Technical and Clinical Outcomes After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair of Mitral Regurgitation in Male and Female Patients: Is Equality Achieved?

BACKGROUND: Currently, no clear impact of sex on short- and long-term survival following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) is evident, although no data are available on postprocedural life expectancy. Our aim was to assess sex-specific differences in outcomes of patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) treated by TEER. METHODS AND RESULTS: Short-term and 5-year outcomes in men and women undergoing TEER between 2011 and 2018 who were included in the large, multicenter, real-world MitraSwiss registry were analyzed. Outcomes were compared stratified by sex and according to MR cause (primary versus secondary). The impact of TEER on postprocedural life expectancy was estimated by relative survival analysis. Among 1142 patients aged 60 to 89 years, 39.8% were women. They were older, with fewer cardiovascular risk factors and lower functional capacity compared with men. Thirty-day mortality was higher in men than in women (3.3% versus 1.1%; odds ratio, 3.16 [95% CI, 1.16-10.7]; P=0.020). Five-year survival was comparable in both sexes (adjusted hazard ratio for 5-year mortality in men, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.90-1.44], P=0.275). Both men and women with either primary or secondary MR showed similar clinical efficacy over time. TEER provided high relative survival estimates among all groups, and fully restored predicted life expectancy in women with primary MR (5-year relative survival estimate, 97.4% [95% CI, 85.5-107.0]). CONCLUSIONS: TEER is not associated with increased short-term mortality in women, whereas 5-year outcomes are comparable between sexes. Moreover, TEER completely restored normal life expectancy in women with primary MR. A residual excess mortality persists in secondary MR, independently of sex.

Restoration of Life Expectancy After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair.

BACKGROUND: Survival data after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) are scarce, and its impact on predicted life expectancy is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of TEER on postprocedural life expectancy among patients enrolled in the MitraSwiss registry through a relative survival (RS) analysis. METHODS: Consecutive TEER patients 60 to 89 years of age enrolled between 2011 and 2018 (N = 1140) were evaluated. RS was defined as the ratio between post-TEER survival and expected survival in an age-, sex- and calendar period-matched group derived from the Swiss national 2011 to 2019 mortality tables. The primary aim was to assess 5-year survival and RS after TEER. The secondary aim was to assess RS according to the etiology of mitral regurgitation, age class and sustained procedural success over time. RESULTS: Overall, 5-year survival after TEER was 59.3% (95% CI: 54.9%-63.4%), whereas RS reached 80.5% (95% CI: 74.6%-86.0%). RS was 91.1% (95% CI: 82.5%-98.6%) in primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) and 71.5% (95% CI: 63.0%-79.3%) in secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR). Patients 80 to 89 years of age (n = 579) showed high 5-year RS (93.0%; 95% CI: 83.3%-101.9%). In this group, restoration of predicted life expectancy was achieved in PMR with a 5-year RS of 100% (95% CI: 87.9%-110.7%), whereas sustained procedural success increased the RS rate to 90.6% (95% CI: 71.3%-107.3%) in SMR. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral TEER in patients 80 to 89 years of age is able to restore predicted life expectancy in PMR, whereas in SMR with sustained procedural success, high RS estimates were observed. Our analysis suggests that successful, sustained mitral regurgitation reduction is key to survival improvement, particularly in patients 80 to 89 years of age.

Impact of mitral regurgitation aetiology on MitraClip outcomes: the MitraSwiss registry.

