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Background The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is developed to overcome lead-related complications and systemic infections, inherent to transvenous ICD (TV-ICD) therapy. The PRAETORIAN trial demonstrated that the S-ICD is non-inferior to the TV-ICD with regard to the combined primary endpoint of inappropriate shocks and complications. This prespecified secondary analysis evaluates all complications in the PRAETORIAN trial. Methods and results The PRAETORIAN trial is an international, multicentre, randomized trial in which 849 patients with an indication for ICD therapy were randomized to receive an S- ICD (N = 426) or TV-ICD (N = 423) and followed for a median of 49 months. Endpoints were device-related complications, lead-related complications, systemic infections, and the need for invasive interventions. Thirty-six device-related complications occurred in 31 patients in the S-ICD group of which bleedings were the most frequent. In the TV-ICD group, 49 complications occurred in 44 patients of which lead dysfunction was most frequent (HR: 0.69; P = 0.11). In both groups, half of all complications were within 30 days after implantation. Lead-related complications and systemic infections occurred significantly less in the S-ICD group compared with the TV-ICD group (P < 0.001, P = 0.03, respectively). Significantly more complications required invasive interventions in the TV-ICD group compared with the S-ICD group (8.3% vs. 4.3%, HR: 0.59; P = 0.047). Conclusion This secondary analysis shows that lead-related complications and systemic infections are more prevalent in the TV-ICD group compared with the S-ICD group. In addition, complications in the TV-ICD group were more severe as they required significantly more invasive interventions. This data contributes to shared decision-making in clinical practice.

Background: This study aimed to assess differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes between Asian and European patients treated with the COMBO dual therapy stent in the REDUCE trial. Methods: In the REDUCE trial, 1,496 patients who underwent successful COMBO stent implantation were randomised to 3- or 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy groups. Of these, 449 (30%) were Asian and 1,047 (70%) were European. Given that no significant differences were observed between the 3- and 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy cohorts for both sites, the overall data of Asian patients were compared with those of European patients in terms of clinical characteristics and outcomes. Results: The Asian cohort was younger and comprised fewer women than the European cohort. They also had more cases of type 2 diabetes (33.0% versus 15.1%), hypercholesterolaemia (54.6% versus 41.7%) and hypertension (55.7% versus 48.5%) but had fewer previous interventions compared with European patients. Regarding procedures, Asian patients had more cases of infarct-related vessel in the left anterior descending artery. The primary endpoint indices among Asian patients at 90, 180, 360 and 720 days were lower than those among European patients, which can be attributed to the lower number of cases of target-vessel revascularisation, bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium classification II, III or V) and MI among the Asian cohort. Conclusion: Despite having a higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors, more ST-elevation MI cases and more cases of culprit lesion located at the proximal left anterior descending artery, Asian patients in the REDUCE trial showed lower trends of target-vessel revascularisation, bleeding and MI than European patients in the REDUCE trial.

Since the first report of an association between cardiac troponin (cTn) and adverse outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HD), there is a paucity in confirmative data. We performed a prospective, prespecified 5-year follow-up cohort study of 135 HC patients who participated in a national multicenter project and underwent clinical evaluation, MRI (cine, LGE and T2-weighted imaging) and biomarker assessment (high-sensitivity cTnT (hs-cTnT), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, soluble tumorgenicity suppressor-2, Galectin-3, Growth differentiation factor-15, C-terminal Propeptide of Type I Collagen (CICP)). An elevated hs-cTnT concentration was defined as >= 14ng/L. Follow-up was systematically performed for the primary endpoint: a composite of sudden cardiac death, heart failure related death, stroke-related death, heart failure hospitalization, hospitalization for stroke, spontaneous sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or appropriate ICD discharge, and progression to NYHA class III-IV. Elevated hs-cTnT was present in 33 of 135 (24%) HC patients. During a median follow-up of 5.0 years (IQR: 4.9-5.1) 18 patients reached the primary endpoint. Using Cox regression analysis, elevated hs-cTnT was univariately associated with the primary endpoint (HR: 3.4 (95%CI: 1.4-8.7, p=0.009). Also female sex, previous syncope, previous non-sustained VT, reduced LV ejection fraction (< 50%) and CICP were associated with the primary endpoint. In multivariable analysis, elevated hs-cTnT remained independently associated with outcome (aHR: 4.7 (95%CI: 1.8-12.6, p = 0.002). In conclusion, this 5-year follow-up study is the first to prospectively confirm the association of elevated hs-cTnT and adverse outcomes. In addition to established clinical variables, cTn seems the biomarker of interest to further improve risk prediction in HC, which should be evaluated in larger prospective registries. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc.

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.

Contains fulltext : 233810.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of advanced age on the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCI) is still greatly debated. Therefore, the aim of the present sub-analysis of the REDUCE trial was to assess the impact of age on the comparison between a short 3 months vs standard 12 months DAPT in ACS patients treated with the COMBO Dual Stent Therapy. METHODS: The REDUCE trial is a prospective, multicenter, investigator-initiated study that randomized ACS patients undergoing PCI with the COMBO drug eluting stent to either 3 or 12 months of DAPT. The study population was divided according to age (

BACKGROUND: Approximately 15% of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) occlude during the first year after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) despite aspirin use. The POPular CABG trial (The Effect of Ticagrelor on Saphenous Vein Graft Patency in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery) investigated whether ticagrelor added to standard aspirin improves SVG patency at 1 year after CABG. METHODS: In this investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, patients with ≥1 SVGs were randomly assigned (1:1) after CABG to ticagrelor or placebo added to standard aspirin (80 or 100 mg). The primary outcome was SVG occlusion at 1 year, assessed with coronary computed tomography angiography, in all patients who had primary outcome imaging available. A generalized estimating equation model was used to perform the primary analysis per SVG. The secondary outcome was 1-year SVG failure, which was a composite of SVG occlusion, SVG revascularization, myocardial infarction in myocardial territory supplied by a SVG, or sudden death. RESULTS: Among 499 randomized patients, the mean age was 67.9±8.3 years, 87.1% were male, the indication for CABG was acute coronary syndrome in 31.3%, and 95.2% of procedures used cardiopulmonary bypass. Primary outcome imaging was available in 219 patients in the ticagrelor group and 224 patients in the placebo group. The SVG occlusion rate in the ticagrelor group was 9.6% (44 of 457 SVGs) versus 10.1% in the placebo group (50 of 497 SVGs; odds ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.49–1.55]; P =0.64). SVG failure occurred in 32 patients (12.9%) in the ticagrelor group versus 32 patients (13.0%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.63–1.69]). CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, the addition of ticagrelor to standard aspirin did not reduce SVG occlusion at 1 year after CABG. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT02352402. URL: https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/ ; Unique identifier: 2014-002142-50.

Patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement often are frail and elderly. Delirium is a frequently observed complication, associated with impaired recovery, prolonged hospital stay, and mortality. In different hospital settings, interventions that reduced the incidence of delirium resulted in improved clinical outcome and reduced costs. In that context, prevention, early recognition, and timely interventions could be the next step toward better outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This review is focused on awareness and recognition of delirium, including predisposing "vulnerability" factors (such as cognitive impairment and carotid artery disease) and "trigger" factors (such as anesthesia, hemodynamic imbalance, and complications). For prevention and treatment, clinicians should focus on sleep hygiene, orientation, pain management, and early mobilization. In case of delirium, a thorough search and treatment of trigger factors is warranted. Future studies should focus on risk assessment, preventive and therapeutic interventions, and their potential benefit in terms of costs and clinical outcomes.

Contains fulltext : 283515.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Ion channel inhibition may offer protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Inflammation and reduced platelet count occur during COVID-19 but precise quantification of risk thresholds is unclear. The Recov ery-SIRIO study aimed to assess clinical effects of amiodarone and verapamil and to relate patient phenotypes to outcomes. METHODS: RECOVERY-SIRIO is a multicenter open-label 1:1:1 investigator-initiated randomized trial with blinded event adjudication. A sample of 804 symptomatic hospitalized nonintensive-care COVID-19 patients, follow-up for 28 days was initially planned. RESULTS: The trial was stopped when a total of 215 patients had been randomized to amiodarone (n = 71), verapamil (n = 72) or standard care alone (n = 72). At 15 days, the hazard ratio (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI]) for clinical improvement was 0.77 (0.52-1.14) with amiodarone and 0.97 (0.81-1.17) with verapamil as compared to usual care. Clinically relevant associations were found between mortality or lack of clinical improvement and higher peak C-reactive protein (CRP) levels or nadir platelet count at 7, 10 and 15 days. Mortality rate increased by 73% every 5 mg/dL increment in peak CRP (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.27-2.37) and was two-fold higher for every decrement of 100 units in nadir platelet count (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.37-3.51). By cluster analysis, thresholds of 5 mg/dL for peak CRP and 187 × 103/mcL for nadir platelet count identified the phenogroup at greatest risk of dying. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized trial, neither amiodarone nor verapamil were found to significantly accelerate short-term clinical improvement. Peak CRP and nadir platelet counts were associated with increased mortality both in isolation and by cluster analysis.

Importance: Increased bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential to improve survival after cardiac arrest. Although most studies focus on technical CPR skills, the randomized Lowlands Saves Lives trial prespecified a follow-up survey on other important aspects that affect the widespread performance of CPR. Objective: To investigate bystander willingness to perform CPR on a stranger, theoretical knowledge retention, and dissemination of CPR awareness 6 months after undergoing short face-to-face and virtual reality (VR) CPR trainings. Design, Setting, and Participants: A prespecified 6-month posttraining survey was conducted among 320 participants in the Lowlands Saves Lives trial, a randomized comparison between 20-minute face-to-face, instructor-led CPR training and VR training. Participants were recruited at the Lowlands music festival, with a designated area to conduct scientific projects (August 16-18, 2019; the Netherlands). Statistical analysis was performed from March 1, 2020, to July 31, 2021. Interventions: Two standardized 20-minute protocols on CPR and automated external defibrillator use: instructor-led face-to-face training using CPR manikins or VR training using the Resuscitation Council (UK)-endorsed Lifesaver VR smartphone application and a pillow to practice compressions. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were willingness to perform CPR on a stranger, theoretical knowledge retention, and dissemination of CPR awareness as reported by the entire cohort. As secondary analyses, the results of the 2 training modalities were compared. Results: Of 381 participants, 320 consented to this follow-up survey; 188 participants (115 women [61%]; median age, 26 years [IQR, 22-32 years]) completed the entire survey and were accordingly included in the secondary analysis. The overall proportion of participants willing to perform CPR on a stranger was 77% (144 of 188): 81% (79 of 97) among face-to-face participants and 71% (65 of 91) among VR participants (P =.02); 103 participants (55%) reported feeling scared to perform CPR (P =.91). Regarding theoretical knowledge retention, a median of 7 (IQR, 6-8) of 9 questions were answered correctly in both groups (P =.81). Regarding dissemination of CPR awareness, 65% of participants (123 of 188) told at least 1 to 10 family members or friends about the importance of CPR, and 15% (29 of 188) had participated in certified, instructor-led training at the time of the survey, without differences between groups. Conclusions and Relevance: In this 6-month posttraining survey, young adult participants of short CPR training modules reported high willingness (77%) to perform CPR on a stranger, with slightly higher rates for face-to-face than for VR participants. Theoretical knowledge retention was good, and the high dissemination of awareness suggests that these novel CPR training modules staged at a public event are promising sensitizers for involvement in CPR, although further challenges include mitigating the fear of performing CPR. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04013633.

ObjectiveTroponin and high signal intensity on T2-weighted (HighT2) cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRi) are both markers of myocardial injury in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The interplay between exercise and disease development remains uncertain in HCM. We sought to assess the occurrence of postexercise troponin rises and its determinants.MethodsMulticentre project on patients with HCM and mutation carriers without hypertrophy (controls). Participants performed a symptom limited bicycle test with hs-cTnT assessment pre-exercise and 6 hours postexercise. Pre-exercise CMRi was performed in patients with HCM to assess measures of hypertrophy and myocardial injury. Depending on baseline troponin (< or >13 ng/L), a rise was defined as a >50% or >20% increase, respectively.ResultsTroponin rises occurred in 18% (23/127) of patients with HCM and 4% (2/53) in mutation carriers (p=0.01). Comparing patients with HCM with and without a postexercise troponin rise, maximum heart rates (157±19 vs 143±23, p=0.004) and maximal wall thickness (20 mm vs 17 mm, p=0.023) were higher in the former, as was the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (85% vs 57%, p=0.02). HighT2 was seen in 65% (13/20) and 19% (15/79), respectively (pConclusionsPostexercise troponin rises were seen in about 20% of patients with HCM, almost five times more frequent than in mutation carriers. HighT2 on CMRi may identify a group of particularly vulnerable patients, supporting the concept that HighT2 reflects an active disease state, prone to additional injury after a short episode of high oxygen demand.

