Incidence and patterns of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter-the FLUTFIB study.

AIMS: In patients with atrial flutter (AFL), ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) is a highly effective procedure to prevent AFL recurrence, but atrial fibrillation (AF) may occur during follow-up. The presented FLUTFIB study was designed to identify the exact incidence, duration, timely occurrence, and associated symptoms of AF after CTI ablation using continuous cardiac monitoring via implantable loop recorders. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred patients with AFL without prior AF diagnosis were included after CTI ablation (mean age 69.7 ± 9.7 years, 18% female) and received an implantable loop recorder for AF detection. After a median follow-up of 24 months 77 patients (77%) were diagnosed with AF episodes. Median time to first AF occurrence was 180 (43-298) days. Episodes lasted longer than 1 h in most patients (45/77, 58%). Forty patients (52%) had AF-associated symptoms.Patients with and without AF development showed similar baseline characteristics and neither HATCH- nor CHA2DS2-VASc scores were predictive of future AF episodes. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) was stopped during FU in 32 patients (32%) and was re-initiated after AF detection in 15 patients (15%). No strokes or transient ischaemic attack episodes were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study represents the largest investigation using implantable loop recorders (ILRs) to detect AF after AFL ablation and shows a high incidence of AF episodes, most of them being asymptomatic and lasting longer than 1 h. In anticipation of trials determining the duration of AF episodes that should trigger OAC initiation, these results will help to guide anticoagulation management after CTI ablation.

[Development of catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardias with special consideration of contributions from German engineers and electrophysiologists]. / Entwicklung der Katheterablation supraventrikulärer Tachykardien unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Beiträge deutscher Ingenieure und Elektrophysiologen.

The development and clinical implementation of catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia is one of the outstanding achievements of modern cardiovascular treatment. Over a period of less than 40 years, a curative and safe treatment strategy for almost all forms of atrial arrhythmias has been developed and implemented. German electrophysiologists and engineers have made a significant contribution to this truly outstanding success story in modern medicine. Their contributions should be appropriately acknowledged because without them, the development of ablation technology and its worldwide dissemination would not have been possible. Both the technological contributions and the medical-electrophysiological contributions were at the absolute forefront of worldwide developments and have made a significant contribution to the fact that today more than 500,000 patients with symptomatic and/or threatening cardiac arrhythmias can be successfully treated every year by use of catheter ablation. We would like to thank them all for their achievements.

Safety and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Appendage Closure-A Nationwide Analysis.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has emerged as a non-pharmacological alternative for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) not suitable for anticoagulation therapy. Real-world data on peri-procedural outcomes are limited. The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes of peri-procedural safety and healthcare resource utilization in 11,240 adult patients undergoing LAAC in the United States between 2016 and 2019. Primary outcomes (safety) were in-hospital ischemic stroke or systemic embolism (SE), pericardial effusion (PE), major bleeding, device embolization and mortality. Secondary outcomes (resource utilization) were adverse discharge disposition, hospital length of stay (LOS) and costs. Logistic and Poisson regression models were used to analyze outcomes by adjusting for 10 confounders. SE decreased by 97% between 2016 and 2019 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0-0.24] (p = 0.003), while a trend to lower numbers of other peri-procedural complications was determined. In-hospital mortality (0.14%) remained stable. Hospital LOS decreased by 17% (0.78-0.87, p < 0.001) and adverse discharge rate by 41% (95% CI 0.41-0.86, p = 0.005) between 2016 and 2019, while hospital costs did not significantly change (p = 0.2). Female patients had a higher risk of PE (OR 2.86 [95% CI 2.41-6.39]) and SE (OR 5.0 [95% CI 1.28-43.6]) while multi-morbid patients had higher risks of major bleeding (p < 0.001) and mortality (p = 0.031), longer hospital LOS (p < 0.001) and increased treatment costs (p = 0.073). Significant differences in all outcomes were observed between male and female patients across US regions. In conclusion, LAAC has become a safer and more efficient procedure. Significant sex differences existed across US regions. Careful considerations should be taken when performing LAAC in female and comorbid patients.

