Intracardiac vs Transesophageal Echocardiography for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies continue to evaluate the use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for guiding left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). OBJECTIVE: To conduct an updated meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness and safety outcomes of both imaging modalities. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were searched for studies comparing ICE vs TEE to guide LAAO. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a random-effects model. The primary effectiveness endpoint was procedural success. The primary safety endpoint included the overall complications rate. Additional safety outcomes were assessed as secondary endpoints. Subgroup analysis of primary endpoints was conducted according to device type (Amulet, LAmbre, Watchman, Watchman FLX) and study region (American, Asia, Europe). We used R version 4.3.1 for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 19 observational studies encompassing 42,474 patients, of whom 4,415 (10.4%) underwent ICE-guided LAAO. Compared with TEE, ICE was associated with a marginally higher procedural success (OR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01-1.76; p=0.04; I2=0%). There was no significant difference in the overall complications rate (OR 1.02; 95% CI: 0.77-1.36; p=0.89; I2=5%). However, ICE showed higher rates of pericardial effusion (OR 2.11; 95% CI: 1.47-3.03; p<0.001; I2=0%) and residual iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) (OR 1.52; 95% CI: 1.15-2.03; p<0.004; I2=0%). Subgroup analysis revealed variations in procedural success within the ICE group across study regions (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: In this updated meta-analysis, the increasing adoption of ICE-guided LAAO demonstrated higher procedural success rates compared to TEE, although with limited statistical significance. Overall complication rates were similar; however, ICE showed higher rates of pericardial effusion and residual iASD.

Safety and Behavior of Implantable Electronic Devices During Cremation.

BACKGROUND: The current standard of practice for cremating patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is surgical explantation prior to cremation to mitigate the risk of device explosion. This surgery may conflict with patient or family beliefs, whereas cremation of CIEDs may create occupational hazards. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to establish an ex-vivo model for screening CIED behavior during cremation. METHODS: Seven CIED underwent testing including projectile/sound testing, impact testing, and gas analysis. In the projectile test, devices were heated until thermal failure (explosion) and filmed with a high-speed camera and microphone. For impact testing, brick structures were built to assess damage after explosion. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified released gases. Findings were compared with occupational health standards, where available. RESULTS: The implantable loop recorder and leadless pacemaker produced minimal kinetic energy and impact risk with thermal failure. The remaining devices demonstrated explosive disintegration at thermal temperatures <500°C. The pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators produced sound levels >120 dB and resulted in damage to brick structures. Small quantities of benzene and hydrogren fluoride were produced but at quantities within acceptable occupational exposure limits in a cremation chamber. CONCLUSIONS: All tested CIEDs experienced explosion at temperatures below crematorium standards. The smallest devices produced minimal risk of damage or injury suggesting they may safely remain in situ during cremation, while the larger devices produced more kinetic energy, testing chamber damage, and louder explosions suggesting potential risk with cremation. Cadaveric testing in full-sized cremation chambers is required to determine real-world risk.

Utility of an Externalized Temporary Transvenous Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator System in the Setting of Ventricular Tachycardia Storm and Concurrent Device Infection Requiring Extraction.

With the expanding use of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) therapy, intravascular device infections are becoming more common. In the case of transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) infections requiring extraction for bacterial clearance, there remains no standard method to deliver temporary ICD therapy following device removal. We present a case of persistent bacteremia complicated by monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) electrical storm where biventricular ICD system extraction was performed and a temporary transvenous dual-coil lead with an externalized ICD generator was used to treat VT episodes prior to the re-implantation of a new permanent system. This case demonstrates the utility of a temporary externalized transvenous ICD system in the successful detection and pace-termination of VT, thereby reducing episodes of painful and potentially harmful external defibrillator shocks during the treatment of CIED infection.

