Injecting a ventricular tachycardia into the heart-Α unique case report.

INTRODUCTION: A 52-year-old woman presented with a complex ventricular arrhythmia in an intraoperative context, during kyphoplasty for an osteoporotic fracture of a lumbar vertebra. The subject showed no indications of a previous cardiovascular condition. METHODS AND RESULTS: Causes of arrhythmias associated with the procedure were excluded. Due to her positive family history for dilated cardiomyopathy, upcoming thoughts were made for unmasking a previous asymptomatic cardiomyopathy. Nevertheless, an intracardiac cement embolism was diagnosed and, finally, the patient underwent an open-heart surgery with successful removal of the cardiac cement. Νo new arrhythmia recorded during follow up. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ventricular arrhythmogenic presentation of a cardiac cement embolus after a KP procedure.

P-wave duration and interatrial block as predictors of new-onset atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) could improve patient outcomes. P-wave duration (PWD) and interatrial block (IAB) are known predictors of new-onset AF and could improve selection for AF screening. This meta-analysis reviews the published evidence and offers practical implications. METHODS: Publication databases were systematically searched, and studies reporting PWD and/or morphology at baseline and new-onset AF during follow-up were included. IAB was defined as partial (pIAB) if PWD≥120 ms or advanced (aIAB) if the P-wave was biphasic in the inferior leads. After quality assessment and data extraction, random-effects analysis calculated odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analysis was performed for those with implantable devices (continuous monitoring). RESULTS: Among 16,830 patients (13 studies, mean 66 years old), 2,521 (15%) had new-onset AF over a median of 44 months. New-onset AF was associated with a longer PWD (mean pooled difference: 11.5 ms, 13 studies, p < 0.001). The OR for new-onset AF was 2.05 (95% CI: 1.3-3.2) for pIAB (5 studies, p = 0.002) and 3.9 (95% CI: 2.6-5.8) for aIAB (7 studies, p < 0.001). Patients with pIAB and devices had higher AF-detection risk (OR: 2.33, p < 0.001) than those without devices (OR: 1.36, p = 0.56). Patients with aIAB had similarly high risk regardless of device presence. There was significant heterogeneity but no publication bias. CONCLUSION: Interatrial block is an independent predictor of new-onset AF. The association is stronger for patients with implantable devices (close monitoring). Thus, PWD and IAB could be used as selection criteria for intensive screening, follow-up or interventions.

P-wave duration as a marker of atrial remodeling in patients referred to ablation for atrial fibrillation: A new stratification tool emerging?

Ablation of atrial fibrillation is one of the most widely applied invasive procedures in cardiovascular medicine, and populations with atrial fibrillation continuously rise. Recurrence rates are, however, consistently high, even in patients without severe comorbidities. Robust stratification algorithms to distinguish patients suitable for ablation are generally lacking. This is a fact caused by the inability to incorporate evidence of atrial remodeling and fibrosis, e.g., atrial remodeling, in the decision pathways. Cardiac magnetic resonance is a powerful tool in identifying fibrosis; however, it is costly and not routinely used. Electrocardiography has been generally underutilized in clinical practice during pre-ablative screening. One of the characteristics of the electrocardiogram that can give us valuable data depicting the existence and the extent of atrial remodeling and fibrosis is the duration of the P-wave. Currently, many studies support the implementation of P-wave duration in the routine practice of patient evaluation as a surrogate marker of existing atrial remodeling, that in turn predicts recurrence after ablation of atrial fibrillation. Further research is guaranteed to establish this electrocardiographic characteristic in our stratification quiver.

