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While sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is due to arrhythmias, the guidelines for prediction of SCD are based solely on non-electrophysiological methods. This study aims to stimulate thinking about whether the interests of patients with HCM are better served by using current, ‘risk factor’, methods of prediction or by further development of electrophysiological methods to determine arrhythmic risk. Five published predictive studies of SCD in HCM, which contain sufficient data to permit analysis, were analysed to compute receiver operating characteristics together with their confidence bounds to compare their formal prediction either by bootstrapping or Monte Carlo analysis. Four are based on clinical risk factors, one with additional MRI analysis, and were regarded as exemplars of the risk factor approach. The other used an electrophysiological method and directly compared this method to risk factors in the same patients. Prediction methods that use conventional clinical risk factors and MRI have low predictive capacities that will only detect 50–60% of patients at risk with a 15–30% false positive rate [area under the curve (AUC) = ∼0.7], while the electrophysiological method detects 90% of events with a 20% false positive rate (AUC = ∼0.89). Given improved understanding of complex arrhythmogenesis, arrhythmic SCD is likely to be more accurately predictable using electrophysiologically based approaches as opposed to current guidelines and should drive further development of electrophysiologically based methods.

Purpose To compare effectiveness of different treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who were scheduled for cardioversion (CV) or ablation (CA) presenting with left atrium appendage (LAA) thrombus despite chronic oral anticoagulation therapy (OAC). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. We analyzed 2014–2019 medical records of patients scheduled for CV or CA of AF who were diagnosed with LAA thrombus despite optimal OAC and had a follow-up transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE). Changes in treatment were divided into the following groups: switch to a drug with different mechanism of action, switch to a drug with similar mechanism of action, initiation of combination therapy, or deliberate no change in treatment. Patients with contraindications to non-vitamin K antagonists were excluded from the analysis. Results We analyzed data of 129 patients comprising 181 cycles of treatment. The overall effectiveness of LAA thrombus dissolution was 51.9% regardless of the number of cycles and 42.6% for the first cycle of treatment. Any change of treatment was more effective than deliberate no change—OR 2.97 [95% CI: 1.07–8.25], P = 0.031, but no particular strategy seemed to be more effective than the other. Left atrium area (OR 0.908 [95% CI: 0.842–0.979]) and number of treatment cycles (OR 0.457 [95% CI: 0.239–0.872]) were both adversely related to thrombus resolution. There was one ischemic and three bleeding adverse events during the treatment. Conclusion LAA thrombus resolution in patients already on OAC may require a change of previous OAC treatment but the overall effectiveness of dissolution seems to be about 50%.

Background Adenosine can be used to reveal dormant pulmonary vein (PV) conduction after PV isolation (PVI). This study presents a subanalysis of real-world 1-year follow-up data from the ESC-EHRA EORP Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Ablation Long-Term registry to analyze the usage of adenosine during PVI treatment in terms of rhythm outcome and safety. Methods The registry consists of 104 participating centers in 27 countries within the European Society of Cardiology. The registry data was split into an adenosine group (AG) and no-adenosine group (NAG). Procedure characteristics and patient outcome were compared. Results Adenosine was administered in 10.8% of the 3591 PVI patients included in the registry. Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy included the majority of adenosine cases (48.8%). Adenosine was applied more often in combination with open irrigation radiofrequency (RF) energy (74.7%) and less often in combination with nonirrigated RF energy (1.6%). After 1 year, a higher percentage of the AG was free from AF compared with the NAG (68.9% vs 59.1%, p p p = 0.991). Conclusions The use of adenosine was associated with a better rhythm outcome after 1 year follow-up and seems more useful in patients treated with RF energy compared with patients treated with cryo energy. Given the improved rhythm outcome at 1-year follow-up, it seems reasonable to encourage the use of adenosine during RF AF ablation.

