Influence of type and duration of training on the presence of an abnormal ECG in high-performance athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To undertake an ECG in high level athletes to determine the morphology of the ECG and to assess the influences on the ECG of the amount of time in a high-performance programme and the type of sport played. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: High-performance sports programme. INTERVENTIONS: Current symptoms (questionnaire) and length of time in a high-performance sports programme were recorded. Sports were classified as either high maximal oxygen uptake continuous, high maximal oxygen uptake repeated effort or static. An ECG was performed and classified by 2010 European Society of Cardiology guidelines into Groups 0 (normal), Group 1 (common and training-related ECG changes) and Group 2 (uncommon and training unrelated ECG changes). RESULTS: The following were recorded: length of time in high performance sport programme (mean 2.3 years), type of sport (Continuous 103, Repeated effort 133, Static 37), ECG changes Group 0 (n=83, 31%), Group 1 (n=173, 63%) and Group 2 (n=17, 6.2%). Athletes with an increased length of time in a high performance programme demonstrated a higher likelihood of Group 2 ECG changes when compared with Groups 0 and 1 (p=0.05). The questionnaire did not help detect athletes with Group 2 ECG changes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that an increased length of time in a high performance programme was associated with an increased number of detectable Group 2 ECG changes. Overall, the further investigation rate was 6.2%.

Pacing the right ventricular outflow tract septum: time to embrace the future.

Transvenous pacing has revolutionized the management of patients with potentially life-threatening bradycardias and at its most basic level ensures rate support to maintain cardiac output. However, we have known for at least a decade that pacing from the right ventricle (RV) apex can induce left ventricle (LV) dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and maybe an increased mortality. Although pacemaker manufacturers have developed successful pacing algorithms designed to minimize unnecessary ventricular pacing, it cannot be avoided in a substantial proportion of pacemaker-dependent patients. Just as there is undoubted evidence that RV apical pacing is injurious, there is emerging evidence that pacing from the RV septum is associated with a shorter duration of activation, improved haemodynamics, and less LV remodelling. The move from traditional RV apical pacing to RV septal pacing requires a change in mindset for many practitioners. The anatomical landmarks and electrocardiograph features of RV septal pacing are well described and easily recognized. While active fixation is required to place the lead on the septum, shaped stylets are now available to assist the implanter. In addition, concerns about the stability and longevity of steroid-eluting active fixation leads have proven to be unfounded. We therefore encourage all implanters to adopt RV septal pacing to minimize the potential of harm to their patients.

The right ventricular outflow tract: a comparative study of septal, anterior wall, and free wall pacing.

BACKGROUND: There is marked heterogeneity in right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) pacemaker lead placement using conventional leads. As a result, we have sought to identify a reproducible way of placing a ventricular lead onto the RVOT septum. METHODS AND RESULTS: A major determinant is the shape of the stylet used to deliver the active-fixation lead. We compared stylet shapes and configurations in patients who initially had a ventricular lead placed onto the anterior or free wall of the RVOT and then had the lead repositioned onto the septum. All leads were loaded with a stylet fashioned with a distal primary curve to facilitate delivery of the lead to the pulmonary artery, then using a pullback technique the lead was retracted to the RVOT. All lead placements were confirmed by fluoroscopy and electrocardiography. Anterior or free wall placement was achieved by the stylet having either the standard curve or an added distal anterior angulation. In contrast, septal lead positioning was uniformly achieved by a distal posterior angulation of the curved stylet. This difference in tip shape was highly predictive for septal placement (P < 0.001). With septal pacing, a narrower QRS duration was noted, compared to anterior or free wall pacing (136 vs 155 ms, P < 0.001). All pacing parameters were within acceptable limits. CONCLUSION: Using appropriately shaped stylets, pacing leads can now be placed into specific positions within the RVOT and in particular septal pacing can be reliably and reproducibly achieved. This is an important step in the standardization of lead placement in the RVOT.

Multiple focal atrial tachycardias in a healthy adult population: characterization and description of successful radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND: The electrophysiologic (EP) characteristics and ablation outcomes of focal atrial tachycardia (AT) have been extensively characterized over recent years. However, there are limited published data describing patients who at EP study have more than one sustained focal tachycardia. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the demographics, tachycardia data, and outcome of patients with successful ablation of more than one focal AT. METHODS: A retrospective review of our supraventricular tachycardia database from 2000 to 2006 identified 258 patients who had undergone radiofrequency ablation of focal AT. Ten patients were identified who had more than one sustained focal tachycardia at EP study, including seven patients with two ATs and three patients with three ATs. The patients were all women with a mean age of 54.2 +/- 10.3 years. AT locations included the crista terminalis, coronary sinus ostium, tricuspid and mitral annuli, and pulmonary vein ostium. Successful ablation was performed for 22 (95.7%) of 23 tachycardias. RESULTS: During long-term follow-up of 32.7 +/- 22.2 months, there were no recurrences of AT in those patients with successful ablation. No patients developed new AT foci, and only one developed late AF. CONCLUSIONS: We have described a series of patients with multiple focal ATs with typical anatomic distribution. These patients do not have significant cardiac or respiratory disease, and in this series, all were women. This report demonstrates that up to three focal ATs can be successfully ablated at a single procedure without recurrence or development of other atrial arrhythmias in long-term follow-up.

The right ventricular outflow tract: the road to septal pacing.