P-wave duration and atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a global health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Catheter ablation (CA) can reduce AF burden and symptoms, but AF recurrence (AFr) remains an issue. Simple AFr predictors like P-wave duration (PWD) could help improve AF therapy. This updated meta-analysis reviews the increasing evidence for the association of AFr with PWD and offers practical implications. METHODS AND RESULTS: Publication databases were systematically searched and cohort studies reporting PWD and/or morphology at baseline and AFr after CA were included. Advanced interatrial block (aIAB) was defined as PWD ≥ 120 ms and biphasic morphology in inferior leads. Random-effects analysis was performed using the Review Manager 5.3 and R programs after study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction, to report odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals. : Among 4175 patients in 22 studies, 1138 (27%) experienced AFr. Patients with AFr had longer PWD with a mean pooled difference of 7.8 ms (19 studies, P < 0.001). Pooled OR was 2.04 (1.16-3.58) for PWD > 120 ms (13 studies, P = 0.01), 2.42 (1.12-5.21) for PWD > 140 ms (2 studies, P = 0.02), 3.97 (1.79-8.85) for aIAB (5 studies, P < 0.001), and 10.89 (4.53-26.15) for PWD > 150 ms (4 studies, P < 0.001). There was significant heterogeneity but no publication bias detected. CONCLUSION: P-wave duration is an independent predictor for AF recurrence after left atrium ablation. The AFr risk is increasing exponentially with PWD prolongation. This could facilitate risk stratification by identifying high-risk patients (aIAB, PWD > 150 ms) and adjusting follow up or interventions.

Long-term prognostic value of myocardin expression levels in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

The mortality of patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) remains substantial. We evaluated gene expression levels of myocardin, an early cardiac gene, in the peripheral blood cells of NIDCM patients as a prognostic biomarker in their long-term outcome and mortality from congestive HF (CHF). We retrospectively analyzed 101 consecutives optimally treated NIDCM patients of Cretan origin who were enrolled from the HF clinic of our hospital from November 2005 to December 2008. Our patient data were either taken from their medical files or recorded during visits to the HF unit or hospitalizations. Follow-up was carried out by telephone interview and by accessing information from general practitioners and cardiologists in private practice. The median follow-up period was 8 years (mean follow-up 7 ± 3.4 years). The overall mortality during follow-up was 61.4%, while mortality due to congestive heart failure (CHF) was 49.5%. Higher CHF and all-cause mortality were observed in patients with myocardin levels < 14.26 (p < 0.001 for both CHF and all-cause mortality). A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that myocardin level of expression had independent significant prognostic value for the risk of death from CHF (HR 14.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.3-39) in those patients. Peripheral blood cells gene expression of myocardin, an early myocardial marker, may serve as prognostic biomarkers of the long-term outcome of patients with NIDCM. Our findings open new prospects in the risk stratification of these patients.

Asymmetrical left atrial remodelling in atrial fibrillation: relation with diastolic dysfunction and long-term ablation outcomes.

AIMS: The association between anatomical left atrial (LA) remodelling and ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is not well studied. We aimed to examine the effect of DD on anatomic LA remodelling and their relation with ablation outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 104 patients (58 ± 10 years, 69% male) referred for AF ablation, LA volume (LAV) was determined by computed tomography. A cutting plane, between the pulmonary vein (PV) ostia and the appendage and parallel to the posterior wall, divided LAV into anterior- (LA-A) and posterior-LA parts. The ratio of LA-A and LAV was defined as the LA asymmetry index (ASI). According to the current guidelines, the presence of DD was evaluated by echocardiography. Regression analysis was used to identify predictors of asymmetry changes and long-term success. Univariate linear regression revealed that ASI is associated with LAV, the presence of DD, and mitral regurgitation. Asymmetry index was higher in patients with DD (n = 35, 62 ± 5 vs. 59 ± 6%, P = 0.013) or mitral regurgitation (n = 67, 61 ± 6 vs. 58 ± 5%, P = 0.025). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that DD (B = 2.6, ß = 0.207, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.167-5.011, P = 0.036) and LAV (B = 0.037, ß = 0.211, 95% CI: 0.003-0.071, P = 0.033) were the only factors independently associated with ASI (adjusted r2 = 0.92, F = 6.2, P = 0.003). Regression analysis showed that AF recurrence (33% after 24 months) is associated with asymmetric LA changes, while DD is not. CONCLUSIONS: Left atrial symmetry changes are associated with DD and dilatation. Since DD could cause LA remodelling, appropriate early treatment should be considered for AF patients with DD, before geometrical changes occur.