Arrhythmia-mediated cardiomyopathy (AMC) is an essential clinical situation which is commonly underdiagnosed. Successful arrhythmia control leads to improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and heart failure (HF) symptoms in patients with structural heart disease (SHD).The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of catheter ablation (CA) of persistent arrhythmia on HRQoL, biochemical and clinical parameters HF in patients with SHD and AMC.Patients with SHD, on optimal medical treatment, with persistent arrhythmia and strong suspicion of AMC, scheduled for CA were prospectively enrolled. Study procedures included: HRQoL measurement (Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire [MLHFQ] and EuroQol Research Foundation [EQ-5D-3L] questionnaire), biomarkers (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], troponin T [TnT], matrix metaloproteinase-9 [MMP-9], soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 [sST2], tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 [TIMP-1]), transthoracic echocardiography and clinical assessment.At 6 months, 30/35 (86%) patients were free of persistent arrhythmia. Patients who underwent successful CA had a significant improvement in HRQoL: MLHFQ (median [interquartile range, IQR], -22 [-28;-11]; P0.001), EQ5D-3L Score (mean [standard deviation], 21.8 (16.8); P0.001); EQ5D-3L index (median [IQR], 0.09 (0.05;0.18); p0.001). A significant decrease in injury biomarkers: NT-proBNP (median [IQR], -414 [-1397;-318] pg/ml; P0.001), TnT (median [IQR], -2.27 (-8.52;0.55) ng/ml; P0.01) but not fibrosis biomarkers (median [IQR], sST2: 2.20 [-5.4;4.3] ng/ml; P = 0.741, MMP-9: 34 [-376;283] ng/ml; P = 0.881, TIMP-1: 11.1 [-17.1;31.9] ng/ml; P = 0.215) was observed. There was a significant increase of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (mean [SD], 9.8 [5.9]; P0.01).Successful CA significantly improved clinical status, LVEF and HRQoL of patients with SHD and AMC.

The aim of the study was to systematically review evidence on the effectiveness and safety of oral mexiletine administered in monotherapy or in combination with other antiarrhythmic drugs for recurrent ventricular arrhythmia (ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, VT/VF) in adult patients with structural heart disease (SHD) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases from inception to 27 August 2021 for prospective and retrospective studies investigating mexiletine in the target population. The main outcome was the reduction of ICD therapy. The main safety outcome was the presence of any serious adverse events (SAEs) leading to mexiletine discontinuation. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool or the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Four studies comprising 86 mexiletine recipients were included in the review. We also obtained individual data of 50 patients from two studies. Ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) was present in 86% of patients. The quality of included studies was moderate/low. A narrative review was undertaken as studies varied widely in terms of study population and treatment. Across studies, mexiletine treatment (with or without amiodarone) seemed to consistently reduce the number of ICD therapies especially in a population where catheter ablation (CA) was unsuccessful or contraindicated. In ICM patients deemed eligible for CA, mexiletine seemed to be inferior to CA. Mexiletine was discontinued in 14% of cases, mainly for gastrointestinal or neurological SAE. Mexiletine seems to be an option for the long-term treatment of recurrent VT/VF in adult patients with SHD, especially ICM, and ICD in whom CA was unsuccessful or not suitable.

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness and safety of cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) performed using a single freeze strategy in comparison to an empiric double (‘bonus’) freeze strategy. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases from inception to 12 July 2020, for prospective and retrospective studies of patients undergoing cryoballoon for paroxysmal or persistent AF comparing a single vs. bonus freeze strategy. The main outcome was atrial arrhythmia-free survival and eligible studies required at least 12 months of follow-up; the primary safety outcome was a composite of all complications. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Thirteen studies (3 randomized controlled trials and 10 observational studies) comprising 3163 patients were eligible for inclusion (64% males, 71.5% paroxysmal AF, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score 1.3 ± 0.9). There was no significant difference in pooled effectiveness between single freeze strategy compared to double freeze strategy [relative risk (RR) 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98–1.07; I2 = 0%]. Single freeze procedures were associated with a significantly lower adverse event rate (RR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.53–0.98; I2 = 0%) and shorter average procedure time (90 ± 27 min vs. 121 ± 36 min, P

INTRODUCTION Little is known about the safety and effectiveness of pharmacological cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in the elderly. Antazoline has already been shown to be effective and safe in a wide variety of patients. OBJECTIVES To compare clinical effectiveness and safety of iv antazoline administered for pharmacological cardioversion of recent-onset AF in patients aged ≥75 years and younger. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective analysis was conducted using data derived from emergency room medical records of patients qualified for pharmacological cardioversion due to symptomatic AF lasting less than 48 hours. For the purpose of the analysis the threshold for old age was set at 75 years. Conversion to sinus was considered a primary effectiveness outcome. The primary safety outcome was defined as any adverse event (AE) leading to hospitalization. RESULTS Out of 334 patients, 110 patients ≥75 years old comprised the study group. Successful CV was achieved using smaller doses of antazoline in the study group than in the control group: 151 (59) mg vs. 168 (58) mg (P = 0.039). The effectiveness and safety of antazoline was similar in patients aged ≥75 and