Aims At present, there are no guideline recommendations for minimally interrupted use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (mi-NOAC) during catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Current evidence is predominantly based on observational studies, with continuous use of vitamin K antagonist in the control arm. This quantitative summary reflects the first high-level evidence on contemporary regimens, with continuous NOAC use (c-NOAC) as the current gold standard. Methods and results Meta-analysis (Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science) on prospective, controlled studies comparing contemporary mi-NOAC (without bridging) with c-NOAC. Net adverse clinical events (major bleeding, thrombo-embolic events) were the primary outcome. In addition, we analysed total bleeding, minor bleeding, and silent cerebral embolism. Eight studies (six randomized, two observational) with 2168 patients were summarized. The primary endpoint occurred in 1.0% (18/1835): 1.1% (11/1005) vs. 0.8% (7/830) for the mi-NOAC and c-NOAC groups, respectively; odds ratio (OR) 1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–2.92, P = 0.64]. The OR for total bleeding on mi-NOAC was 1.26 (95% CI 0.97–1.63, P = 0.07). ORs for minor bleeding and silent cerebral embolism were 1.17 (95% CI 0.80–1.70, P = 0.34) and 2.62 (95% CI 0.54–12.61, P = 0.12), respectively. Conclusion This synopsis provides a quantitative synthesis of high-level evidence on a contemporary strategy of mi-NOAC in CA for AF, and overall clinical outcomes were not different from continuous NOAC use. Despite preprocedural interruption, there was no sign of lower bleeding rates. Additional higher volume datasets are warranted for more precise treatment effect estimations of this everyday alternative anticoagulation strategy in AF ablation.

Aims This study was performed to develop and externally validate prediction models for appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shock and mortality to identify subgroups with insufficient benefit from ICD implantation. Methods and results We recruited patients scheduled for primary prevention ICD implantation and reduced left ventricular function. Bootstrapping-based Cox proportional hazards and Fine and Gray competing risk models with likely candidate predictors were developed for all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shock, respectively. Between 2014 and 2018, we included 1441 consecutive patients in the development and 1450 patients in the validation cohort. During a median follow-up of 2.4 (IQR 2.1–2.8) years, 109 (7.6%) patients received appropriate ICD shock and 193 (13.4%) died in the development cohort. During a median follow-up of 2.7 (IQR 2.0–3.4) years, 105 (7.2%) received appropriate ICD shock and 223 (15.4%) died in the validation cohort. Selected predictors of appropriate ICD shock were gender, NSVT, ACE/ARB use, atrial fibrillation history, Aldosterone-antagonist use, Digoxin use, eGFR, (N)OAC use, and peripheral vascular disease. Selected predictors of all-cause mortality were age, diuretic use, sodium, NT-pro-BNP, and ACE/ARB use. C-statistic was 0.61 and 0.60 at respectively internal and external validation for appropriate ICD shock and 0.74 at both internal and external validation for mortality. Conclusion Although this cohort study was specifically designed to develop prediction models, risk stratification still remains challenging and no large group with insufficient benefit of ICD implantation was found. However, the prediction models have some clinical utility as we present several scenarios where ICD implantation might be postponed.

Supplemental digital content is available in the text., Purpose Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by inappropriate left ventricular (LV) wall thickness. Adaptations to exercise can occasionally mimic certain HCM characteristics. However, it is unclear whether physical activity affects HCM genotype expression and disease characteristics. Consequently, we compared lifelong physical activity volumes between HCM gene carriers with and without HCM phenotype, and compared disease characteristics among tertiles of physical activity in phenotypic HCM patients. Methods We enrolled n = 22 genotype positive/phenotype negative (G+/P−) HCM gene carriers, n = 44 genotype positive/phenotype positive (G+/P+) HCM patients, and n = 36 genotype negative/phenotype positive (G−/P+) HCM patients. Lifelong physical activity was recorded using a questionnaire and quantified as metabolic equivalent of task hours per week. Results We included 102 participants (51 ± 16 yr, 49% male). Lifelong physical activity volumes were not different between G+/P+ and G+/P− subjects (16 [10–29] vs 14 [6–26] metabolic equivalent of task‐hours per week, P = 0.33). Among phenotypic HCM patients, there was no difference in LV wall thickness, mass, and late gadolinium enhancement across physical activity tertiles. Patients with the highest reported physical activity volumes were younger at the time of diagnosis (tertile 1: 52 ± 14 yr, tertile 2: 49 ± 15 yr, tertile 3: 41 ± 18 yr; P = 0.03), and more often had a history of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (4% vs 30% vs 30%, P = 0.03). Conclusions Lifelong physical activity volumes are not associated with genotype-to-phenotype transition in HCM gene carriers. We also found no difference in LV wall thickness across physical activity tertiles. However, the most active HCM patients were younger at the time of diagnosis and had a higher arrhythmic burden. These observations warrant further exploration of the role of exercise in HCM disease development.

PURPOSE: Currently, information on the optimal approach of redo procedures for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is limited. Radiofrequency ablation is the preferred technique, with reported success rates of 50-70% at 1-2 years, whereas only few reports exist on redo cryoballoon (CB) ablations. We describe outcomes on a systematic approach of repeat procedures with a second-generation cryoballoon (CB-2) after a successful index CB ablation. METHODS: Cohort study of 40 consecutive patients with recurrent PAF (55% male), median CHA2DS2-VASc score 1 (IQR 0-3). Per protocol, a staged variable balloon size strategy was followed with a different balloon size during the redo as compared to the index procedure. Minimal follow-up was 12 months (median 17 months [IQR 14-39]). RESULTS: Overall, 120 pulmonary veins (PVs) (75%) showed chronic isolation: 64% (41/64) for first-generation cryoballoon (CB-1) and 82% (79/96) for CB-2 index procedures, respectively (p = 0.01). The overall mean number of reconnected PVs perpatient was 1.0 (40/40): 1.4 for CB-1 and 0.7 for CB-2 index procedures (p = 0.008). Phrenic nerve palsies (n = 7) resolved before the end of the procedure. At 1 year, 70% of patients were free of recurrent AF. In multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of recurrence was the number of prior cardioversions. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic approach of repeat procedures with a CB-2 using a different balloon size than during the index CB ablation is safe, with acceptable 1-year outcomes. Future comparative studies on the optimal redo technique and approach are warranted to further improve rhythm control in AF.

