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Background: Cardiac ablation catheters are small in diameter and pose ergonomic challenges that can affect catheter stability. Significant finger dexterity and strength are necessary to maneuver them safely. We evaluated a novel torque tool to reduce muscle activation when manipulating catheters and improve perceived workload of ablation tasks. The objective was to evaluate measurable success, user perception of workload, and muscle usage when completing a simulated ablation task with and without the use of a catheter torque tool. Methods: Cardiology attendings and fellows were fitted with surface electromyographic (EMG) sensors on 6 key muscle groups in the left hand and forearm. A standard ablation catheter was inserted into a pediatric cardiac ablation simulator and subjects navigated the catheter tip to 6 specific electrophysiologic targets, including a 1-min simulated radiofrequency ablation lesion. Time to complete the task, number of attempts required to complete the lesion, and EMG activity normalized to percentage of maximum voluntary contraction were collected throughout the task. The task was completed 4 times, twice with and twice without the torque tool, in semi-randomized order. A NASA Task Load Index survey was completed by the participant at the conclusion of each task. Results: Time to complete the task and number of attempts to create a lesion were not altered by the tool. Subjectively, participants reported a significant decrease in physical demand, effort, and frustration, and a significant increase in performance. Muscle activation was decreased in 4 of 6 muscle groups. Conclusion: The catheter torque tool may improve the perceived workload of cardiac ablation procedures and reduce muscle fatigue caused by manipulating catheters. This may result in improved catheter stability and increased procedural safety

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have significantly impacted the field of cardiovascular medicine, especially cardiac electrophysiology (EP), on multiple fronts. The goal of this review is to familiarize readers with the field of AI and ML and their emerging role in EP. The current review is divided into 3 sections. In the first section, we discuss the definitions and basics of AI, ML, and big data. In the second section, we discuss their application to EP in the context of detection, prediction, and management of arrhythmias. Finally, we discuss the regulatory issues, challenges, and future directions of AI in EP.

Introduction: Capsulectomy is recommended in patients with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection after transvenous lead extraction (TLE) but is time-consuming and requires extensive tissue debridement. In this study, we describe the outcomes of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) scrubbing in lieu of capsulectomy for the treatment of CIED infections. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients who underwent TLE for CIED-related infections. In the capsulectomy group, complete capsulectomy was performed after hardware removal. In the CHG group, thorough scrubbing of the generator pocket with 20 cc of 2% CHG followed by irrigation with approximately 500 cc of sterile normal saline (SNS) was performed. The primary outcomes included reinfection and hematoma formation in the generator pocket. Secondary outcomes included any adverse reaction to chlorhexidine, the need for reintervention, infection-related mortality, and total procedural time. Results: A total of 102 patients (mean age 67.2±13 years, 32.4% female) underwent CIED extraction with either total capsulectomy (n=54) or CHG (n=48) scrubbing. Hematoma formation was significantly higher in the capsulectomy group vs. the CHG group (13% vs. 0%, p=0.014), with no significant differences in the reinfection rate. Capsulectomy was associated with longer procedural time (133.7±78.5vs. 89.9±51.8 minutes, p=0.002). No adverse reactions to CHG were found. Four patients (4.3%) died from worsening sepsis: 3 in the capsulectomy group and 1 in the CHG group (p=0.346). Conclusions: In patients with CIED infections, the use of CHG without capsulectomy resulted in a lower risk of hematoma formation and shorter procedural times without an increased risk of reinfection or adverse events associated with CHG use.

Incomplete left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an evolving topic of clinical significance and thromboembolic potential, with recent long-term studies suggesting lower cutoffs for relevant leak size.The aim of this prospective observational study was to assess 3 different closure techniques for persistent peridevice leaks after incomplete LAA closure and compare their efficacy and safety outcomes.We studied 160 patients (mean age 72 ± 9 years; 71% men) who underwent 1 of the 3 available modalities (detachable embolization coils, vascular plugs or septal occluders, and radiofrequency ablation) for residual central or eccentric leak closure. Both acute postprocedural success (closure or 1-mm leak at the end of the procedure) and closure at 1-year follow-up transesophageal echocardiography imaging were evaluated.Of 160 patients, 0.6%, 41.3%, and 58.1% had mild (1-2 mm), moderate (3-5 mm), and severe (≥5 mm) leaks, respectively. Baseline LAA closure type was 72.5% Watchman FLX, 16.3% Lariat, 5.6% surgical ligation, 1.9% AtriClip, and 1.9% Amulet. Successful closure (0- or 1-mm leak) was seen in 100% of patients in all cohorts following intervention, with overall complete closure (0-1 mm) or mild or minimal leaks (1-2 mm) on 1-year follow-up transesophageal echocardiography seen in 100% of the atrial septal occluder or vascular plug cohort, 85.9% of the coil cohort, and 83.3% of the radiofrequency ablation cohort (P 0.001). Two patients (1.3%) experienced cardiac tamponade, and there were no deaths or other complications.Peridevice leaks can safely and effectively be closed using 3 different modalities depending on size and location.