Introduction Fluoroscopy guidance alone is not sufficient for the accurate localization of the pacing lead (PL) in the right ventricle (RV) during implantation of the cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED). The aim of this study was to create a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) algorithm based on paced QRS (pQRS) morphology to accurately localize PL position in the RV. Methods and results Thirty consecutive patients scheduled for catheter ablation of right heart arrhythmias were enrolled. After the elimination of index arrhythmia pacing from the RV interventricular septum (IVS), apex and free wall was performed and pQRS were recorded. The pacing site was verified both by fluoroscopy and transthoracic echocardiography. After a careful analysis of pQRS, a stepwise algorithm was developed to aid the proper positioning of the PL in RV. The algorithm was later prospectively validated in 31 pacemaker patients undergoing an elective generator exchange. A clear R wave in I, II, and V5 leads indicated proximal IVS. For a reliable indication of other RV sites, four ECG leads were crucial I, II, V5, and V6. A prospective evaluation of the algorithm revealed 90.3% agreement between RV lead localization obtained by ECG and echocardiography, with sensitivity of 92.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83.2%-100.0%) and a positive predictive value of 96.0% (95% CI, 89.0%-100.0%) for desired lead locations in RV. Conclusion A simple ECG algorithm can reliably differentiate between the sites of permanent PL implantation in the RV in CIED recipients.

Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess the long-term influence of catheter ablation (CA) of different arrhythmias on cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) endocardial leads d...

Aims Antazoline is a first-generation antihistaminic drug used primarily in eye drop formulations. When administered intravenously, antazoline displays antiarrhythmic properties resulting in a rapid conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm (SR). The aim of the study was to assess the influence of antazoline on atrio-venous conduction and other electrophysiological parameters in patients undergoing AF ablation. Methods An experimental prospective study. Patients scheduled for the first-time AF ablation, in SR and not on amiodarone were enrolled. Atrio-venous conduction assessment and invasive electrophysiological study (EPS) were performed before and after intravenous administration of 250 mg of antazoline. In case of AF induction during EPS, antazoline was administered until conversion to SR or a cumulative dose of 300 mg. Results We enrolled 14 patients: 13 (93%) men, mean age 63.4 (59.9-66.8) years, mean CHA2 DS2 -VASc score 1.6 (1.0-2.2). Antazoline was administered in a mean dose 257.1 (246.7-267.6) mg. Pulmonary vein potentials and atrial capture during pulmonary vein stimulation were present before and after the administration of antazoline. Wenckebach point and atrial conduction times did not change significantly, but atrio-ventricular node effective refractory period improved-324.7 (275.9-373.5) ms vs 284.3 (256.2-312.4) ms, P = 0.02. Antazoline was effective in all 5 (100%) cases of AF induction during EPS. There were no serious adverse events. Conclusion Due to the lack of influence on atrio-venous conduction and high clinical effectiveness, antazoline may be suitable for pharmacological cardioversion of AF occurring during AF ablation.

ObjectivesThe association between obesity and atrial fibrillation (AF) is well-established. We aimed to evaluate the impact of index body mass index (BMI) on AF recurrence at 12 months following catheter ablation using propensity-weighted analysis. In addition, periprocedural complications and fluoroscopy details were examined to assess overall safety in relationship to increasing BMI ranges.MethodsBaseline, periprocedural and follow-up data were collected on consecutive patients scheduled for AF ablation. There were no specific exclusion criteria. Patients were categorised according to baseline BMI in order to assess the outcomes for each category.ResultsAmong 3333 patients, 728 (21.8%) were classified as normal (BMI 2), 1537 (46.1%) as overweight (BMI 25.5–29.0 kg/m2) and 1068 (32.0%) as obese (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2). Procedural duration and radiation dose were higher for overweight and obese patients compared with those with a normal BMI (p=0.002 and p2led to a 1.2-fold increased likelihood of experiencing recurrent AF at 12-months follow-up as compared with overweight patients (HR 1.223; 95% CI 1.047 to 1.429; p=0.011), while no significant correlation was found between overweight and normal BMI groups (HR 0.954; 95% CI 0.798 to 1.140; p=0.605) and obese versus normal BMI (HR 1.16; 95% CI 0.965 to 1.412; p=0.112).ConclusionsPatients with a baseline BMI ≥30 kg/m2have a higher recurrence rate of AF following catheter ablation and therefore lifestyle modification to target obesity preprocedure should be considered in these patients.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw Statutory Grant Background The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients is common and AF is a marker of poorer CRT response. The negative influence of AF on CRT efficacy is mediated mainly by the drop of the effectively captured biventricular paced beats percentage (BiVp%) which should exceed 95-98% to warrant good CRT response. Sinus rhythm (SR) restoration may improve CRT efficacy which in turn may protect AF recurrence. However, there is lack of randomized studies comparing rhythm and rate control strategies in these patients. Purpose The purpose of the Pilot-CRAfT study (NCT01850277) was to compare the efficacy of rhythm vs rate control strategy in CRT patients with long-standing persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. Methods The study included patients with CRT and permanent or persistent AF lasting for ≥6 months, resulting in BiVp% Results The study included 43 CRT patients (97,7% males) aged 68,4 (SD: ±8,3) years with mean BiVp% 82,4% ±9,7% at baseline. The mean duration of AF paroxysm was 25 ±19 months. The mean baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrium area and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were: 30 ±8%, 33 ±7 cm2, 14 ±5 mL/(kg*min), respectively. The EEC was performed in 19 out of 22 patients assigned to the rhythm control arm. The immediate success rate of EEC was 58%. 42% of the rhythm control arm patients remained in SR after 12 months. In the rate control group 1 person underwent AVNA and in 1 patient spontaneous SR resumption was observed. After 12 months there was significant BiVp% increase in both the rhythm and the rate control arms (98,1 ±2,3 vs 96,3 ±3,9%, respectively. The BiVp% differences between the groups were not significant (P = 0,093). However, in the per protocol analysis, the rhythm control group had greater LVEF after 12 months as opposed to the rate control arm (36,8% vs 29,9% respectively, P = 0,039). The LVEF raised significantly in the rhythm control group (ΔLVEF 5,0 (95%CI: 1,54; 8,46)). No significant differences between the groups in the VO2max, QoL, clinical and safety end-points were noticed. Conclusions Structured follow-up of CRT patients with long-standing persistent or permanent AF leads to significant BiVp% increase exceeding 95%. The rate control strategy did not improve CRT effectivness, irrespective of high BiVp%. However limited in the efficacy, the rhythm control strategy may improve CRT outcome in these patients, resulting in LVEF increase.

