Net clinical benefit of oral anticoagulants in Korean atrial fibrillation patients with low to intermediate stroke risk: A report from the Clinical Survey on Stroke Prevention in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (CS-SPAF).

Background: The balance of stroke risk reduction and potential bleeding risk associated with antithrombotic treatment (ATT) remains unclear in atrial fibrillation (AF) at non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc scores 0-1. A net clinical benefit (NCB) analysis of ATT may guide stroke prevention strategies in AF with non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc scores 0-1. Methods: This multi-center cohort study evaluated the clinical outcomes of treatment with a single antiplatelet (SAPT), vitamin K antagonist (VKA), and non-VKA oral anticoagulant (NOAC) in non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score 0-1 and further stratified by biomarker-based ABCD score (Age [≥60 years], B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP] or N-terminal pro-BNP [≥300 pg/mL], creatinine clearance [<50 mL/min], and dimension of the left atrium [≥45 mm]). The primary outcome was the NCB of ATT, including composite thrombotic events (ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, and myocardial infarction) and major bleeding events. Results: We included 2465 patients (age 56.2 ± 9.5 years; female 27.0%) followed-up for 4.0 ± 2.8 years, of whom 661 (26.8%) were treated with SAPT; 423 (17.2%) with VKA; and 1040 (42.2%) with NOAC. With detailed risk stratification using the ABCD score, NOAC showed a significant positive NCB compared with the other ATTs (SAPT vs. NOAC, NCB 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-4.66; VKA vs. NOAC, NCB 2.38, 95% CI 0.56-5.40) in ABCD score ≥1. ATT failed to show a positive NCB in patients with truly low stroke risk (ABCD score = 0). Conclusions: In the Korean AF cohort at non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc scores 0-1, NOAC showed significant NCB advantages over VKA or SAPT with ABCD score ≥1.

Validation of Biomarker-Based ABCD Score in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with a Non-Gender CHA2DS2-VASc Score 0-1: A Korean Multi-Center Cohort.

PURPOSE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with low to intermediate risk, defined as non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0-1, are still at risk of stroke. This study verified the usefulness of ABCD score [age (≥60 years), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-BNP (≥300 pg/mL), creatinine clearance (<50 mL/min/1.73 m²), and dimension of the left atrium (≥45 mm)] for stroke risk stratification in non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score 0-1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multi-center cohort study retrospectively analyzed AF patients with non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score 0-1. The primary endpoint was the incidence of stroke with or without antithrombotic therapy (ATT). An ABCD score was validated. RESULTS: Overall, 2694 patients [56.3±9.5 years; female, 726 (26.9%)] were followed-up for 4.0±2.8 years. The overall stroke rate was 0.84/100 person-years (P-Y), stratified as follows: 0.46/100 P-Y for an ABCD score of 0; 1.02/100 P-Y for an ABCD score ≥1. The ABCD score was superior to non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score in the stroke risk stratification (C-index=0.618, p=0.015; net reclassification improvement=0.576, p=0.040; integrated differential improvement=0.033, p=0.066). ATT was prescribed in 2353 patients (86.5%), and the stroke rate was significantly lower in patients receiving non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) therapy and an ABCD score ≥1 than in those without ATT (0.44/100 P-Y vs. 1.55/100 P-Y; hazard ratio=0.26, 95% confidence interval 0.11-0.63, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The biomarker-based ABCD score demonstrated improved stroke risk stratification in AF patients with non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score 0-1. Furthermore, NOAC with an ABCD score ≥1 was associated with significantly lower stroke rate in AF patients with non-gender CHA2DS2-VASc score 0-1.

Impact of de novo tachyarrhythmias in patients with prior acute coronary syndrome.

