Safety and efficacy of in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation following antiarrhythmic therapy for patients with electrical storm.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-based in-hospital rehabilitation for patients with electrical storm (ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, VT/VF) following antiarrhythmic therapy may prevent the deleterious outcomes of prolonged immobility, but the safety and efficacy of this strategy are still uncertain. We retrospectively investigated the rate of electrical storm recurrence in patients receiving rehabilitation. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients receiving therapy for electrical storm were included in this study. After treatment, patients were divided into rehabilitation (n=39) and non-rehabilitation (n=28) groups. RESULTS: Incidences of electrical storm recurrence and VT/VF requiring anti-tachycardia pacing or electrical defibrillation did not differ significantly between the rehabilitation and non-rehabilitation groups (13% vs. 21% and 28% vs. 25%, respectively). However, early mobilization initiated ≤2 days after primary therapy was disadvantageous for electrical storm and VT/VF recurrence compared to later mobilization (21% vs. 6% and 34% vs. 19%, respectively). Although the activities of daily living (ADL) at admission were significantly lower in the rehabilitation group, the scores were restored to the level of the non-rehabilitation group at the time of discharge. Univariate analysis revealed that high B-type natriuretic peptide (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-11), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, and elevated E/E' (HR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.1-11) were associated with VT/VF recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of electrical storm relapse is substantial following antiarrhythmic therapy, but it is not increased by in-hospital rehabilitation. Although caution is urged for early mobilization, sustaining mobility to resume activity is recommended because ADL levels tend to deteriorate as a result of prolonged bed rest.

Part 3: adult basic life support and automated external defibrillation: 2015 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations

This review comprises the most extensive literature search and evidence evaluation to date on the most important international BLS interventions, diagnostics, and prognostic factors for cardiac arrest victims. It reemphasizes that the critical lifesaving steps of BLS are (1) prevention, (2) immediate recognition and activation of the emergency response system, (3) early high-quality CPR, and (4) rapid defibrillation for shockable rhythms. Highlights in prevention indicate the rational and judicious deployment of search-and-rescue operations in drowning victims and the importance of education on opioid-associated emergencies. Other 2015 highlights in recognition and activation include the critical role of dispatcher recognition and dispatch-assisted chest compressions, which has been demonstrated in multiple international jurisdictions with consistent improvements in cardiac arrest survival. Similar to the 2010 ILCOR BLS treatment recommendations, the importance of high quality was reemphasized across all measures of CPR quality: rate, depth, recoil, and minimal chest compression pauses, with a universal understanding that we all should be providing chest compressions to all victims of cardiac arrest. This review continued to focus on the interface of BLS sequencing and ensuring high-quality CPR with other important BLS interventions, such as ventilation and defibrillation. In addition, this consensus statement highlights the importance of EMS systems, which employ bundles of care focusing on providing high-quality chest compressions while extricating the patient from the scene to the next level of care. Highlights in defibrillation indicate the global importance of increasing the number of sites with public-access defibrillation programs. Whereas the 2010 ILCOR Consensus on Science provided important direction for the "what" in resuscitation (ie, what to do), the 2015 consensus has begun with the GRADE methodology to provide direction for the quality of resuscitation. We hope that resuscitation councils and other stakeholders will be able to translate this body of knowledge of international consensus statements to build their own effective resuscitation guidelines.

An algorithm used for ventricular fibrillation detection without interrupting chest compression.

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the primary arrhythmic event in the majority of patients suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. Attention has been focused on this particular rhythm since it is recognized that prompt therapy, especially electrical defibrillation, may lead to a successful outcome. However, current versions of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) mandate repetitive interruptions of chest compression for rhythm analyses since artifacts produced by chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preclude reliable electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythm analysis. Yet, repetitive interruptions in chest compression are detrimental to the success of defibrillation. The capability for rhythm analysis without requiring "hands-off" intervals will allow for more effective resuscitation. In this paper, a novel continuous-wavelet-transformation-based morphology consistency evaluation algorithm was developed for the detection of disorganized VF from organized sinus rhythm (SR) without interrupting the ongoing chest compression. The performance of this method was evaluated on both uncorrupted and corrupted ECG signals recorded from AEDs obtained from out-of-hospital victims of cardiac arrest. A total of 232 patients and 31,092 episodes of either VF or SR were accessed, in which 8195 episodes were corrupted by artifacts produced by chest compressions. We also compared the performance of this method with three other established algorithms, including VF filter, spectrum analysis, and complexity measurement. Even though there was a modest decrease in specificity and accuracy when chest compression artifact was present, the performance of this method was still superior to other reported methods for VF detection during uninterrupted CPR.

