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Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with biventricular pacing (BVP) is well-established therapy in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and bundle branch block or indication for pacing. Conduction system pacing (CSP) using His-bundle pacing (HBP) or left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has been shown to be a safe and more physiological alternative to BVP.The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes between CSP and BVP among patients undergoing CRT.This observational study included consecutive patients with LVEF ≤35% and class I or II indications for CRT who underwent successful BVP or CSP at 2 major health care systems. The primary outcome was the composite endpoint of time to death or heart failure hospitalization (HFH). Secondary outcomes included subgroup analysis in left bundle branch block as well as individual endpoints of death and HFH.A total of 477 patients (32% female) met inclusion criteria (BVP 219; CSP 258 [HBP 87, LBBAP 171]). Mean age was 72 ± 12 years, and mean LVEF was 26% ± 6%. Comorbidities included hypertension 70%, diabetes mellitus 45%, and coronary artery disease 52%. Paced QRS duration in CSP was significantly narrower than BVP (133 ± 21 ms vs 153 ± 24 ms; P.001). LVEF improved in both groups during mean follow-up of 27 ± 12 months and was greater after CSP compared to BVP (39.7% ± 13% vs 33.1% ± 12%; P.001). Primary outcome of death or HFH was significantly lower with CSP vs BVP (28.3% vs 38.4%; hazard ratio 1.52; 95% confidence interval 1.082-2.087; P = .013).CSP improved clinical outcomes compared to BVP in this large cohort of patients with indications for CRT.

Cardiovascular diseases in people living with HIV (PLWH) are becoming increasingly relevant as HIV/AIDS has become more treatable with the advent of highly efficacious antiretroviral therapy. Previous studies suggested that HIV infection is an independent risk factor for atrial arrhythmia. This study aims to collectively analyze these studies to elucidate the incidence and risk factors of atrial arrhythmia in PLWH.Full-text assessments and data extraction were performed from available literature. Atrial arrhythmia was defined as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Incidence rate, risk, and potential risk factors of atrial arrhythmia in PLWH were catalogued, after which random-effects models were used to estimate pooled summary statistics. PRISMA standardized meta-analysis guidelines were followed.Analysis of 94,928 PLWH had an averaged incidence rate of 6.4 cases of atrial arrhythmia per 1000 person-years. Risk of atrial arrhythmia was significantly higher in PLWH than in the general population (RR 1.35; 95% CI 1.19-1.53). Sex had no association with the risk of incidental atrial arrhythmia in PLWH (RR 1.47; 95% CI 0.95-2.28). Black race (RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47-0.97) was associated with decreased risk, whereas lower CD4 counts (RR 1.80; 95% CI 1.18-2.77) and increased viral load (RR 1.57; 95% CI 1.19-2.09) suggested increased risk of atrial arrhythmia in PLWH.HIV infection is a risk factor of atrial arrhythmia. Providers should be aware of the increased burden of atrial arrhythmia in PLWH and continue to encourage treatment of HIV infection while managing cardiovascular risk factors and screening for arrhythmias in symptomatic patients.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies. In most patients, the primary strategy of VT catheter ablation is based on the identification of critical components of reentry circuits and modification of abnormal substrate which can initiate reentry. Despite technological advancements in catheter design and improved ability to localise abnormal substrates, putative circuits and site of origins of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), current technologies remain inadequate and durable success may be elusive when the critical substrate is deep or near to critical structures that are at risk of collateral damage. In this article, we review the available and potential future non-surgical investigational approaches for treatment of VAs and discuss the viability of these modalities.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in comparison to medical therapy alone is known to improve freedom from arrhythmia and quality of life, but the benefit regarding mortality is unclear. The publication of several recent large randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing ablation with medical therapy has warranted an updated meta-analysis.We sought to compare the effectiveness of catheter ablation versus medical therapy only in patients with AF. MEDLINE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from inception until 04/30/2021. Relevant RCTs comparing catheter ablation versus medical therapy in patients with AF were selected.A total of 24 RCTs involving 5730 adult patients were included (2992 in catheter ablation and 2738 in medical therapy). There was a reduction in all-cause mortality with catheter ablation compared with medical therapy only (risk ratio (RR) 0.70 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55-0.89]; p = .003). Catheter ablation also demonstrated a reduction in hospitalizations (RR 0.50 [95% CI 0.36-0.70]; p .001), improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (mean difference [MD] + 5.94% [95% CI 0.40-11.48] p = .04), greater freedom from atrial arrhythmia (RR 2.23 [95% CI 1.79-2.76]; p .001), and AF (RR 1.95 [95% CI 1.44-2.66]; p .001). In subgroup analysis, catheter ablation demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality and hospitalizations among patients with reduced LVEF, and when ablation was compared with antiarrhythmic drug use.In comparison to medical therapy only, catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation reduces mortality, hospitalizations, and increases freedom from arrhythmia.