Funding Acknowledgements None. OnBehalf POLKARD Polish ICD Registry Objective The findings of Danish Study to assess the efficiency of ICD in patients with non ischemic heart failure has recently raised questions about the current strategy of ICD implantation for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. POLKARD - Polish ICD Registry is a prospective, non-randomised, central registry of patients who are referred for an implantation of an ICD in Poland. The Registry contains prospectively collected follow-up data including mortality. Purpose To compare survival rates between Polish and Danish ‘real-world’ non-ischemic primary prevention cohorts. Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics and long-term follow-up of patients referred for primary prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation in Poland between April 2008 and November 2014 was performed. The primary outcome of the trial was all-cause mortality. Results: The polish study cohort was large (964) as compared to Danish population randomized to receive ICD therapy (556). The median follow-up time in DANISH Study and Polish ICD Registry was 67,6 and 77 months, respectively. Compared with patients enrolled in the DANISH Study, patients in the Polish ICD Registry were age-similar. However, the polish study population was male-dominated. What is more, male gender was identified as a risk factor for long-term mortality in polish study population (p = 0.005). In the matched cohorts, there was difference in survival between DANISH Study and Polish ICD Registry patients (all-cause mortality rates: 21,6% - 44 events per 1000 person-years and 39,3% - 72 events per 1000 person-years, respectively). Conclusions Our findings imply that survival among patients who receive a primary prevention ICD for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in clinical practice in Central Europe is different from Northern Europe.

OnBehalf POLKARD Polish ICD Registry Background The protective effects of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death of patients presenting with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction are unequivocal. Nevertheless, female underrepresentation has been a consistent finding in all randomized controlled primary prevention ICD trials. Surprisingly, there is a vast body of literature on female primary prevention ICD patients exhibit a lower overall mortality. Purpose Therefore, we analyzed data from a large, nationwide POLKARD registry to evaluate the effect of sex on survival after primary prevention cardioverter-defibrillator implantation for dilated cardiomyopathy. Methods All patients enrolled in the Polish ICD Registry from 2008 to 2014 were identified. Patients were included in the study if they were designated as receiving an ICD for primary prevention of SCD after documented non-ischeamic cardiomyopathy. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess all-cause mortality. Results Of the 964 ICD recipients, 241 (25%) were women (mean age of 64± 0,45 years). During a mean follow-up of 5,53 ± 2,48 years 32% of women and 42% of men died. Kaplan-Meier curve depicted a significantly lower mortality for women than for men (p = 0,05). The median survival time was 6,73 years (55 deaths per 1000 person-years) versus 6,37 years (78 deaths per 1000 person-years) for women and men, respectively. Conclusions In agreement with previous studies, our data indicate that primary prevention implantation rates for dilated cardiomyopathy are lower in women. However, the reasons are not entirely understood.

