Search

Raluca Şoşdean,1,2 Cristian Mornoş,1,2 Bogdan Enache,1,2 Răzvan I Macarie,2 Raluca Ianoş,2 Ana-Maria Ştefea,2 Sorin Pescariu1,2 1Department of Cardiology, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2Cardiology Clinic, Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine, Timişoara, Romania Introduction: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is known to have very important beneficial effects on heart failure patients. Unfortunately, biventricular implantable cardiac devices (CRT devices), through which this therapy is implemented, are very expensive and sometimes hard to achieve, especially in underdeveloped/developing economies, making this an important problem of public health. As a possible solution, CRT reuse is of great interest nowadays, but unlike simple devices, data in the literature are scarce about biventricular device reuse. Aim: To address safety concerns, we aimed to analyze infection burden in the general and elderly population and also early battery depletion and generator malfunction of resterilized biventricular devices compared to new devices. Methods: A cohort of 261 CRT patients (286 devices), who underwent implantation between 2000 and 2014, was retrospectively analyzed. The study group included 115 patients and 127 resterilized devices, that was divided into a subgroup of 69 elderly patients (≥60 years) and 74 devices and a subgroup of 47 younger patients (

Background: A standard technique regarding venous approach for implantation of biventricular cardiac electrical devices used for cardiac resynchronization therapy implementation has not yet been established. We analyzed the safety and efficiency of implanting these devices using a double venous approach (cephalic and subclavian) by comparing it with the simple approaches, in order to overcome some of their inconvenients. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed all 228 resynchronization patients implanted at the Timisoara Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine between January 1st, 2000 and January 1st, 2013. The 204 patients successfully implanted with biventricular pacemakers or defibrillators were divided according to the implantation techniques, and compared by complication rates and values of acute stimulation-detection thresholds. Group A featured a subclavian approach (48 patients), group B a cephalic approach (81 patients) and group C a double venous approach (76 patients). Results: Adjusting for age, sex and device type there is no evidence in the data that complication rates are significantly different when using the different techniques: 6 complications (12.5%) in group A, 8 (9.87%) in group B and 5 (6.75%) in group C (p = 0.51). A slight downward trend was observed by using double venous approach. Values of acute stimulation-detection thresholds had no statistically significant differences neither (p = 0.36). Cephalic vein was of high quality in 59.8% of cases. Conclusions: Subclavian and cephalic double venous approach implantation technique for biventricular devices proved to be feasible and at least as safe as single venous approach using subclavian or cephalic vein alone, and it can be used as a first resort technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Le bloc atrio-ventriculaire complet (BAV3) peut être une situation urgente potentiellement létale. Notre objectif était de décrire la gestion quotidienne des BAV3 en France, en insistant notamment sur les aspects organisationnels. De septembre 2019 à November 2019, une enquête nationale prospective (comprenant 28 questions) a été envoyée par voie électronique à 100 médecins (Google Form). Les réponses ont été recueillies auprès de 93 cardiologues (taux de réponse 93 %). L'implantation stimulateur cardiaque permanent pendant la nuit ou le week-end (après 20 heures) est possible pour 49 % des opérateurs (< 5 fois par an), pour 15 % (> 5 fois par an), impossible pour 36 % des opérateurs. En cas de BAV3 ne répondant pas à l'isoprotérénol survenant la nuit, une sonde d'entraînement électro-systolique (SEES) est implantée par : le personnel médical de garde sur place (27 %), le cardiologue interventionnel d'astreinte (21 %), le rythmologue d'astreinte (19 %), un stimulateur cardiaque permanent est implanté par le rythmologue (12 %), la stratégie n'est pas standardisée (15 %). 80 (86 %) cardiologues interrogés ont déjà observé un déplacement de SEES, une perforation cardiaque a déjà été observée par 57 (61 %), un hématome inguinal chez 35 (38 %), et cette technique a été interdite pour 4 % des opérateurs. Une sonde à fixation active (SFA) extériorisée pour BAV3 a déjà été implantée par 50 % des opérateurs. Notre enquête montre d'importantes disparités en termes de prise en charge des BAV3 parmi les différents centres. Une SFA avec batterie de récupération a déjà été utilisée par la moitié des centres. Complete atrioventricular block (AVB3) may be an urgent potentially lifethreatening situation. Our objective was to describe the routine management of AVB 3, with emphasis on the organizational aspects. From September 2019 to November 2019, a prospective national survey including 28 questions was electronically sent to 100 physicians (Google Form). The answers were collected from 93 physicians (response rate 93%). Permanent pacemaker implantation during weekends and nights (after 8PM) is possible for 49% of the operators (< 5 times a year), for 15% (> 5 times a year), impossible for 36% of the operators. For AVB3 nonresponsive to isoproterenol occurring during the night, a temporary pacing lead (TPL) is implanted by: the on-site medical staff on-duty (27%), the on-call interventional cardiologist (21%), the on-call electrophysiologist (19%), a permanent pacemaker is implanted by the electrophysiologist (12%), the strategy is not standardized (15%). An externalized active fixation lead (AFL) for AVB3 has already been implanted by 50% of the operators. 