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1.
G Ital Cardiol (Rome) ; 25(6): 38-40, 2024 Jun.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38912745

ABSTRACT

A 60-year-old man with hypercholesterolemia and hypertension presented with acute coronary syndrome (SCA). The ECG showed lateral ischemia (T-wave inversion in V4-V6, D1 and aVL) and echocardiography showed normal left ventricular wall motion. Coronary angiography showed critical atherosclerotic lesions in the distal part of the left circumflex artery (LCx, culprit lesion), chronic total occlusion of the right coronary artery (RCA), significant but not critical stenosis in the middle part of left anterior descending artery (LAD), and a coronary artery to pulmonary artery (PA) fistula originating from the proximal part of the LAD and emptying into the PA via a coronary saccular aneurysm (12 x 12 x 10 mm). A multidetector row computed tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed the coronary artery fistula, which was treated with surgical approach. The patient underwent aneurysmorrhaphy with CAF closure and coronary artery bypass grafting on the RCA and LCx. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 14. CTA was useful for understanding the spatial relation of the CAF and the connection with the PA.


Subject(s)
Arterio-Arterial Fistula , Coronary Aneurysm , Pulmonary Artery , Humans , Male , Pulmonary Artery/surgery , Pulmonary Artery/diagnostic imaging , Middle Aged , Arterio-Arterial Fistula/surgery , Arterio-Arterial Fistula/complications , Coronary Aneurysm/surgery , Coronary Aneurysm/complications , Coronary Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging , Coronary Artery Bypass/methods , Coronary Angiography
2.
Intern Emerg Med ; 19(2): 577-579, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37751085
3.
Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc ; 36: 100879, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34604501

ABSTRACT

Athletes with asymptomatic ventricular pre-excitation (VP) should undergo electrophysiological study for risk stratification. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, safety and tolerability of an electrophysiological study using a percutaneous antecubital vein access and without the use of X-ray (ESnoXr). Methods: We collected data from all young athletes < 18 year-old with AVP, who underwent ESnoXr from January 2000 to September 2020 for evaluation of accessory pathway refractoriness and arrhythmia inducibility using an antecubital percutaneous venous access. Endocavitary signals were used to advance the catheter in the right atrium and ventricle. Results: We included 63 consecutive young athletes (mean age 14.6 ± 1.9 years, 46% male). Feasibility of the ESnoXr technique was 87% while in 13% fluoroscopy and/or a femoral approach were needed. Specifically, fluoroscopy was used in 7 cases to position the catheter inside the heart cavities with an average exposure of 43 ± 38 s while in 2 femoral venous access was needed. The mean procedural time was 35 ± 11 min. The exam was diagnostic in all patients, there were no procedural complications and tolerability was excellent. 53% of the patients had an accessory pathway with high refractoriness and no inducible atrio-ventricular reentry tachycardia: this subgroup was considered eligible to competitive sports and no event was observed during long-term follow-up (13.6 ± 5.2 years) without drug use. The others underwent catheter ablation. Conclusion. ESnoXr has been shown to be a feasible, effective, safe and well-tolerated procedure for the assessment of arrhythmic risk in a population of young athletes with asymptomatic VP.

5.
Int J Cardiol ; 334: 49-54, 2021 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33930512

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The remote follow-up of pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) usually includes scheduled checks and alert transmissions. However, this results in a high volume of remote data reviews to be managed. We measured the relative contribution of scheduled and alert transmissions to the detection of relevant conditions, and the workload generated by their management. METHODS: At our center, the frequency of remote scheduled transmissions is 4/year. Moreover, all system-integrity and clinical alerts are turned on for wireless notification. We calculated the number of transmissions received from January to December 2020, and identified transmissions that necessitated in-hospital access for further assessment and transmissions that required clinical discussion with the physician. For all alert transmissions, we identified whether the alert was clinically meaningful (i.e. center was not previously aware of the condition and no action had yet been taken to treat it). RESULTS: Of 8545 transmissions received from 1697 pacemakers and ICDs, 5766 (67%) were scheduled and 2779 (33%) were alert transmissions received from 764 patients (45%); 499 (9%) scheduled transmissions required clinical discussion with the physician, but only 2 of these necessitated in-hospital visits for further assessment. Of the alert transmissions, 664 (24%) required clinical discussion, and 75 (3%) necessitated in-hospital visits. The proportion of alerts judged clinically meaningful was 7%. CONCLUSION: Scheduled transmissions generate 67% of remote data reviews for pacemakers and ICDs, but their ability to detect clinically relevant events is very low. A strategy that relies exclusively on alert transmissions could ensure continuity of patient monitoring while reducing the workload at the center.


