in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Several risk factors for SCD including conduction disturbances and ventricular dysfunction have been described previously. However, electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiographic parameters may change over time, and the predictive value of such temporal changes, rather than their point estimates, for SCD remains unknown.Methods and resultsThis was a retrospective case–control study in adults with CHD and proven or presumed SCD and matched controls. Data were obtained from three databases including 25 000 adults ...
Source: Europace - May 30, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Atrial fibrillation and gastroesophageal reflux disease: the cardiogastric interaction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Multiple conditions like hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, sleep apnoea, and obesity play a role for the initiation and perpetuation of AF. Recently, a potential association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and AF development has been proposed due to the close anatomic vicinity of the oesophagus and the left atrium. As an understanding of the association between acid reflux disease and AF may be important in the global multimodal treatment strategy to further improve outcomes in a ...
Source: Europace - May 30, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Midterm clinical outcomes of concomitant thoracoscopic epicardial and transcatheter endocardial ablation for persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation: a single-centre experience
ConclusionThe hybrid procedure yields promising results in the setting of both persistent and long-standing persistent AF after midterm follow-up, at the expense of a non-negligible rate of adverse events. Our findings need to be confirmed by further larger and prospective studies. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - May 30, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Influence of automatic frequent pace-timing adjustments on effective left ventricular pacing during cardiac resynchronization therapy
ConclusionAdaptivCRT ™ significantly increased effective LV pacing over echo-optimized CRT. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - May 26, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Long-term follow-up of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in adult congenital heart disease patients: indications and outcomes
ConclusionsMost patients had ICD for secondary prevention (62%), and the majority had repaired TOF. There was a 2.9% annual appropriate shock rate. However, there was a high incidence of complications with more than a third suffering a major complication (9% per annum). The risks and benefits of ICD implantation are patient and disease specific, and must be clearly discussed prior to implantation. Further research is warranted into the use of primary prevention ICD in ACHD and in alternatives to ICD such as ablation in specific patient groups. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - May 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Programmed ventricular stimulation early after myocardial infarction: authors' reply
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - May 24, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Spaulding, C., Blomstrom Lundqvist,, C., Priori, S. G. Tags: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Source Type: research