Although the incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has increased over the decades, the overall prognosis has improved with newer stents, tailored medication, and better intervention techniques. Atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular arrhythmia at the time of ACS diagnosis are known indicators of a poor acute prognosis. However, there is a lack of data regarding the long-term arrhythmic impact of ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VA) on mortality in ACS patients. This study sought to elucidate the impact of tachyarrhythmia on mortality during long-term follow-up in patients with a history of ACS. This retrospective study was conducted in a single university hospital, and it evaluated the clinical outcomes, especially regarding cardiovascular mortality and readmission. The enrolled patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ACS between February 2004 and March 2018. Clinical information was attained by a thorough chart review. We retrospectively analyzed 560 ACS patients. We reviewed all electrocardiograms (ECGs) before and immediately after PCI, during hospitalization, and within 3 months of the index PCI. Three months after the index PCI procedure, any Holter monitoring or ECG was also reviewed for arrhythmia diagnosis. During follow-up, 91 patients were diagnosed with AF and 36 patients were diagnosed with VA. Overall mortality was related to the presence of anemia, low body mass index, low left ventricular ejection fraction after PCI, late-diagnosed AF, and any VA during follow-up. Readmission was higher in patients with chronic kidney disease and newly diagnosed AF during the follow-up. Diagnosis of late tachyarrhythmia during follow-up was associated with increased mortality in post-ACS patients.

The first survey on patient needs for remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic device in South Korea.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Studies showed that remote device monitoring reduced unnecessary outpatient visits and increased patient satisfaction. As there was no local research on remote monitoring (RM) in Korea, there was a lack of evidence for policy or insurance standards due to the lack of domestic data despite high demand by domestic arrhythmia experts. To establish the basis for patient satisfaction, economic efficiency, and safety of wireless monitoring, a survey-based study was planned. METHODS: This was a single-university hospital survey. The satisfaction index was evaluated using a questionnaire to investigate patient satisfaction in outpatient clinics, economic efficiency (measured as home-to-clinic time, waiting time, and actual clinic time), and demand for RM in patients with implantable cardiac devices. The questionnaire was adopted and modified from the Survey on Telehealth Patient Experience by Bas-Villalobos, 2006 (modified Korean version 2.0 by You Mi Hwang, 2020). RESULTS: Surveys were answered by 171 patients. The mean age of these patients was 71.2 ±â€Š12.4 years. Based on the survey, home to clinic time was usually less than one h, mean waiting time in the hospital until clinic time ranged 42.6 ±â€Š24.5 minutes, and mean clinic time ranged 3.1 ±â€Š1.7 minutes. Based on the survey, patients favored RM over hospital visits with cardiac implantable electronic device follow-up mainly because of long travel times from home to clinic. CONCLUSION: Based on the survey results, there is a clear need for RM in patients who have cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.

ABSTRACT: The prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection has not been well evaluated. We estimated the prognostic implications of AF in SARS-CoV-2 confirmed patients.The OpenData4Covid19 (https://hira-covid19.net) project is a global research collaboration on coronavirus disease (COVID-19), hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea. This dataset comprises all COVID-19-tested patients and their individual histories of medical service use from January 1, 2017 to May 15, 2020. All patients >19 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. The primary endpoint was a composite of death and intensive care unit admission.In total, 7162 adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in this study. The prevalence of AF was 1.8% (n = 130). Patients with AF had unfavorable characteristics, such as older age and higher prevalence of comorbidities. The primary endpoint was more common in patients with AF than in those without (33.9% vs 12.9%, P < .001). In the multivariable model, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.035, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.030-1.040), female sex (OR: 0.618, 95% CI: 0.535-0.713), diabetes (OR: 1.341, 95% CI: 1.093-1.580), and chronic kidney disease (OR: 2.714, 95% CI: 1.541-4.777) were associated with the primary endpoint. However, AF was not an independent predictor of the primary endpoint (OR: 1.402, 95% CI: 0.932-2.108).Patients with AF and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection had more comorbidities and a worse prognosis. However, an independent association between AF and adverse clinical outcomes was not evident.