BACKGROUND Radiofrequency (RF) ablation with half-normal saline (HNS) has shown promise as a bail-out strategy following failed ventricular tachycardia ablation using standard approaches. OBJECTIVE To use a novel infrared thermal imaging (ITI) model to evaluate biophysical and lesion characteristics during RF ablation using normal saline (NS) and HNS irrigation. METHODS Left ventricular strips of myocardium were excised from fresh porcine hearts. RF ablation was performed using an open-irrigated ablation catheter (Thermocool ST/SF) with NS (n = 75) and HNS (n = 75) irrigation using different power settings (40/50 W), RF durations (30/60 s), contact force of 10-15 g, and flow rate of 15 ml/min. RF lesions were recorded using an infrared thermal camera and border zone, lethal, 100° isotherms were matched with necrotic borders after 2% triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Lesion dimensions and isotherms (mm2 ) were measured. RESULTS In total, 150 lesions were delivered. HNS lesions were deeper (6.4 ± 1.1 vs. 5.7 ±0.8 mm; p = .03), and larger in volume (633 ± 153 vs. 468 ± 107 mm3 ; p = .007) than NS lesions. Steam pops (SPs) occurred during 19/75 lesions (25%) in the NS group and 32/75 lesions (43%) in the HNS group (p = .34). Lethal (57.8 ± 6.5 vs. 36.0 ± 3.9 mm2 ; p = .001) and 100°C isotherm areas (16.9 ± 6.9 vs. 3.8 ± 4.2 mm2 ; p = .003) areas were larger and were reached earlier in the HNS group. CONCLUSIONS RFA using HNS created larger lesions than NS irrigation but led to more frequent SPs. The presence of earlier lethal isotherms and temperature rises above 100°C on ITI suggest a potentially narrower therapeutic-safety window with HNS.

With the increasing adoption of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures and the eligibility of patients for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) post device placement, we examined the feasibility and safety of laser balloon (LB) for PVI in patients with prior LAAO.We retrospectively examined consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent, drug-resistant atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent LB PVI, after Watchman FLX device implantation at Rush University Medical Center between January 2020 and December 2021.Seven patients (four persistent and three paroxysmal) with a mean age of 64 ± 11 years, predominantly male sex (86%), were included in the study. Two (29%) patients had prior cryoablation PVI with recurrence of AF. The mean CHALB PVI was safe and effective with 100% acute isolation of left-sided veins in patients with prior LAAO device.

In patients with cardiomyopathy, radiofrequency catheter ablation (CA) for ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an adjunctive and alternative treatment option to long-term anti-arrhythmic drug therapy. We sought to compare CA with medical therapy for the management of VT in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.MEDLINE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were evaluated for relevant studies.Eleven studies with 2126 adult patients were included (711 in CA, 1415 in medical therapy). In the randomized controlled trial (RCT) analysis, CA reduced risk of recurrent VT (risk ratio (RR) 0.79 [95% CI 0.67 to 0.93], p = 0.005), ICD shocks (RR 0.64 [95% CI 0.45 to 0.89] p = 0.008), and cardiac hospitalizations (RR 0.76 [95% CI 0.63 to 0.92] p = 0.005). There was no difference in all-cause mortality (RR 0.94, p = 0.71). In combined RCT and observational study analysis, there was a trend for reduction in all-cause mortality (RR 0.75 [95% CI 0.55 to 1.02] p = 0.07). In subgroup analysis of studies with mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 35%, CA demonstrated reduction in mortality (RR 0.71, p = 0.004), ICD shocks (RR 0.63, p = 0.03), VT recurrence (RR 0.76, p = 0.004), and cardiac hospitalizations (RR 0.75, p = 0.02). The subgroup of early CA prior to ICD shocks demonstrated reduction in ICD shocks (RR 0.57, p 0.001) and VT recurrence (RR 0.74, p = 0.01).CA for VT demonstrated a lower risk of VT recurrence, ICD shocks, and hospitalization in comparison to medical therapy. The subgroups of early CA and LVEF 35% demonstrated better outcomes.

Left atrial appendage occlusion is utilized as a second line therapy to long-term oral anticoagulation in appropriately selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We examined the feasibility of cryoballoon (CB) pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) subsequent to Watchman device implantation. The study prospectively identified patients with Watchman devices (>90 days old) who underwent CB-PVI ablation between 2018 and 2019. Twelve consecutive patients (male 50%; mean age 71 ± 9 years; CHA2DS2-VASc score 3.4 ± 1.1) underwent CB-PVI procedures after Watchman device implantation (mean 182 ± 82 days). Acute PVI was achieved in 100% of patients. All patients had evidence of complete (n = 9) or partial (n = 3) endothelialization of the surface of the Watchman device with conductive tissue properties demonstrated during electrophysiologic testing. There were no major procedure-related complications including death, stroke, pericardial effusion, device dislodgment, device thrombus, or new or increasing peri-device leak. Mean peri-device leak size (45-day postimplant: 0.06 ± 0.09 mm vs Post-PVI: 0.04 ± 0.06 mm; p = 0.61) remained unchanged. Two patients had recurrence of AF after the 90-day blanking period (13.2 ± 6.6 months). One patient underwent a redo ablation procedure for recurrent AF. This pilot study suggests the potential feasibility of CB-PVI ablation in patients with chronic Watchman left atrial appendage occlusion devices. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy and safety of this approach.