Cardiogenic Stroke Despite Low CHA2 DS2 -VASc Score: Assessing Stroke risk by Left Atrial Appendage Anatomy (ASK LAA).

INTRODUCTION: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), LAA morphology has been suggested to modify thromboembolic event (TE) risk. We tested the hypothesis that TE in low-risk patients is associated with LAA characteristics. METHODS: Of 2,069 patients who underwent AF ablation, 25 (1.2%) had a prior TE and a low CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (≤1). Those patients were matched for the CHA2 DS2 -VASc criteria with 75 event-free patients and CT data were compared. LAA measurements, morphology (Cactus, Chicken-Wing, Windsock, Cauliflower), and takeoff of the superior and inferior edge in relation (higher or lower) to the respective takeoff of the adjacent pulmonary vein (PV) were determined. LAA flow in relation to heart rate was also compared. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that TE patients had a higher incidence of superior LAA takeoff (i.e., higher than the left superior PV; 28% vs. 4%, P = 0.002) and a higher incidence of hyperlipidemia (40% vs. 17%, P = 0.028), while LAA morphologies, inferior takeoff, and other LAA characteristics were similar between groups. Logistic regression revealed that a superior LAA takeoff (OR: 9.1, 95% CI: 2.1-38.6, P = 0.003) was the only independent predictor of TE. There was a negative correlation between heart rate and LAA flow (r = -0.2 cm/s pro bpm, P = 0.048), that was even more pronounced for the superior LAA takeoff (r = -0.67 cm/s pro bpm, P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: A higher LAA takeoff is associated with a tachycardia-mediated thrombogenic flow and an increased thromboembolic risk. These findings may have implications for anticoagulation management of AF patients with low CHA2 DS2 -VASc scores and higher LAA takeoff.

Comparison of left atrial dimensions in CT and echocardiography as predictors of long-term success after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

PURPOSE: Left atrium (LA) size is a common predictor of ablation outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF), but different LA diameters have not been adequately studied yet. We aimed to find the best predictor of ablation outcomes using single-linear LA dimensions by computed tomography (CT) or echocardiography. METHODS: Patients (n = 103, 72 males, 59 ± 9 years) undergoing AF ablation were analyzed. LA diameter (LA-D) was measured by transthoracic echocardiography (parasternal long axis). After 3D reconstruction of CT data (EnSite Verismo, SJM, MN), maximal LA dimensions were measured on a coronal plane (superior-inferior, SI, and transversal, TV) and a sagittal plane (anterior-posterior, AP). Volume (LAV) was rendered after LA appendage and pulmonary vein exclusion. RESULTS: Patients with persistent AF (n = 40) had significantly larger LA size than those with paroxysmal AF (n = 63). After 26 ± 14 months, 31 (30 %) patients had AF recurrence. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that LA-D, LA-SI, LA-TV, LAV, and LAV-index (LAV/body surface area) were associated with AF recurrence. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that LAV was the strongest independent predictor of AF recurrence (HR = 1.011 per ml, 95 % CI 1.003-1.020, p = 0.002). LA-TV had the best correlation with LAV (r = 0.69, p < 0.01) and was the strongest single-linear predictor (HR = 1.07 per mm, 95 % CI 1.022-1.121, p = 0.004). Independent of LA-D, an LA-TV>74.5 mm predicted AF recurrence similarly to LAV>126 ml. CONCLUSIONS: LA dilatation, especially on the coronal plane, is associated with reduced long-term success after catheter ablation. LA-TV is the best linear predictor of AF recurrence, stronger than the commonly used LA-D.