80 (86%) have already observed a dislocation of the TPL, a cardiac perforation already occurred in 57 (61%), a groin hematoma in 35 (38%), and this technique was proscribed for 4% of the operators. Our survey shows important disparities in terms of management of AVB3 among the different centers. An externalized AFL with a reusable generator was used by half of the centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Strategies beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in persistent atrial fibrillation (persAF) are debated. A novel mapping tool provides algorithmic detection of ablation targets based on electrogram (EGM) properties specific to stable localized rotational activations., Methods: The mapping tool was used on 31 patients (20 de novo). The algorithm was used to optimize PVI line placement and guide additional ablations. Targets were detected by calculating local cycle length (L-CL) and local spread of activation within that L-CL (Duty Cycle; DC) for EGMs with consistent morphology and activation. At least two left atrial (LA) maps (pre-PVI and post-PVI) were acquired in atrial fibrillation (AF) in all patients (except those with AF termination during PVI). Extra-pulmonary vein (PV) targets were compared between the two LA maps in each patient. Follow-up included Holter monitoring every 3 months., Results: Patients had a median of 3 extra-PV drivers/targets. The majority (81%) were localized in the same areas between the two LA maps. All patients had progressive AF organization demonstrated by global activation slowing: histogram peak L-CL increased from 162 to 171 ms (post-PVI; p = .0003) than to 175 ms (posttarget ablation; p = .04). Moreover, L-CL dispersion was reduced by ablation; in 50% their values tended to cluster around two dominant cycles. In de novo patients AF terminated to sinus rhythm or atrial tachycardia (AT) within 48 h postprocedure in 88% of cases, and at 18 months mean follow-up recurrence occurred in only five (25%) patients (three persAF, two AT). There were no complications., Conclusion: The algorithmic detection of EGMs consistent with localized reentry during sequential mapping of persAF provided reproducible targets for ablation. This allowed personalized PVI and limited, highly-selective, extra-PV ablation. Results of this initial experience included progressive organization of AF with ablation and a low recurrence rate after a single procedure., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the progression of electrophysiological phenomena in a cohort of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF)., Background: Electrical remodeling has been conjectured to determine atrial fibrillation (AF) progression., Methods: High-density electroanatomic maps during sinus rhythm of 20 patients with AF (10 PAF, 10 PsAF) were compared with 5 healthy control subjects (subjects undergoing ablation of a left-sided accessory pathway). A computational postprocessing of electroanatomic maps was performed to identify specific electrophysiological phenomena: slow conductions corridors, defined as discrete areas of conduction velocity <50 cm/s, and pivot points, defined as sites showing high wave-front curvature documented by a curl module >2.5 1/s., Results: A progressive decrease of mean conduction velocity was recorded across the groups (111.6 ± 55.5 cm/s control subjects, 97.1 ± 56.3 cm/s PAF, and 84.7 ± 55.7 cm/s PsAF). The number and density of slow conduction corridors increase in parallel with the progression of AF (8.6 ± 2.2 control subjects, 13.3 ± 3.2 PAF, and 20.5 ± 4.5 PsAF). In PsAF the atrial substrate is characterized by a higher curvature of wave-front propagation (0.86 ± 0.71 1/s PsAF vs 0.74 ± 0.63 1/s PAF; P = 0.003) and higher number of pivot points (25.1 ± 13.8 PsAF vs 9.5 ± 6.7 PAF; P < 0.0001). Slow conductions: corridors were mostly associated with pivot sites tending to cluster around pulmonary veins antra., Conclusions: The electrical remodeling hinges mainly on corridors of slow conduction and higher curvature of wave-front propagation. Pivot points associated to SC corridors may be the major determinants for functional localized re-entrant circuits creating the substrate for maintenance of AF., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Drs Della Bella and Frontera have received consultant fees from Abbott, Biosense Webster, and Boston Scientific. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

(1) Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) systems can be simplified by excluding the atrial lead and using a Ventricular-Dual-Dual (VDD) pacing lead. Possible disadvantages might include atrial undersensing and Ventricular-Ventricular-Inhibition (VVI) pacing. Because literature data concerning these systems are scarce, we analyzed their benefits and technical safety. (2) Methods: this retrospective study compared 50 patients implanted with VDD-CRT systems (group A), mainly because of unfavorable venous anatomy concerning the complication rate, with 103 subjects with Dual-Dual-Dual (DDD)-CRT systems (group B) implanted during 2000-2016 and 49 (group C) during 2016-2020. To analyze the functional parameters of the devices, we selected subgroups of 27 patients (subgroup A) and 47 (subgroup B) patients with VDD-CRT in 2000-2016, and 36 subjects (subgroup C) with DDD-CRT implanted were selected in 2017-2020. (3) Results: There was a trend of a lower complication rate with VDD-CRT systems, especially concerning infections during 2000-2016 ( p = 0.0048), but similar results were obtained after rigorous selection of patients and employment of an upgraded design of devices/leads. With a proper device programing, CRT pacing had similar results, atrial undersensing being minimal ( p = 0.65). For VDD-systems, VVI pacing was recorded only 1.7 ± 2.24% of the time. (4) Conclusions: In patients with a less favorable venous anatomy, VDD-CRT systems may represent a safe alternative regarding complications rates and functional parameters.

