Search

Aims Ajmaline challenge can unmask subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) screening failure in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) and non-diagnostic baseline electrocardiogram (ECG). The efficacy of the SMART Pass (SP) filter, a high-pass filter designed to reduce cardiac oversensing (while maintaining an appropriate sensing margin), has not yet been assessed in patients with BrS. The aim of this prospective multicentre study was to investigate the effect of the SP filter on dynamic Brugada ECG changes evoked by ajmaline and to assess its value in reducing S-ICD screening failure in patients with drug-induced Brugada ECGs. Methods and results The S-ICD screening with conventional automated screening tool (AST) was performed during ajmaline challenge in subjects with suspected BrS. The S-ICD recordings were obtained before, during and after ajmaline administration and evaluated by the means of a simulation model that emulates the AST behaviour with and without SP filter. A patient was considered suitable for S-ICD if at least one sensing vector was acceptable in all tested postures. A sensing vector was considered acceptable in the presence of QRS amplitude >0.5 mV, QRS/T-wave ratio >3.5, and sense vector score >100. Of the 126 subjects (mean age: 42 ± 14 years, males: 61%, sensing vectors: 6786), 46 (36%) presented with an ajmaline-induced Brugada type 1 ECG. Up to 30% of subjects and 40% of vectors failed the screening during the appearance of Brugada type 1 ECG evoked by ajmaline. The S-ICD screening failure rate was not significantly reduced in patients with Brugada ECGs when SP filter was enabled (30% vs. 24%). Similarly, there was only a trend in reduction of vector-failure rate attributable to the SP filter (from 40% to 36%). The most frequent reason for screening failure was low QRS amplitude or low QRS/T-wave ratio. None of these patients was implanted with an S-ICD. Conclusion Patients who pass the sensing screening during ajmaline can be considered good candidates for S-ICD implantation, while those who fail might be susceptible to sensing issues. Although there was a trend towards reduction of vector sensing failure rate when SP filter was enabled, the reduction in S-ICD screening failure in patients with Brugada ECGs did not reach statistical significance. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov Unique Identifier NCT04504591.

PURPOSE: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is an effective treatment option for patients with paroxysmal AF. However, traditional point by point RF ablation can be time consuming and technically challenging. To simplify the ablation procedure, without compromising procedure outcome, several "single shot" ablation systems have been developed. The multi-electrode RF Balloon catheter HELIOSTAR is a 28-mm compliant balloon compatible with the CARTO 3D electroanatomical mapping system; an optimized step-by-step workflow to perform PVI is described. METHODS: Procedures are performed under general anesthesia with unique transseptal puncture. To evaluate the optimal electrode-tissue contact and best RF Balloon positioning, the following baseline indicators should be fulfilled: inflation index > 0.8, impedance range close to 100 Ohms with a variability of less than 20 Ohms across electrodes, temperature variability on all electrodes 2 °C compared to baseline) and 60 s for all the other segments. Target parameters for PVI are 1) time to isolation less than 12 s; 2) impedance drop > 12 Ohms; 3) temperature rise > 6 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized workflow for RF Balloon is mandatory to achieve efficacy and safety with this new promising technology. In the absence of international guidelines, a single high-volume center procedural strategy is described for PVI.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (persAF) is associated with less favorable outcomes than for paroxysmal AF. To improve success rates, left atrial (LA) substrate modification is frequently performed in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The purpose of the study was to compare 4 different ablation approaches using radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) or cryoballoon ablation (CB-A) for persAF and to evaluate the respective outcomes on a midterm follow-up of 12 months. METHODS: We did a propensity score-matched comparison of 30 patients undergoing PVI + LA posterior wall isolation (LAPWI) with CB-A, 30 patients who underwent PVI + linear ablation (roof and mitral lines) using RFCA, 60 patients with PVI alone using CB-A, and 60 patients who had PVI alone using RFCA. The endpoint was recurrence of documented atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATas) > 30 s at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: After 12 months, freedom from ATas after a single procedure was 83.3% in the PVI + LAPWI group, 46.7% in the PVI + linear ablation group, 58.3% in the PVI-alone CB-A group, and 61.6% PVI-alone RFCA (p = 0.03). Moreover, freedom from ATas was significantly higher comparing the PVI + LAPWI group with each of the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this propensity-matched comparison of strategies for persAF, LAPW ablation in addition to PVI with CB-A seems to improve 1-year outcome in comparison to PVI + linear ablation using RFCA and to PVI alone using RFCA or CB-A. Randomized comparisons are eagerly awaited.

Background Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) can be triggered by non-pulmonary vein foci, like the superior vena cava (SVC). The latter is correlated with improved result in terms of freedom from atrial tachycardias (ATs), when electrical isolation of this vessel utilizing radiofrequency energy (RF) is achieved. Objectives Evaluate the clinical impact, in patients with PAF, of the SVC isolation (SVCi) in addition to ordinary pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by means of the second-generation cryoballoon (CB) Methods A total of 100 consecutive patients that underwent CB ablation for PAF were retrospectively selected. Fifty consecutive patients received PVI followed by SVCi by CB application, and the following 50 consecutive patients received standard PVI. All patients were followed 12 months. Results The mean time to SVCi was 36.7 ± 29.0 s and temperature at SVC isolation was − 35 (− 18 to − 40) °C. Real-time recording (RTR) during SVCi was observed in 42 (84.0%) patients. At the end of 12 months of follow-up, freedom from ATs was achieved in 36 (72%) patients in the PVI only group and in 45 (90%) patients of the SVC and PV isolation group (Fisher’s exact test p = 0.039, binary logistic regression: p = 0.027, OR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.09–0.86). In survival analysis, SVC and PV isolation group was also associated with improved freedom from ATs (log-rank test: p = 0.017, Cox regression: p = 0.026, HR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.11–0.87). Conclusion Superior vena cava isolation with the CB in addition to PVI might improve freedom from ATs if compared to PVI alone at 1-year follow-up.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the spatial relationship between low-voltage areas (LVAs) in bipolar voltage mapping (BVM) and localized complex conduction (LCC)-cores in a global, non-contact, charge-density-based imaging, and mapping system (AcM). Methods Patients with history of index PVI for PsAF and scheduled for a repeat ablation procedure for recurrence of the same arrhythmia were enrolled between August 2018 and February 2020. All patients underwent both substrate mappings of the left atrium (LA) with the CARTO 3D map-ping system and with AcM. Results Ten patients where included in our analysis. All presented with persistency of PVI in all veins at the moment of repeat procedure. There was no linear relationship in BVM maps between SR and CSd (correlation coefficient 0.31 ± 0.15), SR and CSp (0.36 ± 0.12) and CSd and CSp (0.43 ± 0.10). The % overlap of localized irregular activation (LIA), localized rotational activation (LRA) and Focal (F) regions with LVA was lower at 0.2 mV compared to 0.5 mV (4.97 ± 7.39%, 3.27 ± 5.25%, 1.09 ± 1.92% and 12.59 ± 11.81%, 7.8 ± 9.20%, 4.62 ± 5.27%). Sensitivity and specificity are not significantly different when comparing composite maps with different LVA cut-offs. AURC was 0.46, 0.48, and 0.39 for LIA, LRA, and Focal, respectively. Conclusion Due to wave front direction dependency, LVAs mapped with BVM in sinus rhythm and during coronary sinus pacing only partially overlap in patients with PsAF. LCC-cores mapped during PsAF partially co-localize with LVAs.