Background Cardiac troponin (cTn) is a complex of three subunits (T, I, and C), with some studies reporting that ~5–10% is cytosolic and unbound (‘free’). It has been hypothesized that free cTn is released before complex and before or without cell death dependent on the severity of ischemia . In this context, new generation assays that can discriminate free, binary (IC) and ternary (TIC) complex forms may aid to differentiate between type 1 myocardial infarction (MI) and cTn elevations due to different etiologies, e.g. demand ischemia and type 2 MI. Methods Serial plasma samples from six type 1 MI patients and twenty-seven patients with other cTnI elevations, e.g. due to demand ischemia and type 2 MI, were analyzed using high-sensitivity ET Healthcare Pylon assays for total cTnI, complex cTnI (IC and TIC), and cTnTIC. The specificity of the anti-cTnT antibody in the cTnTIC assay was such that only full-size cTnTIC is detected. In vitro stability of different cTnI forms was assessed by spiking free cTnI and cTnTIC in cTnI-free serum, incubating at 4 or 37 °C, and measuring different cTnI forms over 0–182 h. Presence of cytosolic free cTnI was evaluated on fixed rat cardiac tissue using an antibody against free cTnI. Results Pylon assays for total and complex cTnI tracked well over time with each other and gave similar results, both for type 1 MI and non-type 1 MI patients, indicating that the vast majority was complex cTnI. As a minority of complex cTnI was full-size cTnTIC, this indicated that complex cTnI mainly consisted of a degraded form of cTnTIC (low-molecular weight cTnTIC) and/or cTnIC. Full-size cTnTIC was more abundant in early compared to late samples. In vitro studies indicated that free cTnI and cTnTIC are not stable at 37 °C (28% and 11% recovery after 24 h, respectively) and this is also true to some extent for cTnTIC at 4 °C (60% recovery after 24 h). Free cTnI was not readily detected in rat cardiac tissue. Conclusions In agreement with type 1 MI, cTnI in samples of patients with cTnI elevations due to other etiologies is found predominantly as complex cTnI, of which some is full-size cTnTIC. In most cases, assays for total and complex cTnI indicated there was little free cTnI; however, its presence cannot be completely excluded, due to the inability of its direct measurement and limited stability.

Purpose Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) are a major healthcare problem. Over the years, several initiatives have contributed to more lay volunteers providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and increased use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the Netherlands. As part of a quality and outcomes program, we registered bystander CPR, AED use and outcome in the Nijmegen area. Methods Prospective resuscitation registry with a study cohort of non-traumatic OHCA cases from 2013–2016 and historical controls from 2008–2011. In line with previous reports, we studied patients transported to the hospital (Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands) and excluded arrests witnessed by the emergency medical service (EMS). Primary outcomes were return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to discharge. Results In the study cohort (n = 349) the AED was attached more often than in the historical cohort (n = 180): 46% vs. 23% and the proportion of bystander CPR was higher: 78% vs. 63% (both p

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Gender differences in the thrombotic and bleeding risk have been suggested to condition the benefits of antithrombotic therapies in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients, and mainly among those undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions with drug eluting stents (DES). The impact of gender on the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in ACS patients is still unexplored and was, therefore, the aim of the present sub-study. METHODS: REDUCE was a prospective, multicenter, randomized investigator-initiated study designed to enroll 1500 ACS patients after treatment with the COMBO Dual Stent Therapy, based on a noninferiority design. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to either 3 or 12 months of DAPT. Primary study endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST), stroke, target-vessel revascularization (TVR) and bleedings (BARC II, III, V) at 12 months. Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality and the individual components of the primary endpoint within 24 months. RESULTS: From June 2014 to May 2016 300 women and 1196 men were included in the study. Among them, 43.7% of females and 51.9% of males were assigned to the 3 months DAPT treatment. Baseline characteristics were well matched between the two arms, with the exception of a lower rate of TIMI flow

Aims The value of elective coronary revascularisation plus medical therapy over medical therapy alone in managing stable patients with coronary artery disease is debated. We reviewed all trials comparing the two strategies in this population. Methods and results From inception through November 2020, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and other databases were searched for randomised trials comparing revascularisation against medical therapy alone in clinically stable coronary artery disease patients. Treatment effects were measured by rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals, using random-effects models. Cardiac mortality was the pre-specified primary endpoint. Spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI) and its association with cardiac mortality were secondary endpoints. Further endpoints included all-cause mortality, any MI, and stroke. Longest follow-up data were abstracted. The study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021225598). Twenty-five trials involving 19 806 patients (10 023 randomised to revascularisation plus medical therapy and 9783 to medical therapy alone) were included. Compared with medical therapy alone, revascularisation yielded a lower risk of cardiac death [RR 0.79 (0.67–0.93), P, Graphical Abstract Major findings on cardiac mortality reduction with elective coronary revascularisation plus medical therapy vs. medical therapy alone. Abbreviations in text.

Introduction: Shock-resistant ventricular fibrillation (VF) poses a therapeutic challenge during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). For these patients, new treatment strategies are under active investigation, yet underlying trigger(s) and substrate(s) have been poorly characterised, and evidence on coronary angiography (CAG) data is often limited to studies without a control group. Methods: In our OHCA-registry, we studied CAG-findings in OHCA-patients with VF who underwent CAG after hospital arrival. We compared baseline demographics, arrest characteristics, CAG-findings and outcomes between patients with VF that was shock-resistant (defined as >3 shocks) or not shock-resistant (≤3 shocks). Results: Baseline demographics, arrest location, bystander resuscitation and AED-use did not differ between 105 patients with and 196 patients without shock-resistant VF. Shock-resistant VF-patients required more shocks, with higher proportions endotracheal intubation, mechanical CPR, amiodaron and epinephrine. In both groups, significant coronary artery disease (≥1 stenosis >70%) was highly prevalent (78% vs. 77%, p = 0.76). Acute coronary occlusions (ACOs) were more prevalent in shock-resistant VF-patients (41% vs. 26%, p = 0.006). Chronic total occlusions did not differ between groups (29% vs. 33%, p = 0.47). There was an association between increasing numbers of shocks and a higher likelihood of ACO. Shock-resistant VF-patients had lower proportions 24-h survival (75% vs. 93%, p < 0.001) and survival to discharge (61% vs. 78%, p = 0.002). Conclusion: In this cohort of OHCA-patients with VF and CAG after transport, acute coronary occlusions were more prevalent in patients with shock-resistant VF compared to VF that was not shock-resistant, and their clinical outcome was worse. Confirmative studies are warranted for this potentially reversible therapeutic target.