Objective This study aimed to assess the feasibility and success rates of permanent His-Purkinje conduction system pacing (HPCSP) in patients requiring pacing after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Background TAVR is associated with increased risk for atrioventricular block. HPCSP has the potential to reduce electromechanical dyssynchrony associated with right ventricular pacing. The feasibility and safety of HPCSP in this population are unknown. Methods Consecutive patients requiring pacemakers after TAVR in whom His bundle pacing (HBP) and/or left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) was attempted at 5 centers were included in the study. Implant success rates, pacing characteristics, QRS duration, and left ventricular ejection fraction were assessed. Any procedure-related complications, lead revisions, heart failure hospitalizations, and deaths were documented. Results HPCSP was successful in 55 of 65 (85%) patients studied. HBP was successful in 29 of 46 patients (63%), and LBBAP was successful in 26 of 28 (93%) patients in whom it was attempted. HBP was more successful in patients with Sapien valves than in those with CoreValves (69% vs. 44%; p Conclusions HPCSP is feasible in the majority of patients requiring pacemakers post-TAVR. Success rates of HBP were lower in patients with CoreValves compared to Sapien valves. LBBAP was associated with higher success rates and lower pacing thresholds compared with HBP.

INTRODUCTION Radiation exposure during catheter ablation procedures is a significant hazard for both patients and operators. Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures have been historically associated with higher fluoroscopy usage than other electrophysiology procedures. Recent efforts have been made to reduce dependence on fluoroscopy during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) ablation procedures using alternative techniques. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing zero or low fluoroscopy (LF) vs conventional fluoroscopy (CF) approaches for AF ablation. Outcomes of interest included acute and 12-month procedural efficacy, safety, procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, and dose area product. Aggregated data were analyzed with random-effects models, using a Bayesian hierarchical approach. RESULTS A total of 2228 participants (LF, n = 1190 vs CF, n = 1038) from 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Risk of AF recurrence in 12 months (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.343 [0.771-2.340]; P = .297), redo-ablation procedures (OR [95% CI] = 0.521 [0.198-1.323]; P = .186), and procedural complications (OR [95% CI] = 0.99 [0.485-2.204]; P = .979) were similar between LF- and CF-ablation groups. In comparison to CF ablation, LF ablation led to shorter procedure duration (weighted mean differences [WMDs] [95% CI] = -14.6 minutes [-22.5 to -6.8]; P

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the current standard of care for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk for surgery. However, several recent studies have demonstrated the comparable safety and efficacy of TAVI in low-risk patients as well. We sought to pool the existing data to further assert its comparability. MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases were evaluated for relevant articles published from January 2005 to June 2019. Studies comparing outcomes of TAVI versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients who are at low risk for surgery were included. Twelve studies (5 randomized controlled trials and 7 observational studies) totaling 27,956 patients were included. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 5 years. Short-term all-cause mortality, short-term, and 1-year cardiac mortality were significantly lower in the TAVI group. One-year all-cause mortality, short-term, and 1-year stroke and myocardial infarction were similar in both groups. Rate of acute kidney injury and new-onset atrial fibrillation were lower in the TAVI group, whereas permanent pacemaker implantation and major vascular complications were higher in the TAVI group. Subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials showed significantly lower 1-year all-cause mortality in the TAVI group. In conclusion, in severe aortic stenosis patients at low surgical risk, TAVI when compared with surgical aortic valve replacement, demonstrated a lower rate of short-term all-cause mortality, short-term, and 1-year cardiac mortality and similar in terms of 1-year all-cause mortality. TAVI is emerging as a safe and efficacious alternative for low surgical risk patients.

Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with high recurrence rates of AF and atypical atrial flutters or tachycardia (AFT) postablation. Laser balloon (LB) ablation of the pulmonary vein (PV) ostia has similar efficacy as radiofrequency wide area circumferential ablation (RF-WACA); however, an approach of LB wide area circumferential ablation (LB-WACA) may further improve success rates.To evaluate freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia (AFT/AF) recurrence postablation using RF-WACA versus LB-WACA in persistent AF patients.This was a retrospective multicenter study. Patients were followed for up to 24 months via office visits, Holter, and/or device monitoring. The primary endpoint was freedom from AFT/AF after a single ablation procedure. Secondary endpoints included freedom from AF, freedom from AFT, first-pass isolation of all PVs, and procedural complications.Two hundred and four patients were studied (LB-WACA:LB-WACA was associated with higher freedom from atrial arrhythmias mostly driven by the lower occurrence of AFT compared with RF-WACA.