Conduction delay in the right ventricular outflow tract as manifested in the electrocardiogram constitutes a high-risk predictor of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with Brugada syndrome. We present a case with a right QRS axis between –90° and ±180°. This feature has never been reported in the context of Brugada syndrome. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.), Graphical abstract

Andersen-Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a very rare orphan genetic multisystem channelopathy without structural heart disease (with rare exceptions). ATS type 1 is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and is caused by mutations in the KCNJ2 gene, which encodes the α subunit of the K+ channel protein Kir2.1 (in ≈ 50-60% of cases). ATS type 2 is in turn linked to a rare mutation in the KCNJ5-GIRK4 gene that encodes the G protein-sensitive-activated inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir3.4 (15%), which carries the acetylcholine-induced potassium current. About 30% of cases are de novo/sporadic, suggesting that additional as-yet unidentified genes also cause the disorder. A triad of periodic muscle paralysis, repolarization changes in the electrocardiogram, and structural body changes characterize ATS. The typical muscular change is episodic flaccid muscle weakness. Prolongation of the QU/QUc intervals and normal or minimally prolonged QT/QTc intervals with a tendency to ventricular arrhythmias are typical repolarization changes. Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia is the hallmark ventricular arrhythmia, but also premature ventricular contractions, and rarely, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia of torsade de pointes type may be present. Patients with ATS have characteristic physical developmental dysmorphisms that affect the face, skull, limbs, thorax, and stature. Mild learning difficulties and a distinct neurocognitive phenotype (deficits in executive function and abstract reasoning) have been described. About 60% of affected individuals have all features of the major triad. The purpose of this review is to present historical aspects, nomenclature (observations/criticisms), epidemiology, genetics, electrocardiography, arrhythmias, electrophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic criteria/clues of periodic paralysis, prognosis, and management of ATS.

Aims To assess the value of high-density mapping (HDM) in revealing undetected incomplete pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) after the fourth-generation cryoballoon (CB4G) ablation compared to the previous cryoballoon’s versions. Methods and results Consecutive patients with paroxysmal or early-persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing CB ablation as the index procedure, assisted by HDM, were retrospectively included in this study. A total of 68 patients (52 males; mean age: 60 ± 12 years, 58 paroxysmal AF) were included, and a total of 272 veins were mapped. Fourth-generation cryoballoon with the new spiral mapping catheter (SMC) was used in 35 patients (51%). Time to PVI was determined in 102/132 (77%) and in 112/140 (80%) veins during second-generation cryoballoon/third-generation cryoballoon (CB2G/CB3G) and CB4G ablation, respectively (P = 0.66). There was a statistically significant difference in terms of discrepancy rate between the SMC and the mini-basket catheter in PV detection after CB4G and CB2G/CB3G ablation(1.4% vs. 7.6%; P = 0.01). A total of 57 patients (84%) remained free of symptomatic AF during a mean follow-up of 9.8 ± 4.6 months. Conclusion High-density mapping after cryoballoon ablation using CB4G and the new SMC identifies incomplete PVI, not detected by the new SMC, in a significantly lower proportion of veins compared to HDM performed after the other generation CB ablation.

Background: Clinical management of vaso-vagal syncope (VVS) remains challenging since no therapy has proven to completely prevent VVS recurrence. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the mid-term outcome of cryoballoon (CB) cardioneuroablation achieved by pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with VVS. Methods: Patients who underwent CB cardioneuroablation in our centers between January 2014 to June 2018 were included. All patients had a history of VVS or pre-syncope despite therapeutic attempts with medical and/or pacing treatments. Patients were excluded in case of structural heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases or suspected drug-related syncope. Both heart rate (HR) and atrio-ventricular (AV) interval were analyzed on the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) the day before the procedure, the day after, and in the follow-up. Results: In total, 26 patients (76.9% males, 37.5 ± 9.0 years old) were included. All patients underwent a successful procedure with the 28 mm second-generation Arctic Front Advance CB. No major complication occurred. At a mean follow-up of 20.1 ± 11.6 months the freedom from VVS or reflex pre-syncope was 83,7%, with 22 patients free from any clinical recurrence. Basal HR significantly increased the day after the procedure (57.2 bpm vs 78.3 bpm, p

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of superior vena cava (SVC) isolation in addition to standard pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using the second-generation cryoballoon (CB) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Thirty-seven consecutive patients that underwent CB ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) were prospectively enrolled in our study. After PVI the SVC was mapped for potentials. If the SVC exhibited electrical activity, isolation was achieved performing a single 180-s balloon application. RESULTS: Regarding SVC isolation, 180-s freeze in the SVC could be completed in 32 (86.4%) patients, and 5 patients had at least 120 s of freezing application (13.5%). Real-time recording during SVC isolation was observed in 30 (81.0%) patients. The mean time to isolation was 36.9 ± 28.7 s and the temperature at isolation was - 33 (- 15 to - 40) °C. No cases developed persistent phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) or any other complication. CONCLUSIONS: Superior vena cava isolation proved to be safe and feasible with the second generation cryoballoon in a prospective series of patients affected by PAF.

