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Introduction There are several prognostic scores for the assessment of risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence post ablation procedure. However, the use of these complex scores is difficult and the validation on different populations brought divergent results. Our goal was to compare the performance of these risk scores as the basis for the development of a new, simplified score based only on few universally predictive variables. Methods All cryoballoon‐based AF ablations performed in a single‐center over a 10‐year period were prospectively analyzed with regard to AF recurrence. This served to analyze the performance of APPLE, CAAP‐AF, SCALE‐CryoAF, MB‐LATER, CHADS2, and CHA2DS2‐VASc risk scores. Results A total of 597 patients, mostly (78.1%) with paroxysmal AF were studied. Analyzed risk scores performed poorer than in the original publications because some risk factors were not predictive of AF recurrence. A simplified score named 0‐1‐2 PL, composed of just two universally predictive variables, AF type (1 point for P ersistent AF) and LA dimension (1 point for L A size >45 mm) was developed. The 0‐1‐2 PL score stratified patients into low risk (0 points), intermediate risk (1 point), and high risk categories (2 points) which were related to a 2‐year risk of AF recurrence of 21%, 37%, and 55%, respectively. This score had C‐statistics (0.620) higher/comparable to other investigated much more complex scores. Conclusion The assessment of risk of AF recurrence at the pre‐ablation stage can be simplified without compromising accuracy. This could help to popularize risk assessment and standardization of AF management., This study suggests that despite the significant differences between risk scores in terms of the choice of risk factors and the relative weights assigned to them, their performance for pre‐ablation risk assessment is quite similar, and weaker than originally reported. It seems that the assessment of the risk of AF recurrence at the pre‐ablation stage can be simplified by using the novel 0‐1‐2 PL score instead of more complex scores.

IntroductionOne of the challenges of left bundle branch (LBB) pacing is to place the pacing lead deep enough in the septum to obtain capture of the LBB, yet not too deep to avoid perforation. We hypothesized that the occurrence of the ectopic beats of qR/rsR’ morphology in V1 lead (fixation beats) during the lead fixation would predict that the final desired intraseptal lead depth was just reached, while the lack of fixation beats would indicate too shallow position, and need for more lead rotations.MethodsConsecutive patients during LBB pacing device implantation were analyzed retrospectively and then prospectively with respect to the occurrence of the fixation beats during each episode of lead rotation. We compared the presence of fixation beats during the lead rotation event directly before the LBB capture area depth was reached versus during the events before intermediate/unsuccessful positions.ResultsA total of 339 patients and 1278 lead rotation events were analyzed. In the retrospective phase, the fixation beats were observed in 327/339 of final lead positions and in 9/939 of intermediate lead positions (pConclusionsMonitoring fixation beats during deep septal lead deployment can facilitate the procedure and possibly increase the safety of lead implantation.

Aims We hypothesized that during left bundle branch (LBB) area pacing, the various possible combinations of direct capture/non-capture of the septal myocardium and the LBB result in distinct patterns of right and left ventricular activation. This could translate into different combinations of R-wave peak time (RWPT) in V1 and V6. Consequently, the V6-V1 interpeak interval could differentiate the three types of LBB area capture: non-selective (ns-)LBB, selective (s-)LBB, and left ventricular septal (LVS). Methods and results Patients with unquestionable evidence of LBB capture were included. The V6-V1 interpeak interval, V6RWPT, and V1RWPT were compared between different types of LBB area capture. A total of 468 patients from two centres were screened, with 124 patients (239 electrocardiograms) included in the analysis. Loss of LVS capture resulted in an increase in V1RWPT by ≥15 ms but did not impact V6RWPT. Loss of LBB capture resulted in an increase in V6RWPT by ≥15 ms but only minimally influenced V1RWPT. Consequently, the V6-V1 interval was longest during s-LBB capture (62.3 ± 21.4 ms), intermediate during ns-LBB capture (41.3 ± 14.0 ms), and shortest during LVS capture (26.5 ± 8.6 ms). The optimal value of the V6-V1 interval value for the differentiation between ns-LBB and LVS capture was 33 ms (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 84.7%). A specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of LBB capture was obtained with a cut-off value of >44 ms. Conclusion The V6-V1 interpeak interval is a promising novel criterion for the diagnosis of LBB area capture.

