Incidence of atrial high rate episodes after dual-chamber permanent pacemaker implantation and its clinical predictors

Atrial high rate episodes (AHRE) confers increased morbidity and mortality amongst patients with permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). The incidence of AHREs and it's clinical predictors in Indian patients without prior history of atrial fibrillation (AF) are not well understood. A total of 100 dualchamber PPI patients, who had no prior history of AF, underwent pacemaker interrogation starting from a minimum of 1 month after implantation to detect any AHREs. The incidence of AHREs was 17% at a mean follow up 15.2 ± 7.5 months. Only right ventricular apical lead position was found to have an independent association with AHREs (OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.02e12.03; p ¼ 0.04).

Grado de satisfacción e impacto social y medioambiental en pacientes incluidos en un programa de seguimiento remoto de marcapasos / Degree of satisfaction and social and environmental impact in patients included in a remote pacemaker monitoring program

Resumen Objetivo: Describir el grado de satisfacción y el impacto sociolaboral y medioambiental de los pacientes de un programa de seguimiento remoto de marcapasos. Método: Estudio observacional prospectivo que incluyó 160 pacientes del programa de seguimiento remoto entre 2016 y 2017. Se pasó una encuesta de satisfacción a dichos pacientes y se cuantificó la disminución del CO2 emitido al reducir el número de visitas. Resultados: Los pacientes acudían acompañados (86%) y en coche (66%) la mayoría de las veces, y mostraron un grado de satisfacción «bueno o excelente¼ en un 96%. Se estima un ahorro de emisión de CO2 de casi un 10% por ciclo de seguimiento. Conclusiones: El seguimiento remoto de marcapasos implantado en nuestra unidad de arritmias reduce el impacto sociolaboral, económico y medioambiental.

Abstract Objective: To describe the degree of satisfaction and social, occupational and environmental impact of patients on our remote pacemaker monitoring programme run. Method: Prospective observational study including 160 patients on the remote pacemaker monitoring programme between 2016 and 2017. We handed out a satisfaction survey and quantified the decrease in CO2 emitted by reducing the number of visits. Results: The patients attended visits accompanied (86%) and by car (66%) most of the time. 96% of respondents said their degree of satisfaction was "good or excellent". We estimated a saving in CO2 emissions of almost 10% for each remote monitoring cycle. Conclusions: The remote monitoring of pacemakers implemented by our arrhythmia unit reduces the social, occupational, financial and environmental impact.

Células madre como alternativa al marcapaso transvenoso / Stem cells as an alternative to the transvenous pacemaker

Resumen Objetivo: describir el estado del arte del marcapasos biológico y las perspectivas para crear tejido cardíaco de marcapasos utilizando modernas tecnologías genéticas y de ingeniería de tejidos. Métodos: revisión sistemática de la literatura. Resultados: los marcapasos se han convertido en el tratamiento primordial para cierto tipo de arritmias o bloqueos avanzados sintomáticos. Somos testigos de mejoras continuas en la tecnología del dispositivo, con avances en el diseño del cable, el tamaño del generador, la longevidad de la batería y los algoritmos de software que se han traducido en dispositivos más pequeños con funcionalidad mejorada. En la actualidad existen muchos sistemas implantables de cardioestimulación capaces de reemplazar la función de los marcapasos fisiológicos (seno y nódulos aurículo-ventriculares) que incluyen los recientemente desarrollados marcapasos secuenciales y autoprogramables. En la última década la investigación ha confirmado que el marcapasos biológico se puede crear mediante la terapia génica y la terapia celular. Hoy existen dos enfoques para construir marcapasos biológicos: uno es para introducir genes de marcapasos en células madre mesenquimales, y el otro es para inducir células madre pluripotentes en las células del nódulo sinoauricular. Conclusiones: los marcapasos biológicos, actualmente en la etapa preclínica, podrían ser una alternativa a los dispositivos electrónicos para pacientes seleccionados en el futuro.