Background Brugada Syndrome is an inherited arrhythmogenic disease, characterized by the typical coved type ST-segment elevation in the right precordial leads from V1 through V3. The BrugadaDrugs.org Advisory Board recommends avoiding administration of propofol in patients with Brugada Syndrome. Since prospective studies are lacking, it was the purpose of this study to assess the electrocardiographic effects of propofol and etomidate on the ST- and QRS-segments. In this trial, it was hypothesized that administration of propofol or etomidate in bolus for induction of anesthesia, in patients with Brugada Syndrome, do not clinically affect the ST- and QRS-segments and do not induce arrhythmias. Methods In this prospective, double-blinded trial, 98 patients with established Brugada syndrome were randomized to receive propofol (2 to 3 mg/kg-1) or etomidate (0.2 to 0.3 mg/kg-1) for induction of anesthesia. The primary endpoints were the changes of the ST- and QRS-segment, and the occurrence of new arrhythmias upon induction of anesthesia. Results The analysis included 80 patients: 43 were administered propofol and 37 etomidate. None of the patients had a ST elevation greater than or equal to 0.2 mV, one in each group had a ST elevation of 0.15 mV. An ST depression up to −0.15mV was observed eleven times with propofol and five with etomidate. A QRS-prolongation of 25% upon induction was seen in one patient with propofol and three with etomidate. This trial failed to establish any evidence to suggest that changes in either group differed, with most percentiles being zero (median [25th, 75th], 0 [0, 0] vs. 0 [0, 0]). Finally, no new arrhythmias occurred perioperatively in both groups. Conclusions In this trial, there does not appear to be a significant difference in electrocardiographic changes in patients with Brugada syndrome when propofol versus etomidate were administered for induction of anesthesia. This study did not investigate electrocardiographic changes related to propofol used as an infusion for maintenance of anesthesia, so future studies would be warranted before conclusions about safety of propofol infusions in patients with Brugada syndrome can be determined. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Contains fulltext : 218857.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access)

AIM The aim of the study was to investigate the role of anatomical characteristics of the pulmonary veins (PVs) determining cooling kinetics during second-generation cryoballoon ablation (CbA). METHODS AND RESULTS we enrolled all consecutive patients who underwent CbA for symptomatic atrial fibrillation in our center from January 2019 to March 2019. All patients had complete computed tomography scans of the heart before the ablation. Anatomical characteristics were tested for prediction of a nadir temperature (NT) ≤ -48°C. Significant differences were noted among PV max diameter (20.8 ± 2.8 vs 18.5 ± 2.5 mm; P

Background The prevalence and the clinical impact of conversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm (SR) during cryoballoon ablation (CB‐A) are unknown. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of restoration of SR during CB‐A and the clinical impact of this phenomenon. Methods Between January 2012 and September 2018, all patients who experienced conversion of AF to SR during CB‐A were included. This group was subsequently matched for gender, age, type of AF, diagnosis‐to‐ablation time, and left atrial size with patients who underwent CB‐A and did not experienced conversion of AF to SR. After discharge, patients were scheduled for follow‐up visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and 24 hours Holter recordings were obtained at each follow‐up visit. All documented AF episodes of >30 seconds were considered as recurrence. A 3 month post‐procedural blanking period (BP) was applied. Results A total of 1559 patients underwent pulmonary veins isolation by CB‐A between January 2012 and September 2018; among them, 58 patients (3.7%) experienced restoration of SR during CB‐A. In total, 53 patients (41 males [77.3%], mean age 61.4 ± 13.3 years) were included in the case group. During CB‐A, restoration of SR occurred more frequently during right‐side PVs applications (right inferior pulmonary vein 39.6%, right superior pulmonary vein 30.2%). If considering a BP, at 2 year follow‐up, freedom from recurrences was 86.5% in the case group and 68.0% in the control group (P = .036). Conclusion Conversion of AF to SR is a favorable and relatively frequent phenomenon during cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation ablation., Our paper shows that conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm is not an anusual phenomenon during cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation ablation, and it is associated with a very good outcome at a mid‐term follow‐up.

PURPOSE: High parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity is accurately reflected by deceleration capacity (DC) and is involved in atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation procedure. When compared with initial catheter ablation procedure, repeated procedures for AF recurrence are followed by a lower success rates, estimated at 50%. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of PNS activity assessed by DC measured before repeated procedure on AF recurrence after repeated procedure. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent an initial catheter ablation procedure for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation and a repeated catheter ablation procedure for AF recurrence were selected. Additional 24-h ambulatory electrocardiographic recording between procedures for DC measurement was required for inclusion. A total of 110 patients were included. Seventy-two patients underwent cryoballoon (CB) ablation and 38 patients underwent radiofrequency (RF) ablation as initial procedure, while all patients underwentRF ablation as repeated procedure. RESULTS: DC was higher in cases with right-sided PV reconnection (p = 0.04, OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.08-1.78). In patients with CB ablation as initial procedure, DC was higher in patients with PV reconnection (p = 0.03, OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.11-1.70), and the number of reconnected PVs was higher in patients with DC ≥ 7.0 ms (median DC value used for dichotomization, p = 0.02, OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.10-4.37). In multivariate Cox regression, DC predicted AF recurrence after repeated ablation (p = 0.004, HR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.35-1.82). In multivariate binary regression, DC predicted persistent AF type recurrence after repeated ablation (p = 0.01, OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.10-2.02). CONCLUSIONS: DC is a novel predictor of AF recurrence and AF recurrence type after repeated catheter ablation procedure. DC may reflect the need of more intensive treatment strategies in patients with high PNS activity.

Background Brugada syndrome (BrS) is characterized by a high risk of sudden cardiac death. The clinical value of deformation imaging in patients with BrS is unknown. We aimed to assess whether echocardiographic speckle tracking parameters differ between: 1) BrS patients and healthy controls, 2) BrS patients with and without life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Methods Left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) longitudinal strain and mechanical dispersion (MD) were derived from echocardiography at inclusion. Clinical and ECG data were retrospectively assessed. A life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia was defined as an aborted cardiac arrest or sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Results We included 175 BrS patients and 82 controls. LV and RV longitudinal strain were lower (−18.1 ± 2.6% vs. −18.8 ± 2.0%, p = 0.01 and − 24.4 ± 5.4% vs. 25.6 ± 3.7%, p = 0.04), while MD was higher [38 ± 11 ms vs. 33 ± 8 ms, p = 0.001 and 15 (8–25) ms vs. 11 (6–19) ms, p = 0.03] in BrS patients compared to controls. BrS patients who experienced a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia (n = 19) had higher LV MD compared to those without events (43 ± 11 ms vs. 37 ± 11 ms, p = 0.02). An LV MD ≥40 ms was optimally associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias [odds ratio 4.62 (95%CI 1.58–13.50), p = 0.005]. Conclusions BrS patients had lower longitudinal strain and more heterogeneous contractions than healthy controls. Furthermore, BrS patients with a history of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia had more heterogeneous LV contractions than those without. Therefore, LV MD may be a risk marker in BrS and its evaluation in prospective studies is needed.