Association between ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial mechanical dispersion assessed by strain analysis in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical dispersion (MD), defined as the standard deviation of time to maximum myocardial shortening assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiographic strain imaging (2DS), has been recently proposed as a predictor for ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (VT/VF) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome. However, the role of MD in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) has not yet been studied. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 20 patients with NICM (mean age 62 ± 11 years, 75 % male, mean EF 32 ± 6 %, mean QRS duration 102 ± 14 ms), we measured longitudinal strain by 2DS in a 16-segment left ventricular model and calculated the MD. Patients were divided into two groups, defined by the presence or absence of documented VT/VF. In 11 patients (55 %), VT/VF was documented. The median time from VT/VF to echocardiographic examination was 26 (IQR 15-58) months. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between patients with and without index events. MD was significantly greater in patients with VT/VF as compared to those without arrhythmias (84 ± 31 ms vs. 53 ± 16 ms, p = 0.017). The analysis of the ROC curve (AUC 0.81, 95 % CI 0.63-1.00, p = 0.017) revealed that dispersion >50 ms is associated with twelve times higher risk of VT/VF in patients with NICM (OR 12.5, 95 % CI 1.1-143.4, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: In this small cohort of NICM patients, greater MD was associated with a higher incidence of VT/VF.

Efficacy and safety of remote magnetic catheter navigation vs. manual steerable sheath-guided ablation for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: a case-control study.

AIMS: Data comparing remote magnetic catheter navigation (RMN) to manual catheter navigation (MCN) using steerable sheath for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is lacking. The aim of the present case-control study was to seek AF recurrence data after AF ablation using RMN in comparison to MCN using steerable sheath in patients with either paroxysmal or persistent AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study comprised 140 patients with AF (50% paroxysmal). Seventy were ablated utilizing RMN and 70 with MCN. Primary endpoint was defined as the time to first recurrence after index procedure. After 28.8 ± 18.9 months of follow-up, more patients in the MCN group using steerable sheath remained free of recurrence compared with RMN group [(59.1 vs. 40%, respectively, P = 0.031), in patients with persistent AF P = 0.057, while in patients with paroxysmal AF, P = 0.18]. Index procedure time (223.6 ± 44.2 vs. 170.8 ± 51.8 min, P < 0.001) and radiofrequency application time (75.4 ± 20.9 vs. 56.6 ± 24.9 min, P < 0.001) were longer in the RMN group; however, the respective total fluoroscopy time (13.7 ± 7.8 vs. 36.6 ± 12.7 min, P < 0.001) was significantly shorter. In multivariable Cox-regression analysis, RMN was the only factor independently associated with shorter time to first recurrence during follow-up (P = 0.048). Complication rate did not differ significantly between groups (P = 0.056), although the incidence of significant pericardial effusion was higher in the MCN group (3 cases vs. 0 in RMN group). CONCLUSION: Although in patients with persistent AF, the recurrence rate is higher in RMN group, the outcome is comparable between RMN and MCN groups in patients with paroxysmal AF. A multicentre prospective randomized study is warranted to clarify this issue.

Contemporary Mapping Techniques of Complex Cardiac Arrhythmias - Identifying and Modifying the Arrhythmogenic Substrate.

Cardiac electrophysiology has moved a long way forward during recent decades in the comprehension and treatment of complex cardiac arrhythmias. Contemporary electroanatomical mapping systems, along with state-of-the-art technology in the manufacture of electrophysiology catheters and cardiac imaging modalities, have significantly enriched our armamentarium, enabling the implementation of various mapping strategies and techniques in electrophysiology procedures. Beyond conventional mapping strategies, ablation of complex fractionated electrograms and rotor ablation in atrial fibrillation ablation procedures, the identification and modification of the underlying arrhythmogenic substrate has emerged as a strategy that leads to improved outcomes. Arrhythmogenic substrate modification also has a major role in ventricular tachycardia ablation procedures. Optimisation of contact between tissue and catheter and image integration are a further step forward to augment our precision and effectiveness. Hybridisation of existing technologies with a reasonable cost should be our goal over the next few years.