Landmark trials have shown superiority of ablative therapy over medical therapy in certain subpopulation with atrial fibrillation (AF). Previous studies have demonstrated an association between weight loss and reduced rates of recurrence of AF after ablation. The objective of this study is to determine if weight loss reduces the recurrence of AF after ablation.An extensive literature search and systematic review of studies of weight loss on recurrence of AF after ablative therapy was performed. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals were measured for weight loss group versus control group in each study, and comparative analysis as well as subgroup analysis was made.Eight studies with a total of 1,425 patients were included. Overall, studies of patients who lost weight demonstrated lower recurrence of AF (RR 0.35; 95% CI 0.18-0.67). However, subgroup analysis of studies which included patients who lost ≥10% weight loss from baseline showed lower recurrence of AF (RR 0.18; 95% 0.03-0.89), whereas studies which included patients with10% weight loss did not (RR 1.00; 95% 0.51-1.96). Studies of patients who had less than 12-month history of AF (RR 0.24; 95% CI 0.11-0.57) and those who lost weight prior to ablation (RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.20-0.79) also had lower recurrence of AF.Weight loss is associated with lower long-term recurrence of AF after ablative therapy. Studies of patients with ≥10% weight loss, less than 12-month history of AF, and weight loss prior to ablation experience lower recurrence of AF.

Ablation Index (AI) is a multiparametric quality marker to assess the durability of radiofrequency (RF) lesions. The comparative effectiveness and safety of AI versus time-based energy dosing for ablation of ventricular arrhythmias are unknown.We compared AI and time-based RF dosing strategies in the left ventricles (LVs) of freshly harvested porcine hearts.Ablation was performed in vitro with an open-irrigated ablation catheter (Thermocool ST/SF), 40 W, contact force 10-15 g. Tissue samples were stained in triphenyltetrazolium chloride for the measurement of lesion dimensions.A total of 560 lesions were performed (AI-group: [n = 360]; time-group: [n = 200]). Using normal saline (NS) (n = 280), growth in lesion depth slowed after 30 s and AI 550 in comparison to width, volume, and magnitude of impedance drops which continued to increase with longer RF duration. Risk of steam pop (SP) was higher for RF 30 s (RF 30 s:1 SP [2.5%] vs. RF 30 s: 15 SP [25%]; p = .002) or AI targets550 (AI: 350-550: 2 SP [2%] vs. AI 600-750: 15 SP [19%]; p = .001). Using half-normal saline (HNS) (n = 280), lesion dimension and impedance drops were larger and growth in lesion depth slowed earlier (AI: 500). Risk of SPs was higher above AI 550 (AI: 350-550: 7 [7%] SPs vs. AI 600-750: 28 [35%] SPs; p .00001). While codependent variables, correlation between AI and time was modest-to-strong but decreased with longer RF duration.In this ex vivo study, AI was a better predictor of lesion dimensions than ablation time and magnitude of impedance drop in the LV using NS and HNS irrigation. AI targets above 550 led to a higher risk of SPs. Future trials are required to verify these findings.

The coronary cusps (CCs) are utilized as an alternative vantage point for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of left ventricular summit ventricular arrhythmias but are sometimes a challenge despite favorable activation timing and pace mapping.Ex vivo experiments were performed in 12 intact porcine hearts submerged in a 37°C saline bath. Radiofrequency (RF) applications were delivered with an irrigated contact force sensing catheter oriented 45° to the endocardial left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) surface and nadir of the CCs using different dosing parameters. Sections were stained in 2% triphenyltetrazolium chloride and lesion dimensions were measured. Thermal infrared imaging analysis was used to compare time-to-lethal tissue temperature and depth/area of lethal isotherms.A total of 60 RF applications were performed under different dosing parameters for (1) 30, 40, and 50 Watts (W) × 30 s and (2) 40 W × 30, 45, and 60 s. Lesion depth was greater with RFCA from LVOT than from the CCs (maximum depth 6.11 vs. 2.68 mm). Longer RF duration led to larger lesion volume in the CC group (40 W × 30 s: 8.1 ± 0.4 vs. 40 W × 60 s: 10.1 ± 0.96 mm; p = .002). One steam pop occurred in both the LVOT (50 W × 30 s) and CC groups (40 W × 60 s). Time-to-reach lethal temperature of 58°C was longer in the CC group than in the LVOT group (4.7 vs. 11.3 s; p = .02) CONCLUSIONS: RFCA from the CC led comparatively to shallower lesion depth than from the LVOT. Longer RF duration led to an increase in lesion volume during ablation from CCs.