Risk of occurrence of electromagnetic interference from the application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the sensing function of implantable defibrillators.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an established method for pain relief. But electrical TENS currents are also a source of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Thus, TENS is considered to be contraindicated in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patients. However, data might be outdated due to considerable advances in ICD and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) filtering and noise protection algorithm technologies. The aim of this pilot safety study was to re-evaluate the safety of TENS in patients with modern ICDs. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients equipped with 55 different models of ICD/CRT with defibrillators from 4 manufacturers underwent a standardized test protocol including TENS at the cervical spine and the thorax, at 2 stimulation modes-high-frequency TENS (80 Hz) and burst-mode TENS (2 Hz). Potential interference monitoring included continuous documentation of ECG Lead II, intracardiac electrograms and the marker channel. Electromagnetic interference was detected in 17 of 107 patients (15.9%). Most frequent were: interpretations as a premature ventricular beats (VS/S) in 15 patients (14%), noise reversion in 5 (4.6%) which resulted in temporary asynchronous pacing in 3 (2.8%), interpretation as ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation in 2 (1.9%), and premature atrial beat in 2 (1.9%) patients. Electromagnetic interference occurrence was influenced by position (chest, P < 0.01), higher current intensity (P < 0.01), and manufacturer (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Overall, only intermittent and minor EMI were detected. Prior to the use of TENS in patients with ICDs, they should undergo testing under the supervision of a cardiac device specialist.

P-wave detection performance of the BioMonitor III, Confirm Rx and Reveal Linq implantable loop recorders.

INTRODUCTION: Rhythm interpretation of EGMs recorded by implantable loop recorders (ILRs) is facilitated in cases when p-waves are visible. The three most commonly used ILRs (BioMonitor III, Confirm RX and Reveal Linq) vary in size, electrode placement and filter algorithms. Therefore, p-wave visibility and amplitude on EGM may vary according to the implanted device. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients were included after ILR implantation. P-wave visibility and amplitude were evaluated in sinus rhythm on 30-s EGMs with standard resolution (25 mm/mV for Biotronik and St. Jude, 30 mm/mV for Medtronic) and after maximum magnification. Additionally, baseline characteristics and p-wave amplitude in lead II on the surface-ECG were documented. RESULTS: 148 patients with either BioMonitor III (n = 48), Confirm Rx (n = 51) or Reveal Linq (n = 49) ILRs were included. With standard resolution, p-waves were visible in 40 patients (83%) implanted with BioMonitor III, 36 patients (71%) with Confirm Rx and in 35 patients (71%) with Reveal Linq ILRs (p = 0.267). After maximum magnification, p-waves could not be identified in 6 patients with Confirm Rx ILR (12%) and 1 patient in both BioMonitor III and Reveal Linq ILR (2%; p = 0.051). The Biomonitor III showed higher p-wave amplitudes compared to the Confirm Rx (0.050 mV (0.040-0.070) vs. 0.030 mV (0.020-0.040); p < 0.001) and the Reveal Linq ILR (0.050 mV (0.040-0.070) vs. 0.030 mV (0.020-0.040); p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: P-wave amplitudes were higher in patients with Biomonitor III. This did not lead to higher p-wave visibility compared to the Confirm RX ILR or the Reveal Linq ILR.