Abstract Objective: To describe the state of the art of biological pacemakers and the perspectives for creating cardiac pacing tissue using modern genetic and tissue engineering technologies. Methods: A systematic review of the literature. Results: Pacemakers have become the first line treatment for certain types of arrhythmias and advanced symptomatic blocks. We are witnessing continuous improvements in the technology of the device, with advances in the design of the cable, the size of the generator, the longevity of the battery, as well as the software algorithms that have led to smaller devices with improved functions. There are currently many cardiac stimulation implantable systems capable of replacing the function of physiological pacemakers systems (sinus and atrial-ventricular nodes) that include the recently developed sequential and self-programmable pacemakers. In the last ten years or so, studies have confirmed that biological pacemakers can be created using gene therapy and cell therapy. There are currently to main efforts to construct biological pacemakers. One is to introduce pacemaker genes in mesenchymal stem cells, and the other is to introduce pluripotent stem cells in cells of the sinoatrial node. Conclusions: Biological pacemakers, currently in the pre-clinical stage, could be an alternative to the electronic devices for selected patients in the future.

Electrofisiología / Electrophysiology

El tratamiento de los trastornos del ritmo cardíaco ha sufrido recientemente una verdadera revolución. El empleo de avanzadas terapéuticas por catéter para tratar una gran variedad de arritmias, utilizando diferentes fuentes de energía, han permitido evolucionar de un tratamiento antiguamente basado casi con exclusividad en el empleo de fármacos antiarrítmicos, como terapia aguda y/o preventiva, a uno actualmente curativo, con el consiguiente avance que estos últimos métodos conllevan para la calidad de vida de nuestros pacientes y sus familias. La tendencia ha continuado con el empleo de navegadores 3 D que ya no requieren el empleo de radiación ionizante para efectuar estos procedimientos y permiten una mayor exactitud para mejorar los excelentes resultados alcanzados. El desarrollo de dispositivos eléctricos como los marcapasos, sumado a la aparición de otros más avanzados como defibriladores y resincronizadores cardíacos también ha contribuido a mejorar la expectativa de vida de muchos niños con cardiopatías diversas. La mejora evidenciada con el empleo de registradores de eventos implantables y el seguimiento mediante monitoreo a distancia de los diferentes dispositivos eléctricos han demostrado mejorar los resultados obtenidos con dichos métodos a largo plazo. Sin duda con la ayuda de la genética en un futuro cercano será posible hacer tratamientos cada vez más específicos para ayudar en casos de arritmias graves hereditarias o causadas por mutaciones en los canales iónicos de las células cardíacas. Si bien existen aún controversias respecto de algunos ítems muy puntuales los mismos se irán aclarando con las experiencias colaborativas en marcha en diferentes centros médicos especializados (AU)

Recently, treatment of heart rhythm disorders has revolutionized. The use of advanced catheter-based therapies to treat a wide spectrum of arrhythmias, using different energy sources, has led the treatment to evolve from an almost exclusively antiarrhythmic drug-based treatment, such as acute and/or preventive therapy, to a currently curative one, with the consequent advance that these latter methods add to the quality of life of our patients and their families. The trend has continued with the use of 3D navigators that no longer require the use of ionizing radiation to perform these procedures and allow greater accuracy to improve the excellent results achieved. The development of electrical devices, such as pacemakers, coupled with the emergence of more advanced devices, such as defibrillators and cardiac resynchronizers, has also been useful to improve the life expectancy of many children with different types of heart disease. The advances evidenced by the use of implantable event loggers and remote monitoring of different electrical devices have shown to improve the long-term results obtained with such methods. Undoubtedly, with the help of genetics in the near future it will be possible to develop increasingly specific therapies to treat patients with severe hereditary arrhythmias or those caused by mutations in the ion channels of the heart cells. Although controversy still exists regarding some very specific issues, these will be clarified with the collaborative experience underway at different specialized medical centers

Experiences of magnetic resonance imaging scanning in patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration approving a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-conditional pacemaker system in 2011, many physicians remain reluctant to perform MRI scanning in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the real-world safety of MRI in these patients. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study examined the interrogation data and outcomes of patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators who underwent MRI. MRI interrogation data were collected pre- and post-MRI and after 1 month of follow-up; these included the lead impedance, measured P- and R-wave amplitudes, and capture threshold. We compared these results between the magnetic resonance (MR)-conditional and conventional groups. RESULTS: From September 2013 to December 2015, 35 patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices underwent 43 MRI scans, with a mean follow-up of 5 months. Among these 35 patients, 14 (40%) had MR-conditional devices and 21 (60%) had conventional devices. Seven patients had high voltage devices, which were all the conventional type. There were no adverse events associated with MRI during the follow-up period, and there were no significant differences in the interrogation data changes between the conventional and MR-conditional groups. CONCLUSIONS: This single-center retrospective study found that MRI can be performed safely in patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators, regardless of the MRI support, as long as appropriate precautions are taken.