Introduction: Literature supports the existence of drivers as maintainers of atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether ultrahigh density (UHD) contact mapping may detect them is unknown., Methods: We sequentially mapped the left atrial (LA) activation during spontaneous persistent AF and performed circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI), followed by remapping and ablation of potential drivers (rotational and focal propagation sites) with Rhythmia™ in 90 patients. The time reference was an LA appendage (LAA) electrogram (EGM). Regions with uniform color were defined as "organized." Only patients (51) with no previous ablation were considered for acute results and follow-up reporting., Results: LA maps (175 ± 28 ml, 43578 ± 18013 EGM) were acquired in 23 ± 7 min. In all post-CPVI maps potential drivers (7.3 ± 3.2/patient) were visualized: 85% with rotational propagation and continuous low voltage in the center; the remaining with focal propagation and an organized EGM at the site of earliest activation. The RF delivery time for extra-PV driver ablation was 12.2 ± 7.9 min. There was a progressive increase of AF organization: the LAA cycle length prolonged, the number of potential drivers decreased, and the organized LA surface in AF increased from 14 ± 6% to 28 ± 16% (p = .0007). Termination of AF without cardioversion was obtained in 67%. AF recurrence rate at 15 ± 7.3 months was 17.6% after the first procedure., Conclusions: Sequential UHD contact activation mapping of persistent AF allows visualization of potential drivers. A sequential strategy of CPVI followed by ablation of potential drivers with limited RF time resulted in an increasing organization of AF and good acute and long-term results., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Aims: The safety of pacemaker reuse has been proven by numerous studies in the last two decades. With the exception of one research paper, the safety of reuse of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators has not been properly investigated. Our aim was to establish whether resterilized implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are as safe as new devices in relation to functionality and infection rates., Methods: All the patients (n = 271) implanted with a new or a donated, used implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) at the Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Timisoara Romania between January 2001 and December 2012 were included in the study. The patients had class I indication for ICD implantation. One hundred fifty-seven patients received reused ICDs and 114 patients received new ICDs. Complications were defined as infections that required reintervention, device malfunction, and replacements due to untimely or unexpected battery depletion., Results: Complications occurred in 4.38% of the patients in the new ICD group and in 1.91% of the reused ICD group. The difference was not considered statistically significant (odds ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.04-1.82, P = .18)., Conclusion: According to our data, properly verified and resterilized ICDs are as safe as new devices, when risk of infection or malfunction rates are assessed. Due to the high costs of new ICDs, their safe reuse has profound humanitarian and financial implications., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Echocardiography realization can be challenging in the presence of breasts implants (BI). It is less known if electrocardiograms (ECG) may be modified in the presence of BI., Methods: ECG from women with BI (and without any known cardiac structural disease) were sent and analyzed by two experienced electrophysiologists (EP1 and EP2) who were blinded and completely unaware of the context of the patients (Group 1). ECG from a control matched-group of female women without BI (Group 2) were also blindly sent for analysis., Results: ECG were collected from 28 women with BI (42 ± 8 years) without any acute medical condition. A proportion of 42% of the ECG were considered abnormal by EP1 and 46% by EP2. The abnormalities were for EP1: negative T waves (5), ST depression in inferolateral leads (2), absence of R wave progression from V1 to V4 (4), left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (1), long QT(1), early repolarization (1), short PR (1); For EP2: negative T waves (6), ST depression in inferolateral leads (2), absence of R wave progression from V1 to V4 (4), LV hypertrophy(3), long QT (1), early repolarization (1). ECG from group 2 were considered abnormal in only 1 patient (5%) for EP1, and normal in all for EP2 (P = 0.0002 between the groups)., Conclusions: ECG from women with BI were considered abnormal in 42% to 46% of the cases by expert readers. ECG interpretation can thus be misleading in these women., (© 2019 