Funding Acknowledgements Institute of Cardiology statutory grant (grant no.: 2.30/VII/13) Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often co-exist and influence each other. The presence of AF is often regarded as a marker of HF severity. Moreover, AF in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients hinders the CRT effectiveness in HF treatment by the reduction of the percentage of biventricular paced beats (BiVp%). Sinus rhythm (SR) restoration makes CRT more effective in HF treatment which may protect AF recurrence. Purpose To establish the effectiveness of electrical external cardioversion (EEC) in CRT patients with long-standing persistent AF or permanent, pre-treated with amiodarone. Methods The population of the study comprised of the Pilot-CRAfT study participants (NCT01850277), that is patients with CRT, long-standing persistent or considered as permanent AF and BiVp ≤ 95% who were randomly assigned to the "rhythm control" or the "rate control" strategy. The inclusion criteria included an AF paroxysm lasting at least 6 months. Both treatment arms received amiodarone beginning with the loading dose. Subsequently, patients assigned to the rhythm control strategy underwent electrical cardioversion. Rate control strategy included pharmacotherapy and atrioventricular node ablation, as needed. The follow up visit was performed 3 months after the enrolment visit. The EEC effectiveness, an AF recurrence within the 3 month period, BiVp% changes, the EEC parameters and the EEC related complications were analysed. Results Out of 48 participants enrolled in the Pilot-CRAfT study, 25 patients were assigned to the rhythm control arm. The mean age of the rhythm control arm patients was 69,5 years , the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 30,6% , the mean left atrium diameter was 53 mm and the median duration of persistent AF was 16 months. SR was obtained in 12 out of 20 (60%) patients who underwent the EEC . On the 3 month visit 8 patients remained in SR (40%). In patients with an AF paroxysm lasting less than 1 year the success rate was 100% vs 50% in the AF lasting 1 year at least (p = 0,11 ). After 3 months, SR remained in 100% vs 25% of patients, respectively (p =0,015.). The effectiveness of anterior-posterior EEC electrodes placement was 20% and it was 71% for the anterior-lateral patch location . The EEC resulted in significant BiVp% rise - also in the whole intention-to-treat (ITT) group: 88,58% before the EEC vs 96,68% after the EEC (p = 0,002). No severe adverse events of the EEC were observed. Conclusions The electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation lasting more than 6 months in patients with severe HF and treated with CRT is characterised by modest success rate, even after the amiodarone pre-treatment. However, the ECC ensures significant rise in BiVp% close to 97%, even in the whole EEC group based on the ITT principle. The AF paroxysm duration

The influence of various factors on atrial fibrillation (AF) development in the population of tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome (TBS) patients remains unclear. There are no data on the impact of different right ventricular pacing percentage (RVp%) profiles.The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the AF burden (AFB) and various clinical, echocardiographic, and pacing parameters in TBS patients.We performed a prospective, one-year registry of TBS patients with documented AF referred for dual-chamber pacemaker (DDD) implantation.The data of 65 patients were analysed. The median 12-month RVp% and AFB was 9.4% and 1.0%, respectively. During the follow-up 14% of patients had no AF (p = 0.003), and the withdrawal of AF symptoms was observed in 49% of patients (p0.0001). The AFB was related to the left atrium diameter (r = 0.31, p = 0.02), especially in the subjects with left ventricular ejection fraction60% (r = 0.44, p = 0.04). Based on the relative change of RVp%, three groups of various RVp% profile were established: stable, decreasing, and increasing RVp%. In the stable RVp% group (n = 21) there was a quadratic correlation between the 12-month RVp% and AFB (r = 0.71, p = 0.0003). In the stable RVp%20% subgroup there was a significant increase of AFB in comparison to the RVp% ≤ 20% subgroup (ΔAFB 1.8% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.03, respectively). In the increasing RVp% group (n = 28) the AFB increased whereas in the decreasing RVp% (n = 16) it remained stable (ΔAFB 0.67% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.034, respectively).DDD implantation in TBS patients is related to a significant reduction in AF symptoms, and left atrial diameter correlates with cumulative AFB in the mid-term observation. Stable RVp%20% is associated with AF progression whereas lower stable RVp% may stabilise AF development. Increasing RVp% may be associated with the AFB increase in comparison to the decreasing RVp% subgroup in which AFB remains stable.

Leadless cardiac pacing is the therapeutic option, which may be the only, not just most optimal treatment method in some clinical conditions. The authors present the case report of permanent transvenous cardiac pacing lasting for more than 25 years, with numerous complications and evolving electrocardiotherapy intervention strategies.