Effects of neurophysiological facilitation and external pacing of diaphragm on post-stroke respiratory function / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To observe of the effect of neurophysiological facilitation of respiration combined with external diaphragm pacing on the respiration of stroke survivors. Methods Sixty-four stroke survivors were divided randomly into a treatment group and a control group, each of 32. Both groups were given routine drugs, while the treatment group was additionally provided with an external diaphragm pacemaker. Those in the treatment group also received neurophysiological facilitation of respiration six times a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, ar-terial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) was measured in both groups along with arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2), arterial oxygen saturation ( O2sat) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Ultrasonography was used to measure diaphragm mobility at the end of expiration and inspiration (Δm) , diaphragm mobility of the end of forced inspiration and expiration ( ΔM), and the difference of diaphragm thickness ( Δd). First second forced expiratory volume ( FEV), and maximum voluntary ventilation (FVC) were also measured. Results After the treatment, the average PaO2, PaCO2, O2sat, CRP, Δm, ΔM, FEV and FVC of the treatment group were all significantly better than before the treatment and better than those of the control group. Conclusion Neurophysiological therapy combined with an external diaphragm pacemaker can significantly improve the respiration of stroke survivors, reducing the risk of lung infection.

Características clínicas de pacientes que recibieron implante, reimplante o cambio de generador de marcapasos permanentes / Clinical Characteristics of Patients who had Implants, an Re-implant or Generator Changes in Permanent Pacemakers

Fundamento: los marcapasos cardíacos son utilizados cada vez con más periodicidad y durante los últimos 20 años se han descrito más indicaciones para su uso. En Cuba, se implantan más de 2 500 dispositivos cada año. Objetivo: determinar algunas características clínicas relacionadas con el procedimiento realizado a pacientes sometidos a implante, reimplante o cambio de generador de marcapasos permanentes en el Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima de Cienfuegos. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de serie de casos, de corte transversal a un universo de 225 pacientes, a quienes se les practicó la cirugía de implante, reimplante y cambio de generador en el Servicio de Cardiología del Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima de Cienfuegos, entre el primero de julio del 2016 y el 30 de junio del 2018. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, diagnóstico que motivó la colocación del marcapasos, causa del cambio de sistema, causa del cambio de generador, necesidad de marcapasos transitorios, vía de implante, modo de estimulación. El procesamiento de los datos se realizó en el Sistema Estadístico SPSS 15,0 y Microsoft Excel. Los resultados se expresan en tablas en términos de frecuencias y porcientos. Resultados: con un predominio del sexo masculino, la edad promedio estuvo entre 71 y 80 años, la vía de acceso venosa más frecuente fue a través de la vena subclavia izquierda, el motivo más frecuente de implante fue el bloqueo auriculoventricular grado III. La complicación más frecuente fue el hematoma del bolsillo. Conclusiones: el implante de marcapasos es más común en los pacientes de la tercera edad del sexo masculino. La causa más frecuente en el primer implante fue el bloqueo auriculoventricular de tercer grado; en el cambio de generador el agotamiento de la batería de este. Se presentaron pocas complicaciones.

Foundation: cardiac pacemakers are being used frequently and during the last 20 years there have been described more indications for its use. In Cuba 2500 devices of this kind each year. Objective: to determine some clinical characteristics related to the procedure realized to patients with permanent pacemaker implants, re-implants or generator changes at the University General Hospital Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima de Cienfuegos. Method: a cross descriptive study was done in series of cases, to a universe of 225 patients, who had an implant, re-implants or generator changes surgery at Service of Cardiology of the University General Hospital Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima de Cienfuegos, between July 2016 and June 2018. The variable used were: age, sex, diagnosis for inserting a pacemaker, cause for changing the system or the generator, need of transient pacemaker, way of implant and mode of stimulation. Data processing was done by the statistic System SSPS 15.0 and Excel Microsoft. The results are expressed in tables through frequency and percentages. Results: with a predominance of the male sex, the age rate between 71 and 80 years old, the way of vein access was left subclavian, the most frequent implant reason was atrioventricular block degree III. The most frequent complication was pocket hematoma. Conclusions: pacemaker implantation is more common in elderly male patients. Third degree atrioventricular block, in the generator change the exhaustion of the battery of this. There were few complications.