Introduction Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is an established treatment for paroxysmal drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). High parasympathetic tone and reconnection of PVs have demonstrated to be possible culprits of AF recurrence after ablation. Our aim was to investigate the association between parasympathetic tone and reconnected PVs in patients with paroxysmal AF. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent a repeated catheter ablation procedure for atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence by means of 3D electroanatomic mapping with documentation of presence or absence of PVs reconnection following an initial procedure of cryoballoon ablation with for symptomatic drug-refractory paroxysmal AF were screened for the study. Results A total of 92 patients were included, of whom 50(54.35%) were males. Reconnected PVs were found in 64 (69%) patients. PVs reconnection could be predicted by DC(C-statistic = .770), by SDNNI(C-statistic = .714) and by absolute VLF power(C-statistic = .722), while right-sided PVs reconnection could be better predicted by DC(C-statistic = .848) and by SDNNI(C-statistic = .761). In multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, a DC value ≥6.45 ms and an absolute VLF power value ≥160ms2 associated with 3 times and 5 times higher odds of PVs reconnection, respectively. On a vein-per-vein analysis, absolute VLF power ≥160ms2 associated with 3 times higher odds, while reaching of -40°C within 60 seconds associated with 3 times lower odds of PVs reconnection. Conclusion High parasympathetic tonus accurately predicts PVs reconnection. On a vein-per-vein analysis, parasympathetic markers along with biophysical parameters predicted PVs reconnection. On a case-by-case analysis, parasympathetic markers were the only predictors of PVs reconnection, thus being a robust PVs reconnection prediction tool. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of Brugada syndrome (BrS) and consequently of abnormal electrograms (aEGMs) found in the epicardium of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT-EPI) is controversial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze aEGM from high-density RVOT-EPI electroanatomic mapping (EAM). METHODS: All patients undergoing RVOT-EPI EAM with the HD-Grid catheter for BrS were retrospectively included. Maps were acquired before and after ajmaline, and all patients had concomitant noninvasive electrocardiographic imaging with annotation of RVOT-EPI latest activation time (RVOTat). High-frequency potentials (HFPs) were defined as ventricular potentials occurring during or after the far-field ventricular EGM showing a local activation time (HFPat). Low-frequency potentials (LFPs) were defined as aEGMs occurring after near-field ventricular activation showing fractionation or delayed components. Their activation time from surface ECG was defined as LFPat. RESULTS: Fifteen consecutive patients were included in the study. At EAM before ajmaline, 7 patients (46.7%) showed LFPs. All patients showed HFPs before and after ajmaline and LFPs after ajmaline. Mean HFPat (134.4 vs 65.3 ms, P

Background: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is associated with mutations in the cardiac sodium channel gene, SCN5A. However, genetic studies of patients with BrS with arrhythmic events have been limited. We sought to compare various clinical, ECG, and electrophysiological parameters according to SCN5A genotype in a large cohort of BrS probands with first arrhythmic event. Methods: Survey on Arrhythmic Events in Brugada Syndrome is a survey of 10 Western and 4 Asian countries, gathering 678 patients with BrS with first arrhythmic event. Only probands were included, and SCN5A genotype adjudicated. Patients without appropriate genetic data were excluded. Associations of genotype with clinical features were analyzed. Results: The study group comprised 392 probands: 92 (23.5%) SCN5A+ (44 pathogenic/likely pathogenic [P/LP] and 48 variants of unknown significance) and 300 (76.5%) SCN5A−. SCN5A missense variants and the patients hosting them were similar regardless of adjudication. A higher proportion of patients with P/LP were pediatric (SCN5A− (11.4% versus 3%, P =0.023). The proportion of females was higher among patients with P/LP compared with SCN5A − (18.2% versus 6.3%, P =0.013). P/LP probands were more likely to have a family history of sudden cardiac death compared with SCN5A − (41.9% versus 16.8%, P SCN5A− (87.5% versus 47%, P P P =0.009) were independent variables associated with P/LP genotype following logistic regression. Conclusions: The genetic basis of BrS has a complex relationship with gender, ethnicity, and age. Probands hosting a P/LP variant tended to experience their first arrhythmic event at a younger age and to have events triggered by fever compared with patients with SCN5A− . In addition, they were more likely to be White and to have family history of sudden cardiac death. Among females, a P/LP variant suggests an increased risk of being symptomatic. This association should be further studied on an ethnically specific basis in large prospectively collected international cohorts.

PURPOSE: There is a growing interest in performing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with concomitant posterior wall isolation (PWI) using the cryoballoon for the treatment of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is little known about the long-term durability of PWI using this approach. METHODS: In this multicenter study, we retrospectively examined the durability of PVI + PWI using the 28-mm cryoballoon by investigating the outcomes from consecutive patients referred for repeat catheter ablation. RESULTS: Altogether, 81/519 patients (15.6%) were referred for repeat catheter ablation. Repeat ablation was associated with a longer AF duration, hypertension, heart failure, multiple cardioversions, and antiarrhythmic therapy as well as larger left atrial (LA) diameters (49 ± 4 mm versus 43 ± 5 mm; P < 0.001) and greater need for "touch-up" (adjunct) radiofrequency ablation (44.4% versus 18.3%; P < 0.001). LA diameter also emerged as a significant predictor for adjunct radiofrequency ablation (P < 0.001). Durable PVI was observed in 66/81 patients (81.5%) and PWI in 67/81 patients (82.7%). Those with incomplete PWI exhibited larger LA diameters, particularly > 48 mm (negative predictive value = 89.7%). Lastly, an atypical LA posterior wall/roof flutter represented the third most common cause of arrhythmia recurrence and essentially every patient with incomplete PWI exhibited such an arrhythmia. CONCLUSION: PWI performed using a 28-mm cryoballoon in conjunction with PVI exhibits long-term durability in the vast majority of patients with persistent AF. While LA diameter (particularly > 48 mm) is a significant predictor for the need for adjunct radiofrequency ablation when performing this technique, those with incomplete PWI invariably present with an atypical flutter using this substrate.