Telemedical cardiac risk assessment by implantable cardiac monitors in patients after myocardial infarction with autonomic dysfunction (SMART-MI-DZHK9): a prospective investigator-initiated, randomised, multicentre, open-label, diagnostic trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac autonomic dysfunction after myocardial infarction identifies patients at high risk despite only moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. We aimed to show that telemedical monitoring with implantable cardiac monitors in these patients can improve early detection of subclinical but prognostically relevant arrhythmic events. METHODS: We did a prospective investigator-initiated, randomised, multicentre, open-label, diagnostic trial at 33 centres in Germany and Austria. Survivors of acute myocardial infarction with left ventricular ejection fraction of 36-50% had biosignal analysis for assessment of cardiac autonomic function. Patients with abnormal periodic repolarisation dynamics (≥5·75 deg2) or abnormal deceleration capacity (≤2·5 ms) were randomly assigned (1:1) to telemedical monitoring with implantable cardiac monitors or conventional follow-up. Primary endpoint was time to detection of serious arrhythmic events defined by atrial fibrillation 6 min or longer, atrioventricular block class IIb or higher and fast non-sustained (>187 beats per min; ≥40 beats) or sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02594488. FINDINGS: Between May 12, 2016, and July 20, 2020, 1305 individuals were screened and 400 patients at high risk were randomly assigned (median age 64 years [IQR 57-73]); left ventricular ejection fraction 45% [40-48]) to telemedical monitoring with implantable cardiac monitors (implantable cardiac monitor group; n=201) or conventional follow-up (control group; n=199). During median follow-up of 21 months, serious arrhythmic events were detected in 60 (30%) patients of the implantable cardiac monitor group and 12 (6%) patients of the control group (hazard ratio 6·33 [IQR 3·40-11·78]; p<0·001). An improved detection rate by implantable cardiac monitors was observed for all types of serious arrhythmic events: atrial fibrillation 6 min or longer (47 [23%] patients vs 11 [6%] patients; p<0·001), atrioventricular block class IIb or higher (14 [7%] vs 0; p<0·001) and ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (nine [4%] patients vs two [1%] patients; p=0·054). INTERPRETATION: In patients at high risk after myocardial infarction and cardiac autonomic dysfunction but only moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, telemedical monitoring with implantable cardiac monitors was highly effective in early detection of subclinical, prognostically relevant serious arrhythmic events. FUNDING: German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) and Medtronic Bakken Research Center.

Benefit of a wearable cardioverter defibrillator for detection and therapy of arrhythmias in patients with myocarditis.

AIMS: Myocarditis may lead to malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. As of today, there are no reliable predictors to identify individuals at risk for these catastrophic events. The aim of this study was to evaluate if a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) may detect and treat such arrhythmias adequately in the peracute setting of myocarditis. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this observational, retrospective, single centre study, we reviewed patients presenting to the Charité Hospital from 2009 to 2017, who were provided with a WCD for the diagnosis of myocarditis with reduced ejection fraction (<50%) and/or arrhythmias. Amongst 259 patients receiving a WCD, 59 patients (23%) were diagnosed with myocarditis by histology. The mean age was 46 ± 14 years, and 11 patients were women (19%). The mean WCD wearing time was 86 ± 63 days, and the mean daily use was 20 ± 5 h. During that time, two patients (3%) had episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT; four total) corresponding to a rate of 28 sustained VT episodes per 100 patient-years. Consequently, one of these patients underwent rhythm stabilization through intravenous amiodarone, while the other patient received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Two patients (3.4%) were found to have non-sustained VT. CONCLUSIONS: Using a WCD after acute myocarditis led to the detection of sustained VT in 2/59 patients (3%). While a WCD may prevent sudden cardiac death after myocarditis, our data suggest that WCD may have impact on clinical management through monitoring and arrhythmia detection.

Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with COVID-19: Lessons from 2300 telemetric monitoring days on the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 seem to be prone to the development of arrhythmias. The objective of this trial was to determine the characteristics, clinical significance and therapeutic consequences of these arrhythmias in COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 113 consecutive patients (mean age 64.1 ± 14.3 years, 30 (26.5%) female) with positive PCR testing for SARS-CoV2 as well as radiographically confirmed pulmonary involvement admitted to the ICU from March to May 2020 were included and observed for a cumulative time of 2321 days. Fifty episodes of sustained atrial tachycardias, five episodes of sustained ventricular arrhythmias and thirty bradycardic events were documented. Sustained new onset atrial arrhythmias were associated with hemodynamic deterioration in 13 cases (35.1%). Patients with new onset atrial arrhythmias were older, showed higher levels of Hs-Troponin and NT-proBNP, and a more severe course of disease. The 5 ventricular arrhythmias (two ventricular tachycardias, two episodes of ventricular fibrillation, and one torsade de pointes tachycardia) were observed in 4 patients. All episodes could be terminated by immediate defibrillation/cardioversion. Five bradycardic events were associated with hemodynamic deterioration. Precipitating factors could be identified in 19 of 30 episodes (63.3%), no patient required cardiac pacing. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between patients with or without bradycardic events. CONCLUSION: Relevant arrhythmias are common in severely ill ICU patients with COVID-19. They are associated with worse courses of disease and require specific treatment. This makes daily close monitoring of telemetric data mandatory in this patient group.

