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Aims\ud To investigate the abnormalities of the coronary venous system in candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and describe methods for circumventing the resulting difficulties.\ud \ud Methods\ud From four implanting institutes, data of all CRT implants between October 2008 and October 2020 were screened for abnormal cardiac venous anatomy, defined as an anatomical variation not conforming to the accepted ‘normal’ anatomy. Patient demographics, procedural detail, and subsequent left ventricle (LV) lead pacing indices were collected.\ud \ud Results\ud From a total of 3548 CRT implants, 15 (0.42%) patients (80% male) of 72.2 ± 10.6 years in age with an LV ejection fraction of 34 ± 10.3% were identified to have had an abnormal cardiac venous anatomy over the study period. There were 13 cases of persistent left side superior vena cava (pLSVC), five of which had coronary sinus ostium atresia (CSOA) including two with an “unroofed” coronary sinus (CS); one patient had a unique anomalous origin of the CS and one patient had an isolated CSOA. In total 14 patients (60% repeat attempt) had successful percutaneous implant under general anesthesia (46.7%) via the cephalic vein (59.1%), using the femoral approach (53.3%) for levophase venography and/or pull-through, including one case of endocardial LV implant. Pacing follow-up over 37.64 ± 37.6 months demonstrated LV lead threshold between 0.62 and 2.9 volts (pulsewidth 0.4–1.5 ms) in all cases; five patients died within 2.92 ± 1.6 years of a successful implant.\ud \ud Conclusion\ud CRT devices can be implanted percutaneously even in the presence of substantial abnormalities of coronary venous anatomy. Alternative routes of venous access may be required.

Background Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is rising in parallel to cardiac implantable electronic device implantations. Persistent left side superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a relatively common anatomical variant in the healthy population; TLE in patients with a PLSVC is rare. Method Data were collated from 6 European TLE institutes of 10 patients who had undergone lead extraction with a PLSVC. Patient demographics, procedural challenges and outcomes were reported. Results Ten patients aged 73.4 ± 7.8 years (60% male) underwent TLE of 20 leads (3 left ventricle, 10 right ventricle, 7 right atrium) with dwell time of 82.95 ± 39.1 months. Of the 10 cases, 4 had an infection indication and 5 were biventricular system extractions; 25% of the extracted leads were defibrillator leads. The majority of the procedures were completed in the cardiac catheterization suite (80%) under general anaesthesia (60%) by cardiologists (80%) using a rotational powered sheath (65%). The Tandem approach was used successfully in 3 cases. Complete procedural success was obtained in 100% of cases in the absence of complications within 127.4 ± 74.7 min. There was no 30-day mortality. Conclusion TLE in PLSVC is feasible albeit rare. Standard extraction techniques in experienced hands are associated with favorable outcomes; the Tandem procedure may be an additional technique to improve the safety and efficacy of TLE in PLSVC.

BACKGROUND Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) therapy contributes to an improvement in morbidity and mortality across all patient demographics. Patient age is a recognized risk factor for unfavorable outcomes in invasive procedures. This is the largest series of non-laser transvenous lead extraction (TLE) evaluating the association between patient age and procedure outcomes. METHODS Data of 2205 (3849 leads) patients was collected retrospectively from six European TLE centers between January 2005-December 2018 in the PROMET study. Of these, 153 patients with 319 leads were excluded for incomplete data. A comparison of outcomes was performed between the age groups young [