Subject(s)
Defibrillators, Implantable , Electronics , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Monitoring, Physiologic , Workload
7.
J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) ; 21(9): 648-653, 2020 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32628426

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Current guidelines recommend remote follow-up for all patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. However, the introduction of a remote follow-up service requires specifically dedicated organization. We evaluated the impact of adopting remote follow-up on the organization of a clinic and we measured healthcare resource utilization. METHODS: In 2016, we started the implementation of the remote follow-up service. Each patient was assigned to an experienced nurse and a doctor in charge with preestablished tasks and responsibilities. During 2016 and 2017, all patients on active follow-up at our center were included in the service; since 2018, the service has been fully operational for all patients following postimplantation hospital discharge. RESULTS: As of December 2018, 2024 patients were on active follow-up at the center. Of these, 93% of patients were remotely monitored according to the established protocol. The transmission rates were: 5.3/patient-year for pacemakers, 6.0/patient-year for defibrillators, and 14.1/patient-year for loop recorders. Only 21% of transmissions were submitted to the physician for further clinical evaluation, and 3% of transmissions necessitated an unplanned in-hospital visit for further assessment. Clinical events of any type were detected in 39% of transmissions. Overall, the nurses' total workload was 3596 h per year, that is, 1.95 full-time equivalent, which resulted in 1038 patients/nurse. The total workload for physicians was 526 h per year, that is, 0.29 full-time equivalent. After 1 year on follow-up, most patients judged the service positively and expressed their preference for the new follow-up approach. CONCLUSION: A remote follow-up service can be implemented and efficiently managed by nursing staff with minimal physician support. Patients are followed up with greater continuity and seem to appreciate the service.


Subject(s)
Cardiac Pacing, Artificial , Continuity of Patient Care/organization & administration , Defibrillators, Implantable , Electric Countershock/instrumentation , Health Resources/organization & administration , Pacemaker, Artificial , Remote Sensing Technology , Telemedicine/organization & administration , Cardiac Pacing, Artificial/adverse effects , Electric Countershock/adverse effects , Humans , Nurse's Role , Patient Satisfaction , Physician's Role , Predictive Value of Tests , Program Evaluation , Prosthesis Failure , Time Factors , Workload
8.
J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol ; 31(8): 2061-2067, 2020 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32525574

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Implantation of left ventricular (LV) lead in segments with delayed electrical activation may improve response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The search for the latest LV electrical delay (LVED) site can be time-consuming. OBJECTIVE: To assess if electrical mapping of coronary sinus (CS) and magna cardiac vein can help to identify the latest activated CS branch. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 48 consecutive patients who underwent electroanatomic mapping system-guided (EAMS)-CRT device implantation with ≥2 mapped CS branches. The activation mapping of the CS and relative branches were performed using an insulated guide wire. LVED was defined as the interval between the beginning of the QRS complex on the surface electrocardiogram and the local electrogram and expressed in milliseconds (ms). RESULTS: Thirty-two (67%) patients showed left bundle branch block (LBBB) and 16 (33%) non-LBBB electrocardiographic patterns. A total of 116 CS branches (mean, 2.4/patient; range, 2-5) were mapped. In the left oblique view, most patients (N = 39, 81%) showed the latest CS-LVED in lateral segments while nine (19%) showed the latest CS-LVED in anterior or posterior segments. Specifically, 94% of patients with LBBB showed the latest CS-LVED in lateral segments while CS activation among non-LBBB patients was heterogeneous. In all patients, the CS branch that demonstrated the highest LVED originated from the latest activated segment of the CS. CONCLUSION: Electrical mapping of CS allows identifying the latest activated branches. This finding may contribute to simplify CRT device implantation compared to activation mapping of all the branches.