AIMS: The Swiss national registry on percutaneous mitral valve interventions (MitraSwiss) was established in 2011 to monitor safety/efficacy of percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) with the MitraClip device. The aim of this analysis was to report the outcome after PMVR in a real-world, all-comers population and its predictors after inclusion of more than 1,200 patients, stratifying the results according to mitral regurgitation (MR) aetiology. Here we report the in-hospital, short and midterm outcomes of all patients prospectively enrolled. METHODS AND RESULTS: Since 2011, MitraSwiss has enrolled 1,212 patients with moderate and severe MR of functional (FMR) or degenerative (DMR) aetiology treated with PMVR in 10 centres. Pre-specified endpoints included clinical, echocardiographic and functional parameters with follow-up planned up to five years. Outcomes are compared according to MR aetiology. Acute procedural success was achieved in 91.5% of cases, with no differences between FMR and DMR and sustained good midterm results. NYHA class and pulmonary pressure improved significantly in both cohorts. Cumulative probability of death at five years was 54% (95% CI: 45-63) in FMR and 45% (95% CI: 37-54) in DMR (HR 1.15, p=0.009). Age, anaemia, impaired renal function and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction resulted in being independent predictors of death at five years. CONCLUSIONS: In a large contemporary cohort of non-surgical patients with severe MR, the safety and effectiveness of PMVR have been confirmed. At midterm follow-up, mortality and MACE were lower in DMR patients, though MR aetiology was not directly and independently associated with outcome.

[The Old-Age Heart]. / Das Herz im Alter.

The Old-Age Heart Abstract. Knowledge of cardiovascular changes in old age and their therapeutic options is important. Old age can lead to hypertrophy of the left ventricle, diastolic dysfunction, heart valve changes and pulmonary hypertension. Patients often develop arterial hypertension. Valvular changes are common in people over 100 years of age (aortic stenosis and mitral insufficiency). The risk of coronary heart disease is 35 % for men and 24 % for women. In old age, sinus node dysfunction and atrial fibrillation are common. 25 % of all strokes are cardiac embolisms in atrial fibrillation. Cardiac interventions in the elderly are increasingly frequent and include coronary catheter revascularization or valve interventions (percutaneous aortic valve replacement or MitraClip). Optimal therapy in old age includes not only cardiovascular interventions also include drugs and a lifestyle modification and mainly serves to improve the quality of life.

Long-term follow-up after left atrial appendage occlusion with comparison of transesophageal echocardiography versus computed tomography to guide medical therapy and data about postclosure cardioversion.

AIMS: The use of left atrial appendage (LAA) occluders in atrial fibrillation is increasing. There are few data on the comparison between transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and computed tomography (MDCT) assessing peridevice flow and outcome of electrical cardioversion (ECV) in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Single-center prospective registry from 2009 to 2015 including all LAA occluders to analyze success and complications during implantation and follow-up. Patients having ≥1 ECV were further analyzed. TEE was performed during implantation and at 6 weeks. In a subgroup of 77 patients, we compared MDCT with TEE at 6 weeks. Overall, 135 patients (69 ± 9 years; 70% male; CHA2 DS2 -VASc score: 3.6 ± 1.4; HAS-BLED score: 2.5 ± 0.6) received a LAA occluder (Watchman, n = 73; ACP-1, n = 59; Amulet, n = 3; PVI + LAA occluder, n = 91; and LAA occluder only, n = 44). Device implantation was successful in 131 (97%). Eight patients (5.9%) had major periprocedural complications (ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attacks, n = 4, tamponade, n = 2, device thrombosis, n = 2, Dressler syndrome, n = 1). The periprocedural complication rate was similar between concomitant procedure and LAA occluder only (8/91 vs. 5/44; P = 0.6). Twelve patients (9%) died (procedure-related, n = 2; 1%) during follow-up of 44 months (IQR: 43). MDCT (n = 77) at 6 weeks showed similar peridevice flow compared to TEE (TEE: 1.5 ± 1.9 mm vs. MDCT: 1.1 ± 2.2 mm, P = 0.25). Thromboembolic events occurred in 3 patients (CVA, n = 1; TIA, n = 2) during follow-up. In total, 41 ECV were performed in 26 patients (1.6 ± 0.9/patient), 13 months (IQR: 24) after implantation (<1 month: n = 8). No ECV-related clinical complications were observed. CONCLUSION: LAA occlusion is feasible with an acceptable safety profile and few events during long-term follow-up. ECV after LAA occlusion is feasible. MDCT could help to evaluate peridevice flow.