Results of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in hypertrophied hearts - Comparison between primary and secondary hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Approximately 20-25% of the patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) develop atrial fibrillation (AF) during the clinical course of the disease, a percentage significantly larger than that of the general population. The purpose of the present study was to report on the procedural results of patients with AF and either primary or secondary left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). METHODS AND SUBJECTS: Twenty-two consecutive HCM patients (55% male, mean age 57±8 years) with symptomatic AF, having undergone AF ablation procedures between September 2009 and July 2012 were compared with respect to procedural outcome and follow-up characteristics with 22 matched controls with secondary cardiac hypertrophy (64% male, 63±10 years) from our prospective AF catheter ablation registry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) was successful in restoring long-term sinus rhythm in patients with LVH due to HCM and due to secondary etiology. However, patients with HCM needed more RFCA procedures and frequently additional antiarrhythmic drug therapy in order to maintain sinus rhythm.

Comparison of dabigatran and uninterrupted warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardiac rhythm device implantations. Case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of postoperative complications following pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantations in patients treated with new oral anticoagulation agents has not been studied. Here we present a first comparison of complications after cardiac rhythm device (CRD) implantations in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with dabigatran or uninterrupted warfarin. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using a case-control study design, we compared complications within 30 days after 236 CRD procedures performed under uninterrupted warfarin (n=118) or interrupted dabigatran (n=118).There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of both groups. In the warfarin group, 9 (8%) pocket hematomas were observed vs. 3 (3%) in the dabigatran group (P=0.075). Two complications in the warfarin group necessitated surgical intervention as opposed to none in the dabigatran group (P=0.156). The postprocedural blood loss expressed as a drop in hemoglobin was significantly greater in the warfarin group (-0.9±0.7 vs. -0.5±0.4 mmol/L, P=0.023). In the dabigatran group, 1 case of transient ischemic attack occurred. The mean time to hospital discharge was shorter in patients treated with dabigatran (2.5±2.3 vs. 3.8±4.1 days, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and severity of bleeding complications may be lower in patients treated with periprocedurally discontinued dabigatran when compared with uninterrupted warfarin therapy. Further evaluation of peri-interventional complications and establishment of an optimal anticoagulation management protocol are needed.

Comparison of Dabigatran and Uninterrupted Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Cardiac Rhythm Device Implantations.

Background:The incidence of postoperative complications following pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantations in patients treated with new oral anticoagulation agents has not been studied. Here we present a first comparison of complications after cardiac rhythm device (CRD) implantations in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with dabigatran or uninterrupted warfarin.Methods and Results:Using a case-control study design, we compared complications within 30 days after 236 CRD procedures performed under uninterrupted warfarin (n=118) or interrupted dabigatran (n=118).There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of both groups. In the warfarin group, 9 (8%) pocket hematomas were observed vs. 3 (3%) in the dabigatran group (P=0.075). Two complications in the warfarin group necessitated surgical intervention as opposed to none in the dabigatran group (P=0.156). The postprocedural blood loss expressed as a drop in hemoglobin was significantly greater in the warfarin group (-0.9±0.7 vs. -0.5±0.4 mmol/L, P=0.023). In the dabigatran group, 1 case of transient ischemic attack occurred. The mean time to hospital discharge was shorter in patients treated with dabigatran (2.5±2.3 vs. 3.8±4.1 days, P=0.02).Conclusions:The incidence and severity of bleeding complications may be lower in patients treated with periprocedurally discontinued dabigatran when compared with uninterrupted warfarin therapy. Further evaluation of peri-interventional complications and establishment of an optimal anticoagulation management protocol are needed.