Subject(s)
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy , Coronary Sinus , Heart Failure , Bundle-Branch Block/diagnosis , Bundle-Branch Block/therapy , Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices , Coronary Sinus/diagnostic imaging , Heart Failure/therapy , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome
10.
J Interv Card Electrophysiol ; 53(2): 225-231, 2018 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29680971

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The electrical coupling index (ECI) (Abbott, USA) is a marker of tissue contact and ablation depth developed particularly for atrial fibrillation treatment. We sought to evaluate if these measures can be also a marker of lesion efficacy during cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation for typical right atrial flutter. METHODS: We assessed the ECI values in patients undergoing typical right atrial flutter point-by-point ablation guided by the Ensite Velocity Contact™ (St. Jude Medical, now Abbott St. Paul, MN, USA) electroanatomic mapping system. ECI values were collected before, during (at the plateau), and after radiofrequency (RF) delivery. The physician was blinded to ECI and judged ablation efficacy according to standard parameters (impedance drop, local potential reduction, and/or split in two separate potentials). Patients were followed up at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Fifteen consecutive patients (11 males, mean age 69.2 ± 10.6 years) with a history of typical right atrial flutter were included in this study. A total of 158 RF applications were assessed (mean 10.5 ± 6.6 per patient, range 6-28). The absolute and percentage ECI variations (pre-/post-ablation) were significantly greater when applications were effective (p < 0.001). A 12% drop in the ECI after ablation was identified by the ROC curve as the best cutoff value to discriminate between effective and ineffective ablation (sensitivity 94%, specificity 100%). Acute success was achieved in all patients with no complications and no recurrences during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The ECI appeared a reliable index to guide CTI ablation. A 12% drop of ECI during radiofrequency energy delivery was highly accurate in identifying effective lesion.


Subject(s)
Anatomic Landmarks/diagnostic imaging , Atrial Flutter/surgery , Body Surface Potential Mapping/methods , Cardiac Catheters , Electric Impedance , Aged , Atrial Flutter/diagnostic imaging , Cohort Studies , Equipment Design , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , ROC Curve , Recurrence , Reoperation/methods , Risk Assessment , Treatment Outcome
11.
Europace ; 20(6): 1050-1057, 2018 06 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29016753

ABSTRACT

Aims: Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are indicated in a variety of clinical situations when extended cardiac rhythm monitoring is needed. We aimed to assess the clinical impact, safety, and accuracy of the new Medtronic Reveal LINQTM ILR that can be inserted outside the electrophysiology (EP) laboratory and remotely monitored. Methods and results: All 154 consecutive patients (100 males, 63 ± 15 year-old) who received the Reveal LINQTM ILR during the period July 2014-June 2016 were enrolled. The device was implanted in a procedure room and all patients where provided with the MyCareLinkTM remote monitoring system. Data were reviewed every working day via the Carelink® web system by a specialist nurse who, in case of significant events, consulted an electrophysiologist. During a mean follow-up of 12.1 (6.7-18.4) months (range 2-24 months), a diagnosis was made in 99 (64%) patients and in 60 (39%) ≥1 therapeutic interventions were established following recording of arrhythmias. In 26 of these 60 patients, remote monitoring prompted therapeutic interventions following asymptomatic arrhythmic events 3.8 months before the next theoretical scheduled in-office data download. False bradycardia detection for undersensing occurred in 44 (29%) patients and false tachycardia detection for oversensing in 4 (3%). One patient experienced skin erosion requiring explantation and none suffered from infection. Conclusion: The remote monitoring feature of the Reveal LINQTM allowed earlier diagnosis of asymptomatic but serious arrhythmias in a significant proportion of patients. Implantation of the device outside the EP laboratory appeared safe. However, R-wave undersensing and consequent false recognition of bradyarrhythmias remains a clinically important technical issue.