Estimulación del ventrículo derecho como causante y agravante de disincronía ventricular / Stimulation of the right ventricle as a cause and aggravating ventricular dyssynchrony

Resumen Introducción y objetivos . La activación eléctrica artificial del corazón en pacientes con arcapasos implantados en el ventrículo derecho es causante de disincronía ventricular. Synchromax® es un monitor de electrocardiografía que com prueba de manera no invasiva e instantánea el grado de sincronía intraventricular, analizando simultáneamente las derivaciones antípodas DII y V6; se dispone de valores de corte para definir su severidad. El presente estudio buscó medir con Synchromax® el índice de disincronía generado por la estimulación apical o septal del ventrículo derecho en pacientes con marcapasos, comparando con el índice durante el ritmo nativo. Métodos . Entre septiembre 2018 y enero 2019 se estu diaron 18 pacientes de ambos sexos que tenían cita para revisión de sus dispositivos: marcapasos unicameral, bicameral, cardiodesfibrilador o resincronizador. Se obtuvieron registros con Synchromax® en ritmo nativo y durante la estimula ción artificial. Resultados . Trece de dieciocho pacientes deterioraron su sincronía (72.2%) por efecto de la estimulación artificial, los cinco restantes no presentaron variaciones y se mantuvieron en el mismo rango de ID. En 7 de los 13 casos la disincronía llegó a nivel severo (ID > 0.7, 53.8%). El test de ANOVA confirmó diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los valores pre y post estimulación (p <0.01); también se confirmó que el implante apical generaba más disincronía que el septal (p=0.036). Conclusiones . Synchromax® permite la detección instantánea de disincronía eléctrica inducida por estimulación de cámaras derechas. Se recomienda que los implantes sean guiados con esta tecnología fácil de usar, reproducible y no operador dependiente.

Abstract Stimulation of the right ventricle as a cause and aggravating ventricular yssynchrony Introduction and objectives : Artificial electrical activation of the heart in patients with permanent right ventricular stimulation is responsible for ventricular dyssynchrony. Synchromax® is an electrocardiogram monitor that allows an instantaneous and noninvasive verification of intraventricular synchrony, making a comparative analysis of the antipode leads DII and V6; cut values for a resulting index are available to diagnose dyssynchrony and define its severity. The present study objective is to measure with Synchromax® the dyssynchrony index generated by right ventricular stimulation in patients with implanted pacemakers, comparing with the index during native rhythm. Methods : Between September 2018 and January 2019, 18 patients of both genders with unicameral, bicameral, cardio-defibrillator or resynchronization pacemakers were studied. ECG were registered with Synchromax® in all patients, with native rhythm and under artificial stimulation. Results : Thirteen out of eighteen patients deteriorated their synchrony (72.2%) due to artificial stimulation, the other five remained with unchanged dyssynchrony index. Seven out of those thirteen cases reached a severe degree of dyssynchrony (53.8%). The ANOVA test confirmed a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-stimulation (p <0.01); it was also confirmed that the apical implant causes more dyssynchrony than the septal implant (p=0.036). Conclusion: Synchromax® allows detection of electrical dyssynchrony induced by right ventricular stimulation. It is suggested that the implants could be guided with this easy to use, reproducible and operator independent technology.

The psychological impact of permanent cardiac pacemakers on pediatric patients and their parents: A case control study

Background This study assessed anxiety and depression in children with permanent pacemakers (PPM) and quality of life of their parents. Methods Ninety children (63.3% males and 36.6% females) and their parents were included in the study and were divided into three groups. The control group (Group 1) included 30 normal healthy children (57% males and 43% females), the PPM group (Group 2) included 30 age-matched children (70% males and 30% females) with PPM and structurally normal heart, while the Group 3 included 30 children (63% males and 37% females) with PPM and congenital heart disease (PPM + CHD). Psychological assessment of children and their parents was carried out using an interview-based questionnaires. Results Psychiatric disorders were more prevalent in PPM + CHD group including depression (P = 0.04), anxiety (P = 0.02) and lower parents’ QoL (P = 0.01). The PPM group had higher depression and lower parents’ QoL than the control group. Family income was independent factor for depression (r2 = −6.3, with P < 0.05). Sex of the child and CCU admission were independent factors for anxiety (r2 = −9.5, P < 0.05 & r2 = 10.5, P = 0.001) in PPM group. Conclusion Children with pacemakers have higher psychiatric disorders and their parents have lower QoL.