The Spatial Ventricular Gradient Is Associated With Inducibility of Ventricular Arrhythmias During Electrophysiology Study.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial electrical heterogeneity is critical for normal cardiac electromechanical function, but abnormal or excessive electrical heterogeneity is proarrhythmic. The spatial ventricular gradient (SVG), a vectorcardiographic measure of electrical heterogeneity, has been associated with arrhythmic events during long-term follow-up, but its relationship with short-term inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) is unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine associations between SVG and inducible VAs during electrophysiology study. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of adults without prior sustained VA, cardiac arrest, or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator who underwent ventricular stimulation for evaluation of syncope and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia or for risk stratification before primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. The 12-lead electrocardiograms were converted into vectorcardiograms, and SVG magnitude (SVGmag) and direction (azimuth and elevation) were calculated. Odds of inducible VA were regressed by logistic models. RESULTS: Of 143 patients (median age, 69 years; 80% male; median left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], 47%; 52% myocardial infarction), 34 (23.8%) had inducible VAs. Inducible patients had lower median LVEF (38% vs 50%; P < .0001), smaller SVGmag (29.5 vs 39.4 mV·ms; P = .0099), and smaller cosine SVG azimuth (cosSVGaz; 0.64 vs 0.89; P = .0007). When LVEF, SVGmag, and cosSVGaz were dichotomized at their medians, there was a 39-fold increase in adjusted odds (P = .002) between patients with all low LVEF, SVGmag, and cosSVGaz (65% inducible) compared with patients with all high LVEF, SVGmag, and cosSVGaz (4% [n = 1] inducible). After multivariable adjustment, SVGmag, cosSVGaz, and sex but not LVEF or other characteristics remained associated with inducible VAs. CONCLUSION: Assessment of electrical heterogeneity by SVG, which reflects abnormal electrophysiologic substrate, adds to LVEF and identifies patients at high and low risk of inducible VA at electrophysiology study.

Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Among Older Adults in the United States: A Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is increasingly recommended as first-line therapy for atrial fibrillation. Recent data suggest growing PVI volumes but rising complication rates, although comprehensive real-world outcomes including both inpatient and outpatient encounters remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient characteristics, population rates, and 30-day outcomes of PVI in a nationwide sample of U.S. adults aged >65 years. METHODS: First-time PVIs were identified among U.S. Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries using Current Procedural Terminology procedural codes. Comorbidities were ascertained using International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision diagnosis codes associated with each procedural claim. Outcomes included periprocedural complications, all-cause hospitalizations, and mortality at 30 days. RESULTS: From January 2017 through December 2021, a total of 227,133 patients underwent PVI (mean age 72.5 years, 42% women, 92.7% White) with an increasing comorbidity burden over time. PVI volume increased from 83.8 (2017) to 111.6 per 100,000 patient-years (2021), which was driven by outpatient procedures (87.8% of all PVIs). Concurrently, there was a significant decrease in complication rates (3.9% in 2017 vs 3.1% in 2021; P < 0.001) and hospitalizations (8.8% vs 7.0%; P < 0.001), with no significant change in mortality (0.4%; P = 0.08). The most common periprocedural complications were bleeding (1.8%), pericardial effusion (1.4%), and vascular access damage (0.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of PVI has steadily increased among older patients in contemporary U.S. clinical practice; yet, cumulative complication and hospitalization rates at 30 days have decreased over time, with stably low rates of short-term mortality despite rising comorbidity burden among treated patients. These data may reassure patients and providers on the safety of PVI as an increasingly common first-line procedure for atrial fibrillation.

Risk of Adverse Outcomes Associated With Cardiac Sarcoidosis Diagnostic Schemes.

BACKGROUND: Multiple cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) diagnostic schemes have been published. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the association of different CS diagnostic schemes with adverse outcomes. The diagnostic schemes evaluated were 1993, 2006, and 2017 Japanese criteria and the 2014 Heart Rhythm Society criteria. METHODS: Data were collected from the Cardiac Sarcoidosis Consortium, an international registry of CS patients. Outcome events were any of the following: all-cause mortality, left ventricular assist device placement, heart transplantation, and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the association of outcomes with each CS diagnostic scheme. RESULTS: A total of 587 subjects met the following criteria: 1993 Japanese (n = 310, 52.8%), 2006 Japanese (n = 312, 53.2%), 2014 Heart Rhythm Society (n = 480, 81.8%), and 2017 Japanese (n = 112, 19.1%). Patients who met the 1993 criteria were more likely to experience an event than patients who did not (n = 109 of 310, 35.2% vs n = 59 of 277, 21.3%; OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.38-2.90; P < 0.001). Similarly, patients who met the 2006 criteria were more likely to have an event than patients who did not (n = 116 of 312, 37.2% vs n = 52 of 275, 18.9%; OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.74-3.71; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between the occurrence of an event and whether a patient met the 2014 or the 2017 criteria (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.85-2.27; P = 0.18 or OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 0.97-2.33; P = 0.067, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CS patients who met the 1993 and the 2006 criteria had higher odds of adverse clinical outcomes. Future research is needed to prospectively evaluate existing diagnostic schemes and develop new risk models for this complex disease.