Subject(s)
Arrhythmias, Cardiac/diagnosis , Electrocardiography, Ambulatory , Electrodes, Implanted , Remote Sensing Technology , Aged , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/classification , Asymptomatic Diseases , Data Accuracy , Early Diagnosis , Electrocardiography, Ambulatory/instrumentation , Electrocardiography, Ambulatory/methods , Equipment Design , Female , Humans , Italy , Male , Middle Aged , Remote Sensing Technology/instrumentation , Remote Sensing Technology/methods , Reproducibility of Results
12.
Heart Rhythm ; 14(2): 225-233, 2017 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27989791

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Implantation of the left ventricular (LV) lead in segments with delayed electrical activation may improve response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount and regional distribution of LV electrical delay (LVED) in patients with or without left bundle branch block (LBBB). METHODS: We enrolled 60 patients who underwent electroanatomic mapping system-guided CRT device implantation. Activation mapping of the coronary sinus (CS) branches was performed using an insulated guidewire. LVED was defined as the interval between the beginning of the QRS complex on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and the local electrogram and expressed in milliseconds or as percentage of the total QRS duration (LVED%). RESULTS: Forty-three patients showed a LBBB and 17 a non-LBBB electrocardiographic pattern. A total of 148 CS branches (mean 2.5 per patient; range 2-4 per patient) were mapped. Patients with LBBB showed higher maximum LVED (135 ms [108-150 ms] vs 100 ms [103-110 ms]; P < .001) and LVED% (86% [79%-89%] vs 72% [54%-80%]; P < .001) than did patients without LBBB. The maximum LVED was recorded in mid-basal anterolateral or inferolateral LV segments (traditional CRT targets), significantly more often in patients with LBBB than in patients without LBBB (85% vs 59%; P = .02). The number of CS branches showing LVED >50% of the total QRS duration, >75% of the total QRS duration, and >85 ms was significantly higher in patients with LBBB than in patients without LBBB. CONCLUSION: Patients without LBBB showed lower LVED and more heterogeneous electrical activation of the CS than did patients with LBBB. This finding may contribute to a lower rate of response to CRT of patients without LBBB and suggests the use of activation mapping to guide LV lead placement.


Subject(s)
Body Surface Potential Mapping/methods , Bundle-Branch Block , Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy , Coronary Sinus/physiopathology , Heart Failure , Heart Ventricles/physiopathology , Postoperative Complications , Aged , Bundle-Branch Block/diagnosis , Bundle-Branch Block/etiology , Bundle-Branch Block/physiopathology , Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy/adverse effects , Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy/methods , Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices , Electric Stimulation/instrumentation , Electric Stimulation/methods , Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac/methods , Female , Heart Failure/diagnosis , Heart Failure/physiopathology , Heart Failure/therapy , Humans , Italy , Male , Middle Aged , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Postoperative Complications/diagnosis , Postoperative Complications/physiopathology , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/methods
13.
J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol ; 28(1): 85-93, 2017 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27862594

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation guided by an electroanatomic mapping system (EAMS) is an emerging technique that may reduce fluoroscopy and angiography use and provide information on coronary sinus (CS) electrical activation. We evaluated the outcome of the EAMS-guided CRT implantation technique in a multicenter registry. METHODS: During the period 2011-2014 we enrolled 125 patients (80% males, age 74 [71-77] years) who underwent CRT implantation by using the EnSite system to create geometric models of the patient's cardiac chambers, build activation mapping of the CS, and guide leads positioning. Two hundred and fifty patients undergoing traditional CRT implantation served as controls. Success and complication rates, fluoroscopy and total procedure times in the overall study population and according to center experience were collected. Centers that performed ≥10 were defined as highly experienced. RESULTS: Left ventricular lead implantation was successful in 122 (98%) cases and 242 (97%) controls (P = 0.76). Median fluoroscopy time was 4.1 (0.3-10.4) minutes in cases versus 16 (11-26) minutes in controls (P < 0.001). Coronary sinus angiography was performed in 33 (26%) cases and 208 (83%) controls (P < 0.001). Complications occurred in 5 (4%) cases and 17 (7%) controls (P = 0.28). Median fluoroscopy time (median 11 minutes vs. 3 minutes, P < 0.001) and CS angiography rate (55% vs. 21%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in low experienced centers, while success rate and complications rate were similar. CONCLUSIONS: EAMS-guided CRT implantation proved safe and effective in both high- and low-experienced centers and allowed to reduce fluoroscopy use by ≈75% and angiography rate by ≈70%.