Background The Sars-Cov-2 infection is a multisystem illness that can affect the cardiovascular system. Tachyarrhythmias have been reported but the prevalence of bradyarrhythmia is unclear. Cases have been described of transient high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block in COVID-19 that were managed conservatively. Method A database of all patients requiring temporary or permanent pacing in 2 linked cardiac centres was used to compare the number of procedures required during the first year of the pandemic compared to the corresponding period a year earlier. The database was cross-referenced with a database of all patients testing positive for Sars-Cov-2 infection in both institutions to identify patients who required temporary or permanent pacing during COVID-19. Results The number of novel pacemaker implants was lower during the COVID-19 pandemic than the same period the previous year (540 vs 629, respectively), with a similar proportion of high-degree AV block (38.3% vs 33.2%, respectively, p = 0.069). Four patients with the Sars-Cov-2 infection had a pacemaker implanted for high-degree AV block, 2 for sinus node dysfunction. Of this cohort of six patients, two succumbed to the COVID-19 illness and one from non-COVID sepsis. Device interrogation demonstrated a sustained pacing requirement in all cases. Conclusion High-degree AV block remained unaltered in prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was no evidence of transient high-degree AV block in patients with the Sars-Cov-2 infection. Our experience suggests that all clinically significant bradyarrhythmia should be treated by pacing according to usual protocols regardless of the COVID status. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The IMPACT study established the role of controlled esophageal cooling in preventing esophageal thermal injury during radiofrequency (RF) ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The effect of esophageal cooling on ablation lesion delivery and procedural and patient outcomes had not been previously studied. The objective was to determine the effect of esophageal cooling on the formation of RF lesions, the ability to achieve procedural endpoints, and clinical outcomes.Participants in the IMPACT trial underwent AF ablation guided by Ablation Index (30 W at 350-400 AI posteriorly, 40 W at ≥450 AI anteriorly). A blinded 1:1 randomization assigned patients to the use of the ensoETM® device to keep esophageal temperature at 4°C during ablation or standard practice using a single-sensor temperature probe. Ablation parameters and clinical outcomes were analyzed.Procedural data from 188 patients were analyzed. Procedure and fluoroscopy times were similar, and all pulmonary veins were isolated. First-pass pulmonary vein isolation and reconnection at the end of the waiting period were similar in both randomized groups (51/64 vs. 51/68; p = 0.54 and 5/64 vs. 7/68; p = 0.76, respectively). Posterior wall isolation was also similar: 24/33 versus 27/38; p = 0.88. Ablation effect on tissue, measured in impedance drop, was no different between the two randomized groups: 8.6Ω (IQR: 6-11.8) versus 8.76Ω (IQR: 6-12.2; p = 0.25). Arrhythmia recurrence was similar after 12 months (21.1% vs. 24.1%; 95% CI: 0.38-1.84; HR: 0.83; p = 0.66).Esophageal cooling has been shown to be effective in reducing ablation-related thermal injury during RF ablation. This protection does not compromise standard procedural endpoints or clinical success at 12 months.

Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation via the cephalic vein is feasible and safe. Recent evidence has suggested a higher implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead failure in multi-lead defibrillator therapy via the cephalic route. We evaluated the relationship between CRT-D implantation via the cephalic and ICD lead failure. Methods Data was collected from three CRT-D implanting centers between October 2008 and September 2017. In total 633 patients were included. Patient and lead characteristics with ICD lead failure were recorded. Comparison of "cephalic" (ICD lead via cephalic) versus "non-cephalic" (ICD lead via non-cephalic route) cohorts was performed. Kaplan-Meier survival and a Cox-regression analysis were applied to assess variables associated with lead failure. Results The cephalic and non-cephalic cohorts were equally male (81.9% vs. 78%; p = .26), similar in age (69.7 ± 11.5 vs. 68.7 ± 11.9; p = .33) and body mass index (BMI) (27.7 ± 5.1 vs. 27.1 ± 5.7; p = .33). Most ICD leads were implanted via the cephalic vein (73.5%) and patients had a mean of 2.9 ± 0.28 leads implanted via this route. The rate of ICD lead failure was low and statistically similar between both groups (0.36%/year vs. 0.13%/year; p = .12). Female gender was more common in the lead failure cohort than non-failure (55.6% vs. 17.9%, respectively; p = .004) as was hypertension (88.9% vs. 54.2%, respectively, p = .038). On multivariate Cox-regression, female sex (p = .008; HR, 7.12 [1.7-30.2]), and BMI (p = .047; HR, 1.12 [1.001-1.24]) were significantly associated with ICD lead failure. Conclusion CRT-D implantation via the cephalic route is not significantly associated with premature ICD lead failure. Female gender and BMI are predictors of lead failure.