Corrigendum: Comparison of Mobile Application-Based ECG Consultation by Collective Intelligence and ECG Interpretation by Conventional System in a Tertiary-Level Hospital.

This corrects the article on p. 351 in vol. 51, PMID: 33821585.

Pacemaker dependency after transcatheter aortic valve replacement compared to surgical aortic valve replacement.

ABSTRACT: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a standard treatment indicated for severe aortic stenosis in high-risk patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of pacemaker dependency after permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) following TAVR or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and the risk of mortality at a tertiary center in Korea.In this retrospective study conducted at a single tertiary center, clinical outcomes related to pacemaker dependency were evaluated for patients implanted with pacemakers after TAVR from January 2012 to November 2018 and post-SAVR from January 2005 to May 2015. Investigators reviewed patients' electrocardiograms and baseline rhythms as well as conduction abnormalities. Pacemaker dependency was defined as a ventricular pacing rate > 90% with an intrinsic rate of <40 bpm during interrogation.Of 511 patients who underwent TAVR for severe AS, 37(7.3%) underwent PPI after a median duration of 6 (3-7) days, whereas pacemakers were implanted after a median interval of 13 (8-28) days post-SAVR in 10 of 663 patients (P < .001). Pacemaker dependency was observed in 36 (97.3%) patients during 7 days immediately post-TAVR and in 25 (64.9%) patients between 8 and 180 days post-TAVR. Pacemaker dependency occurred after 180 days in 17 (50%) patients with TAVR and in 4 (44.4%) patients with SAVR. Twelve (41.4%) patients were pacemaker-dependent after 365 days post-TAVR.Pacemaker dependency did not differ at 6 months after TAVR vs SAVR. In patients undergoing post-TAVR PPI, 58.6% were not pacemaker-dependent at 1 year after the TAVR procedure.

Comparison of Mobile Application-Based ECG Consultation by Collective Intelligence and ECG Interpretation by Conventional System in a Tertiary-Level Hospital.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A mobile application (app)-based electrocardiogram (ECG) consultation system (InterMD Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea) using the collective intelligence (CI) and the availability of large-scale digitized ECG data would extend the utility of ECGs beyond their current limitations, while at the same time preserving interpretability that remains critical to medical decision-making. METHODS: We developed a new mobile app-based ECG consultation system by CI for general practitioners. We compared the responses of ECG reading between the mobile app-based CI system and the conventional system in a tertiary referring hospital. RESULTS: We analyzed 376 consecutive ECGs between December 2017 and May 2019. Of these, 159 ECGs (42.3%) were interpreted by CI through the mobile app-based ECG consultation system and 217 ECGs (57.7%) were analyzed by cardiologists in the conventional systems based on electronic medical record data in a tertiary hospital. All ECG readings were confirmed by an electrophysiologist (EP). The time to an initial response by the CI system was faster than that of the conventional system (6.6 hours vs. 35.8 hours, p<0.0001). The number of responses of each ECG in CI system outnumbered those of the conventional system in the tertiary hospital (3.1 vs. 1.2, p<0.0001). The consensus of the ECG readings with EP was similar in both systems (98.6% vs. 100%, p=0.158). CONCLUSIONS: The mobile app-based ECG consultation system by CI is as reliable method as the conventional referral system. It would expand the app of the 12-lead ECG with the collaboration of physicians in clinics and hospitals without time and space constraints.