Contains fulltext : 239083.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) INTRODUCTION: In cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation (VF) waveform characteristics such as amplitude spectrum area (AMSA) are studied to identify an underlying myocardial infarction (MI). Observational studies report lower AMSA-values in patients with than without underlying MI. Moreover, experimental studies with 12-lead ECG-recordings show lowest VF-characteristics when the MI-localisation matches the ECG-recording direction. However, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA)-studies with defibrillator-derived VF-recordings are lacking. METHODS: Multi-centre (Amsterdam/Nijmegen, the Netherlands) cohort-study on the association between AMSA, ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and its localisation. AMSA was calculated from defibrillator pad-ECG recordings (proxy for lead II, inferior vantage point); STEMI-localisation was determined using ECG/angiography/autopsy findings. RESULTS: We studied AMSA-values in 754 OHCA-patients. There were statistically significant differences between no STEMI, anterior STEMI and inferior STEMI (Nijmegen: no STEMI 13.0mVHz [7.9-18.6], anterior STEMI 7.5mVHz [5.6-13.8], inferior STEMI 7.5mVHz [5.4-11.8], p = 0.006. Amsterdam: 11.7mVHz [5.0-21.9], 9.6mVHz [4.6-17.2], and 6.9mVHz [3.2-16.0], respectively, p = 0.001). Univariate analyses showed significantly lower AMSA-values in inferior STEMI vs. no STEMI; there was no significant difference between anterior and no STEMI. After correction for confounders, adjusted absolute AMSA-values were numerically lowest for inferior STEMI in both cohorts, and the relative differences in AMSA between inferior and no STEMI was 1.4-1.7 times larger than between anterior and no STEMI. CONCLUSION: This multi-centre VF-waveform OHCA-study showed significantly lower AMSA in case of underlying STEMI, with a more pronounced difference for inferior than for anterior STEMI. Confirmative studies on the impact of STEMI-localisation on the VF-waveform are warranted, and might contribute to earlier diagnosis of STEMI during VF.

Background Troponin composition characterization has been implicated as a next step to differentiate among non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients and improve distinction from other conditions with troponin release. We therefore studied coronary and peripheral troponin compositions in relation to clinical variables of NSTEMI patients. Methods Samples were obtained from the great cardiac vein (GCV), coronary sinus (CS), and peripheral circulation of 45 patients with NSTEMI. We measured total cTnI concentrations, and assessed both complex cTnI (binary cTnIC + all ternary cTnTIC forms), and large-size cTnTIC (full-size and partially truncated cTnTIC). Troponin compositions were studied in relation to culprit vessel localization (left anterior descending artery [LAD] or non-LAD), ischemic time window, and peak CK-MB value. Results Sampling occurred at a median of 25 hours after symptom onset. Of total peripheral cTnI, a median of 87[78-100]% consisted of complex cTnI; and 9[6-15]% was large-size cTnTIC. All concentrations (total, complex cTnI, and large-size cTnTIC) were significantly higher in the CS than in peripheral samples (P Conclusions In coronary veins draining the infarct area, concentrations of both full-size and degraded troponin were higher than in the peripheral circulation. This finding, and the observed associations of troponin composition with the ischemic time window and the extent of sustained injury may contribute to future characterization of different disease states among NSTEMI patients.

Background Dissemination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills is essential for cardiac arrest survival. Virtual reality (VR)‐training methods are low cost and easily available, but to meet depth requirements adaptations are required, as confirmed in a recent randomized study on currently prevailing CPR quality criteria. Recently, the promising clinical performance of new CPR quality criteria was demonstrated, based on the optimal combination of compression depth and rate. We now study compliance with these newly proposed CPR quality criteria. Methods and Results Post hoc analysis of a randomized trial compared standardized 20‐minute face‐to‐face CPR training with VR training using the Lifesaver VR smartphone application. During a posttraining test, compression depth and rate were measured using CPR mannequins. We assessed compliance with the newly proposed CPR criteria, that is, compression rate within ±20% of 107/minute and depth within ±20% of 47 mm. We studied 352 participants, age 26 (22–31) years, 56% female, and 15% with CPR training ≤2 years. Among VR‐trained participants, there was a statistically significant difference between the proportions complying with newly proposed versus the currently prevailing quality criteria (52% versus 23%, P P P =0.45). Conclusions Lifesaver VR training, although previously found to be inferior to face‐to‐face training, may lead to CPR quality compliant with recently proposed, new quality criteria. If the prognostic importance of these new criteria is confirmed in additional studies, Lifesaver VR in its current form would be an easily available vector to disseminate CPR skills.

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.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.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.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.

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Introduction Refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) is usually defined as the need for >3 shocks and poses a therapeutic challenge during cardiac arrest. For these patients, new treatment strategies such as early invasive management are under active investigation, yet the underlying myocardial substrate has poorly been characterised. In search of potential therapeutic targets, we studied coronary angiography findings in refractory vs. non-refractory VF. Methods Out of our prospective cardiac arrest registry (2013–2018), we studied all VF-patients that were transported to our tertiary hospital, and underwent coronary angiography (CAG). CAGs were assessed by interventional cardiologists blinded for clinical outcomes and patient category, being either patients with refractory (>3 shocks) or non-refractory VF (≤3 shocks). CAG images were scored using predefined data-sheets with uniform definitions. Results We studied 301 patients, of which the majority was male (82%) and median age was 63 (53–70) years. Of all patients, 105 (35%) had refractory VF and 196 (66%) had non-refractory VF. We found no differences in baseline and arrest characteristics (i.e. arrest location, witnessed arrest, bystander CPR, EMS response time and AED use) between refractory and non-refractory VF. In both groups, significant coronary artery disease (≥1 stenosis >70%) was highly prevalent (78 vs. 77%, p=0.76). Acute coronary occlusions were more prevalent in the refractory VF group (41% in refractory VF vs. 26% in non-refractory VF, p=0.006). Figure 1 demonstrates that the proportion patients with an coronary occlusion increases with an increasing number of shocks (p for trend=0.003). Chronic total occlusions did not differ between both groups (29% vs. 33%, p=0.47). Refractory VF-patients had lower proportions 24-hour survival (75% vs. 93%, p Conclusion In this VF-cardiac arrest study on patients transported to the hospital and undergoing coronary angiography, acute coronary occlusions were more prevalent in refractory compared to non-refractory VF. After confirmation of these findings, further studies on the potential benefit of early treatment of acute coronary occlusions in patients with refractory VF are eagerly awaited. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Contains fulltext : 225390.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was designed to avoid complications related to the transvenous ICD lead by using an entirely extrathoracic placement. Evidence comparing these systems has been based primarily on observational studies. METHODS: We conducted a noninferiority trial in which patients with an indication for an ICD but no indication for pacing were assigned to receive a subcutaneous ICD or transvenous ICD. The primary end point was the composite of device-related complications and inappropriate shocks; the noninferiority margin for the upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval for the hazard ratio (subcutaneous ICD vs. transvenous ICD) was 1.45. A superiority analysis was prespecified if noninferiority was established. Secondary end points included death and appropriate shocks. RESULTS: A total of 849 patients (426 in the subcutaneous ICD group and 423 in the transvenous ICD group) were included in the analyses. At a median follow-up of 49.1 months, a primary end-point event occurred in 68 patients in the subcutaneous ICD group and in 68 patients in the transvenous ICD group (48-month Kaplan-Meier estimated cumulative incidence, 15.1% and 15.7%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71 to 1.39; P = 0.01 for noninferiority; P = 0.95 for superiority). Device-related complications occurred in 31 patients in the subcutaneous ICD group and in 44 in the transvenous ICD group (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.44 to 1.09); inappropriate shocks occurred in 41 and 29 patients, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.89 to 2.30). Death occurred in 83 patients in the subcutaneous ICD group and in 68 in the transvenous ICD group (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.70); appropriate shocks occurred in 83 and 57 patients, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.08 to 2.12). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with an indication for an ICD but no indication for pacing, the subcutaneous ICD was noninferior to the transvenous ICD with respect to device-related complications and inappropriate shocks. (Funded by Boston Scientific; PRAETORIAN ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01296022.).

Patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement often are frail and elderly. Delirium is a frequently observed complication, associated with impaired recovery, prolonged hospital stay, and mortality. In different hospital settings, interventions that reduced the incidence of delirium resulted in improved clinical outcome and reduced costs. In that context, prevention, early recognition, and timely interventions could be the next step toward better outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This review is focused on awareness and recognition of delirium, including predisposing "vulnerability" factors (such as cognitive impairment and carotid artery disease) and "trigger" factors (such as anesthesia, hemodynamic imbalance, and complications). For prevention and treatment, clinicians should focus on sleep hygiene, orientation, pain management, and early mobilization. In case of delirium, a thorough search and treatment of trigger factors is warranted. Future studies should focus on risk assessment, preventive and therapeutic interventions, and their potential benefit in terms of costs and clinical outcomes.

Contains fulltext : 220897.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) AIM: To minimize termination of resuscitation (TOR) in potential survivors, the desired positive predictive value (PPV) for mortality and specificity of universal TOR-rules are >/=99%. In lack of a quantitative summary of the collective evidence, we performed a diagnostic meta-analysis to provide an overall estimate of the performance of the basic and advanced life support (BLS and ALS) termination rules. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed/EMBASE/Web-of-Science/CINAHL and Cochrane (until September 2019) for studies on either or both TOR-rules in non-traumatic, adult cardiac arrest. PRISMA-DTA-guidelines were followed. RESULTS: There were 19 studies: 16 reported on the BLS-rule (205.073 patients, TOR-advice in 57%), 11 on the ALS-rule (161.850 patients, TOR-advice in 24%). Pooled specificities were 0.95 (0.89-0.98) and 0.98 (0.95-1.00) respectively, with a PPV of 0.99 (0.99-1.00) and 1.00 (0.99-1.00). Specificities were significantly lower in non-Western than Western regions: 0.84 (0.73-0.92) vs. 0.99 (0.97-0.99), p

The Authors' reply: We thank Dr Dimitrow and his colleagues for their interest in our work on postexercise troponin rises in patients with clinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using mutation carriers as controls.1 Concerns were expressed with regard to methodological issues. First, a single 6-hour postexercise troponin measurement was mentioned as a shortcoming of our study. It was suggested that additional 12-hour, 18-hour and 24-hour sampling should also have been performed. We agree that additional sampling could have …

Objectives The aim of the present report was to compare 2-year safety outcomes of two biodegradable polymer (BP) sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs) with different drug eluting and polymer absorption kinetics in a subgroup of complex patients and lesions. Background The previously published PANDA III study showed the BuMA BP SES, with faster drug elution and polymer absorption, was non-inferior to the Excel SES in target lesion failure (TLF). Methods In PANDA III trial, patients who fulfilled one or more of the following criteria were included: Small vessel disease (reference vessel diameter ≤ 2.5 mm); long lesion (lesion length ≥ 20 mm); chronic total occlusion lesion; and diabetic patients. Results Among 2,348 patients randomly assigned to treatment with BuMA (n = 1,174) or Excel SES (n = 1,174) in the PANDA III study, 858 in the BuMA group and 855 in the Excel group satisfied the inclusion criteria. At 2-year follow-up, the incidence of definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST) was significantly lower with BuMA SES as compared with Excel SES (0.7% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.03). This difference was mainly caused by decreased subacute stent thrombosis rate (0% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.03). In patients who did not fulfill the complex patient and lesion criteria, there were no between-group difference in ST (0.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.50). Myocardial infarction and TLF rates were similar (5.7% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.79 and 8.8% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.34, respectively), whereas patient-oriented composite endpoint was higher with BuMA SES mainly due to high risk of revascularization (15.6% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.01; 8.4% vs. 4.6%, p Conclusions Two-year subgroup analysis of the all-comer PANDA III trial revealed the increased safety benefit of the BuMA SES is more prominently seen in complex patient and lesion population. Clinical trial ClinicalTrial.gov, Identifier-NCT02017275.

Contains fulltext : 202705.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Contains fulltext : 202705pos.pdf (Author’s version postprint ) (Open Access) Lipid-lowering therapies have been shown to improve cardiovascular outcome in a wide range of patients. The current guidelines recommend a graded approach to reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) proportional to the patient's risk, with the goal of achieving either a certain magnitude of reduction or a specific threshold of final LDL-C. Recent findings from a meta-analysis of numerous randomized trials suggest that more attention should be given to the baseline LDL-C of an individual patient. In this review, we discuss how the baseline LDL-C level may provide a means to better understand the results of recent cardiovascular outcome trials and the expected benefits of lipid-lowering therapies. The exact quantification of the clinical benefit associate with an intensified lipid-lowering therapy depends on the baseline LDL-C. Mortality is reduced in a log-linear fashion only when LDL-C > 100 mg/dL.