Twelve hours of sustained ventricular fibrillation supported by a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy improves survival and quality of life by mechanically unloading the left ventricle and maintaining hemodynamics in patients with end-stage heart failure. LVADs can also be lifesaving by maintaining hemodynamics during ventricular arrhythmia. Continuous-flow LVADs have become the preferred LVAD technology. As presented here, a continuous-flow LVAD successfully provided hemodynamic support to a patient in sustained ventricular fibrillation for over 12 hours when the internal defibrillator was unable to terminate the arrhythmia. This case demonstrates that continuous-flow LVADs can be lifesaving in the setting of otherwise certain hemodynamic collapse from sustained ventricular fibrillation.

CPR degradation diagram.

During untreated ventricular fibrillation (VF), before CPR is applied, different bodily systems deteriorate at different rates. This paper describes the times when the EEG disappears, when respiratory arrest occurs, and when PD-PEA occurs. It also describes the frequency of VF waves over a 7-min period and how the frequency increases with good CPR.

Patient-tailored implantable cardioverter defibrillator testing using the upper limit of vulnerability: the TULIP protocol.

AIMS: We evaluated the feasibility of the TULIP (Threshold test using Upper Limit during ImPlantation) protocol, which was designed to provide a confirmed, low defibrillation energy value during implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation with only two induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) episodes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients (62 +/- 12 years, 86 male) from 13 clinical centres underwent an active can ICD implantation. A single coupling interval derived from electrocardiogram lead II during ventricular pacing was used for VF induction shocks at 13, 11, 9, and 6 J in a step-down manner until the upper limit of VF induction (ULVI) was determined. If ULVI >or=9 J, a defibrillation energy of ULVI + 4 J was tested. For ULVI <9 J, the defibrillation test energy was 9 J. In 79/98 patients (80.6%), two induced VF episodes were sufficient to obtain confirmed defibrillation energy of 11.1 +/- 3.3 J. The mean strength of the successful VF induction shock was 6.8 +/- 4.3 J, the coupling interval was 303 +/- 35 ms, and the number of delivered induction shocks until the first VF induction was 3.9 +/- 1.6. CONCLUSION: TULIP is a safe and simple device testing procedure allowing the determination of confirmed, low defibrillation energy in most patients with two VF episodes induced at a single coupling interval.

Evaluation of a novel ventricular support device with defibrillation capabilities in canine and porcine animal models.

INTRODUCTION: Sudden death is prevalent in heart failure patients. We tested an implantable ventricular support device consisting of a wireform harness with one or two pairs of integrated defibrillation electrode coils. METHODS AND RESULTS: The device was implanted into six pigs (36-44 kg) through a subxiphoid incision. Peak voltage (V) defibrillation thresholds (DFT) were determined for five test configurations compared with a control transvenous lead (RV to CanPect). Defibrillator can location (abdominal or pectoral) and common coil separation on the implant (0 degrees or 60 degrees ) were studied.(.) The DFT for RV60 to LV60 + CanPect was significantly less than control (348 +/- 57 vs 473 +/- 27 V, P < 0.05). The DFTs for other vectors were similar to control except for RV0 to LV0 + CanAbd (608 +/- 159 V). The device was implanted into 12 adult dogs for 42, 90, or 180 days with DFT and pathological examination performed at the terminal study. Cardiac pressures were determined at baseline, after implantation, and at the terminal study. The DFT was also determined in a separate group of four dogs at 42 days following implantation of the support device with one pair of defibrillation electrodes. The DFTs at implant and explant in dogs with one pair (8 +/- 1.5 Joules [J] and 6 +/- 1.9 J) or two pairs (8 +/- 3.4 J and 7 +/- 1.9 J) of defibrillation electrodes were not significantly different from each other but significantly less than control measured at the terminal study (18 +/- 3.4 J). Left-sided pressures were significantly decreased at explant but within expected normal ranges. Right-sided pressures were not different except for RV systolic. Histopathology indicated mild to moderate epicardial inflammation and fibrosis, consistent with a foreign body healing response. CONCLUSIONS: This defibrillation-enabled ventricular support system maintained mechanical functionality for up to 6 months while inducing typical chronic healing responses. The DFT was equal to or lower than a standard transvenous vector.