Aims Thermal injury to the oesophagus is an important cause of life-threatening complication after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Thermal protection of the oesophageal lumen by infusing cold liquid reduces thermal injury to a limited extent. We tested the ability of a more powerful method of oesophageal temperature control to reduce the incidence of thermal injury. Methods and results A single-centre, prospective, double-blinded randomized trial was used to investigate the ability of the ensoETM device to protect the oesophagus from thermal injury. This device was compared in a 1:1 randomization with a control group of standard practice utilizing a single-point temperature probe. In the protected group, the device maintained the luminal temperature at 4°C during radiofrequency (RF) ablation for AF under general anaesthesia. Endoscopic examination was performed at 7 days post-ablation and oesophageal injury was scored. The patient and the endoscopist were blinded to the randomization. We recruited 188 patients, of whom 120 underwent endoscopy. Thermal injury to the mucosa was significantly more common in the control group than in those receiving oesophageal protection (12/60 vs. 2/60; P = 0.008), with a trend toward reduction in gastroparesis (6/60 vs. 2/60, P = 0.27). There was no difference between groups in the duration of RF or in the force applied (P value range= 0.2–0.9). Procedure duration and fluoroscopy duration were similar (P = 0.97, P = 0.91, respectively). Conclusion Thermal protection of the oesophagus significantly reduces ablation-related thermal injury compared with standard care. This method of oesophageal protection is safe and does not compromise the efficacy or efficiency of the ablation procedure.

Background Troponin is a crucial biomarker for the diagnosis of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It rises in response to myocardial injury from significant acute myocardial ischaemia caused by obstructive coronary artery disease [‘classical’ myocardial infarction (MI)]. However, raised levels have also been noted in conditions not recognized as classical ACS. This may include MI with non-obstructed coronary arteries such as takotsubo cardiomyopathy and other acute or chronic conditions such as pulmonary embolus or chronic kidney disease. This is commonly labelled as a ‘falsely elevated’ troponin although there is some myocardial strain to explain the rise, such as an increase in cardiac oxygen demand. True ‘falsely elevated’ troponin, characterized by a persistent elevation in the absence of cardiac injury does occur and thought to be secondary to an immunoglobulin-troponin complex (macrotroponin). Case summary A 53-year-old gentleman with a background of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, and hepatitis B was admitted with chest pain and persistently elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels. Investigations revealed unobstructed coronary arteries and a structurally normal, well-functioning heart. Subsequent biochemical analysis found the persistently elevated cTnT secondary to macrotroponin T. Discussion Macrotroponin, an immunoglobulin-troponin bound complex should be considered as a differential diagnosis when the biochemistry is not reflective of the clinical picture. Early recognition requires effective collaboration with the biochemistry laboratory for accurate diagnosis.

Spontaneous chronic total occlusion recanalization is rare. It has scarcely been described previously and with minimal visual detail. Optical coherence tomography permitted comprehensive visualization of the microchannels in this case, seldom seen previously. With Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 3 flow in the affected vessel via these patent channels, optimal medical therapy may be an appropriate strategy.

COVID-19 causes severe illness that results in morbidity and mortality. Electrocardiographic features, including QT prolongation, have been associated with poor acute outcomes; data on the medium-term outcomes remain scarce. This study evaluated the 1-year outcomes of patients who survived the acute COVID-19 infection. Methods and Materials: Data of the 159 patients who survived the COVID-19 illness during the first wave (1 March 2020–18 May 2020) were collected. Patient demographics, laboratory findings and electrocardiography data were evaluated. Patients who subsequently died within 1-year of the index illness were compared to those who remained well. Results: Of the 159 patients who had survived the index illness, 28 (17.6%) subsequently perished within 1-year. In comparison to the patients that were alive after 1-year, the deceased were older (68 vs. 83 years, p < 0.01) and equally male (60.4% vs. 53.6%, p = 0.68), with a similar proportion of hypertension (59.5% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.68), diabetes (25.2% vs. 39.2%, p = 0.096) and ischaemic heart disease (11.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.54). The QTc interval for the alive and deceased patients shortened by a similar degree from the illness to post-COVID (−26 ± 33.5 vs. −20.6 ± 30.04 milliseconds, p = 0.5); the post-COVID R-R interval was longer in the alive patients compared to the deceased (818.9 ± 169.3 vs. 761.1 ± 61.2 ms, p = 0.02). A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age (HR1.098 [1.045–1.153], p < 0.01), diabetes (HR3.972 [1.47–10.8], p < 0.01) and the post-COVID R-R interval (HR0.993 [0.989–0.996], p < 0.01) were associated with 1-year mortality. Conclusions: The COVID-19-associated mortality risk extends to the post-COVID period. The QTc does recover following the acute illness and is not associated with outcomes; the R-R interval is a predictor of 1-year mortality.