Subject(s)
Arrhythmias, Cardiac/therapy , Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices , Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy , Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac , Heart Failure/therapy , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Therapy, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation , Action Potentials , Aged , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/diagnosis , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/physiopathology , Case-Control Studies , Coronary Angiography , Feasibility Studies , Female , Fluoroscopy , Heart Failure/diagnosis , Heart Failure/physiopathology , Heart Rate , Humans , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Italy , Male , Patient-Specific Modeling , Predictive Value of Tests , Radiography, Interventional , Registries , Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Ventricular Function, Left
14.
Europace ; 15(4): 546-53, 2013 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22997222

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) may be deleterious, determining abnormal left ventricular (LV) electrical activation and progressive LV dysfunction. Permanent His-bundle pacing (HBP) has been proposed to prevent this detrimental effect. The aim of our study was to compare the long-term effects of HBP on LV synchrony and systolic performance with those of RVAP in the same group of patients. METHODS: Our analysis included 26 patients who received both an HBP lead and an RVAP lead, as backup, in our electrophysiology laboratory between 2004 and 2007. After implantation, all devices were programmed to obtain HBP. An intra-patient comparison of the effects of HBP and RVAP on LV dyssynchrony and function was performed at the last available follow-up examination. RESULTS: After a mean of 34.6 ± 11 months, the pacing modality was temporarily switched to RVAP. During RVAP, LV ejection fraction significantly decreased (50.1 ± 8.8% vs. 57.3 ± 8.5%, P < 0.001), mitral regurgitation significantly increased (22.5 ± 10.9% vs.16.3 ± 12.4%; P = 0.018), and inter-ventricular delay significantly worsened (33.4 ± 19.5 ms vs. 7.1 ± 4.7 ms, P = 0.003) in comparison with HBP. However, the myocardial performance index was not statistically different between the two pacing modalities (P = 0.779). No asynchrony was revealed by tissue Doppler imaging during HBP, while during RVAP the asynchrony index was significantly higher in both the four-chamber (125.8 ± 63.9 ms; P = 0.035 vs. HBP) and two-chamber (126 ± 86.5 ms; P = 0.037 vs. HBP) apical views. CONCLUSION: His-bundle pacing has long-term positive effects on inter- and intra-ventricular synchrony and ventricular contractile performance in comparison with RVAP. It prevents asynchronous pacing-induced LV ejection fraction depression and mitral regurgitation.


Subject(s)
Arrhythmias, Cardiac/therapy , Bundle of His/physiopathology , Cardiac Pacing, Artificial/methods , Ventricular Function, Left , Ventricular Function, Right , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/diagnosis , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/physiopathology , Echocardiography, Doppler , Electrocardiography , Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac , Equipment Design , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mitral Valve Insufficiency/physiopathology , Mitral Valve Insufficiency/prevention & control , Myocardial Contraction , Pacemaker, Artificial , Predictive Value of Tests , Stroke Volume , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome
15.
Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J ; 12(6): 237-49, 2012 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23233757

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) has been proven to be very effective for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) if complete occlusion is achieved and conventionally assessed by angiographic injection of contrast within PV lumen. The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of saline contrast intracardiac echocardiography in guiding CBA with respect to PV angiography. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were randomly assigned fluoroscopy plus color-flow Doppler (n = 15; group 1: an iodinated medium as both angiographic and echographic contrast) or contrast intracardiac echocardiography plus color-flow Doppler (n = 15; group 2: saline contrast) for guidance of CBA. RESULTS: We evaluated 338 occlusions of 107 PVs. The intracardiac echocontrastography-guided assessment of occlusion, defined as loss of echocontrastographic back-flow to the left atrium after saline injection regardless of the visualization of PV antrum, showed a high level of agreement with the angiographic diagnosis of occlusion. PVI rate was similar in both groups and effectively guided by intracardiac echocontrastography (PVI using ≤ 2 double cryofreezes: 89% of PVs in group 1 vs. 91% in group 2; p=n.s.). Group 2 patients had significantly shorter procedure (127 ± 16 vs. 152 ± 19 minutes; p<0.05) and fluoroscopy times (30 ± 12 vs. 43 ± 9 minutes, p<0.05) and used a lower iodinated contrast (88 ± 26 vs. 190 ± 47 mL, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PV occlusion and PVI during cryoablation can be effectively predicted by intracardiac saline echocontrastography. This technique reduces procedural time, radiological exposure and iodinated contrast use.

