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Aims The multielectrode radiofrequency balloon catheter (RFB) has been developed to achieve safe and effective pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. This single-centre study aimed to evaluate the midterm clinical outcome and predictors of single-shot PVI with the novel RFB. Methods and results All consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing first-time PVI with the RFB were prospectively included. Clinical and procedural parameters were systematically collected. The primary safety endpoint was defined as any major periprocedural complications. The primary efficacy endpoint consisted of freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATas) lasting >30 s during the follow-up after a 3-month blanking period. Persistent single-shot PVI was defined as PVI achieved with a single RFB application without acute reconnection. A total of 104 consecutive patients (mean age 64.3 ± 11.4 years, 56.7% males) were included. 15 patients (14.4%) presented with persistent AF. The procedure time was 59.0 min with a dwell time of 20.0 min. One major complication occurred in one patient. At a mean follow-up of 10.1 ± 5.3 months, freedom from ATas was 82.9%. ATas occurred in 14 patients, 11/69 patients (15.9%) with paroxysmal AF and 3/13 (23.1%) with persistent AF. The best cut-offs to predict persistent single-shot PVI were impedance drop >19.2 Ω [area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) 0.74] and temperature rise >11.1° C (AUC 0.77). Conclusion In a large cohort of patients undergoing PVI with the RFB, the complication rate was 1%. At a mid-term follow-up of 10.1 ± 5.3 months, freedom from ATas was 82.9%. Specific cut-offs of impedance drop and temperature rise may be useful to predict persistent single-shot isolation.

Aims Hybrid atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is a promising approach in non-paroxysmal AF. The aim of this study is to assess the long-term outcomes of hybrid ablation in a large cohort of patients after both an initial and as a redo procedure. Methods and results All consecutive patients undergoing hybrid AF ablation at UZ Brussel from 2010 to 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Hybrid AF ablation was performed in a one-step procedure: (i) thoracoscopic ablation followed by (ii) endocardial mapping and eventual ablation. All patients received PVI and posterior wall isolation. Additional lesions were performed based on clinical indication and physician judgement. Primary endpoint was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATas). A total of 120 consecutive patients were included, 85 patients (70.8%) underwent hybrid AF ablation as first procedure (non-paroxysmal AF 100%), 20 patients (16.7%) as second procedure (non-paroxysmal AF 30%), and 15 patients (12.5%) as third procedure (non-paroxysmal AF 33.3%). After a mean follow-up of 62.3 months ± 20.3, a total of 63 patients (52.5%) experienced ATas recurrence. Complications occurred in 12.5% of patients. There was no difference in ATas between patients undergoing hybrid as first vs. redo procedure (P = 0.53). Left atrial volume index and recurrence during blanking period were independent predictors of ATas recurrence. Conclusion In a large cohort of patients undergoing hybrid AF ablation, the survival from ATas recurrence was 47.5% at ≈5 years follow-up. There was no difference in clinical outcomes between patients undergoing hybrid AF ablation as first procedure or as a redo.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of an innovative "all in one" integrated transseptal crossing device to achieve transseptal puncture (TSP). METHODS: Twenty patients (10 males, mean age 65.65 ± 9.25 years), indicated to supraventricular left side tachyarrhythmia ablation, underwent TSP using a new-generation integrated crossing device, and a control cohort of twenty patients (10 males, mean age 65.5 ± 10.12 years) underwent TSP using the traditional TSP system. RESULTS: In all the study patients, the novel TSP device led to a successful and safe access to the left atrium (LA). The mean transseptal time, defined as the time occurring between the groin puncture and the advancing of the guidewire into the left superior pulmonary vein (PV), was 3 min 33 s ± 44 s, 7 min 5 s ± 36 s in the control cohort. Additionally, we compared the cost of the two systems. No acute complications related to the TSP were noted in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: TSP performed with the new integrated transseptal system is feasible and safe.

