Accidental Conduction System Pacing in Patient with Displaced Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Leads.

A 69-year-old woman with a history of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction presented for device interrogation of her cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED), revealing lead and pulse generator displacement. Surprisingly, she exhibited a narrow QRS on the ECG despite an underlying right bundle branch block, suggesting unintentional conduction system pacing (CSP). Traditional cardiac resynchronization therapy has been widely used for patients with heart failure, but alternatives like CSP are emerging as viable options. Given the global rise in CIED utilization, regular follow-up, device troubleshooting, and embracing remote monitoring are essential to manage and optimize patient outcomes.

[Treatment with cardiac electronic implantable devices]. / Therapie mit kardialen elektronischen implantierbaren Devices.

Cardiac device therapy provides not only treatment options for bradyarrhythmia but also advanced treatment for heart failure and preventive measures against sudden cardiac death. In heart failure treatment it enables synergistic reverse remodelling and reduces pharmacological side effects. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has revolutionized the treatment of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left bundle branch block by decreasing the mortality and morbidity with improvement of the quality of life and resilience. Conduction system pacing (CSP) as an alternative method of physiological stimulation can improve heart function and reduce the risk of pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy. Leadless pacers and subcutaneous/extravascular defibrillators offer less invasive options with lower complication rates. The prevention of infections through preoperative and postoperative strategies enhances the safety of these therapies.

Interaction of left ventricular size with the outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy in Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the influence of the QRS duration (QRSd) to LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) ratio on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) outcomes in heart failure patients classified as III/IV per the New York Heart Association (NYHA) and with small body size. HYPOTHESIS: We proposed the hypothesis that the QRSd/LV size ratio is a better index of the CRT substrate. METHODS: We enrolled 114 patients with advanced heart failure (NYHA class III/IV, and LV ejection fraction >35%) who received a CRT device, including those with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and QRSd ≥120 milliseconds (n = 60), non-LBBB and QRSd ≥150 milliseconds (n = 30) and non-LBBB and QRSd of 120-149 milliseconds (n = 24). RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up period of 65 ± 58 months, the incidence of the primary endpoint, a composite of all-cause death and hospitalization for heart failure, showed no significant intergroup difference (43.3% vs. 50.0% vs. 37.5%, respectively, p = .72). Similarly, among 104 patients with QRSd/LVEDV ≥ 0.67 (n = 54) and QRSd/LVEDV < 0.67 (n = 52), no significant differences were observed in the incidence of the primary endpoint (35.1% vs. 51.9%, p = .49). Nevertheless, patients with QRSd/LVEDV ≥ 0.67 showed better survival than those with QRSd/LVEDV < 0.67 (14.8% vs. 34.6%, p = .0024). CONCLUSION: Advanced HF patients with a higher QRSd/LVEDV ratio showed better survival in this small-body-size population. Thus, the risk is concentrated among those with a larger QRSd, and patients with a relatively smaller left ventricular size appeared to benefit from CRT.

Blood groups and Rhesus status as potential predictors of outcomes in patients with cardiac resynchronisation therapy.

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) improves prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF) however the role of ABO blood groups and Rhesus factor are poorly understood. We hypothesise that blood groups may influence clinical and survival outcomes in HF patients undergoing CRT. A total of 499 patients with HF who fulfilled the criteria for CRT implantation were included. Primary outcome of all-cause mortality and/or heart transplant/left ventricular assist device was assessed over a median follow-up of 4.6 years (IQR 2.3-7.5). Online repositories were searched to provide biological context to the identified associations. Patients were divided into blood (O, A, B, and AB) and Rhesus factor (Rh-positive and Rh-negative) groups. Mean patient age was 66.4 ± 12.8 years with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 29 ± 11%. There were no baseline differences in age, gender, and cardioprotective medication. In a Cox proportional hazard multivariate model, only Rh-negative blood group was associated with a significant survival benefit (HR 0.68 [0.47-0.98], p = 0.040). No association was observed for the ABO blood group (HR 0.97 [0.76-1.23], p = 0.778). No significant interaction was observed with prevention, disease aetiology, and presence of defibrillator. Rhesus-related genes were associated with erythrocyte and platelet function, and cholesterol and glycated haemoglobin levels. Four drugs under development targeting RHD were identified (Rozrolimupab, Roledumab, Atorolimumab, and Morolimumab). Rhesus blood type was associated with better survival in HF patients with CRT. Further research into Rhesus-associated pathways and related drugs, namely whether there is a cardiac signal, is required.