Management and outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction presenting with pacemaker rhythm.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (MI) is challenging in pacemaker patients. Little is known about this patient group. METHODS: Patients with MI enrolled in the Swiss national AMIS Plus registry between January 2005 and December 2015 were analyzed. All patients with either paced ventricular rhythm or sinus rhythm with intrinsic ventricular conduction (IVC) were included in this study. Outcomes using crude data and propensity score matching were compared between patients with pacemaker rhythm and patients with IVC. The primary endpoint was in-hospital death. RESULTS: Data from 300 patients with paced rhythm and 27,595 with IVC were analyzed. Patients with pacemaker rhythm were older (78.2y vs 65.4y; p<0.001), had more comorbidities (Charlson Index (CCI)>1: 54.0% vs 21.1%; p<0.001) and a higher rate of heart failure upon presentation (Killip class>2, 11.0% vs 5.9%; p<0.001) compared to patients with IVC. Door to balloon time in patients undergoing acute PCI is markedly delayed in contrast to patients with IVC (280min vs 85min; p<0.001). Consequently, crude mortality in patients with pacemakers was high (11.3% vs 4.6%; p<0.001). However, when analyzed with propensity matching for gender, age, CCI>1 and Killip>2, mortality was similar (11.2% vs 10.5%; p=0.70). CONCLUSION: Pacemaker patients with acute MI represent a high-risk group with doubled crude mortality compared to patients without pacemakers, due to higher age and higher Killip class. Diagnosis is difficult and results in delayed treatment. Treatment algorithms for MI with paced rhythm should possibly be adapted to those used for STEMI or new left bundle branch block. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01305785.

[Catheter based mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation: patient selection]. / Kathetertechnische Behandlung der schweren Mitralinsuffizienz: derzeitige Indikationen.

The catheter-based mitral valve repair is a novel technology for the treatment of severe mitral regurgitation (MR). This technique is suitable for elderly patients with pronounced co-morbidities who are deemed to be high risk for conventional heart surgery. A meaningful reduction of mitral regurgitation leads to improvement of symptoms and quality of life. Studies also demonstrate reverse remodeling of the left ventricle. In heart failure patients with severe MR percutaneous repair reduces re-hospitalization rates>50% in comparison to optimal medical treatment. For degenerative MR conventional surgery is the gold standard, whereas for high surgical risk patients and for severe functional MR percutaneous repair is an alternative.

Clinical Long-Term Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Is Independent of Persisting Echocardiographic Markers of Dyssynchrony.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to prove the concept that correction of established parameters of dyssynchrony is a requirement for favorable long-term outcome in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), whereas patients with persisting dyssynchrony should have a less favorable response. METHODS: After CRT implantation and optimization of dyssynchrony parameters, we evaluated whether correction or persistence of dyssynchrony predicted long-term outcome. Primary endpoint was a combination of cardiac mortality/heart transplantation and hospitalization due to worsening heart failure, and secondary endpoint was NYHA class. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 68 ± 10 years) undergoing CRT with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 27±9% were followed for 27 ± 19 months. All cause mortality was 17.2%, cardiac mortality was 7.8% and 3.1% had to undergo heart transplantation. Rehospitalization due to worsening heart failure was observed in 14.8%. NYHA class before CRT implantation was 2.8 ± 0.8 and improved during follow-up to 2.0 ± 0.8 (P < 0.001). A clinical response was observed in 76% (n = 97) and an echocardiographic response was documented in 66% (n = 85). After individually optimized AV and VV intervals with echocardiography, atrioventricular dyssynchrony was still present in 7.2%, interventricular dyssynchrony in 13.3% and intraventricular dyssynchrony in 16.4%. Despite persistent atrioventricular, interventricular and intraventricular dyssynchrony at long-term follow-up, the combined primary and secondary endpoints did not differ compared to the group without mechanical dyssynchrony (P = ns). QRS duration with biventricular stimulation did not differ between responders vs. nonresponders. CONCLUSION: After successful CRT implantation, clinical long-term response is independent of correction of dyssynchrony measured by echocardiographic parameters and QRS width.