With an increasing number of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), there has been a paralleled increase in demand for transvenous lead extraction (TLE). Cardiac surgeons (CS) and cardiologists perform TLE; however, data comparing the two groups of operators is scarce.We compared the outcomes of TLE performed by cardiologists and CS from six European lead extraction units.Data was collected retrospectively of 2205 patients who had 3849 leads extracted (PROMET) between 2005 and 2018. Patient demographics and procedural outcomes were compared between the CS and cardiologist groups, using propensity score matching. A multivariate regression analysis was also performed for variables associated with 30-day mortality.CS performed the majority of extractions (59.8%), of leads with longer dwell times (90 [57-129 interquartile range (IQR)] vs. 62 [31-102 IQR] months, CS vs. cardiologists, p .001) and with pre-dominantly non-infectious indications (57.4% vs. 50.2%, CS vs. cardiologists, p .001). CS achieved a higher complete success per lead than the cardiologists (98.1% vs. 95.7%, respectively, p .01), with a higher number of minor complications (5.51% vs. 2.1%, p .01) and similar number of major complications (0.47% vs. 1.3%, p = .12). Thirty-day mortality was similarly low in the CS and cardiologist groups (1.76% vs. 0.94%, p = .21). Unmatched data multivariate analysis revealed infection indication (OR 6.12 [1.9-20.3], p .01), procedure duration (OR 1.01 [1.01-1.02], p .01) and CS operator (OR 2.67, [1.12-6.37], p = .027) were associated with 30-day mortality.TLE by CS was performed with similar safety and higher efficacy compared to cardiologists in high and medium-volume lead extraction centers.

Atrioesophageal fistula is a life-threatening complication of ablation treatment for atrial fibrillation. Methods to reduce the risk of esophageal injury have evolved over the last decade, and diagnosis of this complication remains difficult and therefore challenging to treat in a timely manner. Delayed diagnosis leads to treatment occurring in the context of a critically ill patient, contributing to the poor prognosis associated with this complication. The associated mortality risk can be as high as 70%. Recent important advances in preventative techniques are explored in this review. Preventative techniques used in current clinical practice are discussed, which include high-power short-duration ablation, esophageal temperature probe monitoring, cryotherapy and laser balloon technologies, and use of proton pump inhibitors. A lack of randomized clinical evidence for the effectiveness of these practical methods are found. Alternative methods of esophageal protection has emerged in recent years, including mechanical deviation of the esophagus and esophageal temperature control (esophageal cooling). Although these are fairly recent methods, we discuss the available evidence to date. Mechanical deviation of the esophagus is due to undergo its first randomized study. Recent randomized study on esophageal cooling has shown promise of its effectiveness in preventing thermal injuries. Lastly, novel ablation technology that may be the future of esophageal protection, pulsed field ablation, is discussed. The findings of this review suggest that more robust clinical evidence for esophageal protection methods is warranted to improve the safety of atrial fibrillation ablation.

Injury to structures adjacent to the heart, particularly oesophageal injury, accounts for a large proportion of fatal and life-altering complications of ablation for persistent AF. Avoiding these complications dictates many aspects of the way ablation is performed. Because avoidance involves limiting energy delivery in areas of interest, fear of extracardiac injury can impede the ability of the operator to perform an effective procedure. New techniques are becoming available that may permit the operator to circumvent this dilemma and deliver effective ablation with less risk to adjacent structures. The authors review all methods available to avoid injury to extracardiac structures to put these developments in context.