Management of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) beyond implantable cardioverter-defibrillator positioning in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is challenging. Catheter ablation of the ventricular substrate often requires a combination of endocardial and epicardial approaches, with disappointing outcomes due to the progressive nature of the disease. We report the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel experience through a case series of 16 patients with drug-refractory ARVC, who have undergone endocardial and/or epicardial catheter ablation of VAs with a thoracoscopic hybrid-approach. After a mean follow-up time of 5.16 years (SD 2.9 years) from the first hybrid-approach ablation, VA recurrence was observed in 5 patients (31.25%): among these, patients 4 patients (80%) received a previous ablation and 1 of 11 patients (9.09%) who had a hybrid ablation as first approach had a VA recurrence (80% vs 9.09%; log-rank p = 0.04). Despite the recurrence rate of arrhythmic events, all patients had a significant reduction in the arrhythmic burden after ablation, with a mean of 4.65 years (SD 2.9 years) of freedom from clinically significant arrhythmias, defined as symptomatic VAs or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator-delivered therapies. In conclusion, our case series confirms that management of VAs in patients with ARVC is difficult because patients do not always respond to antiarrhythmic medications and can require multiple invasive procedures. A multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiac electrophysiologists, together with recent cardiac mapping techniques and ablation tools, might mitigate these difficulties and improve outcomes.

Electrical isolation of pulmonary veins (PVI) is the cornerstone of invasive treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, arrhythmia-free survival of a PVI only approach is suboptimal in patients with persistent and long-term persistent AF. Hybrid AF ablation has been developed with the aim of combining the advantages of a thoracoscopic surgical ablation (direct visualization of anatomical structures to be spared and the possibility to perform epicardial lesions) and endocardial ablation (possibility to check line block, confirm PVI, and possibility to perform cavotricuspid isthmus ablation). Patient selection is of utmost importance. In persistent and long-term persistent AF, hybrid AF ablation demonstrated promising results in terms of AF free survival. It has been associated with a relatively low complication rate if performed in centers with expertise in hybrid procedures and experience with both surgical and endocardial ablation. Different techniques have been described, with different approaches and lesion sets. The aim of this review is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of hybrid AF ablation.

Background Coronary sinus (CS) ostial atresia/abnormalities prevent access to the CS from the right atrium (RA) for left ventricular (LV) lead implantation. Some patients with CS ostial abnormalities also have a small persistent left superior vena cava (sPLSVC). Objective The purpose of this study was to describe CS ostial abnormalities and sPLSVC as an opportunity for LV lead implantation and unrecognized source of stroke. Methods Twenty patients with CS ostial abnormalities and sPLSVC were identified. Clinical information, imaging methods, LV lead implantation techniques, and complications were summarized. Results Forty percent had at least 1 previously unsuccessful LV lead placement. In 70%, sPLSVC was identified by catheter manipulation and contrast injection in the left brachiocephalic vein, and in 30% by levophase CS venography. In 30%, sPLSVC was associated with drainage from the CS into the left atrium (LA). When associated with CS ostial abnormalities, the sPLSVC diameter averaged 5.6 ± 3 mm. sPLSVC was used for successful LV lead implantation in 90% of cases. In 80%, the LV lead was implanted down sPLSVC, and in 20%, sPLSVC was used to access the CS from the RA. Presumably because of unrecognized drainage from the CS to the LA, 1 patient had a stroke during implantation via sPLSVC. Conclusion When CS ostial abnormalities prevent access to the CS from the RA, sPLSVC can be used to successfully implant LV leads. In some, the CS partially drains into the LA and stroke can occur spontaneously or during lead intervention. It is important to distinguish sPLSVC associated with CS ostial abnormalities from isolated PLSVC.