Aims To evaluate the clinical outcome in patients undergoing repeat procedures for recurrent persistent atrial fibrillation following an index cryoballoon (CB‐A) pulmonary vein isolation ablation on a mid‐term follow‐up of 12 months. Methods In this propensity score‐matched comparison, 50 patients undergoing left atrial posterior wall isolation (LAPWI) with the CB‐A were matched to 50 patients treated with additional linear ablation using radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Results Meantime to repeat the procedure was 9.74 ± 4.36 months. At 12 months follow‐up freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATas) was achieved in 82% of patients in the LAPWI group and in 62% of patients in the linear ablation group (P = .03). Regression analysis demonstrated that relapses during the blanking period and LA dimensions were independent predictors of ATas recurrences following the repeat procedure. Conclusion LAPWI using CB‐A is associated with a significantly higher freedom from atrial arrhythmias when compared with the RFCA mediated left atrial linear lesions on a mid‐term follow‐up of 12 months in patients with persAF undergoing a redo procedure., LAPWI using CB‐A is associated with a significantly higher freedom from atrial arrhythmias when compared with the RFCA mediated left atrial linear lesions on a mid‐term follow‐up of 12 months in patients with persAF undergoing a redo procedure.

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of a novel electrocardiographic (ECG) marker in predicting ventricular arrhythmia (VA) inducibility in individuals with drug-induced Brugada syndrome (BrS) type I pattern. Consecutive patients with drug-induced type I BrS pattern underwent programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) and, according to their response, were divided into 2 groups. Clinical characteristics and 12-lead ECG intervals before and after ajmaline infusion were compared between the 2 groups. A novel ECG marker named dST-Tiso interval consisting in the interval between the onset of the coved ST-segment elevation and its termination at the isoelectric line was also evaluated. Our cohort included 76 individuals (median age 44 years, 75% male). Twenty-five (32.9%) had VA inducibility requiring defibrillation. As compared with not inducible subjects, those with VA inducibility were more frequently male (92% vs 65%, p = 0.013), had longer PQ interval (basal: 172 vs 152 ms, p = 0.033; after ajmaline: 216 vs 200 ms, p = 0.040), higher J peak (0.6 vs 0.5 mV, p = 0.006) and longer dST-Tiso (360 vs 240 ms, p < 0.001). The dST-Tiso showed a C-statistics of 0.90 (95% confidence interval: 0.82 to 0.99) and an adjusted odds ratio for VA of 1.03 (1.01 to 1.04, p < 0.001). A dST-Tiso interval >300 ms yielded a sensitivity of 92.0%, a specificity of 90.2%, positive and negative predictive values of 82.1% and 95.8%. In conclusion, the dST-Tiso interval is a powerful predictor of VA inducibility in drug-induced BrS type I pattern. External validation is needed, but this marker might be useful in the clinical counseling process of these individuals before invasive PVS.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the new high-resolution mapping algorithm SuperMap (Acutus Medical, CA, USA) in identifying and guiding ablation in the setting of regular atrial tachycardias following index atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Methods Seven consecutive patients who underwent a radiofrequency catheter ablation guided by the novel noncontact charge density (CD) SuperMap for atrial tachycardia were prospectively enrolled in our study. Results Arrhythmogenic substrate was identified in all seven patients. Mean number of EGM per map was 5859.7 ± 4348.5 points. Three patients (43%) exhibited focal tachycardia mechanisms in the left atrium, alternating from anteroseptal right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV), posterior in proximity of left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV), and interarial septum in proximity of fossa ovalis, respectively. Four patients exhibited macroreentrant mechanism. In 3 of these patients, SuperMap detected mitral isthmus-dependent flutters with tachycardia cycle lengths of 240, 270 and 420 ms, respectively. In one patient, the mechanism was a macroreentrant tachycardia with the critical isthmus located between the crista terminalis and atriotomy. The mean ablation time (min) was 18.2 ± 12.5 and the mean procedural duration time was 56.4 ± 12.1 min. No minor or major complications occurred. Conclusion The novel high-resolution mapping algorithm SuperMap proved to be safe, fast, and feasible in identifying and guiding ablation in the setting of regular atrial tachycardias following index AF ablation.

The present case reports for the first time an unusual presentation of Brugada type 1 pattern occurring in a "bigeminy way" without no drug challenges or any apparent causes in a family member of a proband with type 1 pattern.

PURPOSE: Currently, information on the mid-term outcome of cryoballoon ablation (CB-A) for drug-resistant atrial fibrillation in patients with reduced left ventricular systolic function is limited. METHODS: Thirty-eight consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (84.2% male), with median left ventricular ejection fraction of 37.3% were included in our study. All patients underwent the procedure with the 28-mm cryoballoon advance. RESULTS: There were no mayor complications related to the CB-A procedure. Median follow-up was 26.5 ± 13.7 months. The freedom from atrial fibrillation after a blanking period of 3 months was 42.9% in our cohort of patients. During the follow-up period, 13 patients underwent at least a new electrophysiological procedure. After a single procedure, the univariate predictors of clinical recurrence after the blanking period were age and persistent atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: Second-generation CB-A of atrial fibrillation seems feasible and safe in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction, in terms of complications rate and number of applications per vein. All pulmonary veins could be isolated with the 28-mm cryoballoon advance only.

INTRODUCTION The right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV) accounts as the most frequently reconnected vein after pulmonary vein isolation using second-generation cryoballoon ablation (CB-A). Our objective was to assess anatomic predictors of late RIPV reconnection based on preprocedural computed tomography scan. METHODS Patients with a repeat procedure for atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after index CB-A procedure were included. A total of 129 RIPVs were evaluated for ostial diameters, ostial area, and branching pattern. Interior angle between RIPV and horizontal line in the frontal/transversal plane was used to measure the RIPV orientation: RIPV frontal/transversal angle, respectively. In addition, interior angle between RIPV and the line perpendicular on the septal intersection line at the level of the fossa ovalis, estimated as trans-septal (TS) puncture site, was measured in the frontal/transversal view: RIPV-TS frontal/transversal angle, respectively. RESULTS Late vein reconnection was present in 36/129 RIPVs (28%). Warmer balloon nadir temperature (P = .01), more inferior (P

Introduction: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), by catheter ablation, represents the current treatment for drug-resistant atrial fibrillation (AF). Nowadays cryoballoon (CB) is a recognized ablation method in patients with atrial fibrillation, mainly due to its ease of use, leading to reproducible and fast procedures. This novel single shot technology literally revolutionized the approach to AF ablation. Areas covered: The historical development of the cryoballoon, ablation techniques and new approaches beyond the ordinary PVI and complications are summarized here. Expert opinion: Although cryoballoon ablation has greatly standardized the approach to PVI a few critical points still need to be clarified scientifically in order to further uniform this procedure in cath labs worldwide. Duration and dosage of the cryoapplication is undoubtedly a topic of great interest.