Ten-year trends in the incidence, treatment and outcomes of patients with mitral stenosis in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: Mitral stenosis increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. Large data underlying the trend in incidence, treatment and outcomes of mitral stenosis are lacking. METHODS: Based on the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database in Republic of Korea, patients who were diagnosed with mitral stenosis between 2007 and 2016 were enrolled. Trends in the incidence rate and changing patterns of treatment and outcome for stroke and systemic embolism and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 42 075 patients (mean age 60.7±13.5 years, 13 303 (31.6%) male) were included in the present study. The number included 27 824 (66.1%) patients with mitral stenosis and comorbid AF. The age-standardised annual incidence rate per 100 000 of mitral stenosis in Korea decreased remarkably from 10.3 to 3.6 over 10 years. The use of anticoagulation therapy increased consistently. The annual incidence of stroke and systemic embolism showed signs of plateau, while the incidence of ICH increased. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence rate of mitral stenosis in Korean population has decreased remarkably. As increasing the use of vitamin K antagonist, the annual incidence rate of ICH was increased but the rate of stroke incidence reached a plateau. Alternative effective anticoagulation strategy should be investigated.

Alternative strategies to improve success rate of mitral isthmus block.

Achieving bidirectional conduction block (BDB) across the mitral isthmus (MI) is technically challenging. We describe our experience using different ablation strategies for achieving successful MI block.We reviewed the records of patients who had undergone MI ablation for peri-mitral (PM) flutter at our institution from January 2010 to May 2015. We investigated ablation strategies for achieving MI block and their long-term outcomes in terms of recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia.Single endocardial MI ablation with or without distal coronary sinus (CS) ablation achieved MI block in 129 out of 236 (54.7%) patients. After failure of MI block, a new MI line ablation, ablation targeting the vein of Marshall (VOM), or anterior line ablation was performed in selected patients. The MI block was achieved in 13 (52.0%) out of 25 patients with new MI line ablation and in 13 (68.4%) out of 19 patients with VOM ablation. Anterior line ablation was tried in 23 patients and the line of block was achieved in 12 (52.2%) patients. Finally, overall PM BDB (PMB, MI block or anterior line block) was achieved in 167 (70.8%) of 236 patients. The incidence atrial tachyarrhythmia was similar between the patients with successful PMB and those with failed PMB (32.9% vs 42.0%, P = .18). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, the PMB was not associated with recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-1.12).In conclusion, single endocardial MI line with or without distal CS ablation showed limited success for achieving MI block. Additional substrate modifications such as a new MI line ablation, anterior line ablation, or ablation targeting the VOM may improve the success rate of PMB block. However, the benefits of PMB were not clear in this study.

Conduction disturbance after isolated surgical aortic valve replacement in degenerative aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Conduction disturbances are common in patients with aortic stenosis. We investigated the incidence, reversibility, and prognosis of conduction disorders requiring permanent pacemaker implantation in patients with degenerative aortic stenosis after isolated aortic valve replacement. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care center. We evaluated the incidence of conduction disturbances in patients who underwent isolated surgical aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis between January 2005 and May 2015. Relevant clinical information was obtained from the patients' medical records. RESULTS: We reviewed results of 663 patients with pathologically proven degenerative aortic stenosis (bicuspid aortic valve, n = 285 [43.0%]) who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (mechanical valve, n = 310 [46.8%]). Patients' mean age was 67.1 ± 8.1 years, and 362 were male (54.6%). Immediate postoperative intraventricular conduction disorders occurred in 56 patients (8.4%), and atrioventricular block occurred in 68 patients (10.3%). Ten patients with symptomatic second-degree or third-degree atrioventricular block underwent permanent pacemaker implantation within 30 days of aortic valve replacement. During the mean follow-up period of 1288 ± 1122 days, 64 patients (9.7%) developed irreversible conduction disorders (bundle branch block n = 24 and first-degree atrioventricular block n = 42). Of the 10 patients requiring permanent pacemakers, 4 remained depend on the permanent pacemaker during follow-up. Beyond 30 days after aortic valve replacement, 1 patient underwent permanent pacemaker implantation for de novo conduction disturbance 44 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: After isolated aortic valve replacement, permanent pacemaker implantation for conduction disturbance is rare (n = 10/663, 1.5%). Isolated aortic valve replacement for degenerative aortic stenosis has a low risk of conduction disturbances during long-term follow-up.