Randomised evidence supports an early rhythm control strategy as treatment for AF, and catheter ablation outperforms medical therapy in terms of effectiveness when studied as first- and second-line treatment. Despite evidence consistently showing that catheter ablation treatment is superior to medical therapy in most AF patients, only a small proportion receive ablation, in some cases after a prolonged trial of ineffective medical therapy. Health economics research in electrophysiology remains limited but is recognised as being important in influencing positive change to ensure early access to ablation services for all eligible patients. Such information has informed the updated recommendations from the recently published National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical guideline on the diagnosis and management of AF, but increased awareness is needed to drive real-world adoption and to ensure patients are quickly referred to specialists. In this article, economic evaluations of catheter ablation versus medical therapy are reviewed.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Dr Leung has received research support from Attune Medical (Chicago, IL). Dr Gallagher has received research funding from Attune Medical (Chicago, IL). Background Randomized evidence has shown that controlled oesophageal cooling is effective at reducing oesophageal thermal injury during radiofrequency (RF) ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to standard care. The effect of oesophageal cooling on ablation lesion formation in left atrial myocardium and patient outcomes at 12-months had not been previously studied. Purpose To determine the effect of oesophageal cooling on the formation of RF lesions, the ability to achieve procedural endpoints and long-term patient outcomes compared to standard care ablations. Methods Ablation results and patient outcomes from a double-blind randomized controlled trial were analysed (IMPACT trial NCT03819946). AF ablation was guided by Ablation Index technology (30W at 350-400 AI posteriorly, 40W at 450 AI anteriorly). A blinded 1:1 randomization assigned patients to the use of an oesophageal temperature control device to keep oesophageal temperature at 4 degrees during ablation or standard practice using a single-sensor temperature probe. Ablation parameters and 12-month outcomes were analysed. Results We recruited 188 patients. Procedure and fluoroscopy times were similar. First pass pulmonary vein isolation and reconnection at the end of the waiting period were similar in both randomized groups (51/64 vs 51/68; p = 0.54 and 5/64 vs 7/68; p = 0.76, respectively). Posterior wall isolation was also similar: 24/33 vs 27/38; p = 0.88. Ablation effect on myocardial tissue, measured in impedance drop, was also similar: 8.6Ω (IQR: 6-11.8) vs 8.76Ω (IQR: 6-12.2; p = 0.25) and median catheter tip temperature was the same at 25.5 degrees. Arrhythmia recurrence was similar at 12 months (20.3% vs 26.8%, from 142 completed assessments; p = 0.66). Conclusions Oesophageal cooling has been shown to be effective in reducing ablation-related oesophageal thermal injury during RF ablation. Ablation data show that this protection does not make it any more difficult to achieve standard procedural endpoints or clinical success at 12-months. Abstract Figure. Pyramid frequency plots of AI values

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Dr Leung has received research support from Attune Medical (Chicago, IL). Dr Gallagher has received research funding from Attune Medical (Chicago, IL). Background Thermal injury to the oesophagus causes a spectrum of adverse effects after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF); at the most severe end, atrio-oesophageal fistula carries a high mortality rate. Controlled active thermal protection in the oesophagus during ablation is the most promising method of oesophageal protection. Randomized evidence from the IMPACT trial (NCT03819946) showed an 83.4% reduction in endoscopically detected oesophageal lesions compared to standard care when an oesophageal temperature control device was used to control the local temperature. The IMPACT patients who were randomized to the use of the device had no adverse event related to its use. Real world registry data on applications of this device have not previously been available. Purpose To determine the safety of an oesophageal temperature control device by review of real-world registry data on its clinical use and any reported device-related adverse events. Methods We reviewed the following databases for any reported oesophageal temperature control device-related complications: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE), FDA Medical and Radiation Emitting Device Recalls, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Medical Device Alerts and SwissMedic records of Field Safety Corrective Actions (FSCA). An internal registry (post-marketing follow up) database maintained by the manufacturer of the device was used to quantify the number used for each indication. Reported events were reviewed and catalogued for description and identification of any events related to its use in the cardiac electrophysiology lab. The IMPACT study patients were reviewed for any device-related events. Results Of the 13, 284 oesophageal temperature control devices used, 2532 were recorded as having been used for the purpose of oesophageal protection during catheter ablation for AF. A total of 5 events associated with the device were identified, all from the MAUDE database. Three were from 2017, one from 2018, and one from 2019. All involved its use in critical care or trauma patients and were related to user error or contraindicated patient selection; none resulted in serious harm to the patient. No adverse events occurred related to its use in the cardiac electrophysiology lab. No case of clinically significant oesophageal injury was reported in a patient who had been protected by the oesophageal temperature control device. Conclusions Real world registry data has shown no adverse events reported to date in over 2500 uses of an oesophageal temperature control device in the cardiac electrophysiology lab, for the purpose of active thermal protection. This data supports the randomized trial evidence of its clinical effectiveness. Abstract Figure. Oesophageal active thermal protection