[New frontiers in pacing: from myocardial pacing to conduction system pacing]. / Nuove frontiere dell'elettrostimolazione: dal pacing del miocardio comune al pacing del sistema di conduzione.

For many years, cardiac pacing has been based on the stimulation of right ventricular common myocardium to correct diseases of the conduction system. The birth and the development of cardiac resynchronization have led to growing interest in the correction and prevention of pacing-induced dyssynchrony. Many observational studies and some randomized clinical trials have shown that conduction system pacing (CSP) can not only prevent pacing-induced dyssynchrony but can also correct proximal conduction system blocks, with reduction of QRS duration and with equal or greater effectiveness than biventricular pacing. Based on these results, many Italian electrophysiologists have changed the stimulation target from the right ventricular common myocardium to CSP. The two techniques with greater clinical impact are the His bundle stimulation and the left bundle branch pacing. The latter, in particular, because of its easier implantation technique and better electric parameters, is spreading like wildfire and is representing a real revolution in the cardiac pacing field. However, despite the growing amount of data, until now, the European Society of Cardiology guidelines give a very limited role to CSP.

Economic Considerations of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices for The Treatment of Heart Failure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem worldwide, affecting more than 64 million people [1]. The complex and severe nature of HF presents challenges in providing cost-effective care as patients often require multiple hospitalizations and treatments. This review of relevant studies with focus on the last 10 years summarizes the health and economic implications of various HF treatment options in Europe and beyond. Although the main cost drivers in HF treatment are clinical (re)admission and decompensation of HF, an assessment of the economic impacts of various other device therapy options for HF care are included in this review. This includes: cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) such as cardiac-resynchronisation-therapy devices that include pacemaking (CRT-P), cardiac-resynchronisation-therapy devices that include defibrillation (CRT-D), implantable cardioverter/defibrillators (ICDs) and various types of pacemakers. The impact of (semi)automated (tele)monitoring as a relevant factor for increasing both the quality and economic impact of care is also taken into consideration. Quality of life adjusted life years (QALYs) are used in the overall context as a composite metric reflecting quantity and quality of life as a standardized measurement of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) of different device-based HF interventions. RECENT FINDINGS: In terms of the total cost of different devices, CRT-Ds were found in several studies to be more expensive than all other devices in regards to runtime and maintenance costs including (re)implantation. In the case of CRT combined with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (CRT-D) versus ICD alone, CRT-D was found to be the most cost-effective treatment in research work over the past 10 years. Further comparison between CRT-D vs. CRT-P does not show an economic advantage of CRT-D as a minority of patients require shock therapy. Furthermore, a positive health economic effect and higher survival rate is seen in CRT-P full ventricular stimulation vs. right heart only stimulation. Telemedical care has been found to provide a positive health economic impact for selected patient groups-even reducing patient mortality. For heart failure both in ICD and CRT-D subgroups the given telemonitoring benefit seems to be greater in higher-risk populations with a worse HF prognosis. In patients with HF, all CIED therapies are in the range of commonly accepted cost-effectiveness. QALY and ICER calculations provide a more nuanced understanding of the economic impact these therapies create in the healthcare landscape. For severe cases of HF, CRT-D with telemedical care seems to be the better option from a health economic standpoint, as therapy is more expensive, but costs per QALY range below the commonly accepted threshold.

Implication of geriatric nutritional risk index on treatment response and long-term prognosis in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy.