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has been shown to be a feasible option for patients requiring ventricular pacing.The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between LBBAP and RVP among patients undergoing pacemaker implantation METHODS: This observational registry included patients who underwent pacemaker implantations with LBBAP or RVP for bradycardia indications between April 2018 and October 2020. The primary composite outcome included all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization (HFH), or upgrade to biventricular pacing. Secondary outcomes included the composite endpoint among patients with a prespecified burden of ventricular pacing and individual outcomes.A total of 703 patients met inclusion criteria (321 LBBAP and 382 RVP). QRS duration during LBBAP was similar to baseline (121 ± 23 ms vs 117 ± 30 ms; P = .302) and was narrower compared to RVP (121 ± 23 ms vs 156 ± 27 ms; P.001). The primary composite outcome was significantly lower with LBBAP (10.0%) compared to RVP (23.3%) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.46; 95%T confidence interval [CI] 0.306-0.695; P.001). Among patients with ventricular pacing burden20%, LBBAP was associated with significant reduction in the primary outcome compared to RVP (8.4% vs 26.1%; HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.187-0.540; P.001). LBBAP was also associated with significant reduction in mortality (7.8% vs 15%; HR 0.59; P = .03) and HFH (3.7% vs 10.5%; HR 0.38; P = .004).LBBAP resulted in improved clinical outcomes compared to RVP. Higher burden of ventricular pacing (20%) was the primary driver of these outcome differences.

Title: Making the Cut for Generator ReplacementsAuthors: Venkatesh Ravi, MD1; Jeremiah Wasserlauf, MD, MS1;1: Section of electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USACorresponding author:Jeremiah Wasserlauf, MD, MSAssistant Professor of Medicine,Cardiac Electrophysiology, Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Cardiology,Rush University Medical Center.1717 W. Congress Parkway, Suite 345, Chicago, IL 60612Email: Jeremiah_wasserlauf@rush.eduFunding: NoneDisclosure: Dr. Jeremiah Wasserlauf has received consulting fees from Stryker. No other conflicts of interest to disclose.EditorialCardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) have become a common treatment modality for cardiac arrhythmia with over 300,000 new implants every year in the United States. A growing number of patients will require device replacement procedures throughout their lifetime.1 In a registry of 1744 patients undergoing CIED replacement procedures, lead damage or dislodgement requiring revision was found to occur in 1% of patients without previously planned addition of leads.2 The resulting lead addition and extraction procedures give rise to added procedural time, risk of complications, prolonged hospitalization, and increased health care costs.2 Polyurethane and copolymer insulation materials are more susceptible to thermal damage when compared to silicone.3,4 Avoidance of lead damage during CIED replacement procedures has been a topic of increasing investigation, with studies evaluating differences between electrosurgical modes, power settings, blade orientation, and equipment manufacturers. Operators have the option to choose between standard electrocautery with non-insulated blades, and cautery with insulated blades (PEAK PlasmaBlade, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, or Photonblade, Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI).Electrocautery operates by generating a high current density which results in resistive heating and thereby cuts or coagulates tissue. PlasmaBlade uses a proprietary power output waveform to deliver energy along the exposed edge of a thin, insulated electrode powered by a proprietary electrosurgical generator. Photonblade is an alternative insulated electrocautery blade that is compatible with a standard electrosurgical generator. In a retrospective study by Kypta et al, PlasmaBlade was associated with a lesser risk of lead damage and shorter procedure duration and hospital stay when compared with electrocautery and scissors.3 In an ex vivo animal tissue model using Photonblade, coagulation mode during cautery was associated with more damage than cut, and this effect was greatest when contact occurred using the active edge as opposed to the insulated flat side of the cautery blade, and when the lead insulation consisted of polyurethane or copolymer. Visible lead damage was found to be more common with PlasmaBlade when compared to Photonblade. 4In this edition of the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology , Ananwattanasuk et al performed a retrospective analysis of traditional electrocautery vs PlasmaBlade on lead parameters and complications following CIED generator replacement procedures.5 The study included 410 consecutive patients (840 leads) who underwent CIED replacement using conventional electrocautery (EC group) and 410 patients (824 leads) who underwent CIED replacement using PlasmaBlade (PK group). The power settings for the PK group were 6 in CUT mode and 8 in COAG mode. In the EC group, power output was set to 40 Watts for both CUT and COAG mode. CUT mode was used for tissue dissection and COAG was only used for hemostasis. The two groups had similar device systems and baseline characteristics. In comparison to the PK group, the EC group had a slightly lower proportion of silicone leads (78% vs 83%, p < 0.01) and a slightly higher proportion of polyurethane leads (19% vs 13%, p < 0.01). The study found no statistically significant difference in lead damage requiring lead revision between the EC group and PK group (0.6% vs 0.4%, p=0.5). There was no difference in procedural complications between the two groups (2.2% vs 1.2%, p = 0.28). There was no difference in lead sensing. There was a higher number of patients with a decrease in lead impedance in the PK group compared to the EC group (61.5% vs 52.1%, p < 0.01), and perhaps unexpectedly, more patients with an increase in lead impedance in the EC group compared to the PK group (46.8% vs 34.2%, p