Safe procedures despite ultra low radiation doses during catheter ablations of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias-A multicenter experience.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the development of non-fluoroscopic catheter visualization options, fluoroscopy is still used in most ablation procedures. The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new ultra-low dose radiation protocol for EP procedures in a large number of patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 3462 consecutive patients (male 1926 (55.6%), age 64.4 ± 14.0 years, BMI 26.65 ± 4.70) undergoing radiofrequency ablation (left atrial (n = 2316 [66.9%], right atrial (n = 675 [19.5%], or ventricular (n = 471 [13.6%]) in three German centers were included in the analysis. Procedures were performed using a new ultra-low dose protocol operating at 8nGy for fluoroscopy and 36nGy for cine-loops. Additionally a very low framerate (2-3FPS) was used. Using the new protocol very low Air kerma-area product (KAP) values were achieved for left atrial ablations (104.25 ± 84.22 µGym2 ), right atrial ablations (70.98 ± 94.79 µGym2 ) and ablations for ventricular tachycardias or PVCs (78.62 ± 66.59 µGym2 ). Acute procedural success was achieved in 3289/3388 (97.1%) while the rate of major complications was very low compared to previously published studies not using low dose settings (n = 20, 0.6%). CONCLUSION: The ultra-low dose, low framerate protocol leads to very low radiation doses for all EP procedures while neither procedural time, fluoroscopy time nor success or complication rates were compromised. When compared to current real-world Air KAP data the new ultra-low dose fluoroscopy protocol reduces radiation exposure by more than 90%.

The use of a high-power (50 W), ablation index-guided protocol for ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus.

BACKGROUND: High-power (HP) ablation protocols are increasingly used for ablation procedures to shorten procedural times and improve short- and long-term success. The ablation index (AI) combines contact force, power settings, and ablation time. It can be used in combination with HP protocols to guide operators toward standardized lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both a HP and AI-guided strategy for ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFL). METHODS: In this single-center study, consecutive patients with typical AFL (n = 52, mean age 68.7 ± 8.3 years, 21/52 [40.4%] female) underwent AI-guided HP radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the CTI. Ablation was performed with 50 W and AI target values of 550 with a maximum ablation duration of 25 seconds per lesion. Target interlesion distance was ≤6 mm. Ablation was performed with a 3.5 mm porous tip Smarttouch SF catheter. RESULTS: Acute CTI block was achieved in 52 of 52 patients (100%), and first-pass conduction block was achieved in 41 of 52 patients (80.4%). Spontaneous reconduction after 30 minutes waiting time occurred in 1 of 52 (1.9%) patient. Average ablation time until CTI block was 3:51 ± 1:40; 2:33 ± 1:01 minutes of bonus ablation pulses were applied after CTI block. An audible steam pop was noted in one patient (1.9%). No major complications occurred. After a mean follow-up of 193.7 ± 152.2 days, no patient showed recurrence of typical AFL. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, AI-guided HP ablation of the CTI was fast, safe, and effective.

Reduction of mapping time in pulmonary vein isolation using atrial pacing during left atrial voltage map acquisition.