Left atrial appendage morphology and thromboembolic risk after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology has been suggested to modify risk of thromboembolic events (TEs). OBJECTIVE: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a TE after AF catheter ablation is associated with LAA characteristics. METHODS: Of 2069 patients included in the Leipzig Heart Center AF Ablation Registry, 15 (0.7%) suffered a TE (excluding events within 30 days) during follow-up (ie, 3.078 patient-years). Those patients were matched for CHA2DS2-VASc criteria with 115 patients without TE, and computed tomography (n = 120) or magnetic resonance imaging (n = 10) data were also compared. LAA volume, morphology (cactus, chicken-wing, windsock, and cauliflower), and takeoff (higher/lower) in relation to the adjacent pulmonary vein were determined. RESULTS: After patients were followed for a median period of 24 months, 67% of the patients remained in sinus rhythm. Patients with TE had a higher AF recurrence rate (73% vs 28%; P = .001) and a higher incidence of superior LAA takeoff (ie, higher than that of the left superior pulmonary vein; 80% vs 37%; P = .002), while LAA morphologies and other LAA characteristics were similar between groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed AF recurrence (hazard ratio 6.2; 95% confidence interval 2.0-19.6; P = .002) and superior LAA takeoff (hazard ratio 4.9; 95% confidence interval 1.4-17.4; P = .014) as TE predictors. There was a negative correlation between heart rate and LAA flow (r = -.22 cm/s per beat/min; P = .016), which was even more pronounced for the superior LAA takeoff (r = -.28 cm/s; P = .045). CONCLUSION: AF recurrence and higher LAA takeoff are associated with thromboembolism after AF ablation, while LAA morphology is not. These results may have an implication for improved postablation management.

Impact of left atrial appendage morphology on peri-interventional thromboembolic risk during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology recently has been suggested to influence thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of LAA morphology on peri-interventional thromboembolic events in patients undergoing AF catheter ablation. METHODS: Of 2570 consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation, 17 patients with cerebral thromboembolic events within 30 days of AF ablation were selected and matched for CHA2DS2VASc score, peri-interventional anticoagulation, and procedural characteristics with 68 event-free patients. LAA morphology was visualized by cardiac computed tomography and classified into 4 types: cactus, chicken wing, windsock, and cauliflower. RESULTS: Baseline, echocardiographic, and procedural characteristics of both patient groups were similar. Patients with embolic complications had a significantly higher incidence of chicken wing morphology compared to event-free controls (65% vs. 21% chicken wing, 18% vs. 24% cactus, 12% vs. 13% windsock, 5% vs. 42% cauliflower, respectively, P < .001), which translates into a >7× higher risk compared to other morphologies (odds ratio 7.2, 95% confidence interval 1.353-38.328, P = .021) when adjusted for possible confounders associated with chicken wing morphology. CONCLUSION: LAA chicken wing morphology is associated with higher periprocedural thromboembolic risk in patients undergoing AF ablation. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms and possible implications of this observation.

Treatment with novel oral anticoagulants in a real-world cohort of patients undergoing cardiac rhythm device implantations.

AIMS: The safety and efficacy of novel oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator interventions have not been clearly defined. Therefore, we compared the incidence of bleeding and thrombo-embolic complications following cardiac rhythm device (CRD) implantations under dabigatran vs. rivaroxaban in a real-world cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 176 consecutive procedures performed in 93 patients treated peri-interventionally with dabigatran and 83 patients with rivaroxaban, respectively. Post-operative bleeding complications and thrombo-embolic events occurring within 30 days were compared. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between patients in the dabigatran and the rivaroxaban group. Most of the patients in both the groups received dual chamber or cardiac resynchronization devices (71 vs. 78%) as opposed to single-chamber systems (29 vs. 22%). In the dabigatran group, two (2%) bleeding complications (two pocket haematomas) were observed in comparison with four (5%, three pocket haematomas and one pericardial effusion) in the rivaroxaban group (P = 0.330). Three complications in the rivaroxaban group necessitated surgical intervention as opposed to none in the dabigatran group (P = 0.064). One case of a transient ischaemic attack occurred in the dabigatran group (P = 0.343). CONCLUSION: Bleeding and thrombo-embolic complications in patients treated with dabigatran or rivaroxban are rare. Further and larger studies are warranted to define the optimal anticoagulation management in patients with a need for oral anticoagulation and CRD interventions.