Contains fulltext : 196255.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) In nonhigh risk patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC), the presence of extensive late gadolinium enhancement (LGEext) at cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has been proposed as a risk modifier in the decision process for implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. With a pretest risk of about 10%, a strategy that alters the likelihood of LGEext could markedly affect efficacious CMR imaging. Our aim was to study the potential of clinical variables and biomarkers to predict LGEext. In 98 HC patients without any clear indication for implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation, we determined the discriminative values of a set of clinical variables and a panel of biomarkers (hs-cTnT, NTproBNP, GDF-15, and Gal-3, CICP) for LGEext, that is, LGE >/=15% of the left ventricular mass. LGEext was present in 10% (10/98) of patients. The clinical prediction model contained a history of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, maximal wall thickness and reduced systolic function (c-statistic: 0.868, p

IMPORTANCE: Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for survival after cardiac arrest but not performed in most cases. New, low-cost, and easily accessible training methods, such as virtual reality (VR), may reach broader target populations, but data on achieved CPR skills are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To compare CPR quality between VR and face-to-face CPR training. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized noninferiority trial with a prospective randomized open blinded end point design. Participants were adult attendees from the science section of the Lowlands Music Festival (August 16 to 18, 2019) in the Netherlands. Analysis began September 2019. INTERVENTIONS: Two standardized 20-minute protocols on CPR and automated external defibrillator use: instructor-led face-to-face training or VR training using a smartphone app endorsed by the Resuscitation Council (United Kingdom). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: During a standardized CPR scenario following the training, we assessed the primary outcome CPR quality, measured as chest compression depth and rate using CPR manikins. Overall CPR performance was assessed by examiners, blinded for study groups, using a European Resuscitation Council–endorsed checklist (maximum score, 13). Additional secondary outcomes were chest compression fraction, proportions of participants with mean depth (50 mm-60 mm) or rate (100 min(−1)-120 min(−1)) within guideline ranges, and proportions compressions with full release. RESULTS: A total of 381 participants were randomized: 216 women (57%); median (interquartile range [IQR]) age, 26 (22-31) years. The VR app (n = 190 [49.9%]) was inferior to face-to-face training (n = 191 [50.1%]) for chest compression depth (mean [SD], VR: 49 [10] mm vs face to face: 57 [5] mm; mean [95% CI] difference, −8 [−9 to −6] mm), and noninferior for chest compression rate (mean [SD]: VR: 114 [12] min(−1) vs face to face: 109 [12] min(−1); mean [95% CI] difference, 6 [3 to 8] min(−1)). The VR group had lower overall CPR performance scores (median [IQR], 10 [8-12] vs 12 [12-13]; P

OBJECTIVE To identify and compare manual and load-distributing band (LDB) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-related injuries. METHODS Retrospective observational cohort study. Adult, nontraumatic deaths with a postmortem computed tomography scan (PMCT) performed were classified into two groups: deceased after LDB CPR or after manual CPR. PMCT scans were reviewed for thoracoabdominal injuries such as fractures, pneumothorax and hemorrhage. The injuries between groups were compared. RESULTS LDB CPR (n = 43) showed increased incidences of posterior rib fractures (53 vs 18%, P = 0.006), pneumothorax (23 vs 4%, P = 0.04) and more pericardial fluid (median 12 vs 6 mm, P = 0.002) compared with manual CPR (n = 29). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that LDB CPR was significantly associated with posterior rib fractures [odds ratio (OR) 5.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44-20.09, P = 0.01). Pneumothorax (OR 6.80, 95% CI: 0.73-62.99, P = 0.09) and the amount of pericardial fluid (OR 3.40, 95% CI: 0.20-56.32) were not significantly associated with LDB CPR. No significant difference was found for anterolateral rib fractures, sternal fractures, vertebral fractures, pleural fluid, hemothorax, hemopericardium, pneumoperitoneum, perihepatic, perisplenic and perirenal hemorrhage. CONCLUSION Rib fractures, sternal fractures, hemothorax and hemopericardium are common CPR-related injuries. LDB CPR is significantly associated with more posterior rib fractures and a trend toward more pneumothoraces is observed when compared with manual CPR. This knowledge is important for caretakers in the case of ongoing CPR, as a pneumothorax may attribute to not achieving persistent return of spontaneous circulation, and to improve postresuscitation care of survivors.

Background Strategies to detect recurrences after atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation vary widely. Whereas a symptom-based approach may overestimate procedural success due to asymptomatic recurrences, continuous invasive monitoring with implantable devices may be refused by patients and is not routinely recommended. In trial settings, Holter monitoring is recommended at one year after ablation, though more frequent and intensive follow-up is encouraged for more accurate detection of arrhythmia recurrences. Purpose To study the diagnostic yield of Holter monitoring in the detection of asymptomatic recurrent arrhythmias after cryoballoon catheter ablation for AF. Methods Prospective registry on AF patients who underwent cryoballoon ablation with subsequent follow-up in our centre. Follow-up comprised routine (i.e. at 3, 6, and 12 months) and symptom-driven electrocardiographic (ECG) registrations after a three-month blanking period. In addition, patients were scheduled for six-day Holter monitoring shortly after the blanking period, at six months and at the end of the one-year follow-up period. For the current analysis, we studied the Holter recordings of the patients without previously detected arrhythmia recurrence and determined the proportion of asymptomatic recurrences at each respective monitoring period. Results We studied 364 patients with a median age of 60 years (IQR 54–66) and a median CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 (IQR 1–2). One-year recurrences were documented in 119 (32.7%) patients, of which 90 were initially detected on Holter recording and 39 on ECG registrations (Table). A total of 34 patients did not report symptoms during the documentation of recurrent arrhythmia and comprised 28.6% (34/119) of all recurrences and 37.8% (34/90) of the Holter-detected recurrences. At the three-month Holter registration, 33.3% of the patients with recurrences did not report symptoms, which was 29.4% and 62.5% at the six- and twelve-month registrations, respectively (Figure). Timing and detection of recurrences Time after ablation 3 months 3–6 months 6 months 6–12 months 12 months Patients with Holter-detected recurrences 57/119 (47.9%) 17/119 (14.3%) 16/119 (13.4%) Patients with ECG-documented recurrences 18/119 (15.1%) 11/119 (9.2%) Proportions of asymptomatic recurrences Conclusions In this cohort of AF patients with serial six-day Holter monitoring after cryoballoon ablation, up to one-third of the patients had asymptomatic recurrences. Whereas Holter monitoring shortly after the blanking period detected nearly half of all one-year recurrences, the proportion of asymptomatic detected recurrences was higher in recordings at one year and seems therefore important in the detection of asymptomatic recurrences after catheter ablation.

Background High-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays have reduced specificity for myocardial infarction (MI). In conditions other than MI, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) elevations have been attributed to small cTnT fragments. In search of improved cTnT assay specificity for MI, determination of the in-vivo molecular appearance of cTnT during MI is pivotal. Purpose To determine cTnT composition close to its site of release and during the course of MI by multi-site coronary venous system (CVS) and peripheral sampling. Methods Lithium-heparinized (LH) plasma and serum samples were obtained from multiple CVS locations in NSTEMI patients. Additionally, samples were drawn from a peripheral artery and vein followed by collections at 6- and 12 hours post-catheterization. cTnT concentrations were measured using the hs-cTnT immunoassay (Roche). The molecular cTnT composition was determined by gel filtration chromatography and Western blotting in an early and late presenting patient. Results CVS hs-cTnT concentrations were 28% higher than in the peripheral artery sample (n=71, p Central illustration Conclusions In NSTEMI, cTnT is released as a combination of cTn T-I-C complex, free intact cTnT and multiple cTnT fragments. Over time, the composition of observed cTnT forms changes due to in-vivo degradation. These findings serve as a stepping stone to improve diagnostic accuracy of the hs-cTnT assay for MI.