Background Abnormal delayed electrograms (EGMs) from the anterior wall of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) epicardium have become the ablation target in Brugada syndrome (BrS). Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a novel hybrid thoracoscopic approach to perform epicardial RVOT radiofrequency ablation in BrS. Methods Thirty-six patients with BrS (26 men (72.2%); mean age 36.6±15.8 years; range 3–63 years) who underwent hybrid thoracoscopic epicardial ablation of RVOT from January 2016 to April 2018 were included in this study. Two expert electrophysiologists analyzed the EGMs during ajmaline challenge and guided the surgeon to perform ablation. Ajmaline challenge was repeated after 1 month to assess the absence of the BrS electrocardiographic pattern. Patients were followed by remote monitoring and outpatient visits every 6 months. Results The elimination of all abnormal EGMs was achieved in 94.4% of patients. After a mean follow-up of 16 ± 8 months (range 6–30 months), freedom from ventricular arrhythmias was obtained in 7 (77.8%) patients in secondary prevention 9/36 (25%) and in 24 (100%) patients in primary prevention 24/36 (75%). Major complications were observed in 1 patient (2.8%), who experienced late cardiac tamponade. Conclusion Hybrid thoracoscopic epicardial RVOT ablation in BrS is a safe and feasible approach, allowing direct visualization of ablation during radiofrequency delivery. Because of ventricular arrhythmia recurrences, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation is still mandatory in patients treated in secondary prevention and with high risk.

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by means of cryoballoon is increasingly being used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study assessed whether the left atrial volume index (LAVI) predicts AF recurrence following PVI by means of 2nd-generation cryoballoon (Cryoballoon Advance; CB-A) when comparing persistent AF (PeAF) and paroxysmal AF (PAF). Methods and Results: Patients with drug-resistant AF and undergoing preprocedural computed tomography (CT) and PVI with CB-A were included. LAV was estimated from 3D CT images. A total of 417 patients with AF were included (95 PeAF, 322 PAF patients). After a mean of 22.1±9.4 months follow-up, 45/95 (47%) PeAF patients and 254/322 (79%) PAF patients had no recurrence. LAVI was an independent predictor for AF recurrence in PeAF patients (hazard ratio 1.042 per 1 mL/m 2; 95% confidence interval 1.006–1.080, P=0.02), but not in PAF patients. In PeAF patients with LAVI ≤61 mL/m 2, the freedom from recurrence was 78.5% vs. 22.2% in those with LAVI >61mL/m 2 (hazard ratio 5.771, 95% confidence interval 2.434–13.682, P

Aims: Data on predictors of time-to-first appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in patients with Brugada Syndrome (BrS) and prophylactically implanted ICD's are scarce.Methods and results: SABRUS (Survey on Arrhythmic Events in BRUgada Syndrome) is an international survey on 678 BrS patients who experienced arrhythmic event (AE) including 252 patients in whom AE occurred after prophylactic ICD implantation. Analysis was performed on time-to-first appropriate ICD discharge regarding patients' characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to identify which parameters predicted time to arrhythmia ≤5 years. The median time-to-first appropriate ICD therapy was 24.8 ± 2.8 months. A shorter time was observed in patients from Asian ethnicity (P Conclusion: First appropriate therapy in BrS patients with prophylactic ICD's occurred during the first 5 years in 76.6% of patients. Syncope and spontaneous Type 1 Brugada ECG correlated with a shorter time to ICD therapy.

BACKGROUND: Unrecognized incomplete pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), as opposed to post-PVI pulmonary vein reconnection, may be responsible for clinical recurrences of atrial fibrillation (AF). To date, no data are available on the use of high-resolution mapping (HRM) during cryoballoon (CB) ablation for AF as the index procedure. The aims of this study were: - to assess the value of using a HRM system during CB ablation procedures in terms of ability in acutely detecting incomplete CB lesions; - to compare the 8-pole circular mapping catheter (CMC, Achieve) and the 64-pole mini-basket catheter (Orion) with respect to pulmonary vein (PV) signals detection at baseline and after CB ablation; - to characterize the extension of the lesion produced by CB ablation by means of high-density voltage mapping. METHODS: Consecutive patients with drug-resistant paroxysmal or early-persistent AF undergoing CB ablation as the index procedure, assisted by a HRM system, were retrospectively included in this study. RESULTS: Atotal of 33 patients (25 males; mean age: 59 ± 18 years, 28 paroxysmal AF) were included. At baseline, CMC catheter revealed PV activity in 102 PVs (77%), while the Orion documented PV signals in all veins (100%). Failure of complete CB-PVI was more frequently revealed by atrial re-mapping with the Orion as compared to the Achieve catheter (24% vs 0%, p 0.5 mV. A total of 29 patients (88%) remained free of symptomatic AF during a mean follow-up of 13.2 ± 3.7 months. CONCLUSION: Atrial re-mapping after CB ablation by means of a HRM system improves the detection of areas of incomplete ablation, characterizes the extension of the cryo-ablated tissue and can identify abolishment of potential non-PVI related sources of AF.

The outcome in the Brugada syndrome (BrS) is more benign in female than in male individuals. However, outcome could be adversely affected by sinus node dysfunction (SND). Long sinus pauses indicate an overlap between the phenotypes of BrS and SND. We present a 29-year-old woman with syncopal episodes at rest since adolescence.

Background Short ECG P‐wave duration has recently been demonstrated to be associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to assess the rate of AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with a short P wave, and to mechanistically elucidate the observation by computer modeling. Methods and Results A total of 282 consecutive patients undergoing a first single‐pulmonary vein isolation procedure for paroxysmal or persistent AF were included. Computational models studied the effect of adenosine and sodium conductance on action potential duration and P‐wave duration (PWD). About 16% of the patients had a PWD of 110 ms or shorter (median PWD 126 ms, interquartile range, 115 ms–138 ms; range, 71 ms–180 ms). At Cox regression, PWD was significantly associated with AF recurrence ( P =0.012). Patients with a PWD P =0.007) and patients with a PWD ≥140 (HR, 1.87, 95% CI, 1.06–3.30; P =0.031) had a nearly 2‐fold increase in risk with respect to the other group. In the computational model, adenosine yielded a significant reduction of action potential duration 90 (52%) and PWD (7%). An increased sodium conductance (up to 200%) was robustly accompanied by an increase in conduction velocity (26%), a reduction in action potential duration 90 (28%), and PWD (22%). Conclusions One out of 5 patients referred for pulmonary vein isolation has a short PWD which was associated with a higher rate of AF after the index procedure. Computer simulations suggest that shortening of atrial action potential duration leading to a faster atrial conduction may be the cause of this clinical observation.