Background Strength-duration curves for permanent His bundle (HB) pacing are potentially important for pacemaker programming. Objectives We aimed to calculate strength-duration curves and chronaxies of the HB and of the adjacent right ventricular (RV) working myocardium and to analyze zones of selective HB capture and battery current drain when pacing at different pulse durations (PDs). Methods Consecutive patients with permanent HB pacing were studied. The RV and HB capture thresholds were assessed at several PDs. Battery current drain and zones of selective HB capture at PDs of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 1.0 ms were determined. Results In the whole group (N = 127), the HB chronaxie was shorter than the RV chronaxie. This difference was driven by patients with selective HB pacing (HB chronaxie 0.47 ms vs RV chronaxie 0.79 ms). The strength-duration curve for the HB had a lower rheobase and its steep portion started at shorter PDs, thus creating wider distance—zone of programmable selective HB pacing—between the HB and RV strength-duration curves at shorter PDs. The battery current drain was lower with pacing at PDs of 0.1–0.4 ms vs 1.0 ms. Chronaxie-adjusted PDs offered the lowest current drain. Conclusion For the first time, the strength-duration curves for permanent selective and nonselective HB pacing were determined. Selective HB capture and battery longevity can be promoted by shorter PDs (0.2 ms). Longer PDs (1.0 ms) offer greater safety margin for RV capture and may be preferable if simultaneous RV capture during HB pacing is desired.

AimsDuring non-selective His bundle (HB) pacing, it is clinically important to confirm His bundle capture vs. right ventricular septal (RVS) capture. The present study aimed to validate the hypothesis that during HB capture left ventricular lateral wall activation time, approximated by the V6R-wave peak time (V6RWPT), will not be longer than the corresponding activation time during native conduction.MethodsConsecutive patients with permanent HB pacing were recruited; cases with abnormal His-ventricle interval or left bundle branch block were excluded. Two corresponding intervals were compared: stimulus-V6RWPT and native HBpotential-V6RWPT. Difference between these two intervals (delta V6RWPT), diagnostic of lack of HB capture, was identified using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsA total of 723 ECGs (219 with native rhythm, 172 with selective HB, 215 with non-selective HB, and 117 with RVS capture) were obtained from 219 patients. The native HB-V6RWPT, non-selective-, and selective-HB paced V6RWPT were nearly equal, while RVS V6RWPT was 32.0 (±9.5) ms longer. The ROC curve analysis indicated delta V6RWPT > 12 ms as diagnostic of lack of HB capture (specificity of 99.1% and sensitivity of 100%). A blinded observer correctly diagnosed 96.7% (321/332) of ECGs using this criterion.ConclusionWe validated a novel criterion for HB capture that is based on the physiological left ventricular activation time as an individualized reference. HB capture can be diagnosed when paced V6RWPT does not exceed the value obtained during native conduction by more than 12 ms, while longer paced V6RWPT indicates RVS capture.

Introduction We aimed to compare the acute differences in left ventricular (LV) function and mechanical synchrony during nonselective His bundle pacing (ns-HBP) versus selective His bundle pacing (s-HBP) using strain echocardiography. Methods and results Consecutive patients with permanent His bundle pacing, in whom it was possible to obtain both s-HBP and ns-HBP, were studied in two centers. In each patient, echocardiography was performed sequentially during s-HBP and ns-HBP. Speckle-tracking echocardiography parameters were analyzed: Global longitudinal strain (GLS), the time delay between peak systolic strain in the basal septal and basal lateral segments (BS-BL delay), peak strain dispersion (PSD) and strain delay index. Right ventricle function was assessed using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tissue Doppler velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (S'). A total of 69 patients (age: 75.6 ± 10.5 years; males: 75%) were enrolled. There were no differences in LV ejection fraction and GLS between s-HBP and ns-HBP modes: 59% versus 60%, and -15.6% versus -15.7%, respectively; as well as no difference in BS-BL delay and strain delay index. The PSD value was higher in the ns-HBP group than in the s-HBP group with the most pronounced difference in the basal LV segments. No differences in right ventricular function parameters (TAPSE and S') were found. Conclusion The ns-HBP and s-HBP modes seem comparable regarding ventricular function. The dyssynchrony parameters were significantly higher during ns-HBP, however, the difference seems modest and clarification of its impact on LV function requires a larger long-term study.