PURPOSE: Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a simple tool for assessing the nutritional status of the aging population. This study aims to explore the clinical implication of GNRI on treatment response and long-term clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS: Patients who underwent CRT implantation or upgrade at our hospital were retrospectively included. The association of GNRI and its tertiles with the echocardiographic response, all-cause mortality or heart transplantation, and the first hospitalization due to HF were investigated. RESULTS: Totally, 647 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 60 [Interquartile Range (IQR): 52-67] years and mean score of GNRI at 107.9 ± 23.7. Super-response rates increased significantly among the GNRI T1, T2, and T3 groups (25.1%, 29.8% vs. 41.1%, P = 0.002). Patients with higher GNRI were more likely to have better LVEF improvement after multiple adjustments (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.23, P = 0.010). Higher GNRI was independently associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality or heart implantation (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93-0.96, P < 0.001) and HF hospitalization (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98, P < 0.001). The inclusion of GNRI enhanced the predictability of all-cause mortality based on traditional model, including sex, New York Heart Association functional class, left bundle branch block, QRS reduction, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level (C statistics improved from 0.785 to 0.813, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Higher GNRI was associated with better treatment response and long-term prognosis in HF patients with CRT. Evaluation of nutritional status among CRT population is necessary for individualized choice of potential responders.

Investigating the Cost-Effectiveness of Telemonitoring Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Telemonitoring patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) can improve their care management. However, the results of cost-effectiveness studies are heterogeneous. Therefore, it is still a matter of debate whether telemonitoring is worth the investment. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to investigate the cost-effectiveness of telemonitoring patients with CIEDs, focusing on its key drivers, and the impact of the varying perspectives. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and EconLit. The search was completed on July 7, 2022. Studies were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: patients had a CIED, comparison with standard care, and inclusion of health economic evaluations (eg, cost-effectiveness analyses and cost-utility analyses). Only complete and peer-reviewed studies were included, and no year limits were applied. The exclusion criteria included studies with partial economic evaluations, systematic reviews or reports, and studies without standard care as a control group. Besides general study characteristics, the following outcome measures were extracted: impact on total cost or income, cost or income drivers, cost or income drivers per patient, cost or income drivers as a percentage of the total cost impact, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, or cost-utility ratios. Quality was assessed using the Consensus Health Economic Criteria checklist. RESULTS: Overall, 15 cost-effectiveness analyses were included. All studies were performed in Western countries, mainly Europe, and had primarily a male participant population. Of the 15 studies, 3 (20%) calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, 1 (7%) the cost-utility ratio, and 11 (73%) the health and cost impact of telemonitoring. In total, 73% (11/15) of the studies indicated that telemonitoring of patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy ICDs was cost-effective and cost-saving, both from a health care and patient perspective. Cost-effectiveness results for telemonitoring of patients with pacemakers were inconclusive. The key drivers for cost reduction from a health care perspective were hospitalizations and scheduled in-office visits. Hospitalization costs were reduced by up to US $912 per patient per year. Scheduled in-office visits included up to 61% of the total cost reduction. Key drivers for cost reduction from a patient perspective were loss of income, cost for scheduled in-office visits and transport. Finally, of the 15 studies, 8 (52%) reported improved quality of life, with statistically significance in only 1 (13%) study (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: From a health care and patient perspective, telemonitoring of patients with an ICD or a cardiac resynchronization therapy ICD is a cost-effective and cost-saving alternative to standard care. Inconclusive results were found for patients with pacemakers. However, telemonitoring can lead to a decrease in providers' income, mainly due to a lack of reimbursement. Introducing appropriate reimbursement could make telemonitoring sustainable for providers while still being cost-effective from a health care payer perspective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022322334; https://tinyurl.com/puunapdr.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices and bloodstream infections: management and outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bloodstream infection (BSI) of any cause may lead to device infection in cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) patients. Aiming for a better understanding of the diagnostic approach, treatment, and outcome, patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy and defibrillator (CRT-D) hospitalized with BSI were investigated. METHODS: This is a single-centre, retrospective, cohort analysis including consecutive ICD/CRT-D patients implanted between 2012 and 2021. These patients were screened against a list of all hospitalized patients having positive blood cultures consistent with diagnosed infection in any department of a local public hospital. RESULTS: The total cohort consisted of 515 patients. Over a median follow-up of 59 months (interquartile range 31-87 months), there were 47 BSI episodes in 36 patients. The majority of patients with BSI (92%) was admitted to non-cardiology units, and in 25 episodes (53%), no cardiac imaging was performed. Nearly all patients (85%) were treated with short-term antibiotics, whereas chronic antibiotic suppression therapy (n = 4) and system extraction (n = 3) were less frequent. Patients with BSI had a nearly seven-fold higher rate (hazard ratio 6.7, 95% confidence interval 3.9-11.2; P < .001) of all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic workup of defibrillator patients with BSI admitted to a non-cardiology unit is often insufficient to characterize lead-related endocarditis. The high mortality rate in these patients with BSI may relate to underdiagnosis and consequently late/absence of system removal. Efforts to increase an interdisciplinary approach and greater use of cardiac imaging are necessary for timely diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Determination of sensed and paced atrial-ventricular delay in cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Optimization of atrial-ventricular delay (AVD) during atrial sensing (SAVD) and pacing (PAVD) provides the most effective cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We demonstrate a novel electrocardiographic methodology for quantifying electrical synchrony and optimizing SAVD/PAVD. METHODS: We studied 40 CRT patients with LV activation delay. Atrial-sensed to RV-sensed (As-RVs) and atrial-paced to RV-sensed (Ap-RVs) intervals were measured from intracardiac electrograms (IEGM). LV-only pacing was performed over a range of SAVD/PAVD settings. Electrical dyssynchrony (cardiac resynchronization index; CRI) was measured at each setting using a multilead ECG system placed over the anterior and posterior torso. Biventricular pacing, which included multiple interventricular delays, was also conducted in a subset of 10 patients. RESULTS: When paced LV-only, peak CRI was similar (93 ± 5% vs. 92 ± 5%) during atrial sensing or pacing but optimal PAVD was 61 ± 31 ms greater than optimal SAVD. The difference between As-RVs and Ap-RVs intervals on IEGMs (62 ± 31 ms) was nearly identical. The slope of the correlation line (0.98) and the correlation coefficient r (0.99) comparing the 2 methods of assessing SAVD-PAVD offset were nearly 1 and the y-intercept (0.63 ms) was near 0. During simultaneous biventricular (BiV) pacing at short AVD, SAVD and PAVD programming did not affect CRI, but CRI was significantly (p < .05) lower during atrial sensing at long AVD. CONCLUSIONS: A novel methodology for measuring electrical dyssynchrony was used to determine electrically optimal SAVD/PAVD during LV-only pacing. When BiV pacing, shorter AVDs produce better electrical synchrony.