The overall aim of an invasive electrophysiological (EP) evaluation is to accurately diagnose the mechanism and substrate responsible for a documented or suspected arrhythmia to treat the patient’s symptoms or improve his/her prognosis. Significant developments in the understanding of arrhythmias as well as technological advances have allowed electrophysiology studies to be considered as a diagnostic first line option. This chapter discusses the fundamental principles of invasive electrophysiology and provides an essential guide in terms of establishing the correct diagnosis and ablation strategy.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): ESC Research Grant Background Brugada syndrome is a heritable disorder with a high risk of sudden death. Although being a primary electrical disorder, subtle structural changes have repeatedly been described. Little is known about the long-term structural evolution in Brugada syndrome. Purpose We aimed to assess the evolution of echocardiographic parameters in Brugada syndrome and the presence of markers of structural evolution. Methods Brugada syndrome patients with minimum two complete transthoracic echocardiographic examinations were included. Clinical data were collected retrospectively. We analyzed all available echocardiographic examinations and assessed the evolution of cardiac parameters over time and its association with patient characteristics. Results The study included 113 Brugada syndrome patients [47 (33-55) years, 59 (52%) female, spontaneous type 1 ECG in 26 (23%)], with a total of 258 echocardiographies, collected over a period of 6.8 (6.6-7.1) years. Proximal and distal right ventricular outflow tract and basal right ventricular diameter dilated at a rate of 0.2 (0.1-0.3) mm/year (p = 0.004), 0.4 (0.3-0.5) mm/year (p Conclusion We observed progressive right ventricular outflow tract and basal right ventricle dilation and an increasing contractile dyssynchrony in Brugada syndrome, potentially indicating a progressive structural affection. Further research is warranted to unravel underlying mechanisms and possible clinical implications of progressive structural changes in Brugada syndrome. Abstract Figure.

Highlights • Sudden cardiac death (SCD), especially in young athletes, should be avoided. • Current pre-sports screening is based on history/physical exam (insufficient). • ECG is an excellent test for electrically induced SCD but requires expert review. • Screening MRI is the best tool for identifying myocardiopathies/coronary anomalies. • Results of a preliminary population-based study confirm the value of screening MRI., Preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes is a primary duty of sports cardiologists. Current recommendations for detecting high-risk cardiovascular conditions (hr-CVCs) are history and physical examination (H&P)-based. We discuss the effectiveness of H&P-based screening versus more-modern and accurate methods. In this position paper, we review current authoritative statements and suggest a novel alternative: screening MRI (s-MRI), supported by evidence from a preliminary population-based study (completed in 2018), and a prospective, controlled study in military recruits (in development). We present: 1. Literature-Based Comparisons (for diagnosing hr-CVCs): Two recent studies using traditional methods to identify hr-CVCs in >3,000 young athletes are compared with our s-MRI-based study of 5,169 adolescents. 2. Critical Review of Previous Results: The reported incidence of SCD in athletes is presently based on retrospective, observational, and incomplete studies. H&P’s screening value seems minimal for structural heart disease, versus echocardiography (which improves diagnosis for high-risk cardiomyopathies) and s-MRI (which also identifies high-risk coronary artery anomalies). Electrocardiography is valuable in screening for potentially high-risk electrophysiological anomalies. 3. Proposed Project: We propose a prospective, controlled study (2 comparable large cohorts: one historical, one prospective) to compare: (1) diagnostic accuracy and resulting mortality-prevention performance of traditional screening methods versus questionnaire/electrocardiography/s-MRI, during 2-month periods of intense, structured exercise (in military recruits, in advanced state of preparation); (2) global costs and cost/efficiency between these two methods. This study should contribute significantly toward a comprehensive understanding of the incidence and causes of exercise-related mortality (including establishing a definition of hr-CVCs) while aiming to reduce mortality.

Objectives This study aimed to assess the presence of echocardiographic and electrocardiographic similarities in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) and the prevalence and prognostic value of AC structural/electrical features in patients with BrS. Background BrS and AC are genetic cardiac diseases with high risk for sudden cardiac death. Although BrS and AC display different features, previous reports suggest a phenotypic overlap. Methods We acquired clinical data, electrocardiogram, and transthoracic echocardiography in patients with BrS and AC. We assessed the presence of AC diagnostic criteria according to the 2010 AC task force criteria for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), fractional area change, depolarization, and repolarization in the patients with BrS. We compared arrhythmic outcome in BrS patients with and without AC structural/electrical criteria. Results A total of 116 BrS and 141 AC patients were included. AC electrical features were present in 28 (24%) BrS patients and structural features in 97 (84%) BrS patients. BrS patients with an RVOT or depolarization AC criterion showed a trend towards worse severe arrhythmia-free survival compared to BrS patients without (p = 0.05). The criterion for RVOT dilation showed high sensitivity and improved detection of arrhythmic BrS patients when added to type 1 electrocardiogram pattern and syncope (area under the curve 0.73 [95% confidence interval: 0.59 to 0.87] vs. area under the curve 0.79 [95% confidence interval: 0.69 to 0.90]); p = 0.009). Conclusions In this large cohort comparison, Brugada syndrome (BrS) and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy patients had phenotypic overlap. The presence of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy diagnostic criteria in BrS patients was associated with a trend towards higher arrhythmic risk. The right ventricular outflow tract dilation criterion improved detection of arrhythmic BrS patients.