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) using biventricular pacing (BVP) has limited efficacy in patients with heart failure (HF) and right bundle branch block (RBBB). Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has been reported as an alternative option for BVP-CRT. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and outcomes of LBBAP in patients with RBBB and indication for CRT in an international, multicenter, collaborative study. Methods: LBBAP was attempted in patients with LVEF

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) allows detailed characterization of atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate and could be valuable for predicting pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedure outcomes. Aims: We aimed at assessing the value of TEE-derived left atrial (LA) and LA appendage (LAA) features as prognostic markers for AF recurrence after cryoballoon-based ablation. Methods: Patients were enrolled using a prospective database of consecutive PVI procedures performed over a 7-year period. The following TEE-derived parameters were investigated: LAA emptying flow velocity (LAA-FV), the presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO), LA spontaneous echo contrast, and mitral regurgitation. Diagnosis of AF recurrence was based on scheduled and symptoms triggered ECG monitoring. The Cox’s regression model and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were applied for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 417 consecutive patients who underwent their first PVI using cryoballoon were analyzed (mean age: 59 years). AF recurrence was noted in 25.7% of patients (median follow-up of 24 months). Four TEE-derived variables had predictive values for AF recurrence: LAA-FV

BackgroundDuring left bundle branch (LBB) area pacing, it is important to confirm that the capture of the LBB is achieved, not just the capture of only the adjacent left ventricular myocardium (LV septal capture). Our aim was to establish ECG criteria for LBB capture by analyzing ECGs with confirmed LBB capture and non-capture. We hypothesized that since LBB pacing results in physiologic depolarization of the left ventricle then the native QRS can serve as a reference for the diagnosis of LBB capture in the same patient.MethodsOnly patients with direct evidence of LBB capture (output-dependent or refractoriness-dependent QRS morphology transition) were included. Several QRS characteristics were compared between the native rhythm and different types of LBB area capture. Receiver-operator characteristics analysis was performed to determine the optimal V6 R-wave peak time (RWPT) cut-off for LBB diagnosis.ResultsA total of 357 ECG tracing (124 patients) were analyzed: 118 with native rhythm, 124 with non-selective LBB capture, 69 with selective LBB capture and 46 with LV septal capture. Our hypotheses that during LBB capture the paced V6 RWPT (measured from QRS onset) equals the native V6 RWPT and that the paced V6 RWPT (measured from the stimulus) equals the LBB potential to V6 R-wave peak interval were positively validated. Criteria based on these rules had sensitivity and specificity of 98.0–88.2% and 85.7–95.4%, respectively. The optimal and 100% specific V6 RWPT values for differentiation between LBB capture and LV septal capture in patients with narrow QRS / right bundle branch block were 83 ms and 74 ms, respectively; while in patients with left bundle branch block/asystole/ventricular escape the optimal and 100% specific V6 RWPT values were 101 ms and 80 ms, respectively.ConclusionsNovel criteria for LBB capture were developed and optimal V6 RWPT cut-offs were determined.What this study addsWe showed that LBB pacing truly reproduce the physiological depolarization of the left ventricle since the paced V6 RWPT equals the native conduction V6 RWPT.Individualized LBB capture criteria, that use the native QRS as a reference, were developed.The optimal V6 RWPT values for differentiation between LBB capture and LV septal capture were determined, separately for patients with healthy and diseased LBB.