INTRODUCTION: 3D mapping systems are used during radiofrequency (RF) pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) to facilitate catheter navigation and to provide additional electroanatomical information as a surrogate marker for the presence and location of fibrotic atrial myocardium. Electric voltage information can only be measured when the myocardium is depolarized. Low heart rates or frequent premature atrial beats can significantly prolong creation of detailed left atrial voltage maps. This study was designed to evaluate the potential advantage of voltage information collection during atrial pacing instead of acquisition during sinus rhythm. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included in the study, in 20 consecutive patients voltage mapping was performed during sinus rhythm, and in the following 20 patients during atrial pacing. The average age of the included patients was 69.5 ± 9.4, 17 of 40 patients (43%) were male. All procedures were performed using the Carto 3D Mapping system. For LA voltage mapping, a multipolar circular mapping catheter was used. The atrium was paced via the proximal coronary sinus catheter electrodes with a fixed cycle length of 600 ms. By mapping during atrial pacing mapping time was reduced by 35% (441 s. (±141) vs. 683 s. (±203) p = 0.029) while a higher number of total mapping points were acquired (908 ± 560 vs. 581 ± 150, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Acquiring left atrial low voltage maps during atrial pacing significantly reduces mapping time. As pacing also improves comparability of left atrial electroanatomical maps we suggest that this approach may be considered as a standard during these procedures.

[Update on radiation exposure in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation]. / Update zum Strahlenschutz bei der Katheterablation von Vorhofflimmern.

The rising number of catheter ablations of atrial fibrillation increases radiation exposure for both patients and surgeons. Fortunately, this trend is counteracted by the development of measures to reduce total fluoroscopy time using non-fluoroscopic catheter visualization. Since even low-dose radiation can cause serious injury, all options to reduce radiation burden must be utilized (ALARA, "as low as reasonably achievable"). Dose reduction protocols with low-dose settings, which include reduced framerates, pulse duration, detector entrance dose and increased beam hardening, play a decisive role in this regard. This review provides a state-of-the-art summary of non-fluoroscopic catheter visualization and dose reduction protocols for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Draft Genome Sequence of Desulfosporosinus sp. Strain Sb-LF, Isolated from an Acidic Peatland in Germany.

Desulfosporosinus sp. strain Sb-LF was isolated from an acidic peatland in Bavaria, Germany. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the sulfate-reducing and lactate-utilizing strain Sb-LF.

Correlation of P-wave properties with the size of left atrial low voltage areas in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial low voltage areas (LVA) are associated with increased recurrence rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation and can be a potential ablation target during the procedure. Therefore, noninvasive prediction of the presence and the distribution of LVA may help physicians to predict ablation outcomes and to guide antiarrhythmic management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-three consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing first time left atrial ablation for paroxysmal or persistent AF were enrolled. P-wave properties (amplitude and duration) were measured in all limb and precordial leads in pre-interventional sinus rhythm surface ECGs and correlated with total LVA size. LVA were detected via high density low voltage maps of the left atrium in sinus rhythm. LVA were then manually encircled, their total size was calculated and given as a percentage of the total LA surface area. RESULTS: A significant, inverse correlation with LVA size was shown for P-wave amplitude for leads I, II, aVR, aVF, V1, V4, V5 and V6. Additionally, a significant positive correlation between LVA size and P-wave duration was shown for leads V1, V2 and V3. As the strongest correlation was shown for the amplitude in lead I (R = -0.578), this lead was used to find a potential cutoff for LVA prediction. The best cut-off for a P-wave amplitude in lead I to predict severe scarring (defined as LVA size >35%, according to UTAH stadium IV) was 0.062 mV with an area-under-the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.935, a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 88%. CONCLUSIONS: P-wave duration and amplitude show significant correlations with LVA size and may be used as a noninvasive tool to predict severe scarring. Amplitudes in lead I smaller than 0.062 mV were found to be predictive of LVA >35%.

Implantable loop recorders in patients with unexplained syncope: Clinical predictors of pacemaker implantation.