Initial results of linear duty-cycled radiofrequency for atypical flutter and atrial tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Duty-cycled radiofrequency (DCRF) is increasingly used for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Many patients also have atrial flutter (AFL). Recently, a linear multielectrode has been shown to create linear block at the cavotricuspid isthmus and in the left atrium (LA). OBJECTIVE: To map and ablate atypical AFL and atrial tachycardias (ATs) in the right and LA using a linear multielectrode with DCRF. METHODS: The linear multielectrode delivers DCRF at 20-45 W maximum in 1:1 unipolar/bipolar temperature-controlled mode. Target temperatures were manually titrated to 60 °C in the LA, if power >5W indicated adequate passive cooling. RESULTS: A total of 76 AT/AFL were targeted in 57 patients. Acute success was reached in 14/15 (93%) right AT, in 17/22 (77%) left atrial roof AFL, in 5/6 (83%) septal AFL, in 9/9 (100%) other left atrial AT, but only in 8/23 (35%) AFL from the mitral isthmus (which rose to 13/23 [57%] with additional use of irrigated radiofrequency). Nevertheless, freedom of AF/AFL 10 ± 6 months after a single procedure was documented in 92% of right AT, 71% of roof AFL, 73% for mitral AFL, and 60% of septal or other LA AT/AFL. No char formation was noted. However, frequent induction of AF and one case of asystole occurred during delivery of DCRF in a pacemaker patient. CONCLUSION: The linear multielectrode allows mapping and ablation of atypical AFL/AT. Freedom of AF/AT was reached in 60%-92% depending on localization and number of arrhythmias. Technical modifications will improve safety and efficacy.

Impact of a nationwide public campaign on delays and outcome in Swiss patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To improve the outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), public campaigns have been launched aimed at shortening presentation delays and allowing more efficient treatment. Their impact is uncertain. METHODS: Pre-hospital delays and outcome in patients with ACS included in the Swiss National AMIS Plus registry were assessed prospectively before and after a nationwide multimedia campaign ('HELP') by the Swiss Heart Foundation in 2007. The campaign aimed at better awareness of symptoms, increasing knowledge in laymen of resuscitation and more rapid access to medical services. The primary study endpoint was the time between onset of symptoms and hospital admission. Secondary endpoints were successful out-of-hospital resuscitation, symptoms upon admission, and outcome. RESULTS: Between January 2005 and December 2008, 8906 ACS patients (61% ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 39% non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction/unstable angina pectoris (NSTEMI/UAP), mean age 65 ± 13 years, 75% males) admitted within 24 hours after onset of symptoms were enrolled. The median pre-hospital delay was reduced from 197 minutes during the pre-intervention period to 180 minutes during the post-intervention period (reduction 10% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6-14%); P < 0.001), in STEMI (reduction 10% (95% CI 5-14%); P < 0.001) and NSTEMI patients (reduction 11% (95% CI 4-17%); P = 0.001), due to pronounced effects in males (reduction 12% (95% CI 7-16%); P < 0.001) and in patients ≤75 years (reduction 12% (95% CI 8-16%); P < 0.001). Out-of-hospital resuscitation increased (odds ratio (OR) 1.26 (95% CI 1.06-1.54); P = 0.02). Overall outcome remained unchanged, however, the rate of re-infarction showed a decrease (OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.36-0.91); P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: After a nationwide educational campaign, shorter pre-hospital delays were observed, and more patients were able to be treated promptly. These results may be useful in planning future health strategies to improve management and outcome of patients with ACS, especially in female and elderly patients.