Aims The recently introduced technique of direct transseptal pacing of the left bundle branch is poorly characterized with many questions with regard to the optimal implantation strategy and safety concerns largely left unanswered. We developed a cadaver model for deep septal lead deployment in order to investigate the depth of penetration in relation to lead behaviour, lead tip position, and the number of rotations. Methods and results Five fresh human hearts and five lumenless, 4.1-Fr pacing leads were used for deep septal deployment simulations. The leads were positioned with the use of a dedicated delivery sheath and screwed into the interventricular septum at several sites progressively more distal from the atrioventricular ring with a predetermined number of lead rotations. During each lead deployment, the depth of tip penetration was measured and the lead behaviour was noted. Four distinct lead behaviours were observed: (i) helix only penetration, no matter how many rotations were performed, due to the ‘endocardial entanglement effect’ (43.1% cases) or (ii) ‘endocardial barrier effect’ (19.6% cases), (iii) shallow/moderate penetration, with ensuing ‘drill effect’ when more rotations were added (9.8% cases), and (iv) deep progressive penetration with each additional rotation, occurring when the ‘screwdriver effect’ was present (27.4% cases, including three septal perforations). These different lead behaviours seemed to be determined by the lead position—mainly the strength of the initial endocardial layer—and the number of fully transmitted rotations. Conclusion New insights into deep septal lead deployment technique were gained with regard to safe and successful implantation.

Introduction Permanent deep septal stimulation with capture of the left bundle branch (LBB) enables maintenance/restoration of the physiological activation of the left ventricle. However, it is almost always accompanied by the simultaneous engagement of the local septal myocardium, resulting in a fused (nonselective) QRS complex, therefore, confirmation of LBB capture remains difficult. Methods We hypothesized that programmed extrastimulus technique can differentiate nonselective LBB capture from myocardial-only capture as the effective refractory period (ERP) of the myocardium is different from the ERP of the LBB. Consecutive patients undergoing pacemaker implantation underwent programmed stimulation delivered from the lead implanted in a deep septal position. Responses to programmed stimulation were categorized on the basis of sudden change in the QRS morphology of the extrastimuli, observed when ERP of LBB or myocardium was encroached upon, as: "myocardial," "selective LBB," or nondiagnostic (unequivocal change of QRS morphology). Results Programmed deep septal stimulation was performed 269 times in 143 patients; in every patient with the use of a basic drive train of 600 milliseconds and in 126 patients also during intrinsic rhythm. The average septal-myocardial refractory period was shorter than the LBB refractory period: 263.0 ± 34.4 vs 318.0 ± 37.4 milliseconds. Responses diagnostic for LBB capture ("myocardial" or "selective LBB") were observed in 114 (79.7%) of patients. Conclusions A novel maneuver for the confirmation of LBB capture during deep septal stimulation was developed and found to enable definitive diagnosis by visualization of both components of the paced QRS complex: selective paced LBB QRS and myocardial-only paced QRS.

Introduction His-Purkinje system pacing preserves or restores physiologic depolarization of the left ventricle during permanent pacing. It consists of two complementary techniques: His bundle pacing (HB-P) and the recently introduced left bundle branch pacing (LBB-P). There is limited data on HB-P outcomes and only a few reports of LBB-P results. Purpose Our aim was to investigate success rate, complications, acute and early pacing parameters in patients undergoing HB-P and LBB-P in the setting of a cardiology tertiary centre that routinely implants HB-P and LBB-P pacemakers. Methods On the basis of a prospective database we performed a longitudinal cohort study of all consecutive patients with His-Purkinje system devices implanted in the years 2014–2019. In all cases, model 3830 lumen-less 4.1 Fr pacing lead was used. HB-P was achieved via HB mapping or pace mapping, LBB-P was achieved via deep septal lead deployment under electrophysiological and 12-lead ECG guidance. Results Since 2014 there were 324 implantations of His-Purkinje system pacemakers. Baseline patients' characteristics are presented in Table. The overall success rate was 81.5%. Selective HB-P, non-selective HB-P and LBB-P were achieved in 53%, 19% and 28% of successful cases. The mean fluoroscopy time was 11±9 min. The lead delivery was performed using single sheath (C315His) in 83% cases, while in 17% extra steerable sheath was necessary (C304XL). The acute mean LBB-P capture threshold @0.5 ms was significantly lower than in HB-P (0.65±0.43V vs. 1.47±0.8V). The mean chronic LBB-P capture threshold @1.0 ms was also lower than in HB-P (0.45±0.3V vs. 0.95±0.7V, p Baseline characteristics Age; sex 73±12 years (19–95 years); 64% males Mean EF; mean QRS duration; Presence of heart failuire or ischemic heart disease 47±15%; 128±32 ms; 48%; 37.5% Pacing indication AV block 31%; sinus node disease 12%; atrial fibrillation with bradycardia 37%; CRT 20% QRS morphology narrow QRS 61%; LBBB 20%; other 14%; IVCD 6% CRT, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy; IVCD, Interventricular Conduction Delay. Conclusion His-Purkinje system pacing in routine practice has an acceptable success rate, pacing parameters and complication rate; the LBB-P provides better pacing parameters than HB-P. We believe that such single-centre experience paves the way for a large randomized trial of physiologic pacing.