Background Currently, little is known about the onset, natural progression, and management of esophageal injuries after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Objectives We sought to provide a systematic review on esophageal injury after AF ablation and identify temporal relationships between various types of esophageal lesions, their progression, and clinical outcomes. Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted until September 21, 2017. All AF ablation patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy within 1 week of the procedure were included. Patients with esophageal lesions were classified into 3 types by using our novel Kansas City classification: type 1: erythema; type 2a: superficial ulcers; type 2b: deep ulcers; type 3a: perforation without communication with the atria; and type 3b: perforation with atrioesophageal fistula. Results Thirty studies met our inclusion criteria. Of the 4473 patients, 3921 underwent upper gastrointestinal evaluation. The overall incidence of esophageal injuries was 15% (570). There were 206 type 1 lesions (36%), 222 type 2a lesions (39%), and 142 type 2b lesions (25%). Six of 142 type 2b lesions (4.2%) progressed further to type 3, of which, 5 were type 3a and 1 was type 3b. All type 1 and type 2a and most type 2b lesions resolved with conservative management. One type 3a and 1 type 3b lesions were fatal. Conclusion Based on our classification, all type 1 and most type 2 lesions resolved with conservative management. A small percentage (4.2% [6 of 142]) of type 2b lesions progressed to perforation and/or fistula formation, and these patients need to be followed closely.

Background: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is standard of care for the management of patients with cardiac implantable electronic device infection or lead related complications. Currently, objective data on TLE in Latin America is lacking. Objective: To describe the current practice standards in Latin American centers performing TLE. Methods: An online survey was sent through the mailing list of the Latin American Heart Rhythm Association (LAHRS). Online reminders were sent through the mailing list; duplicate answers were discarded. The survey was available for one month, after which no more answers were accepted. Results: A total of 48 answers were received, from 44 different institutions (39.6% from Colombia, 27,1% from Brazil), with most respondents (83%) being electrophysiologists. Twenty-nine institutions (66%) performed less than 10 lead extractions/year, with 7 (15%) institutions not performing lead extraction. Although most institutions in which lead extraction is performed reported using several tools, mechanical rotating sheaths were cited as the main tool (73%), 13.5% reported the use of mechanical extraction sheaths and only 13.5% reporting the use of laser sheaths. Management of infected leads was performed according to current guidelines. Conclusion: This survey is the first attempt to provide information on TLE procedures in Latin America and could provide useful information for future prospective registries. According to our results, the number of centers performing high volume lead extraction in Latin America is smaller than that reported in other continents, with most interventions performed using mechanical tools. Future prospective registries assessing acute and long-term success are needed.

Introduction: Atrioventricular node reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) ablation is typically performed with solid tip catheters set to temperature control (TC) mode. Radiofrequency (RF) output, tip temperature (T), and junctional rhythm response (JRR) during RF application have been well defined. JRR in an intermittent burst, sinus-junction-junction, or sinus-junction-sinus pattern is associated with successful modification of the AV nodal slow pathway (SP). Irrigated force-sensing catheters (IFSC) are often utilized for mapping and ablation of the SP. Despite this, parameters for IFSC used in TC mode resulting in JRR have not been well described. Hypothesis: Parameters predicting JRR and successful SP modification with IFSC include power (P), force (F), impedance drop (I), and target temperature (T). Methods: Consecutive patients that underwent electrophysiologic study and successful ablation of typical AVNRT with an IFSC were studied. Lesion parameters including P, T, F, time and I change were analyzed. Lesions producing JRR were considered efficacious. Independent T-Test and ANOVA were used to determine significance between the two groups (efficacious and non-efficacious lesions). Results: 296 lesions in 39 patients (age 52+/-14) were analyzed. All patients had successful SP modification without complication. Average F producing JRR was 8g, average T producing JRR was 41 o C, average I drop producing JRR was 9 Ohms, and average P producing JRR was 28W. Only RF lesion time was a significant predictor of JRR (p=0.009). (Table 1). Conclusions: Successful SP modification with IFSC was accomplished with catheter contact force as low as 2g. Lower average tip T, and lower average P settings compared to parameters typically used with solid tip catheters were observed. Parameters including P, F, T, and I change were not predictive of JRR. Additional studies controlling for catheter location while varying parameters are indicated.