Intravenous enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin in unselected patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions: the Zurich enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin in PCI study (ZEUS).

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous enoxaparin as an alternative to unfractionated heparin (UFH) as antithrombotic therapy in unselected patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight hundred and seventy-six (876) consecutive eligible patients undergoing PCI were prospectively randomised to either intravenous enoxaparin 0.75 mg/kg or dose-adjusted UFH in this open-label study that was prematurely stopped due to slow recruitment. Randomisation was stratified on elective PCI or PCI for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The primary endpoint was a combination of death, myocardial infarction, unplanned target vessel revascularisation and major bleeding at 30 days. Secondary endpoint was a composite of major and minor bleeding and thrombocytopenia < 50x109. The primary endpoint of intravenous enoxaparin did not differ from those of UFH (5.5% vs. 7.0%, p=ns) whereas safety endpoints were reduced with enoxaparin compared to UFH (9.9% vs. 20.0%, p<0.001). Among 229 (26%) patients presenting with ACS, the incidence of both, the primary and secondary endpoints, was lower with enoxaparin as compared to UFH (1.8% vs. 12.9% and 14.2% vs. 31%, p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the premature halting of the study and the low event rate, these data are observational only, and no definite conclusion could be made concerning efficacy and safety of intravenous enoxaparin as an alternative to UFH in unselected patients undergoing PCI.

Interaction of vitamin K antagonists with heparin affect monitoring by activated clotting times.

BACKGROUND: Unfractionated heparin is recommended during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation to achieve activated clotting time (ACT) above 250-300 s to prevent clot. Many patients on therapeutic international normalised ratio (INR) undergo AF ablation procedures; however, it is unknown whether they require less heparin to achieve similar ACT levels. METHODS: During AF ablation, the ACT was measured before and 10 min after administration of i.v. unfractionated heparin in patients with and without anticoagulation. The association of INR, heparin, pre-procedure ACT and body weight with ACT after heparin administration was tested using multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: The subjects of this study were 149 patients undergoing AF ablation, among them 40 (27%) with subtherapeutic INR < 2, 79 (53%) with an INR between 2 and 3, and 30 (20%) patients with INR > 3. Baseline ACT was associated with INR (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). After a mean of 8,685 +/- 2,015 U (range, 5,000-15,000 IU) unfractionated heparin, univariate predictors of ACT were baseline INR (p < 0.001), heparin dose (p = 0.012) and baseline ACT (p = 0.027). In the multivariable model, baseline INR (part r = 0.64, p < 0.001) and heparin dose (part r = 0.33, p < 0.001) strongly predicted post-heparin ACT. Estimated from the regression model, the heparin dose reductions by approximately one third in those with an INR of 2-3 and by at least two thirds in those with an INR above 3 may be favourable. Over the following 3 months, no thromboembolism and acute bleeding were observed. CONCLUSION: The INR was the strongest predictor of post-heparin ACT, even more important than the heparin dose itself. The reduction of heparin dose by one third if INR is between 2-3 and by two thirds if INR is above 3 may be favourable.

Long-term survival and functional outcome of unselected patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most effective reperfusion modality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Data concerning long-term survival and functional outcome are sparse. METHODS: One thousand consecutive patients treated by emergency PCI were systematically ana-lysed in a single-centre registry. Multivariate predictors of in-hospital mortality, post-discharge mortality and late functional capacity were identified. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed for 978 patients. The median clinical follow-up length was 3.2 years. In-hospital and post-discharge mortality were 7.6% and 7.3%, respectively. Annualised post-discharge mortality remained stable over time at 2% per year. Independent predictors of in-hospital death were cardiogenic shock, TIMI flow <3 after PCI, left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, age and time to patent artery >6 h. Independent predictors of post-discharge mortality were TIMI flow after PCI <3, prior MI, elevated glucose levels at admission, and increasing age. In contrast, cardiogenic shock, time to patent artery and left ventricular ejection fraction <40% were not independently associated with post-hospital death. At late follow-up, 47% of patients had normal functional capacity and 49.1% were in New York Heart Association functional class II. Predictors of impaired functional capacity at follow-up were age, gender, smoking habits and multivessel coronary disease. CONCLUSIONS: Post-discharge mortality after PCI for acute MI was 2% per year. Significant differences exist between predictors of in-hospital and post-discharge mortality. The functional capacity of surviving patients was remarkably good, even when presented in cardiogenic shock.