BackgroundDuring permanent deep septal pacing, it is important to confirm left bundle branch (LBB) capture.ObjectiveThe effective refractory period (ERP) of the working myocardium is different than the ERP of the LBB; we hypothesized that it should be possible to differentiate LBB capture from septal myocardial capture using programmed extra-stimulus technique.MethodsIn consecutive patients undergoing pacemaker implantation who received pacing lead in a deep septal position programmed pacing was delivered from this lead. Responses to programmed pacing were categorized on the basis of QRS morphology of the extrastimuli as: myocardial (broader QRS, often slurred), selective (narrower QRS, preceded by an isoelectric interval) or non-diagnostic (unequivocal change).ResultsProgrammed deep septal pacing was performed 269 times in 143 patients; in every patient with the use of an 8-beat basic drive train of 600 ms and when possible also during supraventricular rhythm. Responses diagnostic for LBB capture were observed in 114 (79.7%) of patients. Selective LBB paced QRS was more often seen when premature beats were introduced during the intrinsic rhythm rather than after the basic drive train. The average septal-myocardial refractory period was significantly shorter than the LBB refractory period: 263.0±34.4 ms vs. 318.0±37.4 ms.ConclusionsA novel maneuver for the diagnosis of LBB capture during deep septal pacing, was formulated, assessed and found as diagnostically valuable. This method, based on the differences in refractoriness between LBB and the septal myocardium is unique in enabling the visualization of components of the usually fused, non-selective LBB paced QRS complex.Graphical abstract

AimsPermanent His bundle (HB) pacing is usually accompanied by simultaneous capture of the adjacent right ventricular (RV) myocardium - this is described as a non-selective (ns)-HB pacing. Our aim was to identify ECG criteria for loss of HB capture during ns-HB pacing.MethodsConsecutive patients with permanent HB pacing were recruited. Surface 12-lead ECGs during ns-HB pacing and loss of HB capture (RV-only capture) were obtained. ECG criteria for loss/presence of HB capture were identified. In the validation phase these criteria and the “HB ECG algorithm” were tested by two blinded observers using a separate, sizable set of ECGs.ResultsA total of 353 ECG (226 ns-HB and 128 RV-only) were obtained from 226 patients with permanent HB pacing devices. QRS notch/slur in left ventricular leads and R-wave peak time in lead V6 were identified as the best features for differentiation. The 2-step HB ECG algorithm based on these features correctly classified 87.1% of cases with sensitivity and specificity of 93.2% and 83.9%, respectively. Moreover, the proposed criteria for definitive diagnosis of ns-HB capture (no QRS slur/notch in leads I, V1, V4-V6 and the R-wave peak time in V6 ≤ 100 ms) presented 100% specificity.ConclusionA novel ECG algorithm for the diagnosis of loss of HB capture and novel criteria for definitive confirmation of HB capture were formulated and validated. Practical application of these criteria during implant and follow-up of patients with HB pacing devices is feasible.Condensed AbstractThe 2-step ECG algorithm for loss of His bundle capture based on surface ECG analysis is proposed and validated. This method correctly classified 87.1% of cases with a sensitivity and specificity of 93.2% and 83.9%, respectively.What’s NewThis is the first study that analyzes QRS characteristics during non-selective His bundle pacing in a sizable cohort of patients.Precise criteria and a novel algorithm for electrocardiographic diagnosis of loss of HB capture during presumed non-selective HB pacing were validated.QRS notch/slur in left ventricular leads was identified as a simple and reproducible feature indicating loss of HB capture or lack/loss of correction of intraventricular conduction disturbances.Assessment of R-wave peak time in lead V6 rather than QRS duration for diagnosis of ns-HB pacing was validated.