Extremely low-frame-rate digital fluoroscopy in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A comparison of 2 versus 4 frame rate.

Despite the technological advance in 3-dimensional (3D) mapping, radiation exposure during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to be a major concern in both patients and physicians. Previous studies reported substantial radiation exposure (7369-8690 cGy cm) during AF catheter ablation with fluoroscopic settings of 7.5 frames per second (FPS) under 3D mapping system guidance. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a low-frame-rate fluoroscopy protocol for catheter ablation for AF.Retrospective analysis of data on 133 patients who underwent AF catheter ablation with 3-D electro-anatomic mapping at our institute from January 2014 to May 2015 was performed. Since January 2014, fluoroscopy frame rate of 4-FPS was implemented at our institute, which was further decreased to 2-FPS in September 2014. We compared the radiation exposure quantified as dose area product (DAP) and effective dose (ED) between the 4-FPS (n = 57) and 2-FPS (n = 76) groups.The 4-FPS group showed higher median DAP (599.9 cGy cm; interquartile range [IR], 371.4-1337.5 cGy cm vs. 392.0 cGy cm; IR, 289.7-591.4 cGy cm; P < .01), longer median fluoroscopic time (24.4 min; IR, 17.5-34.9 min vs. 15.1 min; IR, 10.7-20.1 min; P < .01), and higher median ED (1.1 mSv; IR, 0.7-2.5 mSv vs. 0.7 mSv; IR, 0.6-1.1 mSv; P < .01) compared with the 2-FPS group. No major procedure-related complications such as cardiac tamponade were observed in either group. Over follow-up durations of 331 ±â€Š197 days, atrial tachyarrhythmia recurred in 20 patients (35.1%) in the 4-FPS group and in 27 patients (35.5%) in the 2-FPS group (P = .96). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed no significant different between the 2 groups (log rank, P = .25).In conclusion, both the 4-FPS and 2-FPS settings were feasible and emitted a relatively low level of radiation compared with that historically reported for DAP in a conventional fluoroscopy setting.

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Targeting the Vein of Marshall in Difficult Mitral Isthmus Ablation or Pulmonary Vein Isolation.

INTRODUCTION: The ligament of Marshall may hinder the creation of mitral isthmus (MI) block or pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) in radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to assess the benefit of RF ablation targeting the vein of Marshall (VOM) in failed cases of MI block or PVI. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent RF ablation targeting the VOM after failed MI ablation or left PVI using the conventional method, which included circumferential point-by-point ablation around the PV antrum and carina for PVI, and endocardial MI and epicardial distal coronary sinus (CS) ablation for MI block. The VOM was identified by using selective VOM venography with an external irrigation RF ablation catheter. RF ablation targeting the VOM was performed with RF application at the ostium of the VOM inside the CS or at the endocardial region facing the VOM course. During the set period, CS venography was performed in 42 patients after failure of left PVI (n = 5) or MI block (n = 37). Under CS venography, the VOM was visualized in 22 of 42 patients (MI = 19 and PVI = 3). During selective venography of the VOM, no procedure-related complication was observed. RF application targeting the VOM successfully achieved MI block in 13 patients (68.4%) and PVI in 2 patients (66.7%). CONCLUSION: Selective VOM venography using an irrigated ablation catheter is feasible and safe. RF ablation targeting the VOM may provide additional benefit in failed cases of MI block or PVI.

Characteristics of early repolarization parameters and prognostic implications in the general ambulatory Korean population.