Incidence, Treatment, and Outcomes of Symptomatic Device Lead-Related Venous Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and clinical impact of lead-related venous obstruction (LRVO) among patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is poorly defined. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of symptomatic LRVO after CIED implant; describe patterns in CIED extraction and revascularization; and quantify LRVO-related health care utilization based on each type of intervention. METHODS: LRVO status was defined among Medicare beneficiaries after CIED implant from October 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. Cumulative incidence functions of LRVO were estimated by Fine-Gray methods. LRVO predictors were identified using Cox regression. Incidence rates for LRVO-related health care visits were calculated with Poisson models. RESULTS: Among 649,524 patients who underwent CIED implant, 28,214 developed LRVO, with 5.0% cumulative incidence at maximum follow-up of 5.2 years. Independent predictors of LRVO included CIEDs with >1 lead (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.07-1.15), chronic kidney disease (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.14-1.20), and malignancies (HR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.20-1.27). Most patients with LRVO (85.2%) were managed conservatively. Among 4,186 (14.8%) patients undergoing intervention, 74.0% underwent CIED extraction and 26.0% percutaneous revascularization. Notably, 90% of the patients did not receive another CIED after extraction, with low use (2.2%) of leadless pacemakers. In adjusted models, extraction was associated with significant reductions in LRVO-related health care utilization (adjusted rate ratio: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.52-0.66) compared with conservative management. CONCLUSIONS: In a large nationwide sample, the incidence of LRVO was substantial, affecting 1 of every 20 patients with CIEDs. Device extraction was the most common intervention and was associated with long-term reduction in recurrent health care utilization.

Coronary Artery Occlusion Detection Using 3-Lead ECG System Suitable for Credit Card-Size Personal Device Integration.

Background: Early coronary occlusion detection by portable personal device with limited number of electrocardiographic (ECG) leads might shorten symptom-to-balloon time in acute coronary syndromes. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of coronary occlusion detection using vectorcardgiographic analysis of a near-orthogonal 3-lead ECG configuration suitable for credit card-size personal device integration with automated and human 12 lead ECG interpretation. Methods: The 12-lead ECGs with 3 additional leads ("abc") using 2 arm and 2 left parasternal electrodes were recorded in 66 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention prior to ("baseline", n = 66), immediately before ("preinflation", n = 66), and after 90-second balloon coronary occlusion ("inflation", n = 120). Performance of computer-measured ST-segment shift on vectorcardgiographic loops constructed from "abc" and 12 leads, standard 12-lead ECG, and consensus human interpretation in coronary occlusion detection were compared in "comparative" and "spot" modes (with/without reference to "baseline") using areas under ROC curves (AUC), reliability, and sensitivity/specificity analysis. Results: Comparative "abc"-derived ST-segment shift was similar to two 12-lead methods (vector/traditional) in detecting balloon coronary occlusion (AUC = 0.95, 0.96, and 0.97, respectively, P = NS). Spot "abc" and 12-lead measurements (AUC = 0.72, 0.77, 0.68, respectively, P = NS) demonstrated poorer performance (P < 0.01 vs comparative measurements). Reliability analysis demonstrated comparative automated measurements in "good" agreement with reference (preinflation/inflation), while comparative human interpretation was in "moderate" range. Spot automated and human reading showed "poor" agreement. Conclusions: Vectorcardiographic ST-segment analysis using baseline comparison of 3-lead ECG system suitable for credit card-size personal device integration is similar to established 12-lead ECG methods in detecting balloon coronary occlusion.

Clinical management of conduction abnormalities following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: prospective evaluation of a standardized management pathway.

PURPOSE: Limited evidence guides management of conduction abnormalities following TAVR. Standardized clinical pathways may reduce variability in care while minimizing bradyarrhythmic morbidity, length of stay (LOS), and pacemaker (PPM) implantation rates. METHODS: A multidisciplinary consensus pathway to standardize post-TAVR management was developed. We evaluated (1) pathway adherence; (2) LOS; (3) PPM implantation rates; (4) 1-month survival, and (5) late heart block. Exploratory analyses evaluated factors associated with PPM implantation. RESULTS: A total of 181 consecutive patients without prior PPM who underwent TAVR between February 2020 and February 2021 (mean age 77.9 ± 9.1, 38% women) were included. Average LOS was 3.0 days (± 2.7), and no deaths related to syncope/bradyarrhythmia were reported by 1 month. Overall, 93% of the 181 patients were managed by pathway; deviations were due to failure of discharge with a heart monitor when it was clinically indicated for either pre-existing RBBB or new PR prolongation/new LBBB. PPM implantation occurred in 19 patients by discharge, and 21 by 1-month (13%). In our exploratory analysis, pre-existing RBBB, transient peri-procedural heart block, and LOTUS valves were associated with pacemaker implantation: OR (CI) of 8.16 (3.06-21.78), 6.83 (1.94-24.03), and 8.32 (1.11-62.49), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This report illustrates that a standardized protocol for the management of conduction abnormalities after TAVR can be implemented with high compliance, safe management of conduction disturbance, and relatively short LOS with discharge supported by ambulatory monitoring.