Use of cardiac contractility modulation combined with left bundle branch pacing CRT-P in a female with a 22-year history of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy: A case report.

Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a novel device-based therapy used to treat patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In both randomized clinical trials and real-life studies, CCM has been shown to improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, reverse left ventricular remodeling, and reduce hospitalization in patients with HFrEF. In this case report, we describe for the first time the use of CCM combined with left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (CRT-P) implantation therapy in a female with a 22-year history of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. With the optimal medical therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) strategies, the patient's quality of life initially recovered to some extent, but began to deteriorate in the past year. Additionally, heart transplantation was not considered due to economic reasons and late stage systolic heart failure. This is the first case of CCM implantation in Fujian Province and the first report of a combined CCM and left bundle branch pacing CRT-P implantation strategy in a patient with non-ischemic etiology dilated cardiomyopathy in China.

Response predictors to cardiac resynchronization therapy in chronic heart failure: a 10-year-cardiovascular center experience.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been established as an effective therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Randomized clinical trials have shown its impact on mortality and HF hospitalizations, as well as improvement of symptoms and quality of life. OBJECTIVES: Finding clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic variables that may predict the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS: We performed a single-center, observational, analytic, and retrospective study that included 102 patients with heart failure (HF) diagnosis who underwent CRT according to guideline-directed therapy from January 2010 to April 2020 in a third-level center. CRT response was defined as an improvement of New York Heart Association functional class in at least 1 category associated with a recovery of ≥ 5% in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). RESULTS: Our study population was 102 patients of which 61 (59.8%) were men. The mean age at HF diagnosis was 54 ± 18.7 years. Ischemic heart disease was the etiology in 37 (36.3%) cases. Fifty-one (50%) patients were classified as responders. Responders had wider QRS, and lower LVEF and right ventricular fractional area change at baseline. After CRT, responders had a greater reduction of QRS duration, and improvement in LVEF, global longitudinal strain, and echocardiographic dyssynchrony parameters. Multivariate regression analysis showed that left bundle branch block (LBBB), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and baseline difference of pre-ejection periods were predictors of a positive response to CRT in this population. CONCLUSIONS: LBBB, TAPSE, LVEDV, and pre-ejection time difference are independent variables that can predict adequate response to CRT.