BackgroundStrength-duration curves for permanent His bundle (HB) pacing are potentially important for pacemaker programming.ObjectiveWe aimed to calculate strength-duration curve and chronaxie of the His bundle (HB) and of the adjacent right ventricular (RV) working myocardium and to analyze zones of selective HB capture and battery current drain when pacing at different pulse durations (PDs).MethodsConsecutive patients with permanent HB pacing were studied. The RV and HB capture thresholds were assessed at several PDs. Battery current drain and zones of selective HB capture at PDs of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 1.0 ms were determined.ResultsIn the whole group (n =127) the HB chronaxie was shorter than the RV chronaxie. This difference was driven by patients with selective HB pacing (HB chronaxie of 0.47 vs RV chronaxie of 0.79 ms). Strength-duration curve for HB had lower rheobase and its steep portion started at shorter PDs thus creating wider distance - zone of programmable selective HB pacing - between the HB and RV strength-duration curves at shorter PDs. The battery current drain was lower with pacing at PDs of 0.1 - 0.4 ms vs 1.0 ms. Chronaxie adjusted PDs offered lowest current drain.ConclusionFor the first time the strength-duration curves for permanent selective and non-selective HB pacing were determined. Selective HB capture and battery longevity can be promoted by shorter PDs (0.2 ms). Longer PDs (1.0 ms) offer bigger safety margin for RV capture and may be preferable if simultaneous RV capture during HB pacing is desired.

BackgroundDuring permanent non-selective (ns) His bundle (HB) pacing, it is crucial to confirm HB capture / exclude that only right ventricle (RV)-myocardial septal pacing is present. Because the effective refractory period (ERP) of the working myocardium is different than the ERP of the HB, we hypothesized that it should be possible to differentiate ns-HB capture from RV-myocardial capture using programmed extra-stimulus technique.MethodsIn consecutive patients during HB pacemaker implantation, programmed HB pacing was delivered from the screwed-in HB pacing lead. Premature beats were introduced at 10 ms steps during intrinsic rhythm and also after a drive train of 600 ms. The longest coupling interval that resulted in an abrupt change of QRS morphology was considered equal to ERP of HB or RV-myocardium.ResultsProgrammed HB pacing was performed from 50 different sites in 32 patients. In 34/36 cases of ns-HB pacing, the RV-myocardial ERP was shorter than HB ERP (271.8±38 ms vs 353.0±30 ms, p < 0.0001). Programmed HB pacing using a drive train resulted in a typical abrupt change of paced QRS morphology: from ns-HB to RV-myocardial QRS (34/36 cases) or to selective HB QRS (2/36 cases). Programmed HB pacing delivered during supraventricular rhythm resulted in obtaining selective HB QRS in 20/34 and RV-myocardial QRS in 14/34 of the ns-HB cases. In RV-myocardial only pacing cases (“false ns-HB pacing”, n=14), such responses were not observed – the QRS morphology remained stable. Therefore, the PHB pacing correctly diagnosed all ns-HB cases and all RV-myocardial pacing cases.ConclusionsA novel maneuver for the diagnosis of HB capture, based on the differences in ERP between HB and myocardium was formulated, assessed and found as diagnostically valuable. This method is unique in enabling to visualize selective HB QRS in patients with otherwise obligatory ns-HB pacing (RV-myocardial capture threshold < HB capture threshold).What this study addsProgrammed His bundle pacing – a novel and straightforward method for unquestionable diagnosis of His bundle capture during non-selective pacing was developed and assessed.A method for visualization of selective HB capture QRS in patients with obligatory non-selective pacing (myocardial capture threshold < His bundle capture threshold) was discovered and physiology behind it explained.