Marcapasos con sensor de asa cerrada en disautonomía secundaria a enfermedad de Sandhoff / Closed-loop pacemakers in dysautonomia secondary to Sandhoff disease

Resumen Introducción: en la enfermedad de Sandhoff se ha descrito el compromiso del sistema nervioso autónomo en piel y tracto gastrointestinal; sin embargo, las alteraciones autonómicas del sistema cardiovascular, como la disautonomía, no se han documentado en la literatura revisada. De otro lado, el síncope neuralmente mediado de características cardioinhibitorias, refractario al manejo médico, puede ser tratado con marcapasos con sensor de asa cerrada. Materiales y métodos: se describe el caso de una paciente de 42 años en quien se realizó el diagnóstico de enfermedad de Sandhof. Asociado a esta patología, presentó disautonomía con episodios de síncope diarios sin respuesta al tratamiento médico, que ameritaron el implante de un marcapasos con sensor de asa cerrada. Posteriormente se revisa la literatura existente sobre el tema. Conclusiones: hasta la fecha no se había reportado relación entre la enfermedad de Sandhoff y la disautonomía; en el caso de esta paciente el deterioro de la calidad de vida fue significativo. El uso del algoritmo CLS en síncope neuralmente mediado con características cardioinhibitorias, ha mostrado disminuir la cantidad de síncopes en este tipo de pacientes y mejorar la calidad de vida de los mismos.

Abstract Introduction: Although involvement of the autonomic nervous system in the skin and gastrointestinal tract has been described in Sandhoff disease, no reports of autonomic changes of the cardiovascular system, such as dysautonomia, have been documented in the literature reviewed. On the other hand, the neurally mediated cardioinhibitory syncope that is refractory to medical management can be treated with pacemakers with closed loop sensors. Materials and methods: The case is described of a 42 year-old patient who was diagnosed with Sandhoff disease. Associated to this condition, he presented with dysautonomia with daily episodes of syncope, with no response to medical treatment, which warranted the implant of a pacemaker with a closed loop sensor. The existing literature on this topic was subsequently reviewed. Conclusions: Up until now, there have been no reports on the relationship between Sandhoff disease and dysautonomia. In the case of this patient, the deterioration in the quality of life was significant. The use of the closed loop stimulation (CLS) algorithm in neurally mediated cardioinhibitory syncope has been shown to reduce the number of syncopes in this type of patient and improve their quality of life.

Taponamiento cardíaco por retiro de electrodo epicárdico posterior a cirugía cardíaca / Cardiac tamponade by withdrawal epicardic electrode after a cardiac surgery

Se presenta un caso de Taponamiento Cardíaco como complicación por retiro de electrodo epicárdico posterior a cirugía cardiaca. Se describe el caso de un paciente masculino de 55 años sometido a cirugía de revascularización miocárdica sin circulación extracorpórea. El postoperatorio inmediato transcurrió sin incidencias, siendo extubado a las 6 horas de la llegada a la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). No requirió uso de inotrópicos ni hemoderivados. Ninguna alteración electrocardiográfica. A las 72 horas se retiraron los tubos de drenaje, así como el electrodo de estimulación transitoria ventricular epicárdico. A las dos horas el paciente comenzó a inestabilizarse hemodinámicamente. Mediante ecocardiografía transtorácica se evidenció un hematoma que comprimía la cara anterior de ventrículo derecho. Requirió exploración quirúrgica, reapertura esternal encontrando sangrado activo correspondiente al área de implante del electrodo epicárdico transitorio. La evolución posterior fue satisfactoria y el paciente fue dado de alta hospitalaria a los tres días siguientes. Los electrodos transitorios de estimulación cardiaca (ETEC) como el epicárdico, son usados en exceso en cirugía cardíaca y no están exentos de graves y fatales complicaciones. La cirugía coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea podría ofrecer una oportunidad para seleccionar adecuadamente a aquellos pacientes que van a necesitar estimulación cardíaca postoperatoria. Estudios prospectivos aleatorizados son necesarios para poder precisar los pacientes que realmente se beneficiarían de usar marcapasos epicárdicos transitorios(AU)