ANTECEDENTES: La terapia de resincronización cardíaca (TRC) se ha establecido como una terapia efectiva para la insuficiencia cardíaca con fracción de eyección reducida. Ensayos clínicos aleatorizados han demostrado su impacto en la mortalidad y hospitalizaciones por insuficiencia cardíaca, así como la mejora de los síntomas y la calidad de vida. OBJETIVOS: Determinar las variables clínicas, electrocardiográficas y ecocardiográficas que puedan predecir la respuesta a la terapia de resincronización cardíaca (TRC). MÉTODO: Estudio unicéntrico, observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, que incluyó 102 pacientes con diagnóstico de IC sometidos a TRC y terapia dirigida por guías, de enero de 2010 a abril de 2020, en un centro de tercer nivel. La respuesta a TRC fue definida como mejoría de la clase funcional de la New York Heart Association en al menos 1 categoría, asociado con una recuperación ≥ 5% en la fracción de expulsión del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI). RESULTADOS: Incluimos a 102 pacientes, 61 (59.8%) fueron hombres. El promedio de edad al diagnóstico de IC fue 54 ± 18.7 años. La cardiopatía isquémica fue la etiología en 37 (36.3%) pacientes. 51 (50%) pacientes, fueron clasificados como respondedores. Los respondedores presentaron QRS amplio, menor FEVI y menor fracción de acortamiento del ventrículo derecho al inicio del estudio. Después de la TRC, los respondedores tuvieron una mayor reducción en la duración del QRS, mejoría en la FEVI, strain longitudinal global y parámetros de disincronía ecocardiográfica. El análisis de regresión multivariado mostró que el bloqueo de rama izquierdo (BRI), el volumen telediastólico del ventrículo izquierdo (VTDVI) la excursión sistólica del plano anular tricuspídeo (TAPSE) y la diferencia basal del período expulsivo fueron predictores de respuesta positiva a TRC. CONCLUSIONES: BRI, TAPSE, VTDVI y la diferencia basal de períodos preexpulsivos son variables independientes que predicen respuesta adecuada a TRC.

Complications of left bundle branch area pacing compared with biventricular pacing in candidates for resynchronization therapy: Results of a propensity score-matched analysis from a multicenter registry.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with biventricular pacing (BVP) is a well-established therapy in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, heart failure, and left bundle branch block. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has recently been shown to be a feasible and effective alternative to BVP. Comparative data on the risk of complications between LBBAP and BVP among patients undergoing CRT are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term risk of procedure-related complications between LBBAP and BVP in a cohort of patients undergoing CRT. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, observational study enrolled 668 consecutive patients (mean age 71.2 ± 10.0 years; 52.2% male; 59.4% with New York Heart Association class III-IV heart failure symptoms) with left ventricular ejection fraction 33.4% ± 4.3% who underwent BVP (n = 561) or LBBAP (n = 107) for a class I or II indication for CRT. Propensity score matching for baseline characteristics yielded 93 matched pairs. The rate and nature of intraprocedural and long-term post-procedural complications occurring during follow-up were prospectively collected and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 18 months, procedure-related complications were observed in 16 patients: 12 in BVP (12.9%) and 4 in LBBAP (4.3%) (P = .036). Compared with patients who underwent LBBAP, those who underwent BVP showed a lower complication-free survival (P = .032). In multivariate analysis, BVP resulted an independent predictive factor associated with a higher risk of complications (hazard ratio 3.234; P = .042). Complications related to the coronary sinus lead were most frequently observed in patients who underwent BVP (50.0% of all complications). CONCLUSION: LBBAP was associated with a lower long-term risk of device-related complications compared with BVP in patients with an indication for CRT.