16.
G Ital Cardiol (Rome) ; 13(10 Suppl 2): 152S-156S, 2012 Oct.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23096395

ABSTRACT

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown to improve survival, morbidity, symptoms, quality of life and exercise capacity, and to promote a beneficial reverse remodeling of the left ventricle in patients with heart failure, dilated hypokinetic left ventricle and wide QRS. The totality of evidence supports the use of CRT also in patients with mild symptoms (NYHA class II). However, the wider diffusion of CRT is determining a growing clinical and economic impact on national health systems. In clinical practice, in spite of "all-or-none" response, variable degrees of therapy response are commonly observed, but several evidence gaps remain to be addressed. According to recent guidelines for CRT implantation, a multiparametric combination of predictive factors emerging from the analysis of clinical trials, observational studies and registries, represents a useful tool for patient selection.


Subject(s)
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy , Heart Failure/therapy , Humans , Patient Selection , Treatment Failure
17.
Pacing Clin Electrophysiol ; 34(8): 968-74, 2011 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21477028

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Echographic examination of the lung surface may reveal multiple ultrasound lung comets (ULCs) originating from water-thickened interlobular septa. These images were demonstrated to be useful for noninvasive assessment of interstitial pulmonary edema. Similarly, the correlation between implantable defibrillator-measured intrathoracic impedance and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was demonstrated in heart failure (HF) patients. The aims of this analysis were to assess the agreement between defibrillator-detected impedance decrease and the presence of ULCs, as well as to compare the performance of the impedance-detection algorithm and the ULCs assessment in predicting HF worsening. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 23 HF patients implanted with a defibrillator capable of intrathoracic impedance measurement and alerting for fluid accumulation diagnosis. At regular follow-up and at visits for HF decompensation or device alert, clinical status was assessed, chest ultrasound was performed, and PCWP was noninvasively estimated with Doppler echocardiography. During 23 ± 11 months of follow-up, 45 paired assessments of defibrillator-measured intrathoracic impedance and ULCs were performed. The number of ULCs resulted significantly correlated to the paired PCWP estimations (r = 0.917, P < 0.001) and to the impedance fluid index (r = 0.669, P < 0.001). During follow-up, 12 episodes of HF decompensation were reported in 12 patients. The impedance alert detected clinical HF deterioration with 92% sensitivity and 69% positive predictive value. The presence of ≥5 ULCs showed 83% sensitivity and 91% positive predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the correlation between intrathoracic impedance and the number of ULCs at chest ultrasound, and a good agreement between the defibrillator warning for fluid index and the detection of multiple ULCs.


Subject(s)
Extravascular Lung Water/diagnostic imaging , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Pulmonary Edema/diagnostic imaging , Aged , Algorithms , Cardiography, Impedance/instrumentation , Cardiography, Impedance/methods , Defibrillators, Implantable , Echocardiography, Doppler/methods , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Heart Failure/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Prospective Studies , Pulmonary Wedge Pressure , Sensitivity and Specificity
18.
Europace ; 12(11): 1558-63, 2010 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20713490

ABSTRACT

AIMS: External electrical cardioversion (EC) usually requires brief general anaesthesia involving anaesthetists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of inducing anaesthesia for EC of atrial fibrillation (AF) exclusively by the cardiologic team with anaesthetists on-hand. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of 624 elective EC, over a 6-year period, was made. No patients were excluded due to the severity of pathology or comorbidities. The protocol of the intravenous anaesthesia was 5 mg bolus of midazolam and subsequent increasing doses of propofol starting from 20 mg to achieve the desired sedation level. After delivering DC shock, a direct observation period followed in order to assess the post-sedation recovery and to detect the procedure-related complications. Electrical cardioversion was effective in 98.9% of the cases. General anaesthesia was effective in 100% of cases with a dosage of propofol, ranging between 20 mg to a maximum of 80 mg, after 5 mg of midazolam was administered. All patients generally showed a fast recovery waking up in a few minutes. The anaesthesiology team was never called for assistance. All the procedures were carried out by the cardiologic team as planned. No thrombo-embolic and allergic complications were observed. Arrhythmic complications were uncommon and essentially bradyarrhythmias. CONCLUSION: A general anaesthesia for outpatient EC of AF can be safely handled by a cardiologist having adequate experience with anaesthetical agents. Moreover, the association of midazolam and a very small dosage of propofol, given their synergic action, is effective and safe in inducing anaesthesia. Arrhythmic complications are rare and limited to bradyarrhythmias.