The Authors. Clinical Cardiology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Successful catheter ablation of scar-related atrial tachycardia depends on correct identification of the critical isthmus. Often, this is a represented by a small bundle of viable conducting tissue within a low-voltage area. It's identification depends on the magnitude of the signal/noise ratio. Ultra-high density mapping, multipolar catheters with small (eventually unidirectional) and closely-spaced electrodes improves low-voltage electrogram detection. Background noise limitation is also of major importance for improving the signal/noise ratio. Electrophysiological properties of the critical isthmus and the characteristics of the local bipolar electrograms have been recently demonstrated as hallmarks of successful ablation sites in the setting of scar-related atrial tachycardia., (Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author(s) 2019. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: The electrocardiographic and intracardiac activation features of left atrial roof-dependent macroreentrant flutter have been incompletely characterized., Methods: Patients post-pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with roof-dependent atrial flutter based on activation and entrainment mapping were included. ECG and coronary sinus activation were compared with mitral annular (MA) flutter., Results: The roof-dependent left atrial flutter circled the right PVs in 32 of 33 cases. Two forms of roof flutters were identified, posteroanterior, ascendant on posterior wall and descendant on anterior wall (n=24); and anteroposterior, ascendant on the anterior wall and descendent on the posterior wall (n=9). Both forms had positive large amplitude P waves in V 1 through V 2 with decreasing amplitude in V 3 through V 6 . Posteroanterior roof flutters had positive P wave in the inferior and negative P wave in leads I and aVL similar to counterclockwise MA flutter, but coronary sinus activation was simultaneous for roof and proximal to distal for counterclockwise. Anteroposterior roof flutters were similar to clockwise MA flutter with negative P in inferior leads and transition to flat or negative P in V 3 through V 6 . Coronary sinus activation time ≤39 ms identified roof versus MA flutter (sensitivity: 100% and specificity: 97%)., Conclusions: Roof-dependent flutter around right PVs is more common than around left PVs. The ECG pattern for roof-dependent flutter around right PVs is similar to MA flutter with frontal plane axis dictated by septal activation. Roof-dependent flutter can be distinguished from MA flutter by more simultaneous rather than sequential coronary sinus activation., (© 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Inadvertent endocardial placement of a pacing lead in the left ventricle through the aortic valve is a rare complication with an unknown incidence because of inadequate reporting. Reported cases are usually the result of lead insertion via the subclavian artery. A possible but very unusual situation is endocardial lead insertion in the left ventricle after aortic arch perforation. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman in whom a screw-in pacing lead accidentally perforated the aortic arch and continued its way through the ascending aorta, aortic valve and left ventricle, after insertion through the left subclavian vein. We describe how this complication was diagnosed, the predisposing factors, the risks it carries and the ways in which devastating consequences have so far been avoided, as the patient refused any surgical intervention including lead removal., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier España.)

Aim: We observed the most vulnerable parts of the human body in traffic accidents., Materials and Methods: The study was made on the cases of death in Timis region in the last 3 years (2005-2007). Out of a total of 2314 forensic autopsies, 407 were consequences of traffic accidents., Results: In Romania, it is compulsory to perform the forensic autopsy on traffic accident (TA) victims. In our study concerning the mortality in TA, cranio-cerebral trauma represents 33.58%, vertebro-medullar trauma--8.09%, thoracic trauma--2.89%, and singular abdominal trauma--1.73%. The topographic distribution shows: axial regions--79.19% (skull 60%, thoracic 9.19%, rachis 5%, pelvis 4%, and abdomen 2%); limbs 20.80%. The gender distribution shows a bigger proportion of male drivers as well as pedestrians (3:1 ratio). The analysis of alcohol abuse in TA shows that 35% of the deceased drivers were under the influence of alcohol., Conclusions: The forensic expertise in traffic accidents is very useful in identifying the liable party, in establishing the level of alcohol intoxication, as well as in identifying the injuries with lethal potential.