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiac perforation is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation. Management strategy commonly relies on diagnostic Computed Tomography (CT) imaging and cardiac surgery. Emerging evidence has indicated a diversion from this approach. Transvenous culprit lead revision has been shown to be safe and efficacious in limited series. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of transvenous lead revision in patients with cardiac perforation. Method Data was collected retrospectively of patients admitted to a single tertiary centre with CIED-related cardiac perforation between December 2013 – October 2019. Transvenous lead revision was performed as standard with cardiac surgery on standby. Patient demographics, use of CT imaging, method of removal and 30-day outcomes were recorded. Results Of the 46 recorded CIED-related cardiac perforations, the majority occurred in female patients (63%) and hypertensives (61%), whilst a proportion had cancer (20%) and ischaemic heart disease (30%). The culprit in most cases was a standard pacing lead (92%) of an active fixation (98%) in the right ventricle (80%) positioned at the ventricular apex (65%). The median time to presentation from implant was 14 days [IQR 4-50 days] with chest pain (44%); abnormal pacing indices was highly prevalent (95%) whilst a pericardial effusion was noted in the majority of cases (57%). CT scanning was performed in 19 cases (41%) for various indications but deemed essential in only 4, all of which had non-diagnostic pacing indices and imaging. Chest X-ray (CXR) found clear perforation, lead displacement or pleural effusion in 74% of cases, whilst an echocardiogram found these in 64% of cases. The culprit lead was replaced in the majority of cases (87%) under local anaesthesia (76%) with surgical backup. The median hospital stay was 7 days [IQR 3-10 days] with zero procedural and 30-day mortality. Conclusion Transvenous lead revision for CIED-related cardiac perforation is safe and efficacious. CT modality for diagnostic purposes is useful in providing incremental value in a minority of cases; patients with non-diagnostic pacing parameters and non-CT imaging benefit most from this.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf PROMET group Background As implantation of cardiac implantable devices (CIED) rises globally, there is a paralleled need for extraction of these devices. Indications for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is expanding, fuelling demand. This lifesaving procedure is performed by cardiologists and cardiac surgeons (CS). Cardiologists are familiar with transvenous methods whilst cardiac surgeons possess the skillset to address the significant complications associated with this procedure. We compared non-laser TLE outcomes performed by cardiologists and cardiac surgeons from six high-volume extraction centres across Europe. Methods Data was collected retrospectively from six major European TLE centres of 2205 patients and 3849 leads (PROMET). Propensity 1:1 score matching (PSM) was performed to account for confounding variables. PSM model with variables: lead dwell time, infection indication, biventricular system and defibrillator device, was best matched. This dataset was analysed to compare outcomes of TLE performed by the cardiologists and CS. Predictors of 30-day mortality and complications were identified using a multivariate regression analysis. Results Patients treated by CS and cardiologists were similar in age (64.7 vs 66.7 years, p = NS) and equally male (70.3% vs 72.3%, p = 0.39) with a parallel infectious indication (51.7% vs 47.6%, p = 0.1). Surgeons achieved a significantly higher proportion of clinical success than cardiologists (98.9% vs 96.4%, p = 0.001) and complete lead extraction (98% vs 95.9%, p Conclusion Cardiac surgeons and cardiologists achieved a high rate of TLE procedural success and with a similar safety profile, replicating standards seen across Europe.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf PROMET group Background Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) improve morbidity and mortality. This has fuelled an upsurge in implantation of these devices across all patient cohorts, simultaneously increasing the need for transvenous lead extractions (TLE). As the global population expands and life-expectancy extends, TLE will play a significant role in CIED management. Advancing patient age is a recognised risk factor for poor outcomes however the association between patient age and TLE outcomes remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the relationship between patient age and non-laser TLE outcomes. Method Data of 2205 patients (3849 leads) was collected retrospectively from six high-volume TLE institutes across Europe (PROMET) between January 2005-December 2018. Propensity 1:1 score matching was performed to limit the effects of confounding variables, pairing 353 patients in the >80 years of age category with 353 patients in Results In the 80 years-of-age cohorts, there was a similar proportion of male patients (65.3% vs 67.9%, p = 0.47) treated under general anaesthesia (96.5% vs 93.4%, p = 0.078) for a pre-dominant infectious indication (56.7% vs 60.3%, p = 0.52) but with a higher requirement of the EvolutionTM sheath in the octogenarians (39.4% vs 48.4%, p = 0.015). A similar clinical success per lead was achieved between the two age groups (96.6% vs 98%, 80 years, p = 0.245) as was complete lead extraction (95.5% vs 96.6%, 80 years, p = 0.44) with a comparable minor complication rate (2.3% vs 3.1%, 80 years, p = 0.29) and major complications (1.1% vs 1.4%, 80 years, p = 0.74). Thirty-day mortality was higher in the octogenarian cohort than the Conclusion Transvenous lead extraction is similar in efficacy and safety across all age groups. Thirty-day mortality is higher in the advanced age group, signifying the importance of post-procedural management in this cohort.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes severe illness and multi-organ dysfunction. An abnormal electrocardiogram is associated with poor outcome, and QT prolongation during the illness has been linked to pharmacological effects. This study sought to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 illness on the corrected QT interval (QTc).For 293 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital via the emergency department for COVID-19 between 01/03/20 -18/05/20, demographic data, laboratory findings, admission electrocardiograph and clinical observations were compared in those who survived and those who died within 6 weeks. Hospital records were reviewed for prior electrocardiograms for comparison with those recorded on presentation with COVID-19.Patients who died were older than survivors (82 vs 69.8 years, p 0.001), more likely to have cancer (22.3% vs 13.1%, p = 0.034), dementia (25.6% vs 10.7%, p = 0.034) and ischemic heart disease (27.8% vs 10.7%, p 0.001). Deceased patients exhibited higher levels of C-reactive protein (244.6 mg/L vs 146.5 mg/L, p 0.01), troponin (1982.4 ng/L vs 413.4 ng/L, p = 0.017), with a significantly longer QTc interval (461.1 ms vs 449.3 ms, p = 0.007). Pre-COVID electrocardiograms were located for 172 patients; the QTc recorded on presentation with COVID-19 was longer than the prior measurement in both groups, but was more prolonged in the deceased group (448.4 ms vs 472.9 ms, pre-COVID vs COVID, p 0.01). Multivariate Cox-regression analysis revealed age, C-reactive protein and prolonged QTc of 455 ms (males) and 465 ms (females) (p = 0.028, HR 1.49 [1.04-2.13]), as predictors of mortality. QTc prolongation beyond these dichotomy limits was associated with increased mortality risk (p = 0.0027, HR 1.78 [1.2-2.6]).QTc prolongation occurs in COVID-19 illness and is associated with poor outcome.