A case of cardiac tamponade by withdrawal epicardic electrode after a cardiac surgery was presented. A 55 years old male who underwent to a coronary artery by pass whithout extracorporeal circulation. The right now post ­ surgery elapse no incidents, extubado at 6 hours after arriving in the intensive care unit., Did not receive inotropics ,nor blood products .There was not alteration electrocardiographic. At 72 hours drainage tubes was removed, as well as the electrode transient epicardial ventricular stimulation. 2 hours the patient to become unstable hemodynamically. Throug transtoracic echocardiography it was shown a bruises that compresses the anterior aspect of the right ventricle. Requiered surgical exploration,sternal reopening, finding active bleeding corresponding to the area of the transient epicardiac electrode implant. The subsequent evolution was satisfactory and the patient was discharged after 3 days . The transient electrodes of cardiac stimulation (ETEC) like the epicardical ,they are widely used in cardiac surgery and they are not exempt from serious complications. Coronary surgery without extracorporeal circulatión could offer an opportunity to select properly those patiente who are going to need postoperative cardiac stimulation. Prospective randomized studies are necessary to be able to determine the patients who would really benefit from using transien epicardial pacemakers(AU)

Thoracoscopic Patch Insulation for Phrenic Nerve Stimulation after Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

One of the complications of permanent pacemaker implantation is unintended phrenic nerve stimulation. A 15-year-old boy with a permanent pacemaker presented with chest discomfort due to synchronous chest wall contraction with pacing beats. Even after reprogramming of the pacemaker, diaphragmatic stimulation persisted. Therefore, we performed thoracoscopic phrenic nerve insulation using a Gore-Tex patch to insulate the phrenic nerve from the wire. A minimally invasive approach using a thoracoscope is a feasible option for retractable phrenic nerve stimulation after pacemaker implantation.

Hypersensitivity of carotid sinus. A forgotten cause of syncope and falls in the elderly / Hipersensibilidad del seno carotídeo. Una causa olvidada de síncope y caídas en el adulto mayor

Abstract: Carotid sinus syndrome is a cause of syncope and falls in the elderly that is frequently overlooked because of different reasons, nevertheless it might be present in up to 40% of subjects older than 80 years. Its physiopathology is not clear even if it has many common points with neutrally mediated syncope. Its main feature is that the trigger for the symptoms is the stimulation of the neck's baro-receptors. The diagnosis is usually clinical and the carotid sinus massage confirms it by reproducing the symptoms when it induces longer than three second asystole or blood pressure drops higher than 50 mmHg. Its treatment has many controversial points and the options are limited when it comes to the vasodepressor variety. In the cardio-inhibitory variety, the most accepted treatment is a pacemaker implant, nonetheless, the recurrence rates still high.

Resumen: El síndrome del seno carotídeo es una causa de síncope y caídas en el adulto mayor que suele pasarse por alto por diferentes razones; sin embargo, está presente hasta en un 40% de los mayores de 80 años de edad. La fisiopatología no está del todo clara pero tiene muchos puntos en común con el síncope neuralmente mediado, con la peculiaridad de que el disparador depende de la estimulación de los barorreceptores del cuello. El diagnóstico es clínico y las maniobras de masaje del seno carotídeo lo confirman al reproducir los síntomas cuando se inducen asistolias superiores a tres segundos y caídas de presión arterial mayores a 50 mmHg con el masaje. El tratamiento presenta muchos puntos de controversia y hay opciones limitadas cuando se trata de la variedad vasodepresora. En el caso de la cardioinhibición, la opción más adecuada es el implante de un marcapasos, pero aún así las tasas de recurrencia siguen siendo elevadas.

From theory to practice in biological pacing-how to recreate an atrioventricular conduction pathway / 第二军医大学学报

Complete atrioventricular conductionblock, a significant complication of many heart diseases, is a serious threat to human health, and the biological pacemaker is a research focus in this area. In this paper, we discussed the current obstacles of biological pacemaker from laboratory to clinical application and summarized our practice. We put forward the following considerations for establishing a new atrioventricular conduction pathway: (1) engineered conduction tract or tissue (ECT) is a relatively ideal way to treat atrioventricular conduction block with biological pacing; (2) a transgene-independent method for the generating pacemaker or conduction cells from adult stemcells makes it easy for the biological pacemaker or ECT application; (3) the conduction velocity regulation is important to achievethe physiological atrioventricular conduction in clinical application with ECT; and (4) the feasible solutions of regulating the conduction velocity depend on the cell types and connexins expressions in ECT. It is believed that ECT will soon have a significant impact on the clinical transformation of biological pacing application.

Double valve replacement in a patient with implantable cardioverter defibrillator with severe left ventricular dysfunction.

Recent data from landmark trials suggest that the indications for cardiac pacing and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are set to expand to include heart failure, sleep‑disordered breathing, and possibly routine implantation in patients with myocardial infarction and poor ventricular function.[1] This will inevitably result in more patients with cardiac devices undergoing surgeries. Perioperative electromagnetic interference and their potential effects on ICDs pose considerable challenges to the anesthesiologists.[2] We present a case of a patient with automatic ICD with severe left ventricular dysfunction posted for double valve replacement.