Title: Deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs and pulmonary embolism are the most common thromboembolic phenomena in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The inflammatory and thrombotic processes are connected, creating a vicious circle. Inflammation is at least implicated in maintaining the inflammatory process in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Many factors have been investigated as determinants of the pro-thrombotic tendency such as acquired risk factors or genetic and immune abnormalities, but a unique cause has not been found. Background: We felt that this case was of interest due to the rarity of the condition and the therapeutic challenge given the high risk of bleeding and the management of anti-inflammatory and immunological treatment. Case presentation We describe the rare case of a patient with ulcerative colitis who suffered a massive pulmonary embolism that caused shock. Despite the therapeutic challenge and the high risk of hemorrhagic complications given the underlying disease, thrombolytic treatment was administered with a good result. Conclusion : Autoimmune disorders in general should be regarded not only as inflammatory disorders, but also as hyper-coagulable disorders. This clinical observation can put the item on the necessity of establishing recommendations for prevention of embolic events in patients with hemorrhagic colitis.

Appropriate shock therapy (AST) occurs in the minority of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Evaluating predictors of ICD therapy may be helpful in developing risk stratification strategies for these patients. This could help the physician with his decision to offer ICD implantation. Expanding the indication to more permissive uses of ICD implantation seems to have resulted in selection of patients who are less likely to benefit from ICD. We assessed which patients received AST and whether there were any predictive factors.

Title : Paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD) is an autosomal dominant painful neuropathy with many,but not all, cases linked to gain-of-function mutations in SCN9A which encodes voltage-gated sodium channel Na.1.7. It is a very rare condition featured by flushing of the lower half of the body and excruciating burning pain caused by any stimulus below the waist or in the perianal region. PEPD may be associated with cardiovascular instability, especially prolonged sinus pauses, and thus has anesthetic implications. Pacemaker implantation is the alternative therapeutic option, but its indications have not been clarified yet. Background: This condition is well described in neurological literature, but to our knowledge, this is the first case report of a patient with paroxysmal extreme pain disorder with prolonged sinus pauses requiring anesthesia for an epicardial pacemaker even with the peri-operative risk of the pathology.This clinical observation can help for a better management and understanding of the cardiac risk complications of PEPD especially for an infant whose diagnostic is frequently made at the stage of complication This clinical observation can put the item on the necessity of establishing recommendations for management of cardiac complications during PEPD. Case report : We extensively searched the literature on cardiac pacing in patients with PEPD and we described a new case of a 9 month old infant who was admitted in the emergency department for an episode of malaise apnea and hemifacial cyanosis relevant to PEPD. The neurologic exploration was normal. The diagnostic was confirmed by genetic study. The 24 hours recording demonstrated long pauses of 15 seconds during the crisis justifying the implantation of epicardial pacemaker without peri-operatory complications due to the high anesthetic risk of this pathology. Conclusion : Paroxysmal extreme pain disorder is a highly distinctive sodium channelopathy with incompletely carbamazepine-sensitive bouts of pain and sympathetic nervous system dysfunction. It is most likely to be misdiagnosed as epilepsy and, particularly in infancy, as hyperekplexia and reflex anoxic seizures. Clinicians must evocate this diagnostic even any clinical suspicion given the severity of cardiac complications.

Le syndrome CHARGE est caractérisé par un large polymorphisme clinique associant colobome, anomalies cardiaques, atrésie de choanes, retard staturo-pondéral et de développement, anomalies génitales, anomalies des oreilles ainsi que d'autres anomalies. Les auteurs rapportent le cas d'un syndrome CHARGE diagnostiqué lors du bilan d'une tétralogie de Fallot chez un nourrisson de 22 mois. Les différentes manifestations cliniques de ce syndrome sont rapportées ainsi que les critères diagnostiques.