Background Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-related perforation is uncommon but potentially lethal. Management typically includes the use of computed tomography (CT) scanning and often involves cardiac surgery. Methods Patients presenting to a single referral centre with CIED-related cardiac perforation between 2013 and 2019 were identified. Demographics, diagnostic modalities, the method of lead revision, and 30-day complications were examined. Results A total of 46 cases were identified; median time from implantation to diagnosis was 14 days (interquartile range = 4-50). Most were females (29/46, 63%), 9/46 (20%) had cancer, 18 patients (39%) used oral anticoagulants, and no patients had prior cardiac surgery. Active fixation was involved in 98% of cases; 9% involved an implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead. Thirty-seven leads perforated the right ventricle (apex: 24) and 9 punctured the right atrium (lateral wall: 5). Abnormal electrical parameters were noted in 95% of interrogated cases. Perforation was visualized in 41% and 6% of cases with chest X-ray (CXR) and transthoracic echocardiography, respectively. CXR revealed a perforation, gross lead displacement, or left-sided pleural effusion in 74% of cases. Pericardial effusion occurred in 26 patients (57%) of whom 11 (24%) developed tamponade, successfully drained percutaneously. Pre-extraction CT scan was performed in 19 patients but was essential in four cases. Transvenous lead revision (TLR) was successfully performed in all cases with original leads repositioned in six patients, without recourse to surgery. Thirty-day mortality and complications were low (0% and 26%, respectively). Conclusion CT scanning provides incremental diagnostic value in a minority of CIED-related perforations. TLR is a safe and effective strategy.