Prevalencia de fibrilación auricular y factores predictores de su aparición en pacientes portadores de marcapasos bicamerales / Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and predictors of its occurrence in patients with dual-chamber pacemakers

Resumen Objetivos Evaluar la prevalencia de fibrilación auricular (FA) en pacientes portadores de marcapasos bicamerales (MB), las variables asociadas a su aparición y los cambios de conducta clínica que este hallazgo ha generado. Métodos Se incluyó prospectivamente a 500 pacientes ambulatorios portadores de MB. Se realizó interrogatorio sobre el MB. Se contactó a los médicos de cabecera ante la aparición de FA y luego se determinó si esta información resultaba en cambios de conducta terapéutica. Resultados La media de edad de la población fue de 77 años, con un 51% de hombres. Se detectó FA en un 13.2% de los pacientes. Esto generó modificaciones en el tratamiento en un 64.7% de ellos. En el modelo de regresión logística, a través de un análisis multivariado, se asociaron a la aparición de FA las siguientes variables: hipertensión arterial (OR = 2.62; IC 95% 1.01-6.8; p < 0.048), antecedente de FA (OR = 4.30; IC 95% 2.26-8.32; p < 0.001), enfermedad del nodo sinusal como causa de implante (OR = 2.09; IC 95% 1.09-3.97; p < 0.025) y la cantidad de series de extrasístoles supraventriculares detectadas (OR = 1.000033 por cada serie; IC 95% 0.000011-0.000055; p < 0.003). Una cantidad de series de extrasístoles supraventriculares igual o mayor de 77 en un control de marcapasos presenta un área bajo la curva de 0.81 para la detección de FA. Conclusión Se ha detectado una alta prevalencia de FA en pacientes portadores de MB. Este hallazgo condujo a importantes cambios en el tratamiento. Se han detectado 4 variables asociadas independientemente a la detección de FA.

Abstract Objectives To assess the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with dual-chamber pacemakers (DP), determine the variables associated with development of AF and evaluate the changes in AF's management by physicians. Methods Five hundred patients with DP were prospectively included and interrogated. When AF was detected physicians in charge of the patient were warned. Changes in AF's management were evaluated. Results Mean age of the study population was 77 years, with 51% of men. AF was detected in 13.2% of patients. These findings led treatment changes in 64.7%. The variables analyzed by logistic regression model which were associated with the occurrence of AF were: arterial hypertension (OR = 2.62; CI 95% 1.01-6.8; P < .048), history of AF (OR = 4.30; CI 95% 2.26-8.32; P < .001), sick sinus syndrome as cause of device implantation (OR = 2.09; CI 95% 1.09-3.97; P < .025) and burden of supraventricular extrasystoles series(OR = 1.000033 per serie; CI 95% 0.000011-0.000055; P < .003.). Conclusion We have detected a high prevalence of AF in patients with DP. The diagnose of AF led to change in treatment. Four clinical variables increase the likelihood of developing this arrhythmia.

Sacral Neuromodulation in Patients With a Cardiac Pacemaker / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

The objective of this study was to describe our experience using sacral neuromodulation to treat urinary urgency, frequency, urge incontinence, and chronic urinary retention in patients with cardiac pacemakers. With the increasingly widespread use of InterStim for bladder function restoration, we are seeing more complex patients with multiple comorbidities, including cardiac conditions. Herein, we report 3 cases of individuals with cardiac pacemakers who underwent InterStim implantation to treat urinary conditions. This study is a case series of 3 patients with cardiac pacemakers who underwent sacral neuromodulation to treat refractory voiding dysfunction. The initial patient screening for InterStim therapy involved percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE), in which a temporary untined lead wire was placed through the S3 foramen. Patients who did not respond to PNE proceeded to a staged implant. All patients in this study had a greater than 50% improvement of their urinary symptoms during the initial trial and underwent placement of the InterStim implantable pulse generator (IPG). Postoperative programming was done under electrocardiogram monitoring by a cardiologist. No interference was observed between the Inter-Stim IPG and the cardiac pacemaker. In this group of patients, sacral neuromodulation in the presence of a cardiac pacemaker appears to have been safe.