Le bloc auriculo-ventriculaire (BAV) représente une complication non négligeable de la chirurgie cardiaque. Il est responsable de séquelles lourdes et graves compromettant le pronostic de la maladie et conduisant à la mise en place d'un stimulateur cardiaque définitif. Il est primordial d'étudier et de déterminer les différents facteurs prédictifs de BAV post opératoire, son histoire naturelle, son incidence ainsi que le délai exact de la mise en place d'un pacemaker. Notre étude est une étude rétrospective descriptive à propos de 23 patients opérés pour chirurgie cardiaque sous circulation extracorporelle entre octobre 1989 et août 2010 ayant présentés des troubles conductifs auriculo-ventriculaires en post opératoire..Plusieurs facteurs de risque ont été étudiés dans notre série, liés surtout à l'atteinte directe du noeud auriculo-ventriculaire ou à l'ischémie myocardique. Le délai d'apparition du trouble conductif ainsi que le délai d'implantation on été également étudié. Plusieurs facteurs favorisants de survenue de BAV ont été identifiés liés essentiellement au type de la cardiopathie opérée avec une prédominance de la cardiopathie congénitale, d'autres facteurs ont été rapportés notamment la présence d'hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche (HVG) de troubles conductifs en préopératoire, une durée du clampage aortique et de CEC prolongée. La moitié des patients ont présenté un BAV immédiat. Le délai d'implantation par rapport à la date de la découverte du BAV varie dans notre série d'une implantation immédiate après le diagnostic positif (J0) à un délai d'implantation allant jusqu'à 57 jours. Plusieurs facteurs de risques déterminent la survenue de BAV post chirurgie cardiaque, leur connaissance est primordial ainsi que le délai exact de l'implantation du stimulateur cardiaque définitif.

Le bloc auriculo-ventriculaire (BAV) représente une complication non négligeable de la chirurgie cardiaque. Il est responsable de séquelles lourdes et graves compromettant le pronostic de la maladie et conduisant à la mise en place d'un stimulateur cardiaque définitif. Il est primordial d’étudier et de déterminer les différents facteurs prédictifs de BAV post opératoire, son histoire naturelle, son incidence ainsi que le délai exact de la mise en place d'un pacemaker. Notre étude est une étude rétrospective descriptive à propos de 23 patients opérés pour chirurgie cardiaque sous circulation extracorporelle entre octobre 1989 et août 2010 ayant présentés des troubles conductifs auriculo-ventriculaires en post opératoire. Plusieurs facteurs de risque ont été étudiés dans notre série, liés surtout à l'atteinte directe du noeud auriculo-ventriculaire ou à l'ischémie myocardique. Le délai d'apparition du trouble conductif ainsi que le délai d'implantation on été également étudié. Plusieurs facteurs favorisants de survenue de BAV ont été identifiés liés essentiellement au type de la cardiopathie opérée avec une prédominance de la cardiopathie congénitale, d'autres facteurs ont été rapportés notamment la présence d'hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche (HVG) de troubles conductifs en préopératoire, une durée du clampage aortique et de CEC prolongée. La moitié des patients ont présenté un BAV immédiat. Le délai d'implantation par rapport à la date de la découverte du BAV varie dans notre série d'une implantation immédiate après le diagnostic positif (J0) à un délai d'implantation allant jusqu’à 57 jours. Plusieurs facteurs de risques déterminent la survenue de BAV post chirurgie cardiaque, leur connaissance est primordial ainsi que le délai exact de l'implantation du stimulateur cardiaque définitif.

Le syndrome CHARGE est caractérisé par un large polymorphisme clinique associant colobome, anomalies cardiaques, atrésie de choanes, retard staturo-pondéral et de développement, anomalies génitales, anomalies des oreilles ainsi que d'autres anomalies. Les auteurs rapportent le cas d'un syndrome CHARGE diagnostiqué lors du bilan d'une tétralogie de Fallot chez un nourrisson de 22 mois. Les différentes manifestations cliniques de ce syndrome sont rapportées ainsi que les critères diagnostiques.

Background Electrical storm is an increasingly common and lifethreatening syndrome that is defined by 3 or more sustained episodes of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or appropriate shocks from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator within 24 hours. The clinical presentation can be dramatic Appropriate shock therapy (AST) occurs in the minority of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). We assessed which patients received AST and whether there were any predictive factors. Methods We retrospectively analysed data from 13 patients implanted with ICDs at our institution who received AST. Stored electrogram data were analysed. Various clinical echocardiographic and electrophysiological variables were studied. Results Impaired LV function was the most important factor significantly associated with AST. Conclusion Certain pre-procedural variables predict AST. It is important to determinate them to predict which patients will receive shock therapy.