Purpose: Stringent variant interpretation guidelines can lead to high rates of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) for genetically heterogeneous disease like long QT syndrome (LQTS) and Brugada syndrome (BrS). Quantitative and disease-specific customization of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) guidelines can address this false negative rate. Methods: We compared rare variant frequencies from 1847 LQTS (KCNQ1/KCNH2/SCN5A) and 3335 BrS (SCN5A) cases from the International LQTS/BrS Genetics Consortia to population-specific gnomAD data and developed disease-specific criteria for ACMG/AMP evidence classes-rarity (PM2/BS1 rules) and case enrichment of individual (PS4) and domain-specific (PM1) variants. Results: Rare SCN5A variant prevalence differed between European (20.8%) and Japanese (8.9%) BrS patients (p = 5.7 x 10(-18)) and diagnosis with spontaneous (28.7%) versus induced (15.8%) Brugada type 1 electrocardiogram (ECG) (p = 1.3 x 10(-13)). Ion channel transmembrane regions and specific N-terminus (KCNH2) and C-terminus (KCNQ1/KCNH2) domains were characterized by high enrichment of case variants and >95% probability of pathogenicity. Applying the customized rules, 17.4% of European BrS and 74.8% of European LQTS cases had (likely) pathogenic variants, compared with estimated diagnostic yields (case excess over gnomAD) of 19.2%/82.1%, reducing VUS prevalence to close to background rare variant frequency. Conclusion: Large case-control data sets enable quantitative implementation of ACMG/AMP guidelines and increased sensitivity for inherited arrhythmia genetic testing., Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences fellowship; Dutch Heart Foundation (CVON Predict-2/Concor-genes); Netherlands Organization for Scientific ResearchNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) [VICI 016.150.610]; Fondation LeducqLeducq Foundation, R.W. is supported by an Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences fellowship. C.R.B. is supported by the Dutch Heart Foundation (CVON Predict-2/Concor-genes), Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (VICI 016.150.610), and Fondation Leducq. See Supplement for all Acknowledgements.

Aims The main cause of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation is pulmonary vein reconnection. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyse the electophysiological findings in patients undergoing repeat procedures after an index cryoballoon ablation (CB-A) and presenting with permanency of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in all veins. In addition, we sought to compare the latter with a similar group of patients with reconnected veins at the redo procedure. Methods A total of 132 patients (81 men, 60.7 ± 12.4 years) who underwent CB-A for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) were enrolled. Indication for the redo procedure was symptomatic PAF in 83 (63%), persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) in 32 (24%) or persistent regular atrial tachycardia (RAT) in 17 (13%) patients. Results Seventy-five (57%) patients presented a pulmonary vein reconnection (pulmonary vein group) during the redo procedure, whereas 57 (43%) had no pulmonary vein reconnection (non-pulmonary vein group). The non-pulmonary vein group exhibited significantly more non-pulmonary vein foci and atrial flutters than the pulmonary vein group after induction protocol (51 vs. 24%, P = 0.002 and 67 vs. 36%, P = 0.003, respectively). Twenty-two (29.3%) patients of the pulmonary vein group and 20 (35%) patients of the non-pulmonary vein group had atrial fibrillation/RAT recurrence after a mean follow-up of 12.5 ± 8 months. The survival analysis demonstrated no statistical significance in recurrence between both groups (log rank P = 0.358). Conclusion Atrial fibrillation/RAT recurrence in patients after CB-A with durable PVI is significantly associated with non-pulmonary vein foci and atrial flutters. No statistically different success rate regarding atrial fibrillation/RAT freedom was detected between the pulmonary vein and non-pulmonary vein groups after redoing RF-CA.

BACKGROUND: The impact of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) performed with cryoballoon (CB) on the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system (ICANS) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictors and the clinical meaning of cardiac neuromodulation achieved by CB-ablation as assessed by sinus heart rate (HR) response after the procedure. METHODS: Patients who underwent CB-ablation for drug-resistant atrial fibrillation (AF) from January 2014 to October 2018 were included. Twelve‑leads rest ECG was taken both before and after the procedure. After discharge, patients were scheduled for follow-up visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and 24 h Holter recordings were obtained at each follow-up visit. All documented AF episodes of >30 s were considered as recurrence. RESULTS: Four-hundred seventy-two patients (62.3% male, age 56.7 ± 13.6 years, 97.2% paroxysmal AF) were included. Mean HR before the procedure was 60.17 ± 10.4 bpm, while the morning after the procedure mean HR was 75.48 ± 12.0 bpm. Age at enrollment (R = -0.26; p < 0.001), baseline HR before the CB-A (R = -0.32; p < 0.001), nadir temperature in each right pulmonary vein (R = -0.11, p = 0.022; R = -0.16; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with the ∆HR. At 2-year follow-up, freedom from recurrences was 83.1% for the patients with HR increase ≥15 bpm after CB-A and 66.3% in patients with HR increase ˂15 bpm (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Sinus HR increase is a frequent phenomenon after CB-A, that can be predicted by both clinical and procedural factors and that correlates with better outcome after cryo-PVI.

Brugada syndrome (BrS) diagnosis requires the presence of a typical type 1 ECG pattern. Owing to the spontaneous ECG variability, the real BrS prevalence in the general population remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of positive ajmaline challenge for BrS in a cohort of consecutive patients who underwent electrophysiological evaluation for different clinical reasons. All consecutive patients from 2008 to 2019 who underwent ajmaline testing were prospectively included. A total of 2,456 patients underwent ajmaline testing, 742 (30.2%) in the context of familial screening for BrS. In non-familial screening group (1,714) ajmaline testing resulted positive in 186 (10.9%). Indications for ajmaline testing were: suspicious BrS ECG in 23 cases (12.4%), palpitations in 27 (14.5%), syncope in 71 (38.2%), presyncope in 7 (3.8%), family history of sudden cardiac death in 18 (9.7%), documented ventricular arrhythmias in 12 (6.5%), unexplained cardiac arrest in 4 (2.2%), atrial fibrillation in 16 (8.5%), brady-arrhythmias in 1 (0.5%), and cerebrovascular accidents in 7 (3.7%). Compared with the overall population, ajmaline testing positive patients were younger (42.8 ± 15.5 vs 48.9 ± 20.4; p

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) spreads across the world and the intensive care unit (ICU) community must prepare for the challenges associated with this pandemic viral infection. Rapid diagnosis, isolation and intensive clinical management, are very important for all patients with COVID‐19, especially for those with cardiac diseases as Brugada syndrome (BrS). BrS is an arrhythmogenic disease reported to be one among the leading causes of sudden cardiac death. In these patients episodes of lethal arrhythmias may be induced by several factors or situations and for this reason management during ICU permanence or anesthesia must provides some precautions, avoiding factors that are known to have the potential to worsen the probability to induce arrhythmias. For ICU practitioners, management of acute respiratory failure, haemodynamics and cardiovascular complications certainly are the key for the best treatment of these patients but to date specific data on supportive ICU care for these patients are lacking and current recommendations are based on existing evidence from other viral infections and general intensive care management. We want to focus on some general rules, resulted from cases series and clinical practice, to be followed during the ICU management of patients with BrS and concomitant COVID‐19 infection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved