Ahead of the Curve - Experience from the Uk's First Dedicated Specialist Crm Clinic for Achd Patients

Background: The population of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) is expanding. A significant number will require Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) devices. In current UK practice, these patients are routinely seen in non-specialist CRM clinics and little is published regarding best-practice CRM programming and management in the ACHD population. Objective(s): Our objective was to establish a new model of patient-centred/-specific care delivered by specialist CRM physiologists, supported by an EP consultant (with a special interest in ACHD) in a dedicated clinic. We hoped to set new standards of care and patient experience, and improve efficiency and outcomes. Method(s): Data was collected from the electronic record system and CRM device database. A control group of non-ACHD patients was selected at random at our institution over the same period (2018-2022). Result(s): The clinic population n = 468 had a sex ratio of 0.92 (M:F) and mean age of 44 years (range 16 - 86). Mean time since primary implant was 9 years. All device types were represented: loop recorder (52), pacemaker (262), cardioverter defibrillator (116) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy devices (38). The underlying ACHD condition was: simple 46%, moderate 28% and complex 26%. Outcomes of appointments (n = 1,234) are shown vs controls (n = 126) (figure 1). Appointment and patient numbers rose year-on-year (100 to 226 patients, 281 to 367 appointments). There was a lower incidence of 'no review / reprogramming ' in ACHD CRM clinic appointments compared to the non-ACHD population, as well as a higher incidence of programming changes, however the trend over time within the ACHD group showed an increase in 'no review / reprogramming' and a decrease in reviews / reprogramming events. In contrast, non-ACHD patients had an increase in medical reviews and reprogramming required between 2018/19 and 2021/22. This is likely due to the COVID pandemic and deferred time to appointments and review. Conclusion(s): Our data demonstrate that the ACHD CRM population require additional input from the medical and scientist teams when compared to non-ACHD patients, however over time there has been a reduction in major programming/review and a commensurate increase in minor programming/discussion and no review. A reverse trend was observed in the non-ACHD patients pre- and post- COVID. These data support the proposal that specialised clinics provide the optimal management ACHD CRM clinics and should be delivered by dedicated practitioners. [Formula presented]Copyright © 2023

Five waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: results of a national survey evaluating the impact on activities related to arrhythmias, pacing, and electrophysiology promoted by AIAC (Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing).

BACKGROUND: The subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy had a major impact on cardiac care. METHODS: A survey to evaluate the dynamic changes in arrhythmia care during the first five waves of COVID-19 in Italy (first: March-May 2020; second: October 2020-January 2021; third: February-May 2021; fourth: June-October 2021; fifth: November 2021-February 2022) was launched. RESULTS: A total of 127 physicians from arrhythmia centers (34% of Italian centers) took part in the survey. As compared to 2019, a reduction in 40% of elective pacemaker (PM), defibrillators (ICD), and cardiac resynchronization devices (CRT) implantations, with a 70% reduction for ablations, was reported during the first wave, with a progressive and gradual return to pre-pandemic volumes, generally during the third-fourth waves, slower for ablations. For emergency procedures (PM, ICD, CRT, and ablations), recovery from the initial 10% decline occurred in most cases during the second wave, with some variability. However, acute care for atrial fibrillation, electrical cardioversions, and evaluations for syncope showed a prolonged reduction of activity. The number of patients with devices which started remote monitoring increased by 40% during the first wave, but then the adoption of remote monitoring declined. CONCLUSIONS: The dramatic and profound derangement in arrhythmia management that characterized the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was followed by a progressive return to the volume of activities of the pre-pandemic periods, even if with different temporal dynamics and some heterogeneity. Remote monitoring was largely implemented during the first wave, but full implementation is needed.

Multicentre Observational Registry of Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure and Real-Life Adherence to International Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Acute and Chronic Heart Failure. The Real-Hf Registry

Purpose: The Multicentre observational REgistry of patients hospitalized for heart failure and reAL-life adherence to international guidelines for the management of patients with acute and chronic Heart Failure (REAL-HF) aims to provide a comprehensive overview of hospital management of HF patients in Italy. Method(s): The registry involves 11 cardiology centers from seven Italian regions, including all adult patients hospitalized for HF in the period 2020-2026. Data are derived from hospital discharge letters and electronic records. Patients are included in the registry based on Diagnosis Related Groups codes. Result(s): This preliminary analysis included 1600 patients hospitalized for HF in 2020 in two Italian tertiary university hospitals. Males were 851(53%) with a median age of 81(71-87) years. Less than one-third of the patients (n=461[29%]) was hospitalized in a cardiology unit, while almost half of the patients (n=783[49%]) was admitted to an internal medicine ward. Median hospital length of stay was 9(6-14) days. Readmission rates were 9% and 29% at 30 days and within the same year, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 9%, while 28% of the patients died within the same year. According to HF categories, 501(31%) patients were diagnosed as having HFrEF, 193(12%) mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and 689(43%) preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Median left ventricular EF was 49%(35-55%) and was significantly lower in patients with HFrEF (30%[25-35%]) compared to those with HFmrEF (45%[43-45%]) and HFpEF (55%[55-60%]) - p<0.001. Coronary artery disease proved to be the leading cause (n=460[29%]) of HF. Atrial fibrillation was highly prevalent (history -13%;during hospitalization -37%). Arterial hypertension was the most prevalent (71%) cardiovascular risk factor. Chronic kidney disease (51%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (27%) were frequent comorbidities. Apparently, COVID-19 had a low impact, being present in only 3% of patients hospitalized for HF in 2020 at both centers. At discharge, 56% of patients were treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors-ACEi (n=490[34%]), angiotensin receptor blockers-ARB (n=221[15%]) or angiotensin-neprilysin inhibitors-ARNi (n=100[7%]), 67%(n=964) with beta-blockers, while mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists- MRAs were prescribed for 56%(n=809) of patients. Loop diuretics were frequently prescribed (89%). When we considered patients with HFrEF, we found that only 69% were treated with ACEi/ARB/ARNi, 82% with a beta-blocker, and 67% with MRAs. Only 48% (n=240) were treated with all three of the abovementioned classes of drugs. Among patients with HFrEF, only 5% had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and only 4% were treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy. Patients hospitalized in wards other than cardiology were older (83vs70 years, p<0.0001), more frequently females (52%vs44%, p<0.001), and with HFpEF (51%vs24%, p<0.0001). In-hospital mortality and death within the same year resulted significantly lower in patients hospitalized in cardiology units (5%vs11% - p<0.001, and 17%vs32% - p<0.001). Overall, drugs indicated in HF were less frequently prescribed in patients hospitalized in non-specialist cardiac units. Conclusion(s): Preliminary data from the multicentre REAL-HF registry confirm that HF constitutes a clinical issue. Adherence to the guidelines is still inadequate and this may impact on patients' outcomes. Moreover, the significant differences in terms of patients' profiles might further increase the gap between highly specialized cardiology units and internal medicine departments.

A Strange Case of Pulmonary Embolism in a Young Patient with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Introduction: Clinically relevant pulmonary embolism (PE) related to pacemaker leads is reported in up to 3.5% of cases of implantations. We reported a particular case of acute massive PE in a patient bearer of a Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-Defibrillator (CRT-D). Case presentation: A 49-year-old man presented to our ER reporting dyspnea and localized pain to the left hemithorax. Past medical history included HFrEF due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy complicated by apical thrombosis, CRT-D, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, dyslipidemia, and a hepatic nodule undergoing diagnosis. Recently, he reported COVID-19 and successive pleuropneumonia requiring hospitalization. At home, he was taking Acenocoumarin, Sacubitril/Valsartan 97/103mg bid, Carvedilol 6.25mg bid, Digoxin 0.0625mg, and Canrenon 50mg with questionable adherence. On physical examination, he was pyretic, mildly hypotensive and hypoxemic. An ECG showed atrio-guided biventricular stimulation at 110 bpm. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed biventricular disfunction and dilation, mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, PAPs 60 mmHg, and a thrombotic formation in the left ventricle apex. Blood tests found elevated D-Dimer and infection markers, INR 1.1. A CTangiography confirmed a bilateral acute massive PE associated with lung consolidations and left pleural effusion. We excluded deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs. Patientwas admitted to CCU and treatedwith intravenous heparin, antibiotics, and support therapy. After one week, we performed a transesophageal echocardiogramthat confirmed the previous TTE except for a minor PAPs and unknown thrombotic formations on the atrial side of the tricuspid valve, adhering to CRT-D leads, pedunculated, highly mobile, the largest with an area of 1.9cm2. Cardiac surgery wasn't indicated;we excluded thrombophilia and thoracic cancer. Patient is still hospitalized, asymptomatic and with a precarious cardiovascular status. Discussion(s): The incidence of asymptomatic clot adhering to cardiac device's leads found by echocardiography is 1.4%, and thromboembolic complications are even rarer, especially after years from the implant. In our patient, the right atrium thrombosis is probably the cause of PE, and possible precipitating factors were pneumonia or unknown hepatic neoplasm. In the diagnostic workup, TTE probably wasn't sensitive enough to detect those thrombi. Conclusion(s): We presented a particular case of PE in a relatively young patient affected with HFrEF. Even if thrombosis related to pacemaker leads is rare, it should be considered as a possible cause of PE in a patient bearer of a cardiac stimulating device. (Figure Presented).

Design of Mid-Q Response: A prospective, randomized trial of adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy in Asian patients.

Aims: The aim of the Mid-Q Response study is to test the hypothesis that adaptive preferential left ventricular-only pacing with the AdaptivCRT algorithm has superior clinical outcomes compared to conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure (HF) patients with moderately wide QRS duration (≥120 ms and <150 ms), left bundle branch block (LBBB), and normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction (PR interval ≤200 ms). Methods: This prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled, clinical study is being conducted at approximately 60 centers in Asia. Following enrollment and baseline assessment, eligible patients are implanted with a CRT system equipped with the AdaptivCRT algorithm and are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to have AdaptivCRT ON (Adaptive Bi-V and LV pacing) or AdaptivCRT OFF (Nonadaptive CRT). A minimum of 220 randomized patients are required for analysis of the primary endpoint, clinical composite score (CCS) at 6 months post-implant. The secondary and ancillary endpoints are all-cause and cardiovascular death, hospitalizations for worsening HF, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), atrial fibrillation (AF), and cardiovascular adverse events at 6 or 12 months. Conclusion: The Mid-Q Response study is expected to provide additional evidence on the incremental benefit of the AdaptivCRT algorithm among Asian HF patients with normal AV conduction, moderately wide QRS, and LBBB undergoing CRT implant.

Changes in the implantation procedures of pacemakers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

Background: During the beginning of the first pandemic wave beginning in spring 2020 a lot of elective EP procedures were set on hold. After a few months, the hospitals were allowed to proceed with their planned operations. The current investigation analyzed the changes in the number of cardiac pacemakers (PM) implantations in whole Germany. Methods: We performed a data retrieval of the number of monthly first-time pacemaker implantations, i.e. single-, dual-chamber, or CRT-P, for the 2019 pre- and 2020 pandemic from the 'Institut für das Entgeltsystem im Krankenhaus' (InEK) using OPS codes. This database provides data of all in-hospital procedures in Germany. Results: The course of the implantation rates (January to September) is highlighted in the two figures, where figure 1 demonstrates the singleand dual-chamber PM, and figure 2 the CRT-P implantations in 2019 (blue line) compared to 2020 (red line). It can be clearly seen, that for the single- and dual-chamber PM, a gap occurs between March and Mai in 2020. On the contrary, for the sicker patients, who are in the need for CRT-P, the lines do no cross, significantly. Moreover, the number of CRT-P first-time implantations increased during May to September 2020. Discussion: The present study highlights the course of first-time pacemaker implantations throughout the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in whole Germany. In contrast to single- and dual-chamber PM implantation rates, the number of CRT-P implantations remained stable during the first three months of the pandemic and then exceeded the rates from 2019. The progressive nature of heart failure resulting in the need for CRT may be one reason for not postponing the first-time implantation in the months March to May 2020.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator: a de novo implant in a COVID-19 patient by an echo-guided axillary venous approach.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously revolutionized the management of patients who need an implanted cardiac implantable electronic device. We report, for the first time, a successful cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator implantation procedure in an 82-year-old man affected by COVID-19, recent myocardial infarction, second-degree 2:1 atrioventricular block and left bundle branch block.

CRT implantation after transvenous lead/device extraction (TLE) in a patient with COVID-19: Endocarditis triggered by syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection? A case report.

In the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the management of cardiac implantable electronic devices infections with concomitant viral infection has not been completely defined yet. In this explorable context, we report the first experience of a Cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation after transvenous lead extraction for endocarditis in a COVID-19 patient. We describe both the measures and procedures implemented to reduce the cross-infection in the operating room and our clinical practice to improving procedure effectiveness on patient care.

The influence of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic on the implantation rates of cardiac implantable electronic devices in Germany: changes between 2020 Q1-Q3 and 2019 Q1-Q3.

AIMS: During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital admissions for several medical and surgical conditions declined. Few data are available with respect to elective cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the monthly CIED implantation rates in Germany (January-September 2020 vs. 2019). METHODS AND RESULTS: The monthly rates of CIED implantation for the 2019 pre- and 2020 pandemic periods were retrieved from the Institute für das Entgeltsystem im Krankenhaus using German Operation and Procedure Classification codes to identify pacemakers (PMs), implantable cardioverter/defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) systems. Compared with 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an overall decline of CIED implantation rates of -2.6%, reaching -22.9% in April 2020. Stratified by device type, the patterns of implantation were similar between PMs and ICDs, with maximal declines of -24.3% and -23.2% in April, respectively. Thereafter, the implantation rates gradually increased before stabilizing to rates similar to those observed in 2019. CRT implantation rates also declined in the early pandemic wave, but the overall 2020 rates increased by +4.3% likely driven by an increase of +16.5% (June-September). All the observed percentage differences of monthly device type related implantation rates demonstrated a statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the implantation of CIEDs in Germany. A differential pattern of resource utilization was observed with a catch-up effect for PMs and ICDs. The implantation rates of CRT systems also declined, but they increased rapidly and remained higher than those of 2019.

Impact of lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and arrhythmia burden in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: Restricted outdoor activity during COVID-19 related lockdown may accelerate heart failure (HF) progression and thereby increase cardiac arrhythmias. We analyzed the impact of March/April 2020 lockdown on physical activity and arrhythmia burden in HF patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices with daily, automatic remote monitoring (RM) function. METHODS: The study cohort included 405 HF patients enrolled in Observation of Clinical Routine Care for Heart Failure Patients Implanted with BIOTRONIK CRT Devices (BIO|STREAM.HF) registry in 16 countries, who had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% (mean 28.2 ± 6.6%) and NYHA class II/III/IV (47.9%/49.6%/2.5%) before CRT pacemaker/defibrillator implantation. The analyzed RM data comprised physical activity detected by accelerometer, mean heart rate and nocturnal rate, PP variability, percentage of biventricular pacing, atrial high rate episode (AHRE) burden, ventricular extrasystoles and tachyarrhythmias, defibrillator shocks, and number of implant interrogations (i.e., follow-ups). Intraindividual differences in RM parameters before (4-week period) versus during (4-week period) lockdown were tested for statistical significance and independent predictors were identified. RESULTS: There was a significant relative change in activity (mean -6.5%, p < .001), AHRE burden (+17%, p = .013), and follow-up rate (-75%, p < .001) during lockdown, with no significant changes in other RM parameters. Activity decreased by ≥8 min/day in 46.5% of patients; predictors were higher LVEF, lower NYHA class, no defibrillator indication, and more activity before lockdown. AHRE burden increased by ≥17 min/day in 4.7% of patients; predictors were history of atrial fibrillation, higher LVEF, higher body mass index, and activity decrease during lockdown. CONCLUSION: Unfavorable changes in physical activity, AHRE burden, and follow-up rate were observed during lockdown, but not in ventricular arrhythmia.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices procedures and their recipients characteristic during COVID-19 pandemic: 3.8 million population analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disorganised healthcare systems and has caused a reduction in the number of hospitalizations and procedures. Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedure rates and clinical characteristics of their recipients were compared in corresponding weeks of 2019 and 2020 were analyzed. METHODS: The database of the National Health Fund (NHF) in Poland was retrospectively analyzed. 3206 patients who underwent CIED implantation in the Silesia - a region in Southern Poland comprising an adult population of 3.8 million between 12th and 31st week of 2020. Patients were classified into groups: the recipient of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy group (ICD/CRT) or pacemaker group (PM). RESULTS: During the pandemic a reduction of 39.38% of implantations was observed compared to the same period in 2019 (1210 vs. 1996 patients) and had impacted both groups. Two phases lasting 10 weeks each could be distinguished: total lockdown (maximal reduction) and the recovery phase with growing numbers of procedures. Patient baseline characteristics (sex, age, comorbidities) who were implanted during the COVID-19 pandemic did not differ from the 2019 period. The rate of peri-procedural mortality was also similar. CONCLUSIONS: During COVID-19 pandemic period a reduction in CIED implantations of all types was observed. Despite the decreased number of performed CIED implants, no differences in baseline patient characteristics were observed.

The usefulness of telemedicine devices in patients with severe heart failure with an implanted cardiac resynchronization therapy system during two years of observation.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) remains a disease with a poor prognosis. Telemonitoring is a medical service aimed at remote monitoring of patients. AIM: The study aimed to identify the clinical relevance of non-invasive telemonitoring devices in HF patients. METHODS: Sixty patients aged 66.1 (11) years, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 26.3 (6.8)% underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation. They were randomly allocated to the control (standard medical care) or study (standard medical care + telemonitoring device) groups. During the follow-up (24 months), the patients in the study group provided body mass and blood pressure, along with electrocardiogram on a daily basis. The data were transferred to themonitoring center and consulted with a cardiologist. Transthoracic echocardiography and a 6-minute walk test were performed before and 24 months after CRT implantation. RESULTS: During the two-year observation, the composite endpoint (death or HF hospitalization) occurred in 21 patients, more often in the control group (46.8% vs. 21.4%; P = 0.026). Inunivariate analysis: the use of telemetry (hazard ratio [HR], 0.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.7; P=0.004), thepresence of coronary heart disease (HR, 41.4; 95% CI, 3.1-567.7; P=0.005), hypertension (HR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.90; P = 0.035), and patient's body mass (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14-0.92; P = 0.03) were related to the occurrence of the composite endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a telemonitoring device in CRT recipients improved theprognosis in2-year observation and contributed to the reduction of HF hospitalization.

Impact of telehealth in the outpatient management of atrial fibrillation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption of a telehealth model to replace outpatient visits. We studied quality indicators and clinical outcomes associated with virtual visits in comparison to in-person ambulatory visits for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) seen by electrophysiology providers. Methods: Quality indicators and outcomes for patients with primary diagnosis of AF seen by electrophysiology providers (6 physicians and 4 nurse practitioners) for the 12 week period of March 22-June 13, 2020 were compared with those from the 12 week period of March 24-June 15, 2019. Result: We identified 2340 clinic visits for AF (1081 in 2019 and 1259 in 2020). Telehealth was not used in 2019, and was used in 90.5% of the 2020 visits. On multivariate analysis during 120 days following each encounter, there was no difference in hospital admissions between 2019 and 2020 (OR 0.89;95% CI 0.69-1.14;p=0.3624), and there was trend towards lower emergency department visits in 2020 compared with 2019 (OR 0.77;95% CI 0.6-1;p=0.0509). There were 36 deaths at 120 days, mortality was similar in 2020 as compared with 2019 (OR 1.5;95% CI 0.74-3.03;p=0.2601). There was no difference in completed procedures including permanent pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and catheter ablations. There was a significant difference in anticoagulant (OR 0.71;95% CI 0.52-0.99;p=0.0412) and antiarrhythmic (OR 0.78;95% CI 0.61-0.99;p=0.0384) dose adjustment or new prescriptions in 2019 compared with 2020. Conclusion: Telehealth was associated with similar intermediate-term clinical outcomes when compared to traditional ambulatory encounters. However, adjusting or providing new prescriptions for anticoagulant or antiarrhythmic medications was more common with in-person than with virtual visits.

Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the device therapy for patients with the heart failure

Introduction: Hospital admissions of patients with cardiovascular disease were markedly reduced in the UK in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. In many institutions, including ours, patient care was redistributed from a specialty-based approach to a ward-based system, meaning some patients being admitted and managed under the care of non-specialist teams. Purpose: We wished to examine the impact of these changes on heart failure (HF) patients presenting during the pandemic and on appropriate delivery of complex device therapies. Methods: The study was undertaken in a large UK teaching hospital. The institution audit programme includes cardiac device therapy provision, aiming to ensure that implantable cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy are offered to the target population in accordance with NICE guidance [Technology Appraisal 314]. In accordance with the guidance, patients admitted to hospital with serious ventricular arrhythmia, familial cardiac condition with high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), surgical repair of congenital heart disease (CHD) and patients with HF and LVEF<36% were identified from hospital coding. Findings during the pandemic (March to August 2020) were compared with the same period in 2019. Fisher's exact test was used to compare proportions. Results: Among non-HF patients, device therapy prescription was consistent in the two periods observed. Table 1 shows how many patients were eligible for device therapy and how many were offered it. Table 2 contains details of HF admissions, showing an 8% reduction in admissions during the pandemic. The proportion of patients eligible for device therapy did not change significantly. However, there was a significant reduction in the proportion of eligible patients who were offered device therapy (79% vs 94% p=0.03). In addition, during the pandemic there was a trend towards a greater chance of patients being considered too frail for device therapy (p=0.08). Among 12 patients overlooked for device therapy, 10 were not under the care of Cardiology. Among 31 patients considered too frail for device therapy, 26 were not under the care of Cardiology. Conclusion: During the Covid-19 pandemic, a modest reduction in HF hospital admission was observed with a marked fall in identification of patients eligible for device therapy. Possible explanations include intense pressure to discharge patients quickly, an increased perception of patient frailty during a crisis and the lack of recognition of indications for device therapy when patients are under the care of non-specialists. These findings suggest that cardiac services should actively look for HF patients who may have missed out on life-saving device therapies during the pandemic.

HeartLogic algorithm for heart failure monitoring in the era of CoViD-19 pandemic and remote monitoring/telemedicine