Background After the first shock, most ventricular fibrillation (VF) out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients require subsequent shocks before organized rhythm is restored. Currently, all those shocks are given after a fixed 2 or 3-minute chest compression interval, resulting in many unsuccessful shocks. However, recently new defibrillators have been developed that can recognize VF during chest compressions, and enable earlier shocks immediately upon detection of VF. This prompts the question whether VF of shorter duration is associated with higher shock success. Purpose To study the association between pre-shock VF-duration and shock success in all subsequent shocks during OHCA. Methods Detailed VF-study on a subset of our prospective, real-world cardiac arrest-registry, focusing on patients with ≥2 shocks for VF and available ECG-tracings. These were scrutinized to determine VF-duration (time from VF-onset until shock) and shock success (return of organized rhythm within 1 min. after the shock). All first shocks were excluded. Results We studied 397 shocks from 101 patients. Of these, 77% were male and median age was 64 (interquartile range [IQR] 54–76) years. Overall shock success was 51% and survival to discharge was 19%. Overall median pre-shock VF-duration was 221s (IQR 125–433). The median pre-shock VF-duration was shorter before a successful (171s [IQR 75–295]) than before an unsuccessful shock (334s [IQR 174–740]), p Figure 1 Conclusion In shocks following the first defibrillation attempt, VF of shorter duration is associated with higher proportions of shock success. In an era of defibrillators that are able to recognize VF during chest compressions, our findings prompt the question whether shock upon detection of VF may improve the dismal outcomes of VF cardiac arrest. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Background Gender differences in the thrombotic and bleeding risk have been suggested to condition the benefits of antithrombotic therapies in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients, and mainly among those undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions with drug eluting stents (DES). Therefore, the impact of gender on the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) treated is still unclear and was therefore the aim of the present sub-study. Methods REDUCE is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, investigator-initiated study, designed to enroll 1500 ACS patients after treatment with the COMBO Dual Stent Therapy, based on a non-inferiority design. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to either 3 or 12 months of DAPT. Primary study endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST), stroke, target-vessel revascularization (TVR) and bleeding (BARC II, III, V) at 12 months. Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality and the individual components of the primary endpoint. Results From June 2014 to May 2016 300 women and 1196 men were randomized in the trial. Among them 43.7% of females and 51.9% of males were assigned to the 3 months DAPT treatment. Baseline characteristics were well matched between the two arms, but of a lower rate of TIMI flow Conclusions The present study shows that among ACS patients randomized in the REDUCE trial, a 3 months DAPT strategy offers comparable results as compared to a standard 12 months DAPT at 1-year follow-up in both male and female gender. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Background Studies on international registries report improved outcomes after in- and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest over the last decade. The 2015 resuscitation guidelines incorporate initiatives derived from both guidelines 2005 and 2010, respectively. Purpose In order to assess the impact of these respective updates, we aim to provide the most comprehensive quantitative summary of comparative studies that specifically focused on outcomes before and after guideline updates. Methods PubMed, Web-of-Science, Embase and The Cochrane Libraries were searched for studies that compared clinical outcomes of patients resuscitated in the period before and after introduction of guidelines 2010 and 2005, respectively. Results For studies on guidelines 2010 vs. 2005 (n=6; 1,002 patients), the pooled estimate did not indicate a difference [OR 1.29 (95% CI 0.74–2.25) p=0.372] in return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). For survival to discharge a significant benefit [OR 1.70 (1.01–2.84) p=0.045] was observed for patients resuscitated according to guideline 2010. As for guidelines 2005 vs. 2000 (n=23; 40,859 patients), the pooled estimates for ROSC, survival to admission, to discharge and favourable neurologic outcome consistently indicated benefit for guideline 2005 [OR 1.21 (1.04–1.42) p=0.014; OR 1.34 (1.09–1.65) p=0.005; OR 1.46 (1.25–1.70) p Conclusions This comprehensive meta-analysis quantifies the positive impact of resuscitation guideline updates on outcomes and supports the current way of guideline development. While there is robust evidence for improved overall outcomes after guidelines 2005, the 2010 guideline benefit was restricted to improved survival to discharge. In terms of quality control, our findings call for continued initiatives to monitor outcomes after guideline updates. Acknowledgement/Funding None

In search of improved risk stratification in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), CMR imaging has been implicated as a potential tool for prediction of sudden cardiac death (SCD). In follow-up of the promising results with extensive late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), high signal-intensity on T2-weighted imaging (HighT2) has become subject of interest given its association with markers of adverse disease progression, such as LGE, elevated troponin and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. In lack of follow-up cohorts, we initiated an exploratory study on the association between HighT2 and the internationally defined risk categories of SCD. In a cohort of 109 HCM patients from a multicenter study on CMR imaging and biomarkers, we estimated the 5-year SCD risk (HCM Risk-SCD model). Patients were categorized as low (

Contains fulltext : 182933.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is typically performed with uninterrupted anticoagulation with warfarin or interrupted non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant therapy. Uninterrupted anticoagulation with a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant, such as dabigatran, may be safer; however, controlled data are lacking. We investigated the safety of uninterrupted dabigatran versus warfarin in patients undergoing ablation of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: In this randomized, open-label, multicenter, controlled trial with blinded adjudicated end-point assessments, we randomly assigned patients scheduled for catheter ablation of paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation to receive either dabigatran (150 mg twice daily) or warfarin (target international normalized ratio, 2.0 to 3.0). Ablation was performed after 4 to 8 weeks of uninterrupted anticoagulation, which was continued during and for 8 weeks after ablation. The primary end point was the incidence of major bleeding events during and up to 8 weeks after ablation; secondary end points included thromboembolic and other bleeding events. RESULTS: The trial enrolled 704 patients across 104 sites; 635 patients underwent ablation. Baseline characteristics were balanced between treatment groups. The incidence of major bleeding events during and up to 8 weeks after ablation was lower with dabigatran than with warfarin (5 patients [1.6%] vs. 22 patients [6.9%]; absolute risk difference, -5.3 percentage points; 95% confidence interval, -8.4 to -2.2; P