Proinflammatory cytokines in acute myocardial infarction with and without cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory response is an important feature of acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction (MI). The prognostic value of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with acute MI complicated by cardiogenic shock is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 41 patients admitted with acute MI (age 60 +/- 11 years, six females, 19 Killip class IV) serial plasma concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) were measured. Seven patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) developed a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Patients with CS-particularly those who developed SIRS-showed significantly higher cytokine levels than patients with uncomplicated MI. In patients with CS and SIRS peak levels of IL-1Ra were 223,973 pg/ml, IL-6 252.8 pg/ml and TNF-alpha 7.0 pg/ml. In CS without SIRS IL-1Ra levels were 19,988 pg/ml, IL-6 109.3 pg/ml and TNF-alpha 3.8 pg/ml. In uncomplicated MI peak IL-1Ra levels were 1,088 pg/ml, IL-6 34.1 pg/ml and TNF-alpha 2.6 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammation-associated cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1Ra are significantly elevated in patients with MI complicated by CS when compared to patients with uncomplicated MI. Among shock-patients IL-1Ra levels are promising diagnostic markers for early identification of patients developing SIRS, heralding a poor outcome.

Atrium-driven mitral annulus motion velocity reflects global left ventricular function and pulmonary congestion during acute biventricular pacing.

BACKGROUND: The short-term effect of acute biventricular pacing on cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure undergoing heart surgery is widely unknown. The present study was designed to determine whether mitral annular tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is useful to predict acute changes in global systolic function determined by the continuous cardiac output method that was measured postoperatively during various pacing configurations in patients with depressed left ventricular (LV) function. METHODS: TDI peak velocities of systolic (Sm), early diastolic (Em), and late diastolic (Am) mitral annular motion waves were measured in 17 patients (age 67 +/- 8 years, 10 male) with depressed LV systolic function (LV ejection fraction < or = 35%) and QRS duration > 120 ms undergoing temporary epicardial biventricular pacing after aortocoronary bypass and valve surgery. TDI velocities, QRS duration on surface electrocardiogram, cardiac index (CI), right atrial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary capillary wedge (PCW) pressure were measured simultaneously during various pacing configurations (right atrial-biventricular, right atrial-LV, right atrial-right ventricular, atrial inhibited, and no pacing). RESULTS: Univariate linear regression analysis showed a good correlation between Am and CI (r = 0.53, P = .0001) determined in all pacing modes, a weak correlation between Sm and CI (r = 0.31, P = .017), and no correlation between Em and CI (r = 0.21, P = .074). Am > 6 cm/s predicted a CI of 2.5 L/min/m(2) or more with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 30%. All TDI values correlated negatively with PCW (r = -0.53, P = .0001 for Sm; r = -0.34, P = .01 for Em; r = -0.50, P = .0001 for Am). Am greater than 6 cm/s predicted a PCW of 16 mm Hg or less with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 34%. Mean values of TDI velocities and hemodynamic parameters were not significantly different between each pacing configuration. CONCLUSIONS: Peak Am mitral annular velocity correlates well with CI and PCW, respectively, thus providing an easy means to assess LV systolic function and pulmonary congestion during cardiac pacing in chronic heart failure.