BACKGROUND: We tested a hypothesis that the 2 fundamental components of early repolarization (ER), J wave and ST elevation (STE) might have different prevalence and prognostic implications. METHODS: The study population comprised 26,345 general ambulatory Korean subjects (mean 48.0±10.2years old, 53.2% male) who underwent medical checkups from January 2002 to December 2002. ER was found in 2950 subjects (11.2%), who were divided into 3 groups (J [J wave only, n=1874, 7.1%], JST [both J wave and STE, n=489, 1.8%], and ST [STE only, n=587, 2.3%]). RESULTS: The prevalence of STE decreased with age, whereas J waves remained at a constant level in all age groups. The most common pattern of ER was the J pattern, with a horizontal/descending ST segment in the inferior leads; in lateral precordial leads, ST or JST patterns with ascending ST segments were more common. During the mean follow-up of 126.0±11.1months, a total of 710 subjects died (2.7%). Subjects in the J group were at higher risk (Hazard ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval 1.27-2.01, p<0.001), while those in the JST and ST groups showed similar survival outcomes compared to controls without J waves or STE. CONCLUSIONS: J waves and STE showed different age and lead distributions and prognostic implications. The presence of the J wave itself was associated with a higher relative risk of mortality. However, due to the low event rate, its clinical significance appears to be limited.

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Safety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditional cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have become recently available, non-MRI conditional devices and the presence of epicardial and abandoned leads remain a contraindication for MRIs. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a single center retrospective study, evaluating the clinical outcomes and device parameter changes in patients with CIEDs who underwent an MRI from June 1992 to March 2015. Clinical and device related information was acquired by a thorough chart review. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients, 38 with a pacemaker (including epicardially located pacemaker leads) and 2 with implantable cardioverter defibrillators, underwent 50 MRI examinations. Among the patients, 11 had MRI conditional CIEDs, while the remaining had non-MRI conditional devices. Among these patients, 23 patients had traditional contraindications for an MRI: (1) nonfunctional leads (n=1, 2.5%), (2) epicardially located leads (n=9, 22.5%), (3) scanning area in proximity to a device (n=9, 22.5%), (4) devices implanted within 6 weeks (n=2, 5%), and (5) MRI field strength at 3.0 Tesla (n=6, 15%). All patients underwent a satisfactory MRI examination with no adverse events during or after the procedure. There were no significant changes in parameters or malfunctioning devices in any patients with CIEDs. CONCLUSION: Under careful monitoring, MRI is safe to perform on patients with non-MRI conditional CIEDs, remnant leads, and epicardially located leads, as well as MRI-conditional devices.

Clinical, Echocardiographic, and Electrocardiographic Predictors of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation after Dual-Chamber Pacemaker Implantation: An Integrated Scoring Model Approach.

Persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) predictors after dual-chamber pacemaker (PM) implantation remain unclear. We sought to determine these predictors and establish an integrated scoring model. Data were retrospectively reviewed for 649 patients (63.8 ± 12.3 years, 48.6% male, mean CHA2DS2-VASC score 2.7 ± 2.0) undergoing dual-chamber PM implantation. PeAF was defined as documented AF on two consecutive electrocardiograms acquired ≥7 days apart. During a 7.1-year median follow-up (interquartile range 4.5-10.1 years), 67 (10.3%) patients had PeAF. Multivariable analysis showed the following independent predictors of future PeAF: ischemic stroke or transient ischemic accident history (hazard ratio [HR] 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-3.50, p = 0.040), atrial fibrillation/flutter history (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.01-3.20, p = 0.046), sinus node disease (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.16-4.35, p = 0.016), left atrial enlargement (>45 mm, HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.26-3.63, p = 0.005), and time in automatic mode switching >1% at first follow-up interrogation (HR 2.58, 95% CI 1.51-4.42, p < 0.001). An integrated scoring model combining these predictors showed good discrimination performance at the seven-year follow-up. (C-statistic 0.716, 95% CI 0.629-0.802, p < 0.001). Significantly greater seven-year PeAF incidences were seen in patients with higher scores (2-5) than in those with lower scores (0-1) (22.8% ± 3.8% vs. 5.3% ± 1.7%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, an integrated scoring model combining clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic characteristics is useful for predicting future PeAF in patients with a dual-chamber PM.