Background In the Polish ICD Registry population secondary prevention recipients account for over 27%. Despite the evolution of indications for secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), recommendations regarding the use of ICDs for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) rely on information from a small number of randomized controlled trials that were performed decades ago, with mixed results. Moreover, research on the outcomes after implantations for secondary prevention of ICDs is limited. While dual-chamber devices offer theoretical advantage over single-chamber devices, dual-chamber ICDs (DC-ICDs) were announced not superior to single-chamber (SC-ICDs) in some research. Purpose Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the all-cause mortality among patients from the Polish ICD Registry receiving either a single- or a dual-chamber device for secondary prevention in contemporary clinical practice. Methods All patients enrolled in the Polish ICD Registry from 1995 to 2016 were identified. Patients were included in the study if they were designated as receiving an ICD for secondary prevention of SCD after documented tachycardic arrest, sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), or syncope. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess all-cause mortality. Results In the study population of 3596 ICD recipients (mean age 69±12 years, 81% male, SC-ICD 61%, DC-ICD 39%), during mean follow-up of 79±43 months all-cause mortality rate was higher in the dual-chamber group than in the single chamber group, with a significant difference between the two groups as depicted in Kaplan-Meier curve (p Conclusions This study is the first to describe the characteristics of a national cohort of patients receiving a secondary prevention ICD in such a long follow-up period in contemporary practice. Implantation of a dual-chamber ICD was associated with higher all-cause mortality compared with single chamber devices.

Introduction According to the literature, the annual mortality rate of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients is estimated to 1–2%. Sudden cardiac death (SCD), heart failure and thromboembolism are the main causes of death among this population. Patients at high risk for SCD, identified using HCM risk score, are qualified for ICD implantation. Unfortunately for clinicians, there is no validated model or statistical tool for assessment of the risk of mortality within the HCM patients with ICDs. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the main risk factors of all- cause mortality in HCM patients with ICDs. Methods The long-term follow-up of group of 104 consecutive patients with HCM, who had the ICD implanted between 1996 and 2006 in tertiary reference clinical unit was performed. Twenty patients who died during observation were the subject of the current analysis. ICD was implanted for primary (n=16) and secondary (n=4) prevention of SCD within this subpopulation. Analysis were performed for mentioned below potential risk factors: age at the time of implantation, syncopes, family history of SCD, atrial fibrillation/supraventricular tachycardia, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT), maximum left ventricular wall thickness, abnormal exercise blood pressure response, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Results The average time of survival since ICD implantation was 8,5±4,6 years. Decreased LVEF (Wald chi2 4,57; p=0,033), secondary prevention (Wald chi2 8,57; p=0,003), family history of SCD (Wald chi2 4,93; p=0,026) and episodes of nsVT (Wald chi2 3,49; p=0,062) are the clinical risk factors that significantly affect the time of survival. The probability of death, expressed as Hazard Ratio, was 27-fold higher in secondary prevention group (HR=27,18), almost 10-fold higher in patients with positive family history of SCD (HR=9,74) and 3,7-fold higher when nsVT was detected. The cause of death was established in 16/20 patients. In 15 cases, these were deaths from cardiovascular causes: end-stage heart failure (8), complications of heart transplantation or circulatory support (4), SCD (1) and other cardiovascular (2). Conclusion Secondary prevention, positive family history of SCD, nsVT and decreased LVEF seem to be the most significant risk factors associated with all- cause mortality in HCM patients with ICDs. Despite the ICD implantation, subpopulation studied had poor prognosis with high incidence of progression to end-stage heart failure. Further studies to create validated model for assessment of death risk in long-term observation of patients with HCM after ICD implantation are required.