Background. Slow breathing training (SBT) has been proposed as a new non-pharmacological treatment able to induce favorable effects in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, no information is available regarding its effects on orthostatic blood pressure (BP) changes in these patients, an issue of practical relevance given the reported BP-lowering effect of SBT. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of SBT on BP and whether SBT induces orthostatic hypotension (OH) or changes in quality of life (QoL) in CHF patients. Methods. The analysis was performed as part of an ongoing crossover open trial aimed at assessing the clinical effectiveness of SBT in treated patients with CHF. The patients underwent 10-12 weeks of SBT with the RESPeRATE device and 10-12 week follow-up under usual care. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group I began with SBT, followed by usual care; group II began with usual care, followed by SBT. Patients undergoing SBT were asked to perform each day two separate 15 min sessions of device-guided SBT at a breathing frequency of 6 breaths/min. In all patients, before the enrollment and after each study phase, clinical data collection and BP measurements in sitting, supine and standing position were performed. OH was defined as a decrease of ≥ 20 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or ≥ 10 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) within 3 min of standing. QoL was assessed three times at the beginning, and after each phase of the study by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHF) questionnaire. Results. Forty patients (two equal groups) completed the study, with the following baseline characteristics: 32 males/eight females, age 63.3 ± 13.4 years, 25 with ischemic CHF, 37 in New York Heart Association class II and three in class III, left ventricular ejection fraction 30.8 ± 6.7%, mean BP 138.7 ± 16.5/83.1 ± 11.5 mmHg, 23 with arterial hypertension and four with a history of stroke. There were no significant differences between the groups in clinical characteristics, SBP and DBP at rest, while seated and before and after standing up. OH prevalence was low and did not change during the study (10% vs 10%). No significant difference in average SBP and DBP changes secondary to body position were found when comparing the two study phases. Decrease in MLHF score was observed in group I during SBT (p = 0.002), but not in group II. Conclusions. Our data indicate that SBT is safe, does not affect the prevalence of OH in CHF patients and shows a non-significant tendency to improve QoL. These results should be confirmed in a larger sample of patients to support the safety of SBT and its possible benefits as a novel component of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation programs in CHF.

Introduction : Coronary artery disease is nowadays responsible for approximately 15% of hospitalizations in Poland. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) represents an attractive alternative to a sternotomy, and at the same time provides better life quality and facilitates quick rehabilitation. Aim : To evaluate whether MIDCAB can be performed with similar early and mid-term results as off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) and therefore can be considered as a safe stage in hybrid revascularization. Material and methods : In a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 73 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery) between 2013 and 2016 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow. Thirty-eight (52.1%) MIDCAB and 35 (47.9%) OPCAB patients were enrolled. Results : Short-term results did not significantly differ between groups and similar 30-day mortality was observed (MIDCAB 2.6% vs. OPCAB 2.9%, p = 1). The median follow-up period was 21 months. There were no statistical differences in terms of overall survival or cardiac mortality between groups (94.7% vs. 88.6%, p = 0.42; 2.6% vs. 2.9%, p = 1, respectively). The rate of hospitalization due to cardiac causes was similar in both groups (7.9% vs. 5.1%, p = 1) and there were no differences in current exacerbation of angina or heart failure, with median NYHA class I and CCS class I in both groups. Conclusions : Despite higher technical difficulty, MIDCAB procedures can be performed with similar safety results as OPCAB procedures. No differences in terms of mortality, repeat revascularization or recurrent angina are observed.