Background: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has recently emerged as a promising alternative modality for conduction system pacing. However, limited real-world data exists on the advantages and complications associated with LBBP. We analyzed the Rush conduction system pacing registry on LBBP to assess the success rates and complications associated with LBBP. Methods: All patients with an indication for permanent pacemaker or cardiac resynchronization therapy that underwent LBBP for various reasons from June 2018 to April 2020 were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 57 of 59 patients underwent successful LBBP (success rate 97%). The average follow-up duration was 6.2±5 months. The implanted devices included 38 dual-chamber pacemakers, 17 cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators, and 2 cardiac resynchronization therapy pacing systems. The most common reason for performing LBBP was a high His-Bundle pacing threshold (n=23) at implant. The mean LBBP capture threshold at implant was 0.62±0.21 V at 0.4 ms which remained stable during follow-up at 0.65±0.68 V at 0.4ms. In 21 patients with cardiomyopathy, there was a significant improvement in left ventricle ejection fraction from 30±11% to 42±15%. A total of 7 lead-related complications (12.3%) were noted in the follow-up period. Three patients (5.3%) required lead revision during the follow-up period. Interventricular septal perforation occurred (as late sequela) after 2 weeks in one patient. Conclusions: LBBP can be achieved with a high success rate and low capture thresholds. Left ventricular dysfunction improved significantly during follow-up. Lead-related complications were relatively common occurring in 12.3% of initially successful implants. Lead revision was required in 3 (5%) of patients.

Introduction We sought to determine the effectiveness and safety of hydroxychloroquine–azithromycin (HCQ-AZM) therapy in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 613 patients hospitalized (integrated health system involving three hospitals) for RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection between March 1, 2020 and April 25, 2020. Intervention was treatment with HCQ-AZM in hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Outcomes of interest were in-hospital all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, pulseless electrical activity (PEA) arrest, non-lethal arrhythmias, and length of hospital stay. Secondary measures included in-hospital corrected QT (QTc) interval parameters and serum biomarkers levels. Results Propensity-matched groups were composed of 173 patients given HCQ-AZM and 173 matched patients who did not receive treatment. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–2.89; p = 0.2), PEA arrest (OR 1.68, CI 0.68–4.15; p = 0.27), or incidence of non-lethal arrhythmias (10.4% vs. 6.8%; p = 0.28). Length of hospital stay (10.5 ± 7.4 vs. 5.8 ± 6.1; p

His bundle (HB) pacing is an established modality for achieving physiological pacing with a low risk of long-term lead-related complications. The development of specially designed lead and delivery tools has improved the feasibility and safety of HB pacing (HBP). Knowledge of the anatomy of HB region and the variations is essential for successful implantation. Newer delivery systems have further improved procedural outcomes. Challenging implant cases can be successfully performed by reshaping the current sheaths, using "sheath in sheath" technique or "two-lead implantation technique." Special attention to the lead parameters at implant, programming, and follow-up is necessary for successful long-term outcomes with HBP. Widespread use of HBP by electrophysiologists and further advances in dedicated delivery systems and leads are essential to further improve the effectiveness of the implantation.

Lithium-induced type 1 Brugada pattern in asymptomatic patients is an uncommon occurrence that is challenging to manage and to estimate the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). We describe a case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with type 1 Brugada pattern while on lithium therapy. Her lithium level was within the therapeutic range at the time of presentation. There was no evidence of ventricular ectopy or malignant arrhythmias. Review of electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to initiation of lithium therapy demonstrated type 3 Brugada pattern. Lithium was promptly discontinued, and the patient was closely monitored in the hospital for 48 hours with serial ECGs and telemetry, as her lithium levels decreased. The Brugada pattern resolved on day 10 of discontinuation of lithium therapy and no further intervention was performed. Early diagnosis and prompt discontinuation of lithium leads to the resolution of type 1 Brugada pattern and may reduce the risk of SCD. The case highlights the importance of obtaining baseline ECG when initiating lithium especially in patients with type 2 or 3 Brugada pattern and provides an overview of the serial changes in ECG pattern until resolution following discontinuation of lithium. Electrophysiology study for risk stratification in asymptomatic patients does not appear to provide any additional benefit.

Aims We sought to compare the effectiveness and safety of high-power short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with conventional RFA in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and results MEDLINE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched until 15 May 2020 for relevant studies comparing HPSD vs. conventional RFA in patients undergoing initial catheter ablation for AF. A total of 15 studies involving 3718 adult patients were included in our meta-analysis (2357 in HPSD RFA and 1361 in conventional RFA). Freedom from atrial arrhythmia was higher in HPSD RFA when compared with conventional RFA [odds ratio (OR) 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.90; P = 0.009]. Acute PV reconnection was lower (OR 0.56, P = 0.005) and first-pass isolation was higher (OR 3.58, P Conclusion High-power short-duration RFA was associated with better procedural effectiveness when compared with conventional RFA with comparable safety and shorter procedural duration.

Background Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) are relatively newer anti-hyperglycemic agents, which have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Design We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the cardiovascular outcomes of GLP1RAs compared to placebo in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. We performed an additional subgroup analysis to evaluate the role of GLP1RAs in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods MEDLINE, Cochrane and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from inception to 15 July 2019. The authors extracted relevant information from articles and independently assessed the study quality. Results Compared to placebo, GLP1RAs demonstrated a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82–0.95; P Conclusions GLP1RAs demonstrated a significant reduction in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, primary composite endpoint and non-fatal stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. There was no significant difference in the primary composite endpoint in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and success rates of permanent His-Purkinje conduction system pacing (HPCSP) in patients requiring pacing after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).TAVR is associated with increased risk for atrioventricular block. HPCSP has the potential to reduce electromechanical dyssynchrony associated with right ventricular pacing. The feasibility and safety of HPCSP in this population are unknown.Consecutive patients requiring pacemakers after TAVR in whom His bundle pacing (HBP) and/or left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) was attempted at 5 centers were included in the study. Implant success rates, pacing characteristics, QRS duration, and left ventricular ejection fraction were assessed. Any procedure-related complications, lead revisions, heart failure hospitalizations, and deaths were documented.HPCSP was successful in 55 of 65 (85%) patients studied. HBP was successful in 29 of 46 patients (63%), and LBBAP was successful in 26 of 28 (93%) patients in whom it was attempted. HBP was more successful in patients with Sapien valves than in those with CoreValves (69% vs. 44%; p 0.05). LBBAP was associated with lower pacing thresholds and higher R-wave amplitudes at implantation compared with HBP (0.64 ± 0.3 at 0.5 ms vs. 1.4 ± 0.8 at 1 ms; p 0.001; 14 ± 8 mV vs. 5.5 ± 5.6 mV; p 0.001). Pacing thresholds remained stable and left ventricular ejection fraction remained unchanged during a mean follow-up of 12 ± 13.7 months.HPCSP is feasible in the majority of patients requiring pacemakers post-TAVR. Success rates of HBP were lower in patients with CoreValves compared to Sapien valves. LBBAP was associated with higher success rates and lower pacing thresholds compared with HBP.

BACKGROUND: Pericardial effusion is common in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We sought to identify predictors and prognostic impact of pericardial effusion in CKD patients. HYPOTHESIS: Clinical and biochemical parameters can predict pericardial effusion in CKD patients. METHODS: In a retrospective nested case‐control design, we analyzed hospitalized adult patients with CKD stage 4, 5, or end‐stage renal disease diagnosed with pericardial effusion. Controls were same‐stage CKD patients without effusion. RESULTS: Among 84 cases and 61 controls, 44% and 34% were on dialysis, respectively. The mean creatinine was higher among cases versus controls (8.4±6.0 vs. 6.0±3.4 mg/dL, P = 0.002). Effusion was moderate to large in 46% of cases. Independent predictors of any pericardial effusion were serum potassium (OR: 1.95 per 1‐mEq/L increment, 95% CI: 1.21–3.13, P = 0.006), serum corrected calcium (OR: 1.33 per 1‐mg/dL decrement, 95% CI: 1.11–1.67, P = 0.015), and admission heart rate (OR: 1.29 per 10‐bpm increment, 95% CI: 1.03–1.62, P = 0.027). Corrected calcium level was an independent predictor of moderate to large pericardial effusion (OR: 1.38 per 1‐mg/dL decrement, 95% CI: 1.04–1.82, P = 0.023). Corrected calcium

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) create a therapeutic dilemma as the risk of bleeding with triple antithrombotic therapy (TATT) must be balanced against the risk of ischemic events with double antithrombotic therapy (DATT). The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the efficacy and safety of DATT versus TATT in AF and CAD. MEDLINE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for relevant articles published from inception to May 1, 2019. Studies comparing the safety and efficacy of DATT versus TATT in patients with AF and CAD were included. Among 9 studies, where 6,104 patients received DATT and 7,333 patients received TATT, there was no statistically significant difference in the outcomes of mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and stroke. There was a lower rate of major bleeding in DATT (risk ratio [RR] 0.64 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54 to 0.75]; p0.001). There was no significant difference in stent thrombosis (RR 1.52 [95% CI 0.97 to 2.38]; p = 0.07). However, subgroup analysis of trials with direct oral anticoagulant use demonstrated a borderline higher rate of stent thrombosis in DATT (RR 1.66 [95% CI 1.01 to 2.73]; p = 0.05). In conclusion, DATT showed no difference in the outcomes of mortality, stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis compared with TATT. DATT demonstrated a lower rate of major bleeding. DATT demonstrated a borderline higher rate of stent thrombosis in the subgroup analysis of trials with direct oral anticoagulant which needs to be evaluated in further studies.