Impact of Improved Left Ventricular Systolic Function on the Recurrence of Ventricular Arrhythmia in Heart Failure Patients With an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator.

INTRODUCTION: Data are lacking on the relationship between improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of improvement in left ventricular (LV) function and determine the impact of improved LVEF on the occurrence of appropriate ICD therapy in patients with reduced LVEF and ICD for secondary prevention. METHODS: In this study, 93 patients who received ICDs for secondary prevention, had an LVEF of < 45%, and underwent echocardiographic follow-up assessment after receiving an ICD were enrolled. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 56.9 ± 13.1 years, the median time of repeat LVEF assessment was 19.7 (10.4-29.7) months, and the mean LVEF was 30.6 ± 8.5%. Of the patients, 58 (62.4%) had nonischemic cardiomyopathy. LV function improved after ICD implantation in 24 (25.8%) of 93 patients. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a short duration from the time of diagnosis of heart failure to ICD implantation and the presence of ventricular fibrillation as significant predictors of improved LV function. The incidence of appropriate ICD therapy was lower in the patients with than in those without LV function improvement. The composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or heart transplant was lower in the patients with than in those without LV function improvement. CONCLUSION: Overall survival was better and the recurrence of ventricular arrhythmia was lower in the patients with improved LV function.

Transvenous Lead Extraction via the Inferior Approach Using a Gooseneck Snare versus Simple Manual Traction.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The number of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices needing lead extraction is increasing for various reasons, including infections, vascular obstruction, and lead failure. We report our experience with transvenous extraction of pacemaker and defibrillator leads via the inferior approach of using a gooseneck snare as a first-line therapy and compare extraction using a gooseneck snare with extraction using simple manual traction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 23 consecutive patients (43 leads) who underwent transvenous lead extraction using a gooseneck snare (group A) and 10 consecutive patients (17 leads) who underwent lead extraction using simple manual traction (group B). Patient characteristics, indications, and outcomes were analyzed and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The dwelling time of the leads was longer in group A (median, 121) than in group B (median, 56; p=0.000). No differences were noted in the overall procedural success rate (69.6% vs. 70%), clinical procedural success rate (82.6% vs. 90%), and lead clinical success rate (86% vs. 94.1%) between the groups. The procedural success rates according to lead type were 89.2% and 100% for pacing leads and 66.7% and 83.3% for defibrillator leads in groups A and B, respectively. Major complications were noted in 3 (mortality in 1) patients in group A and 2 patients in group B. CONCLUSION: Transvenous extraction of pacemaker leads via an inferior approach using a gooseneck snare was both safe and effective. However, stand-alone transvenous extraction of defibrillator leads using the inferior approach was suboptimal.

Periprocedural temporary pacing in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: High-degree atrioventricular block (AVB), including complete AVB in acute inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), is not uncommon. However, there is no study evaluating the clinical differences between patients who have undergone temporary pacing (TP) and patients who have not. The present study was designed to investigate whether TP has any prognostic significance in inferior STEMI complicated by complete AVB. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2014, 295 consecutive patients diagnosed with inferior wall STEMI in a university hospital were reviewed. All of them underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Among the 295 patients, there were 72 patients with complete AVB. The clinical characteristics, procedural data, and long-term major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events were compared in patients with and without TP. RESULTS: Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics were similar between patients with and without TP. Patients with TP were more likely to present with cardiogenic shock; thus, additional interventions were attempted via a femoral approach, as patients received further treatment with intra-aortic balloon pumps and were subjected to additional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Most cases of complete AVB were primarily caused by right coronary artery occlusion. After a median follow-up period of 344 (range, 105.5-641) days, major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events did not differ between the groups (P=0.528). CONCLUSION: We conclude that primary PCI without TP is acceptable in complete AVB-complicated acute inferior STEMI. To avoid delay in reperfusion, we suggest that primary PCI should be the first priority therapy rather than treating patients initially with TP.