Very early versus early referral for ablation in young patients with newly diagnosed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation (CA) has emerged as an effective therapy for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF); however it is unclear whether proceeding expeditiously to CA improves clinical outcomes in a real-world population. This study compares outcomes of CA for new AF within 6 months of diagnosis (very early) 6 to 12 months after diagnosis (early) and 12 to 24 months after diagnosis (later). METHODS: A large nationally-representative sample of patients ages 18 to 64 who underwent CA from January 2011 to June 2019 was studied using the IBM MarketScan Database. The primary outcome was a composite of healthcare utilization over the following 24 months. Propensity score-matching was used to match patients in each cohort. Risk difference in outcomes were compared between matched patients. RESULTS: Two thousand six hundred thirty one patients were identified postmatching, with 1649 in the very early cohort and 982 in the early cohort. The very early referral group was less likely to experience the primary composite outcome postablation (Absolute risk difference [ARD]: -3.9%; 95% Confidence interval [CI]: -5.8%, -2.0%), with the difference driven by fewer cardioversions (ARD: -2.9%, 95% CI: -5.3%, -0.5%) and outpatient visits (ARD: -6.6%, 95% CI: -10.5%, -2.7%). There was no difference in outcomes between early and later referral groups, with only very early referral showing decreased healthcare utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent ablation within 6 months of diagnosis had lower healthcare utilization in the ensuing 24 months, driven by fewer outpatient visits and cardioversions, supporting expeditious referral for ablation for symptomatic AF.

Cost-Effectiveness of Antibiotic-Eluting Envelope for Prevention of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections in Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Use of an antibiotic-eluting envelope (AEE) during cardiac implantable electronic device procedures reduces infection risk but increases procedural costs. We aim to estimate the cost-effectiveness of AEE use during cardiac implantable electronic device procedures among patients with heart failure. METHODS: A state-transition cohort model of heart failure patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device implantation or generator replacement was developed with input parameters estimated from randomized trials, registries, surveys, and claims data. Effectiveness was estimated from the World-Wide Randomized Antibiotic Envelope Infection Prevention Trial. AEE was assumed to cost $953 per unit. The model projected mortality, quality-adjusted life-years, costs, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of AEE use compared with usual care from a US healthcare sector perspective over a lifetime horizon. We assumed a cost-effectiveness threshold of $100 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. RESULTS: Compared with usual care, AEE use in initial implantations produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $112 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained (39% probability of being cost-effective). In generator replacement procedures, AEE use produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $54 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained (84% probability of being cost-effective). Results were sensitive to the underlying rate of infection, cost of the AEE, and durability of AEE effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Universal AEE use for cardiac implantable electronic device procedures in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is unlikely to be cost-effective, reinforcing the need for individualized risk assessment to guide uptake of the AEE in clinical practice. Selective use in patients at increased risk of infection, such as those undergoing generator replacement procedures, is more likely to meet health system value benchmarks.

Lead-Related Venous Obstruction in Patients With Implanted Cardiac Devices: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

Cardiac implantable electronic device implantation rates have increased in recent decades. Venous obstruction of the subclavian, brachiocephalic, or superior vena cava veins represents an important complication of implanted leads. These forms of venous obstruction can result in significant symptoms as well as present a barrier to the implantation of additional device leads. The risk factors for the development of these complications remain poorly understood, and diagnosis relies on clinical recognition and cross-sectional imaging. Anticoagulation remains the mainstay of treatment, and thrombus debulking, lead extraction, venoplasty, and stenting are all important therapeutic interventions. This review provides a multidisciplinary-based approach to the evaluation and management of cardiac implantable electronic device lead-associated venous obstruction.

Conduction Disturbances and Permanent Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Predictors and Prevention.

Conduction disturbances and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) remain a frequent and important consequence of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Understanding risk factors for TAVR-related conduction disturbances could improve patient selection, procedural techniques, and periprocedural efforts for monitoring and treatment of heart block. Several studies have identified patient-related and procedural factors associated with new-onset left bundle branch block, high-degree atrioventricular block, and the need for PPMI after TAVR. Notable patient-related predictors include preexisting right bundle branch block, membranous septal length, and calcification of the left ventricular outflow tract. Modifiable procedural predictors include device implantation depth, prosthesis oversizing, and valve type. This review aims to summarize the current literature examining predictors of conduction disturbances and PPMI after TAVR, particularly with regard to the newer-generation valve types. We also propose a management algorithm for the management of conduction disturbances postprocedure.