Introduction: The New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s executive order N202.25 on March 7, 2020, canceled all elective, semi-urgent procedures, including cardiovascular interventions such as coronary angiography and angioplasty due to SARS- Cov2 (COVID 19) pandemic. New York City was devastated by COVID 19 infection carrying the highest incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates in the US. Importantly, a 4. 4.83-fold increase in death rate at home was reported. We hypothesized that the COVID19 surge postponed the patient's decision to seek medical attention leading to an increase in cardiovascular-related hospital mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study examining the incidence, prevalence, complication rate, and mortality from cardiovascular diseases in hospitalized patients during COVID 19 surge. We performed a patient chart review of a cohort with acute cardiovascular events (STEMI, NSTEMI, Stroke, CHF) during the COVID 19 surge who were hospitalized at Montefiore Medical Center between March 7, 2020, and April 21, 2020, and compared it to a similar cohort from the preceding year (March 7, 2019 and April 21, 2019). Results: During the dates (March 7- April 21, 2020), there was a significant decrease in NSTEMI, stroke, and CHF admissions (P Conclusions: Montefiore Medical Center admitted and treated significantly fewer patients with acute cardiovascular syndromes during the COVID19 surge. Non-COVID patients presented with delayed MI. All HF patients (COVID+Non-COVID) carried a significantly higher mortality rate.

Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) may provide incremental benefits for arrhythmia management in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of endocardial ablation and LAA exclusion with LARIAT device for electrical and mechanical exclusion of LAA. We compared patients who underwent endocardial LAA isolation during index RFA for persistent AF and underwent a repeat RFA to patients who underwent LAA exclusion with LARIAT device followed by RFA for AF in this multicenter registry. Efficacy of electrical and mechanical isolation of LAA was assessed. We included 182 patients of which 91 patients underwent endocardial LAA isolation during RFA for AF, and 91 patients underwent LAA exclusion with LARIAT device followed by RFA for AF. Baseline characteristics were similar except for higher CHA2DS2-VASc score, coronary artery disease, and prior stroke rate in LARIAT arm. Persistence of electrical isolation (measured at beginning of second procedure) after LARIAT procedure was higher than one-time AF-RFA (96.7% vs 52.8%, p < 0.01). Acute pulmonary vein isolation rates were similar in both arms. AF recurrence rate after second isolation attempts at 1 year was similar in both arms. No difference in major complications was noted between both arms. LAA exclusion with LARIAT device appears to be more efficacious as compared to one-time endocardial ablation, but not compared to repeat isolation, in achieving complete electrical isolation of LAA for persistent AF.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. Catheter ablation has been shown to be an effective way to limit recurrence of AF and reduce stroke and mortality in patients with normal ventricular function and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Efficacy of catheter ablation in patients with HFpEF is less clear. We sought to evaluate clinical outcomes in the HFpEF population with ablation plus medical therapy as compared to medical therapy alone. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort review of 180 patients from 2007 to 2017. Inclusion criteria were patients who had a hospitalization with HFpEF and AF as hospital problems, EF≥50% and age ≥40. The ablation group includes all AF patients who underwent ablation and met inclusion criteria. The medical therapy cohort also met all the inclusion criteria and excluded patients with any ablations. Medical therapy included rate control, rhythm control or both. The primary outcome was AF at 1 year. Secondary outcomes were hospital admissions, stroke, and all-cause mortality. Results Out of 180 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 85 underwent catheter ablation and 95 were managed medically. More men underwent ablation vs. medical therapy (62.5% vs. 25.3%, p Conclusion In patients with HFpEF and AF, catheter ablation along with medical therapy is an effective method of rhythm control and resulted in fewer strokes than medical management alone.