Implante de desfibrilador: a propósito de um limiar de desfibrilação elevado / Defibrillator implant: aiming at a high defibrillator threshold

Este artigo tem por finalidade orientar a conduta nos casos de pacientes com taquicardia ventricular sustentada e disfunção grave, encaminhados para implante de desfibrilador, situação cada vez mais frequente. Discute-se a possibilidade de utilizar alternativas cirúrgicas para solucionar situações em que os limiares de desfibrilação permanecem altos durante os testes realizados no momento do implante

Cardiodesfibrilador automático implantable: desfibrilación ventricular. Resultados de la experiência del ICD LABOR / Implantable automaitc ventricular defibrillator. Results of ICD LABOR Experiment

En la presente publicación se expone la experiencia acumulada por el ICD LABOR, un registro latinoamericano de cardiodesfibriladores implantables, en relación a la indución de fibrilación ventricular y los valores de umbral de desfibrilación durante el procedimento del implante. Sobre un total de 857 pacientes implantados entre Enero de 1995 y Octubre de 2004, se indujo fibrilación ventricular (FV) en 818 de ellos (95 por cento), con el propósito de comprobar la eficacia del sistema de detección y el nivel de energía requerido para revertir la arritmia. De los 39 pacientes restantes, en 2 individuos (0,23 por cento) la FV no pude ser inducida; mientras que en los otros 37 (4,77 por cento) el test de inducción no fue realizado. En el 74 por cento de los pacientes, uma energia de 15 J o menos suficiente para revertir la FV. En 42 sujetos fue empleada la máxima energía (30J), con fracaso de la reversión en 7 patients, que fueron rescatados mediante un choque externo. Los umbrales reales o verdaderos entre los tres principales grupos de patologías (enfermedad coronaria, enfermedad de Chagas y miocardiopatia dilatada idiopática), fueron semejantes y no pudo establecerse relaciones entre patología de base y necesidades de energía para la reversión de la FV. Trampoco se demostró relación entre el umbral ó verdadero de desfibrilación y la sobrevida durante el tiempo que duró el seguimiento

[Inpatient cardiac defibrillation: efficacy of bipolar sinusoidal impulse]. / Vnutribol'nichnaia defibrilliatsiia zheludochkov serdtsa: éffektivnost' bipoliarnogo sinusoidal'nogo impul'sa.

Efficacy of external defibrillation of the heart with low energy (

Clustering and the design of preference-assessment surveys in healthcare.

OBJECTIVE: To show cluster analysis as a potentially useful tool in defining common outcomes empirically and in facilitating the assessment of preferences for health states. DATA SOURCES: A survey of 224 patients with ventricular arrhythmias treated at Kaiser Permanente of Northern California. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: Physical functioning was measured using the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), and mental status and vitality using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 items (SF-36). A "k-means" clustering algorithm was used to identify prototypical health states, in which patients in the same cluster shared similar responses to items in the survey. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The clustering algorithm yielded four prototypical health states. Cluster 1 (21 percent of patients) was characterized by high scores on physical functioning, vitality, and mental health. Cluster 2 (33 percent of patients) had low physical function but high scores on vitality and mental health. Cluster 3 (29 percent of patients) had low physical function and low vitality but preserved mental health. Cluster 4 (17 percent of patients) had low scores on all scales. These clusters served as the basis of written descriptions of the health states. CONCLUSIONS: Employing a clustering algorithm to analyze health status survey data enables researchers to gain a data-driven, concise summary of the experiences of patients.