Subject(s)
Anesthesia, General/methods , Anesthesia, Intravenous/methods , Anesthetics, Intravenous/administration & dosage , Atrial Fibrillation/surgery , Electric Countershock , Midazolam/administration & dosage , Propofol/administration & dosage , Aged , Anesthetics, Intravenous/adverse effects , Bradycardia/etiology , Female , Humans , Male , Midazolam/adverse effects , Middle Aged , Propofol/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome
19.
Pacing Clin Electrophysiol ; 32(9): 1152-8, 2009 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19719491

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Outpatient electrical cardioversion (EC) of atrial fibrillation is currently the standard of care. Shock-related arrhythmias may be particularly deleterious in this setting. Preoperative identification of high-risk patients may be very useful. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of 543 consecutive elective EC procedures in 457 outpatients over an 8-year period in a university cardiological institute. The protocol included adequate anticoagulation, intravenous anesthesia, direct current shock, and a direct observation after a shock to detect procedure-related complications. No patients were excluded due to severity of pathology or comorbidities. Clinical characteristics, energy delivered, medications, arrhythmic phenomena, and predictors of success and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 543 ECs performed, 88.2% restored sinus rhythm, which persisted at discharge in 83.2%. No anesthesia-related complications were detected. No thromboembolic complications were detected. Use of a biphasic cardioverter was the only predictor of success (P = 0.0001). The bradyarrhythmic complication rate was 1.5%. No ventricular arrhythmic events were detected. Atrial flutter was present in five of eight patients who developed complications versus 44 of 535 patients who had no complications (P < 0.0005), and prosthetic heart valves in four of eight complicated versus 40 of 535 uncomplicated cases (P = 0.0044). The combination of atrial flutter and prosthetic heart valve was found in four of eight complicated versus 11 of 535 uncomplicated cases (P < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Shock-related arrhythmias are essentially bradyarrhythmias. Atrial flutter and previous cardiac surgery identify a subgroup of patients at high risk of postshock bradyarrhythmic complications.


Subject(s)
Atrial Fibrillation/epidemiology , Atrial Fibrillation/prevention & control , Bradycardia/epidemiology , Electric Injuries/epidemiology , Aged , Ambulatory Care/statistics & numerical data , Comorbidity , Equipment Failure , Female , Humans , Incidence , Italy/epidemiology , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors
20.
Resuscitation ; 80(4): 493-6, 2009 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19231061

ABSTRACT

Diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is often challenging due to differing clinical presentations and unpredictable progression of the disease. We report a case of ARVD/C that presented as cardiac arrest in an 18-year-old male while playing soccer. The electrocardiographic features after resuscitation were typical of anterior ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, and the patient was initially managed accordingly. Importantly, an urgent coronary angiogram revealed completely normal coronary arteries. ARVD/C was first suspected following an echocardiogram, and was later confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance. One month before the event, the patient had been evaluated for ventricular extrasystoles and an abnormal resting electrocardiogram, however ARVD/C was ruled out because of the presence of only two minor diagnostic criteria (T-wave inversion in anterior precordial leads in the absence of right bundle branch block and more than 1000 ventricular extrasystoles during 24-h Holter monitoring). In consequence, physical activity was not forbidden. In conclusion, this case report enforces the need for a strict prohibition of physical activity and serial evaluation of individuals with only minor diagnostic criteria for ARVD/C, for lacking sensibility of Task Force diagnostic criteria.


Subject(s)
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/complications , Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/diagnosis , Myocardial Infarction/etiology , Adolescent , Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/physiopathology , Electrocardiography , Humans , Male , Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis , Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology
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