Introduction Limited data is available regarding the novel Reveal LinQ™ (LinQ) which is a new generation implantable loop recorders (ILRs). Methods We performed a prospective, observational study of all consecutive patients undergoing conventional (Reveal XT™; XT) and LinQ devices at our institution between January 2012 and December 2014. Results A total of 217 patients underwent ILR implantation. XT was implanted in 105 and LinQ in 112 patients. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. LinQ implantation using the manufacturer's technique termed, "manufacturer's method" group had significantly higher incidence of pocket infection compared to XT (6/50, 12% vs 3/105, 3%, p=0.032). With modifications to the LinQ implantation technique (using a conventional scalpel and placing a suture when needed to the incision) termed "modified method" group, the rate of infection has decreased significantly compared to "manufacturer's method group" (0/62, 0% vs 6/50, 12%, p=0.004) (Table 3). In multivariate regression analysis, the only independent predictors of infection were younger age (OR 0.95; p=0.04), insertion of LinQ device (OR 30.02; p=0.006) and procedure time (OR 1.07; p=0.03). Conclusion In our single-center, prospective, observational study we found that with the current implantable techniques, the novel insertable LinQ device is associated with increased risk of complications.

Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) is a common clinical condition characterized by abrupt cardiovascular autonomic changes resulting in syncope. This is a recurring condition with mixed results from current strategies of treatment. Subjects with a diagnosis of NCS were screened and enrolled. All the participants were given a DVD containing yoga videos and were instructed to practice yoga therapy for 60 min, three times a week for 3 consecutive months. Syncope functional status questionnaire score (SFSQS) was administered at the beginning and the end of the study. The subjects were followed for 3 months and underwent repeat tilt table testing at the end of the study. Of the 60 patients screened, 44 subjects were enrolled, 21 in the intervention group and 23 in the control group. Most of the participants were females, and the mean age was 21 ± 3 years. In the intervention group, who finished the yoga regimen, there was a statistically significant improvement from control phase to the intervention phase, in number of episodes of syncope (4 ± 1 vs 1.3 ± 0.7, p

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a well-known source of atrial arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation (AF).The purpose of this study was to determine whether LAA exclusion using the LARIAT device would decrease AF burden.A total of 50 patients with AF and cardiac implantable electronic devices who underwent successful LAA exclusion were enrolled in this prospective observational study. AF burden before LAA exclusion (baseline) and 3 and 12 months after exclusion was assessed by device interrogation.AF burden at 3-month follow-up (42% ± 34%) was significantly lower compared to baseline (76% ± 33%, P.0001). The reduction in AF burden was sustained at 12 months (59% ± 26%, P.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that AF burden at 3-month follow-up was similarly reduced in both paroxysmal AF (n = 19) and nonparoxysmal AF (n = 31). However, there was no reduction in AF burden in patients with paroxysmal AF at 12 months. AF burden in patients with known AF triggers in the LAA (n = 9) was significantly reduced at 3 months (52% ± 35%) and 12 months (42% ± 19%) compared to respective baseline (84 ± 31%, P.0001).LAA exclusion appears to reduce AF burden. The presence of AF triggers in the LAA appears to be the strongest predictor of AF reduction. The study underscores the role of the LAA in arrhythmogenesis for AF and highlights the complementary role of LAA exclusion in restoration of normal sinus rhythm.

Background Development of atrial fibrillation after certain cardiac procedures is a common medical problem. The inflammatory process plays an important role in the pathogenesis of post-cardiac procedure atrial fibrillation (PCP-AF). Colchicine, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, has been used in several studies to reduce the risk of PCP-AF. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the efficacy of colchicine in prevention of PC-PAF. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library database and Google Scholar for RCTs, using terms "Atrial fibrillation, atrial, or fibrillation and colchicine". The primary end-point was the occurrence of AF post cardiac procedure, which includes cardiac surgery or pulmonary vein isolation. The safety end point was the occurrence of any side effects. Estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated. Results A total of six RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, enrolling a total of 1257 patients. Colchicine significantly reduced the odds of PCP-AF (OR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.40–0.68, P 2 =0%). However, occurrence of side effects was significantly higher with colchicine when compared to placebo (OR 2.10; 95% CI, 1.34–3.30, P 2 =0%). The number needed to treat is 7 and the number needed to harm is 11.2. The proportion of patients discontinuing treatment was 16%. Conclusion This meta-analysis shows that colchicine is an effective drug for prevention of PCP-AF. Colchicine could be considered as a prophylaxis to reduce PCP-AF, with some risk of treatment discontinuation due to the poor gastrointestinal tolerance (diarrhea).