Background: Due to the current CoViD-19 pandemic, the number of outpatient hospital visits has significantly decreased, creating a fundamental need for telemedicine. Remote monitoring of implantable cardiac devices has emerged as a powerful and well-validated tool to follow patients with heart failure (HF) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRTs) devices. Purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate the CRT HeartLogic algorithm performance in the detection of HF episodes in a real-life population followed with remote monitoring. Methods: Fifty-four patient (mean age 73±7 years, 72% males) with HF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction were implanted with a Heart- Logic-enabled CRT device and were enrolled in the Boston Scientific Latitude remote monitoring platform. Remote data were reviewed every month and at the time of an alert. The HeartLogic nominal value of 16 was used to trigger an alert episode. Patients were then contacted by phone and actions were taken to manage the potential HF condition detected by the alert. Results: During a median follow-up of 12 (6-18) months, the HeartLogic alert was triggered in 9 patients (9/54, 17%). The median time between threshold crossing and a HF clinical event was 11 (2-19) days. The maximum HeartLogic index value was 43 (mean 29±8). Three events occurred after inappropriate discontinuation of HF therapy. All the events required clinical action. Four out of 9 patients required diuretic dosage increase, 1/9 electrical cardioversion for new onset atrial fibrillation, 3/9 hospitalization for i.v. therapy. One patient showed only mild HF symptoms but was found to have concomitant CoViD-19 infection. Conclusion: The HeartLogic algorithm is useful to detect HF worsening and undertake appropriate clinical actions. Telemedicine and device remote monitoring are very helpful tools allowing early detection of HFrelated clinical conditions. This is of utmost importance in the era of CoViD- 19 pandemic, when scheduled access to the hospital for routine follow-up appointments might be limited.

Single-Pass VDD Pacing Lead for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: A Reliable Alternative.

(1) Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) systems can be simplified by excluding the atrial lead and using a Ventricular-Dual-Dual (VDD) pacing lead. Possible disadvantages might include atrial undersensing and Ventricular-Ventricular-Inhibition (VVI) pacing. Because literature data concerning these systems are scarce, we analyzed their benefits and technical safety. (2) Methods: this retrospective study compared 50 patients implanted with VDD-CRT systems (group A), mainly because of unfavorable venous anatomy concerning the complication rate, with 103 subjects with Dual-Dual-Dual (DDD)-CRT systems (group B) implanted during 2000-2016 and 49 (group C) during 2016-2020. To analyze the functional parameters of the devices, we selected subgroups of 27 patients (subgroup A) and 47 (subgroup B) patients with VDD-CRT in 2000-2016, and 36 subjects (subgroup C) with DDD-CRT implanted were selected in 2017-2020. (3) Results: There was a trend of a lower complication rate with VDD-CRT systems, especially concerning infections during 2000-2016 (p = 0.0048), but similar results were obtained after rigorous selection of patients and employment of an upgraded design of devices/leads. With a proper device programing, CRT pacing had similar results, atrial undersensing being minimal (p = 0.65). For VDD-systems, VVI pacing was recorded only 1.7 ± 2.24% of the time. (4) Conclusions: In patients with a less favorable venous anatomy, VDD-CRT systems may represent a safe alternative regarding complications rates and functional parameters.

Advances in cardiac resynchronization and implantable cardioverter/defibrillator therapy: Medtronic Cobalt and Crome.

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices have revolutionized the management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. New device generations tend to be launched every few years, with incremental improvements in performance and safety and with an expectation that these will improve patient management and outcomes while remaining cost-effective. As a result, today's cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator devices are quite different from the pioneering but often bulky devices of the late 20th century. This review discusses new and improved features developed to target specific needs in managing heart failure patients, some of which are especially pertinent to the current worldwide healthcare situation, with focus on the latest generation of CRTs with defibrillator (CRT-Ds) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators from Medtronic.

Lay abstract Cardiac pacemaker devices, especially those that can retune the pumping function of the heart (known as resynchronization therapy) and those that provide shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm (known as implantable defibrillators) have revolutionized the management of heart failure over the last three decades and continue to improve in terms of their safety, effectiveness and battery life. This review discusses new and improved features developed to target specific needs in managing heart failure patients, specifically focusing on the latest generation of devices from Medtronic.

Remote Monitoring of Respiratory Pattern in an ICD Patient With COVID-19 Pneumonia.

A 67-year-old man with history of heart failure developed dyspnea. In this report, we describe an increase in his device-detected respiratory rate. Monitoring respiratory rate is recommended for evaluating acute cardiac decompensation, but such an algorithm could also be used to diagnose episodes of pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).