Identification of demographic and clinical factors which influence prognosis is crucial in patients with heart failure and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).The study included 223 patients with CRT (177 males), mean age 64.6±9.7 years, including 98 patients (43.9%) with defibrillation function (CRT-D) and 58 (26.0%) with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). Of 223, n=72 patients (32.3%) had CRT implanted after the age of 70. The mean follow-up was 37±19 months. Mortality rates and other clinical factors according to age were assessed in multivariable analysis of CRT patients follow-up.Total mortality was 30.9%. Mortality rate was similar in subjects aged ≤70 and70 (HR:1.41, 95%CI:0.70-2.82). The female gender was the strongest clinical factor of best prognosis (HR:0.12,95%CI:0.03-0.59, p=0.0088). Lower mortality was also associated with higher left ventricular ejection fraction (HR:0.94,95%CI:0.90-0.98, p=0.0031). Coronary disease (HR:2.09,95%CI:1.10-3.99, p=0.0245), chronic kidney disease (HR:3.00, 95%CI:1.47-6.12, p=0.0024)and higher NYHA class (HR:2.28, 95%CI:1.18-4.40, p=0.0137) were factors of increased mortality. For patients70 years old, gender was not a survival determining factor and mortality was lower in regard to hypertension or permanent AF. Only chronic kidney disease was significantly associated with higher mortality in patients70 years old (HR:6.74, 95%CI:1.90-23.9). The use of defibrillation function had no influence on survival rate at any age.In patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy female gender was not associated with mortality and was the factor of better prognosis. For subjects aged70 a worse prognosis was related to renal insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION Numerous studies described the effectiveness and safety of antazoline in pharmacological cardioversion of short‑duration atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there are no data on the comparison of antazoline and antiarrhythmic drugs listed in clinical guidelines. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of antazoline‑based and propafenone‑based strategies in pharmacological cardioversion of short‑duration AF performed in our emergency department. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective case‑control study based on the analysis of medical records of patients undergoing pharmacological cardioversion of short‑duration AF with intravenous antazoline or propafenone at our department in the years 2008-2012. The primary endpoint was the successful cardioversion of AF. The primary safety endpoint was hospitalization due to the adverse effects of the treatment. RESULTS We analyzed 432 cases of cardioversion. The mean age of patients was 68.9 ±9.8 years; 65% of the patients were male; 90% of the patients had a history of AF. Antazoline was administered 334 times and propafenone-98 times. The mean dose of antazoline was 172 ±65 mg, while all patients in the propafenone group received the drug at a fixed dose of 70 mg (1 vial). Cardioversion with antazoline was successful in 239 cases (71.6%) and with propafenone-in 54 patients (55.1%) (relative risk [RR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.57). The rate of hospitalization due to the adverse effects of the treatment were low and similar between the study groups: 10 (3.0%) for antazoline and 4 (4.1%) for propafenone (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.23-2.27). CONCLUSIONS The antazoline‑based strategy was more effective and safer in comparison with propafenone‑based strategy in the pharmacological cardioversion of short‑duration AF in our emergency department.

Background: Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is a complication of increasing incidence. We present a protocol of an observational case control clinical trial “Positron Emission Tomography Combined With Computed Tomography (PET CT) in Suspected Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infection, a Pilot Study — PET Guidance I” (NCT02196753). Aim: The aim of this observational clinical trial is to assess and standardise diagnostic algorithms for CIED infections (lead-dependent infective endocarditis, generator pocket infection, fever of unknown origin) with PET CT in Poland. Methods and results: Study group will consist of 20 patients with initial diagnosis of CIED-related infection paired with a control group of 20 patients with implanted CIEDs, who underwent PET CT due to other non-infectious indications and have no data for infectious process in follow-up. All patients included in the study will undergo standard diagnostic pro­cess. Conventional/standard diagnostic and therapeutic process will consist of: medical interview, physical examination, laboratory tests, blood cultures; imaging studies: echocardiography: transthoracic (TTE), and, if there are no contraindications transoesophageal, computed tomography scan for pulmonary embolism if indicated; if there are abnormalities in other systems, decisions concerning further diagnostics will be made at the physician’s discretion. As well as standard diagnostic procedures, patients will undergo whole body PET CT scan to localise infection or inflammation. Diagnosis and therapeutic decision will be obtained from the Study Committee. Follow-up will be held within six months with control visits at three and six months. During each follow-up visit, all patients will undergo laboratory tests, two blood cultures collected 1 h apart, and TTE. In case of actual clinical suspicion of infective endocarditis or local generator pocket infection, patients will be referred for further diagnostics. Endpoints for the results assessment — primary endpoints are to standardise PET CT in the diagnostic process: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the diagnosis made by PET CT; secondary endpoints are: assessment of usefulness of PET CT for detection of remote infective complications (metastatic abscesses, infected pulmonary emboli), incidence of particular localisations of infection, influence of PET CT on therapeutic decision: confirmation or change of decision based on PET CT, safety and complications of diagnostic process of CIED-related infections with PET CT. Conclusions: Evaluation of PET CT use for device-related infections in a case control study may be conclusive and improve diagnostic pathway.