Acute biventricular pacing after cardiac surgery has no influence on regional and global left ventricular systolic function.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy has been shown to improve systolic function in patients with advanced chronic heart failure and electromechanical delay (QRS width > 120 ms). However, the effect of acute biventricular (BiV) pacing on perioperative haemodynamic changes is not well defined. In the present study, acute changes in regional left ventricular (LV) systolic function determined by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and global LV systolic function determined by the continuous cardiac output method were measured during various pacing configurations in patients with depressed LV systolic function undergoing heart surgery. METHODS: Twenty-six patients (age 68 +/- 8 years, 15 males) with depressed systolic LV function (LV ejection fraction 120 ms undergoing temporary epicardial BiV pacing after aortocoronary bypass and valve surgery were included. QRS duration on surface electrocardiogram (ECG), TDI (systolic velocities of septal and lateral mitral annulus), cardiac index (CI), right atrial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCW) were measured during various pacing configurations [no pacing (intrinsic rhythm), right atrial-biventricular (RA-BiV pacing), right atrial-left ventricular (RA-LV), right atrial-right ventricular (RA-RV), and AAI pacing]. RESULTS: There were no differences in QRS duration during intrinsic rhythm, RA-BiV pacing, and AAI pacing. However, RA-LV and RA-RV stimulations showed a longer QRS duration (P < 0.01 vs. intrinsic rhythm, RA-BiV pacing, and AAI, respectively). Tissue Doppler velocities of the septal and lateral mitral annulus were comparable in all pacing modes. Neither CI nor PAP or PCW showed significant differences during the various pacing configurations. There was a positive correlation between regional (TDI) and global (CI) parameters of LV systolic function. Conclusions Biventricular pacing after heart surgery does not improve parameters of regional and global LV systolic function acutely in patients with heart failure and intraventricular conduction delay and, thus, may not reflect changes observed with chronic BiV pacing.

Single-chamber ventricular pacing increases markers of left ventricular dysfunction compared with dual-chamber pacing.

AIMS: Large randomized trials comparing DDD with VVI pacing have shown no differences in mortality, but conflicting evidence exists in regard to heart failure endpoints. Here we evaluated the effect of pacing mode on serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino-terminal-proBNP (NT-proBNP). Methods Forty-one patients (age 73 +/- 10 years) with dual-chamber pacemakers were included in a prospective, single-blind, randomized crossover study evaluating the impact of DDD(R)/VDD versus VVI(R) mode on objective and functional parameters. Data were collected after a 2-week run-in phase and after 2 weeks each of VVI(R) and DDD(R)/VDD pacing or vice versa. Results BNP and NT-proBNP levels during DDD(R)/VDD stimulation (151 +/- 131 and 547 +/- 598 pg/mL) showed no change compared with baseline (154 +/- 130 and 565 +/- 555 pg/mL), but a significant 2.4-fold increase was observed during VVI(R) mode [360 +/- 221 and 1298 +/- 1032 pg/mL; P < 0.001 compared with DDD(R)/VDD]. The assessment of functional class, the presence of pacemaker syndrome [49% in VVI(R) mode] and the patients' preferred pacing mode showed significant differences in favour of DDD(R)/VDD pacing. CONCLUSION: Patients can differentiate between DDD(R)/VDD and VVI(R) pacing, and prefer the former. Compared with DDD(R)/VDD pacing, VVI(R) stimulation induces a two- to three-fold increase in serum BNP and NT-proBNP levels.