INTRODUCTION: Slow breathing training (SBT) has been proposed as a new nonpharmacologic treatment in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of SBT on exercise capacity, hemodynamic parameters, and sleep respiratory patterns in a relatively large sample of CHF patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A crossover open study was conducted. Patients completed, in a random order, 10- to 12-week SBT, with 2 15-minute sessions of device-guided SBT each day, reaching 6 breaths/min, and a 10- to 12-week follow-up under standard care. Clinical data collection, polysomnography, echocardiography, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and laboratory tests were performed. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients (74 men, 22 women) in New York Heart Association classes I-III, with an average age of 65 years and an ejection fraction (EF) of 31%, completed the study. Home-based SBT was safe. After training, EF and 6MWT distance improved (EF: 31.3% ±7.3% vs 32.3% ±7.7%; P = 0.030; 6MWT: 449.9 ±122.7 m vs 468.3 ±121.9 m; P

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability in developed countries. Despite the fact that prevalence accrues with age, an increasing number of young patients suffering from CAD is being observed worldwide. The aim of this study is to describe the population of young adults suffering from CAD and requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and to assess early outcomes after the procedure. Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzed 190 consecutive patients aged ≤50 years old that underwent CABG between 2010 and 2014. Baseline characteristics and operative data were presented in the study. Postoperative complications, such as major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events (MACCE), prolonged mechanical ventilation (>72 hours), bleeding requiring reexploration, sternal dehiscence, and others were assessed. Results: A population comprising mostly overweight or obese males with a mean age of 46 ± 4.1 years was analyzed. Patients suffered mostly from three-vessel disease (81%), hypertension (74.7%), and had previous history of myocardial infarction (MI) (60%). The majority of patients had normal left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (83.1%). 22.6% of cases were emergent procedures. Perioperative mortality was low (1%) and overall MACCE rate stood at 2.6%. Emergent surgery was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications (P = .007). The number of diseased vessels, LVEF, and CCS/NYHA class-on-admission was not associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications (P > .05 for all). Conclusion: CAD in young patients remains an issue described insufficiently in the literature. Among our study cohort of younger patients undergoing CABG, the majority of the patients had multivessel disease and were slightly symptomatic with normal LVEF. Although the postoperative complication rate was low, the percentage of emergent surgeries was alarmingly high in this population. Consistent with the literature, we highlight the importance of CAD screening in the young population to detect subclinical disease, which might be treated therapeutically or operated electively.

Background Age remains a significant and unmodifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and an increasing number of patients older than 80 years of age undergo Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). Old age is also an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to describe the population of patients 80 years of age or older who underwent CABG procedure and to assess the mortality rate and risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Methods A retrospective case-series study analyzing 388 consecutive patients aged 80 years of age or older who underwent isolated CABG procedure between 2010 and 2014 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow. Results In-hospital mortality stood at 7%, compared to 3.4% for all isolated CABG procedures at our Institution. In an univariate logistic regression analysis, risk factors for in-hospital mortality were as follows: NYHA class (p = 0.005, OR 1.95, 95% CI [1.23–3.1]), prolonged mechanical ventilation (p p = 0.04, OR 3.31, 95% CI [1.04–10.6]), duration of the procedure and ECC (for every 10 min p = 0.01, OR 1.01, 95% CI [1.0–1.01]; p = 0.03, OR 1.01, 95% CI [1.0–1.02], respectively), PRBC, FFP, and PLT transfusion (for every unit transfused p = 0.004, OR 1.42, 95% CI [1.12–1.8]; p = 0.002, OR 1.55, 95% CI [1.18–2.04]; p = 0.009, OR 1.93, 95% CI [1.18–3.14], respectively). Higher LVEF (p = 0.02, OR 0.97, 95% CI [0.94–0.99]) and LIMA graft implantation (p = 0.04, OR 0.36, 95% CI [0.13–0.98) decreased the in-hospital mortality. Death before discharge was more often observed in patients with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (0–2 –5.7%; 3–7.4%, 4–26.6%; p = 0.03). Conclusions Older age is associated with higher in-hospital mortality after isolated CABG at our Institution. Risk stratification scores and individualized risk evaluation, centered on comorbidities, NYHA class and left ventricular function, should be assessed in all cases. Whenever suitable, LIMA grafts should be used. Prolonged procedure and ECC time worsen the short-term outcome. Elderly individuals should be closely monitored postoperatively and the care should be focused on excessive blood loss and respiratory failure.