Pre- and postablation atrial fibrillation (AF) brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were shown to predict increased recurrence of AF following ablation. Our objective was to assess whether elevated BNP levels merely represent the presence of AF at the time of measurement or indeed the true recurrence of AF. In a prospective study of 88 patients undergoing AF ablation, BNP levels were measured immediately before, after, 24 h, and 4–6 months postablation. BNP levels were stratified by presenting rhythm and ventricular rate at the time of measurement. Median BNP level preablation was higher in patients presenting in AF compared to sinus rhythm (SR) (54(44–79) pg/ml vs. 30(18–47) pg/ml, p

According to the literature, electrocardiography (ECG) is poorly sensitive, but highly specific for the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). However, these findings have yet to be confirmed in larger, diverse cohorts. We performed a retrospective cohort study using ECG and

Background— A dry epicardial access (EA) is increasingly used for advanced cardiovascular procedures. Conventionally used large bore needles (Tuohy or Pajunk needle; LBN) have been associated with low but definite incidence of major complications with EA. Use of micropuncture needle (MPN) may decrease the risk of complications. We intended to compare the outcomes of LBN with MPN for EA. Methods and Results— We report a multicenter observational study of consecutive patients who underwent EA for ventricular tachycardia ablation or Lariat procedure using the LBN or MPN. Oral anticoagulation was stopped before the procedure. Baseline characteristics and procedure-related complications were collected and compared. Of the 404 patients, LBN and MPN were used in 46% and 54% of patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of inadvertent puncture of myocardium between LBN and MPN (7.6% versus 6.8%, P =0.76). However, there was a significantly higher rate of large pericardial effusions with LBN compared with MPN (8.1% versus 0.9%; P P =0.64). LBN group had an increase in other complications compared with MPN (open heart surgery to repair cardiac laceration [6 versus 0], injury to liver [1 versus 0], coronaries [1 versus 0], and superior epigastric artery requiring surgical exploration [0 versus 1]). Conclusions— The use of MPN is associated with decreased incidence of major complications, and the need for surgical repair and routine use should be considered for EA.

Heart failure (HF) is a common risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). The higher HF burden, but lower prevalence of AF in Blacks compared to Whites is known as the “racial paradox.” However, the contribution of HF for AF in Hispanic minorities is unknown. We retrospectively analyzed 68,022

Background: No previous studies have examined the interaction between diabetes mellitus (DM) across a large Hispanic, Black and White cohort with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We retrospectively followed 32,245 persons free of AF (46% Hispanic, 39% Black and 15% White, mean

Introduction: Early repolarization (ER) is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, the impact of ER may not be uniform across race and gender. An analysis from the Biracial Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study showed that ER was associated with SCD risk in Caucasians and highest in female Caucasians, while a study from Northern California found no association between cardiovascular mortality and ER in African Americans. Although Hispanics are the second largest segment of the population, little is known about the prevalence or prognostic implications of ER in this group. We investigated possible associations between automated ECG ER readings, defined as J-point elevation with ST segment elevation and overall mortality. Methods: ECG and EMR databases from a regional medical center from a largely Hispanic population were interrogated. Inclusion criteria included Hispanic ethnicity, age over 18 from 2000-2011. Outcomes were assessed using a Cox Proportional Hazards model with data from the Social Security Death Index. Results: There were n=34,354 Hispanics of which n=544 (1.6%) had ER. When controlling for age, gender, height/weight, systolic/diastolic BP, PR, QRS, QTc, heart rate, ejection fraction, CAD, CHF, myocardial infarction, DM, and malignancy there was no significant difference in mortality between overall subjects with and without ER (HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.89-1.50, p=0.294). However, significant interactions were present between gender and ER. In a multivariate regression model, ER was significantly predictive of overall mortality in females (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.24-2.90, p=0.003), but not in males (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.63-1.23, p=0.456) (Figure 1). Conclusions: ER is not associated with an increased risk of death in the overall Hispanic population; however, there is a higher risk of overall mortality in female population. ER may be more complex than initially suspected, which emphasizes a need for additional research.