BACKGROUND: Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are a valuable tool for the investigation of unexplainedsyncopal episodes. The aim of this retrospective single center study was to identify predictive factors for pacemaker implantation in patients with unexplained syncope who underwent ILR insertion. METHODS: One hundred six patients were retrospectively analyzed (mean age 59.1 years; 47.2% male) with unexplained syncope and negative conventional testing who underwent ILR implantation. The pri- mary study endpoint was detection of symptomatic or asymptomatic bradycardia requiring pacemaker implantation. RESULTS: The average follow-up period after ILR implantation was 20 ± 15 months. Pacemaker im- plantation according to current guidelines was necessary in 22 (20.8%) patients, mean duration until index bradycardia was 81 ± 88 (2-350) days. Ten (45.5%) patients received a pacemaker due to sinus arrest, 7 (31.8%) patients due to third-degree atrioventricular block, 2 (9.1%) patients due to second- degree atrioventricular block and 1 (4.5%) patient due to atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular rate. Three factors remained significant in multivariate analysis: obesity, which defined by a body mass index above 30 kg/m2 (OR: 7.39, p = 0.014), a right bundle branch block (OR: 9.40, p = 0.023) and chronic renal failure as defined by a glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 mL/min (OR: 6.42, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Bradycardia is a frequent finding in patients undergoing ILR implantation due to un- explained syncope. Obesity, right bundle branch block and chronic renal failure are independent clinical predictors of pacemaker implantation.

A combination of rare complications 3 years after a dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.

Late perforation of the atrial wall after pacemaker implantation frequently remains asymptomatic but may cause chest pain, dyspnea or syncope. Perforation can also lead to rarer complications such as hemoptysis and pneumopericardium. We present the case of a patient who developed progressive hemoptysis 3 years after a dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. Pacemaker interrogation showed stable impedance of the right atrial lead and stable pacing threshold values. CT revealed perforation of the right atrial wall by the RA-lead with consecutive pneumopericardium and diffuse lung bleeding of the right middle lobe. The patient was hemodynamically stable at all times. The right atrial lead was transvenously extracted and replaced without any further complications.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) Storm After Cryoballoon-Based Pulmonary Vein Isolation.

BACKGROUND Following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmia has been observed. We report a case of sustained ventricular arrhythmia in a patient who underwent cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation for symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation. CASE REPORT A 57-year-old patient with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent CB-based pulmonary vein isolation for symptomatic persistent AF. On the day following an uneventful procedure, the patient for the first time experienced a sustained ventricular tachycardia that exacerbated into VT storm. Each arrhythmia was terminated by the ICD that had been implanted for primary prevention. Antiarrhythmic treatment with amiodarone was initiated immediately. The patient remained free from sustained ventricular arrhythmia during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS After pulmonary vein isolation, physicians should be vigilant for ventricular arrhythmia. The influence of atrial autonomic innervation on ventricular electrophysiology is largely unknown.

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Interrogation at Forensic Autopsy: An Underestimated Resource?

BACKGROUND: Postmortem interrogations of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), recommended at autopsy in suspected cases of sudden cardiac death, are rarely performed, and data on systematic postmortem CIED analysis in the forensic pathology are missing. The aim of the study was to determine whether nonselective postmortem CIED interrogations and data analysis are useful to the forensic pathologist to determine the cause, mechanism, and time of death and to detect potential CIED-related safety issues. METHODS: From February 2012 to April 2017, all autopsy subjects in the department of forensic medicine at the University Hospital Charité who had a CIED underwent device removal and interrogation. Over the study period, 5368 autopsies were performed. One hundred fifty subjects had in total 151 CIEDs, including 109 pacemakers, 35 defibrillators, and 7 implantable loop recorders. RESULTS: In 40 cases (26.7%) time of death and in 51 cases (34.0%) cause of death could not be determined by forensic autopsy. Of these, CIED interrogation facilitated the determination of time of death in 70.0% of the cases and clarified the cause of death in 60.8%. Device concerns were identified in 9 cases (6.0%), including 3 hardware, 4 programming, and 2 algorithm issues. One CIED was submitted to the manufacturer for a detailed technical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate the necessity of systematic postmortem CIED interrogation in forensic medicine to determine the cause and timing of death more accurately. In addition, CIED analysis is an important tool to detect potential CIED-related safety issues.