BACKGROUND: Pacing from the right ventricular apex is associated with long-term adverse effects on left ventricular function. This has fuelled interest in alternative pacing sites, especially the septal aspect of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). However, it is a common perception that septal RVOT pacing is difficult to achieve. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this article, we will review the anatomy of the RVOT and discuss the importance of standard radiographic views and the 12-lead electrocardiogram in aiding lead placement. We will also describe a method utilizing a novel stylet shape, whereby a conventional active-fixation, stylet-driven lead can be easily and reliably deployed onto the RVOT septum.

Focal atrial tachycardias arising from the right atrial appendage: electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic characteristics and radiofrequency ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the electrocardiographic and electrophysiological features and frequency of focal atrial tachycardia (AT) originating from the right atrial appendage (RAA). BACKGROUND: The RAA has been described as a site of origin of AT, but detailed characterization of these tachycardias is limited. METHODS: Ten patients (3.8%) of 261 undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for focal AT are reported. Endocardial activation maps (EAM) were recorded from catheters at the CS (10 pole), tricuspid annulus (20 pole Halo catheter), and His positions. P waves were classified as negative, positive, isoelectric, or biphasic. RESULTS: The mean age was 39 +/- 20 years, nine males, with symptoms for 4.1 +/- 5.1 years. Tachycardia was incessant in seven patients, spontaneous in one patient, and induced by programmed extrastimuli in two patients. These foci had a characteristic P wave morphology. The P wave was negative in lead V(1) in all patients, becoming progressively positive across the precordial leads. The P waves in the inferior leads were low amplitude positive in the majority of patients. Earliest EAM activity occurred on the Halo catheter in all patients. Mean activation time at the successful RFA site =-38 +/- 15 msec. Irrigated catheters were used in six patients, due to difficulty achieving adequate power. RFA was acutely successful in all patients. Long-term success was achieved in all patients over a mean follow up of 8 +/- 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: The RAA is an uncommon site of origin for focal AT (3.8%). It can be suspected as a potential anatomic site of AT origin from the characteristic P wave and activation timing. Irrigated ablation catheters are often required for successful ablation. Long-term success was achieved with focal ablation in all patients.

Right ventricular outflow tract pacing: radiographic and electrocardiographic correlates of lead position.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the pacing site in an unselected series of patients undergoing right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) lead placement and investigate the role of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in predicting implantation. BACKGROUND: Right ventricular apical pacing is associated with long-term adverse effects on left ventricular function, fuelling interest in alternative pacing sites, especially the RVOT. Previous studies have been conflicting, possibly due to poor definition of pacing site within the RVOT. METHODS: In 150 patients undergoing pacemaker implantation, implanters were asked to place the lead in the RVOT. Radiographs were performed in the antero-posterior (AP) and 40 degrees right and left anterior-oblique projections post procedure. Fifty-six had left lateral radiographs. Lead position was categorized using AP/RAO (right anterior oblique) to confirm RVOT placement and left anterior oblique to distinguish free wall from septum. A 12-lead ECG was performed during ventricular pacing. RESULTS: Leads were below the RVOT in 18. Of the remaining 132, the majority (94%) were in the inferior/low RVOT. Eighty-one out of 132 were septal and 51 free wall. Septal sites were associated with shorter QRS duration (134 ms vs 143 ms, P < 0.02). Free wall sites displayed more frequent notching of the inferior leads (P < 0.01). A negative deflection in lead I provided a positive predictive value of 90% for septal sites. In those with lateral radiographs, a posteriorly projected lead was 100% specific for septal placement. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the heterogeneity of lead placement within the RVOT. Septal and free wall sites display characteristic ECG patterns which may be used to aid placement. The left lateral radiograph is useful in confirming a true septal location.

A grave case of bradycardia.

Tachycardia is a prominent feature of thyrotoxicosis. We present an unusual case of Graves' thyrotoxicosis presenting as profound symptomatic bradycardia.

Proficiency in coronary angiography: local experience and college requirements.

BACKGROUND: Proficiency in coronary angiography is a necessary skill for all cardiology trainees and is a requirement of training for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to compare the local experience of advanced trainees with the College guidelines. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure of the first 150 cases of three trainees between 1997 and 2001. These data were also compared to those from three experienced cardiologists. RESULTS: Advanced trainees are significantly slower than senior colleagues when starting (p<0.01) and improvements are made after 150 cases. Not all trainees improved by the same degree over the study period and most remained slower than consultants after 150 cases. Radiation doses were higher in general although there was significant individual variation between the trainee and the effect of time was diverse. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of 150 coronary angiograms as a primary operator should be considered an arbitrary number. While improvements are seen in any task when performed repeatedly, the question of when an individual is proficient is less clear. Some individualization of assessment and monitoring would seem appropriate to ensure that trainees gain proficiency in performing coronary angiography during their advanced training period.

A case of Coronary-Subclavian Steal Syndrome.

Surgical bypass of left coronary artery disease using the internal mammary artery (IMA) as a conduit is standard practice. Adequate blood supply to the IMA is dependent on normal flow in the subclavian artery. Stenosis of the subclavian can impair coronary supply from the internal mammary artery. This may create a steal syndrome whereby the left arm may rob the coronary system of flow especially during arm exercise. In the present report a case of angina with left coronary system steal via an internal mammary graft due to atherosclerotic subclavian stenosis. Successful treatment of the anginal symptoms by native coronary stenting is described.