Background Atrio-oesophageal fistula formation accounts for the majority of AF ablation-related morbidity and mortality. Thermal injury to the oesophagus can be significantly reduced by application of oesophageal cooling for protection during AF ablation. The effect of this method of oesophageal protection in patients receiving radiofrequency (RF) ablation guided by Ablation Index technology is currently unknown. Objective To investigate the ability of a temperature control device to protect the oesophagus from ablation-related thermal injury in patients receiving AF ablation guided by Ablation Index technology. Methods The IMPACT study is a single-centre, prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial, which investigated the ability of a controlled method of oesophageal cooling to protect the oesophagus from ablation-related thermal injury. The EnsoETM device was used to deliver oesophageal cooling. This method was compared in a 1:1 randomization to a control group of standard practice utilizing a single-sensor temperature probe. In the study group, the device was used to keep the luminal temperature at 4°C during RF ablation. All participants received AF ablation using Ablation Index technology at posterior and anterior settings (30W at 350–400 and 40W at 450–500, respectively). Endoscopic examination was performed within 7 days post-ablation and oesophageal injury was graded. The patient and the endoscopist were blinded to the randomization. Structured clinical follow up occurred after 3 months post-ablation; both patient and follow up clinician were blinded. Results We recruited 188 patients, of whom 120 underwent endoscopic evaluation. Thermal injury to the mucosa was significantly more common in the control group than in those receiving oesophageal protection (12/60 versus 2/60; P=0.008). There was no difference between groups in RF time, lesion duration, force, power and combined ablation index (P value range= 0.2–0.9). Procedure and fluoroscopy duration were similar (P=0.97, P=0.91 respectively). The majority of those who passed through the 1st follow up evaluation (n=136) did not have gastrointestinal or chest pain symptoms post ablation and there was no difference between the randomized groups. Only 4.4% overall had severe symptoms and they were poorly correlated against those who sustained mucosal lesions. AF recurrence was similar in both groups (8% vs 8.8%). There were 2 cases of vascular trauma needing intervention in the control group and 1 case of conservatively managed pericardial effusion in the protected group only. Clinical and endoscopy findings did not report any EnsoETM device-related trauma. Conclusion Thermal protection of the oesophagus significantly reduces ablation-related thermal injury compared to standard care when ablation is performed using radiofrequency with Ablation Index technology. This method of oesophageal protection is safe and does not compromise the efficacy of the ablation procedure. Endoscopy findings and patient symptoms. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): 1. Public hospital: St. George's NHS Foundation Trust; 2. Private company: Attune Medical (Chicago, IL)

AimsTo chart the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activity of interventional electrophysiology services in affected regions.MethodsWe reviewed the electrophysiology laboratory records in 3 affected cities: Wenzhou in China, Milan in Italy and London, United Kingdom. We interviewed electrophysiologists in each centre to gather information on the impact of the pandemic on working patterns and on the health of staff members.ResultsThere was a striking decline in interventional electrophysiology activity in each of the centres. The decline occurred within a week of the recognition of widespread community transmission of the virus in each region and shows a striking correlation with the national figures for new diagnoses of COVID-19 in each case. During the period of restriction, work-flow dropped to th allowing the electrophysiology service to resume with a strict testing regime for all patients.ConclusionInterventional electrophysiology is vulnerable to closure in times of great social difficulty including the COVID-19 pandemic. Intense public health intervention can permit suppression of local disease transmission allowing resumption of some normal activity.CONDENSED ABSTRACTCOVID-19 has affected every aspect of life worldwide. In the electrophysiology labs of Wenzhou, Milan and London, activity was suspended as the disease took hold. Only Wenzhou has resumed normal services, facilitated by a monumental nationwide program of public health interventions and supported by stringent testing protocols.WHAT’S NEWWe describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interventional electrophysiology units in 3 cities: Wenzhou, Milan and London.In all cases, the routine work of the electrophysiology was virtually suspended within a week of the recognition of widespread virus transmission in the area.During the period of restricted activity imposed by the pandemic, centres have dealt with a small number of emergency ablations only, a balanced mix of atrial, ventricular and junctional arrhythmias.In 2 of the 3 centres, electrophysiologists were redeployed to perform other medical duties including in COVID-19 wards.COVID-19 infection occurred in medical and nursaing staff in 2 of the 3 centres.Only in the cases of Wenzhou, China, has a resumption of normal activity been possible; this follows intensive public health intervention and is protected by stringent testing.FUNDINGNoneETHICAL APPROVALNone required from the Research Ethics Committee (REC) London according to the type of study. Institutional ethical approval obtained at the centres of: St. George’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Local Health Authority Ethical Approval was obtained in: The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Wenzhou, PR China and San Raffaele in Milan, Italy.CONSENTInformed consent was obtained from all participants/interviewees who took part in this study.