Admission glucose concentrations independently predict early and late mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated by primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), increased plasma glucose levels at hospital admission are associated with worse outcome. We aimed to assess the predictive value of admission glucose concentrations on short- and long-term mortality in patients with acute MI undergoing primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We analyzed the 30-day and long-term (mean follow-up 3.7 years) outcome of 978 patients prospectively included in a single-center registry of patients with acute MI treated with PCI within 24 hours after onset of symptoms. Patients were classified according to plasma glucose levels at admission: < 7.8 mmol/L (group I, n = 322), 7.8 to 11 mmol/L (group II, n = 348), and > 11.0 mmol/L (group III, n = 308). RESULTS: Mortality at 30 days was 1.2% in group I, 6.3% in group II, and 16.6% in group III (P < .001). After multivariate adjustment for age, the presence of cardiogenic shock, and TIMI 3 flow after PCI, the association of mortality with glucose classification remained significant (P value for trend = .003). The relative risk of death at 30 days for group III versus group I was 3.9 (95% CI 1.2-13.2). During long-term follow-up, mortality was similar in groups I and II. However, in group III adjusted mortality remained significantly increased compared with group I (relative risk 1.76, CI 1.01-3.08). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing emergency PCI for acute MI, glucose levels at hospital admission are predictive for short- and long-term survival. Knowledge of admission glucose levels may improve initial bedside risk stratification.

Ibutilide in persistent atrial fibrillation refractory to conventional cardioversion methods.

BACKGROUND: Electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation seems to be enhanced by pretreatment with ibutilide, but only few is known about the effects of ibutilide in atrial fibrillation which failed to convert with class III antiarrhythmic agents and electrical cardioversion. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ibutilide administration in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation refractory to long-term therapy with class III antiarrhythmic drugs and transthoracic cardioversion. METHODS: Prospective study in 22 patients (16 men and 6 women, mean age 63+/-9 years) with structural heart disease and persistent atrial fibrillation for a mean duration of 39+/-50 (range 1-145) months. All patients had failed to convert to sinus rhythm after transthoracic cardioversion while on treatment with class III antiarrhythmic drugs (amiodarone in 82%, sotalol in 18%). One milligram of ibutilide was administered in all patients and electrical cardioversion was performed again, if necessary. RESULTS: The total conversion rate to sinus rhythm was 95% (21 of 22 patients). Two patients (9%) were successfully converted after ibutilide alone and 19 patients (86%) when transthoracic cardioversion was repeated after ibutilide. The QTc intervals increased from 451+/-28 to 491+/-49 ms (p<0.001) after ibutilide. No adverse effects occurred. The rate of freedom from atrial fibrillation after 1 month of follow-up was 64%. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of concomitant use of ibutilide infusion and, if necessary, repeated transthoracic cardioversion for restoration of sinus rhythm in long-term persistent atrial fibrillation and previously failed antiarrhythmic and electrical cardioversion was 95%. There were no adverse effects associated with ibutilde administration. Our results suggest that this combined strategy may be safe and successful in patients with atrial fibrillation resistant to conventional cardioversion methods and may be an alternative to internal cardioversion.

Risks and benefits of optimised medical and revascularisation therapy in elderly patients with angina--on-treatment analysis of the TIME trial.

AIM: To assess treatment effects of optimised medical therapy and PCI or CABG surgery on one-year outcome in patients 75 years old with chronic angina. METHODS AND RESULTS: On-treatment analysis of the TIME data: all re-vascularised patients (REVASC n=174: 112 randomised to revascularisation and 62 to drugs with late revascularisation) were compared to all patients on continued drug therapy (MED n=127: 86 randomised to drugs and 41 to revascularisation only). Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar (age 80 +/- 4 years). Risk of death at one year (adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=1.31; 95%-CI: 0.58-2.99; P=0.52) and of death/infarction (adjusted hazard RATIO=1.77; 95%-CI 0.91-3.41; P=0.09) were comparable between REVASC and MED patients. Furthermore, the risk of death within 30 days was even slightly lower among REVASC patients (unadjusted hazard RATIO=0.73; 95%-CI: 0.21-2.53; P=0.98). Overall, REVASC patients had greater improvements in symptoms and well-being than MED patients (P<0.01). Surgical patients had similar mortality rates as angioplasty patients, but they also had greater symptomatic improvements (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Treated medically, elderly patients with chronic angina have a similarly high 30-day and one-year mortality as patients of the same age being re-vascularised; however, they can expect lower improvements in symptoms and well being.