Parada cardiorrespiratória / Cardiac arrest

Entende-se por socorro básico ou ressuscitaçäo cardiopulmonar básico o conjunto de procedimentos de emergência que podem ser executados por profissionais de saúde ou por leigos treinados. Consiste fundamentalmente no reconhecimento da obstruçäo das vias aéreas, das paradas respiratória e cardíaca e da aplicaçäo da ressucitaçäo cardiopulmonar por meio da sequência: abertura das vias aéreas, respiraçäo boca a boca e compressäo torácica externa. O suporte avançado de vida ou socorro especializado é o conjunto de medidas que deve ser istalado de forma imediata e realizado por profissionais de saúde. Consiste em desfibrilaçäo elétrica, intubaçäo endotraqueal e administraçäo de medicaçöes. Os autores comentam aspectos importantes desses procedimentos, para que o soccoro básico e o socorro especializado da vítima de parada cardiorrespiratória sejam eficientes.

Desfibrilaçäo externa automática: aumentando os índices de sobreviventes / Automated external defibrillation

A desfibrilaçäo é a oferta de corrente elétrica para o músculo cardíaco, tanto diretamente com o tórax aberto, como indiretamente, através da parede torácica, para terminar com a fibrilaçäo ventricular. A fibrilaçäo ventricular é uma arritmia fatal e seu tratamento mais efetivo é o choque elétrico imediato. Aproximadamente 20 'por cento' dos pacientes que apresentam parada cardíaca antes de chegar ao hospital sobrevivem para obter alta hospitalar. Com o advento dos fibriladores automáticos externos, o tempo de colapso até a desfibrilaçäo caiu de 21 minutos para 6 minutos. Deste entäo, a experiência com programas de desfibrilaçäo da emergência realizada por paramédicos tem demonstrado repetidamente que a desfibrilaçäo precoce pode salvar vidas e melhorar a chance de sobrevivência. A chave para fortalecer e melhorar a "corrente de sobrevida" da parada cardiorrespiratória pré-hospitalar baseia-se na reduçäo do intervalo de tempo entre o início da parada e a desfibrilaçäo. A instalaçäo de desfibriladores automáticos externos, em postos estratégicos da comunidade pode potencialmente reduzir esse intervalo de tempo, mas necessita a disseminaçäo do treinamento em desfibrilaçäo para leigos em adiçäo aos profissionais de saúde.

[Physical training following myocardial infarct complicated by ventricular fibrillation]. / Fizicheskie trenirovki posle infarkta miokarda, oslozhnennogo fibrilliatsiei zheludochkov.

Case histories of 4 patients with myocardial infarction are given, 3 had ventricular fibrillation during the acute period and one a month later after infarction. When discharged all of them completed a physical training program. They had no rhythm disorders and all returned to work. It is concluded that myocardial infarction cases who had had ventricular fibrillation can achieve complete rehabilitation, if there are no rhythm disorders during exercise. Physical training can be used for rehabilitation.

Cardiac arrest in a physician-directed cardiac rehabilitation program: a clinical and angiographic profile of two cases.

Two cases of ventricular fibrillation occurring during a physician-directed exercise program are described. Both were successfully resuscitated. No single clinical parameter can predict which patient is at increased risk for exercise-induced ventricular fibrillation. We conclude that all cardiac patients who wish to exercise should do so only with physician supervision.

Primary ventricular fibrillation and resumption of work, sexual activity, and driving after first acute myocardial infarction.

The resumption of work, sexual activity, and driving were studied in 32 patients who had suffered primary ventricular fibrillation after their first myocardial infarction. They were compared with 95 patients whose myocardial infarction was not so complicated. Though initially slowing rehabilitation, primary ventricular fibrillation did not affect ultimately either the return to work or the resumption of normal sexual activity and driving.

Long-term prognosis following ventricular fibrillation in acute ischaemic heart disease.

Of 160 patients who survived ventricular fibrillation complicating acute ischaemic heart disease, 80 had had a clinically mild coronary attack. Most of the long-term survivors had ventricular fibrillation within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. The longterm prognosis of the survivors was similar to that of patients whose myocardial infarction was not complicated by ventricular fibrillation. Those patients who survived ventricular fibrillation which occurred within four hours of the onset of symptoms were younger, usually had had a mild coronary attack, and had the most favourable longterm prognosis. The number of episodes of ventricular fibrillation did not affect adversely the long-term prognosis. Of those who at the time of review were eligible to work, 86% were fit to work and 68% were actually at work.