Síndrome de Twiddler: reporte de un caso / Twiddler's syndrome: report of a case / Síndrome de Twiddler: reporte de um caso

El síndrome de Twiddler es una complicación infrecuente de los dispositivos de estimulación eléctrica cardíaca; a pesar de su rareza merece ser tenido en cuenta al evaluar pacientes con sospecha de disfunción del marcapasos. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 62 años portador de marcapasos biventricular quien ingresó al Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación por insuficiencia cardíaca descompensada debida a síndrome de Twiddler. Los síntomas se resolvieron con el implante de una nueva terminal de resincronización cardíaca.

Twiddler's syndrome is a rare complication of cardiac conduction devices; despite its low frequency, it should be considered when evaluating patients with suspicion of pacemaker's dysfunction. We report the case of a 62 year old man who consulted Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, in Medellín, Colombia, with decompensated heart failure due to dislodgement of the left ventricle lead of his recently implanted biventricular pacemaker. The patient improved with the placement of a new device.

A síndrome de Twiddler é uma complicação infrequente dos dispositivos de estimulação elétrica cardíaca; apesar de sua raridade merece ser tido em conta ao avaliar pacientes com suspeita de disfunção do marca-passos. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente de 62 anos portador de marca- passos biventricular/desfibrilador quem ingressou ao Hospital Universitário San Vicente Fundação por insuficiência cardíaca descompensada devido a síndrome de Twiddler. Os sintomas se resolveram com o implante de um novo terminal de re-sincronização cardíaca.

Experiencia inicial con el retiro de electrodos de estimulación cardiaca mediante una técnica de extracción percutánea mecánica / Initial experience with mechanical percutaneous extraction of cardiac pacing leads

Introducción: En Colombia el uso de técnicas de extracción de electrodos de estimulación cardiaca es infrecuente, en parte debido al alto costo de los materiales utilizados para la extracción percutánea y por otra parte por los riesgos percibidos asociados al procedimiento. Esto ha llevado a que muchos electrodos disfuncionantes o infectados sean abandonados o retirados mediante cirugía abierta. Con base en lo anterior se ha desarrollado un programa de extracción de electrodos mediante el uso de vainas mecánicas que pretende evitar la cirugía cardiaca y mantener un perfil de costo beneficio favorable en comparación con las vainas de extracción láser. Materiales y métodos; Desde noviembre de 2012 hasta septiembre de 2014, aquellos pacientes con indicación para la extracción de electrodos fueron sometidos a dicho procedimiento mediante el uso de vainas mecánicas. De manera prospectiva, en un formulario previamente diseñado se registraron los datos demográficos de los pacientes, las características de los dispositivos, la clase de electrodos y el tipo de complicaciones asociadas al procedimiento. Resultados: Treinta y siete pacientes (29 hombres, 78%) con un promedio de edad de 67 años (rango 24-91 años) fueron llevados a extracción de electrodos principalmente por complicaciones de tipo infeccioso (56,7%). La tasa de éxito fue del 98,4% con una complicación mayor (2,7%) y una complicación menor (2,7%). No se registraron muertes. Conclusión: La extracción de electrodos por electrofisiólogos debidamente entrenados permite obtener resultados muy buenos con una baja tasa de complicaciones. El uso de vainas de extracción mecánica es una alternativa viable y de costo razonable en nuestro medio sin necesidad de recurrir a cirugía cardiaca o vainas de extracción láser.

Introduction: The extraction of cardiac pacing leads is infrequent in Colombia, partly owing to the high cost of the devices used during the percutaneous procedure and to the widespread perception of its unacceptably high risk. This has led to a large number of malfunctioning or infected leads abandoned or surgically removed. With this in mind, we developed a mechanical lead extraction program aiming to avoid surgical removal of leads while at the same time maintaining reasonable costs in comparison with laser based extraction devices. Materials and methods: Between November 2012 and September 2014, every patient who required lead extraction according to current guidelines was included. Patient characteristics, lead type, type of cardiac stimulation device, reason for extraction and complications where prospectively registered in a previously designed questionnaire. Results: A total of 37 patients (29 male, 78%) with an average age of 67 years (range 24-91 years) required mechanical lead extraction, most of them infection-related (56.7%). Procedural success was 98.4%, with 1 major complication (2.7%) and 1 minor complication (2.7%). There were no deaths. Conclusions: Lead extraction undertaken by well-trained electrophysiologists has excellent results with a low rate of major and minor complications. The use of mechanical lead extraction devices is a viable option with a reasonable cost in our country, avoiding the need for surgical removal of leads or the need of laser devices.