Background and aims Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathologic condition characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction in the presence of eosinophil-predominant inflammation of esophageal mucosa. Topical steroids are recommended as first line pharmacologic therapy in EoE. We aimed to determine the efficacy of topical steroids in inducing histologic and clinical remission in children and adults with EoE. Methods We performed a systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases for studies investigating the efficacy of topical steroids in EoE. We collected data on the number of patients, dose and duration of therapy, complete and partial histological response, and clinical improvement. We performed meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials using Review Manager version 5.2. We used funnel plots to evaluate for publication bias. Results Five studies that included 174 patients with EoE were included in the meta-analysis. Topical fluticasone was administered in three studies involving 114 patients, and topical budesonide in two studies involving 60 patients. Patients treated with topical steroids, as compared with placebo, had higher complete histological remission (odds ratio [OR] 20.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.03, 61.63) and partial histological remission (OR 32.20, 95% CI 6.82, 152.04). There was a trend towards improvement in clinical symptoms with topical steroids as compared with placebo but it did not reach statistical significance (OR 2.72, 95 %CI 0.90, 8.23). Conclusions Topical corticosteroids seem to be effective in inducing histological remission but may not have similar significant impact in improving clinical symptoms of EoE. Studies with large sample size are needed to uniformly validate symptom improvement in EoE.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathologic condition characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction in the presence of eosinophil-predominant inflammation of esophageal mucosa. Topical steroids are recommended as first line pharmacologic therapy in EoE. We aimed to determine the efficacy of topical steroids in inducing histologic and clinical remission in children and adults with EoE.We performed a systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases for studies investigating the efficacy of topical steroids in EoE. We collected data on the number of patients, dose and duration of therapy, complete and partial histological response, and clinical improvement. We performed meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials using Review Manager version 5.2. We used funnel plots to evaluate for publication bias.Five studies that included 174 patients with EoE were included in the meta-analysis. Topical fluticasone was administered in three studies involving 114 patients, and topical budesonide in two studies involving 60 patients. Patients treated with topical steroids, as compared with placebo, had higher complete histological remission (odds ratio [OR] 20.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.03, 61.63) and partial histological remission (OR 32.20, 95% CI 6.82, 152.04). There was a trend towards improvement in clinical symptoms with topical steroids as compared with placebo but it did not reach statistical significance (OR 2.72, 95 %CI 0.90, 8.23).Topical corticosteroids seem to be effective in inducing histological remission but may not have similar significant impact in improving clinical symptoms of EoE. Studies with large sample size are needed to uniformly validate symptom improvement in EoE.

Websites have become an integral part of everyones life. The most important vulnerable issue in websites which has to be subjected to uncompromising security is user authentication. There is a good level of security when we use the conventional textual based password but memorizing these passwords is difficult when they are too long. Hence, users tend to keep password that are simple and short which compromises security and makes it vulnerable to many password cracking attacks. Users may also tend to write them down or store them inside the computer in the form of sticky notes which makes it even more vulnerable. This issue has motivated users towards an alternative solution which is the Graphical User Authentication (GUA) which makes use of images, patterns instead of plain text. However, one big issue incurred with the GUA is that it is very vulnerable to shoulder-surfing and spyware attacks. In this paper we propose a system called SAFE (Shoulder-Surfing Attacks Filibustered with Ease) that could restrict or filibuster shoulder-surfing and spyware attacks. This system uses an algorithm called as RALUT-G (Randomized Lookup Table-Generator) that generates a randomized look-up table with dynamic content for the user authentication based on its working module. We have also evaluated the efficiency and the effectiveness of our system using comprehensive experimental analysis.

With the advent of rapid increase in the size of data in large cluster systems and the transformation of data into big data in major data intensive organizations and applications, it is very necessary to build efficient and flexible Sql to Map-Reduce translators that would make Tera to Peta bytes of data easy to access and retrieve because conventional Sql-based data processing has limited scalability in these cases. In this paper we propose a Smart Sql to Map-Reduce Translator (S2MART), which transforms the Sql queries into Map-Reduce jobs with the inclusion of intra-query correlation for minimizing redundant operation, sub-query generation and spiral modeled database for reducing data transfer cost and network transfer cost. S2MART also applies the concept of views in database to perform parallelization of big data easy and streamlined. This paper gives a comprehensive study about the various features of S2MART and we compare the performance and correctness of our system with two widely used Sql to Map-Reduce translators’ hive and pig.