Background: Antiarrhythmic treatment of patients with recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmia, in whom catheter ablation and amiodarone treatment were ineffective or contraindicated, is an unsolved clinical problem. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of mexiletine in patients with recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias and/or electrical storm events, in whom standard treatment strategies failed to prevent ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all patients treated with mexiletine for recurrent ventricular tachycardia and/or ventricular fibrillation in our institution between January 2011 and September 2015. The primary endpoints were total number of electrical storm events and ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) episodes after the beginning of mexiletine therapy. Secondary endpoints were total number of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapies and discontinuation of the therapy. Events were compared with a matched duration period before initiating mexiletine. Patients served as self-controls. Results: Seventeen patients were included in the study; 11 patients were males. Mean age was 64.2 ± 15.4 years. The median time of mexiletine treatment was eight months (interquartile range [IR]: 1–22 months). The mexiletine dose was 600 mg/day in 13 patients and 400 mg/day in four patients. In four patients the dose was modified during treatment in a range from 400 to 600 mg/day depending on clinical decision. Treatment with mexiletine significantly reduced the number of electrical storm events (14 episodes vs. two episodes; median and IR for 17 patients: 1 [0–1] vs. 0 [0–0], p = 0.0010), VT/VF episodes (285 vs. 74 episodes; median and IR for 17 patients: 7 [5–27] vs. 0 [0–5], p = 0.0115), and ICD interventions (317 interven­tions vs. nine interventions; median and IR for 17 patients: 10 [5–25] vs. 0 [0–2], p = 0.0006), in comparison with a matched period before initiation of treatment. In 14 out of 17 patients (82%) sufficient tolerability of mexiletine was observed. Only in three (18%) patients severe side effects of mexiletine treatment occurred requiring discontinuation of therapy. Conclusions: Mexiletine was a sufficiently tolerated antiarrhythmic drug in short-term treatment of ventricular tachyarrhyth­mias in the studied population. Mexiletine may be effective in the treatment of recurring ventricular tachyarrhythmias or electrical storm events.

Background: The increasing number of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) causes a rise in the absolute percentage of individuals qualifying for a transvenous lead extraction (TLE) due to infectious, vascular or lead failure related indications. As the survival time prolongs, TLE procedures more and more often concern the electrodes of long- -term functioning. Authors provide a retrospective analysis of the effectiveness and safety of TLE performed on leads implanted at least 10 years before the extraction. Methods: Between 2008 and 2012 we performed TLE of 364 electrodes in 217 patients. Out of these, 66 (18.1%) leads in 43 (19.8%) patients had been implanted for at least 10 years. The mean dwelling time for electrodes was 161 months (120 to 330). In 62% of cases CIED-related infection was an indication for TLE. The following extracting techniques were used: manual direct traction, device traction, mechanical telescopic sheaths, autorotational cutting sheaths and femoral approach. Results: Fifty-eight pacemakers and 8 defibrillating leads were extracted. Sixty-three (95%) completely, in the remaining 3 cases the clinical success was achieved with the small portion of the lead left into the vascular space. No major procedure complications were observed; minor complications were found in 3 (6%) patients. Conclusions: TLE with the use of various endovascular techniques is an effective and safe method for treating infectious, vascular and mechanical complications of long-lasting CIEDs therapy.

Background: Previously presented new electrocardiography (ECG) algorithm for localization of arrhythmogenic focus (AFo) in right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) was based on spontaneous arrhythmia QRS morphology analysis. The aim of this study was to estimate the clinical value of our RVOT algorithm in a prospective study. Methods and results: Algorithm validation was made on 62 patients with RVOT arrhythmias (45 women), mean age 41.6 ± 14.3 years, scheduled for transcatheter ablation. Results of preablation ECG analysis with RVOT algorithm were matched with successful ablation sites and statistical indices: sensitivity (sens), specificity (spec), and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated for algorithm and for each of 9 RVOT zones (septal and free wall). An algorithm precisely localized AFo in 57 out of 62 patients (sens 91.3%, spec 99%, PPV 91%, NPV 98.8%). Sensitivity values for superior RVOT aspect (71% patients) varied from 88% to 100%, specificity from 95.9% to 100%; PPV values from 85.7% to 100%, NPV from 92.5% to 100%. Although the total number of patients was relatively small in the 2 remaining RVOT aspects (29% patients) high values (sens, spec, PPV, NPV) were gained for intermediate and inferior zones. Conclusions: On the basis of spontaneous arrhythmia QRS analysis, a novel algorithm was built for preablation localization of RVOT arrhythmia in 1 of the 9 RVOT zones. Prospective analysis of our ECG algorithm confirmed that it is a valuable tool to predict the site of successful ablation in patients with RVOT arrhythmias.

Wstep: Kwestionariusz Patient Perception of Arrhythmia Questionnaire (PPAQ) jest specyficznym dla choroby narzedziem przeznaczonym do pomiaru jakości zycia związanej ze zdrowiem pacjentow cierpiących z powodu arytmii, kolektywnie nazywanych czestoskurczami nadkomorowymi. Brak prawidlowo przygotowanego tlumaczenia kwestionariusza PPAQ na jezyk polski ogranicza mozliwości badan nad jakością zycia polskich pacjentow cierpiących na arytmie nadkomorowe. Cel: Celem badania bylo przeprowadzenie procesu tlumaczenia i adaptacji kulturowej angielskiej wersji kwestionariusza PPAQ na jezyk polski. Metody: Proces przekladu i wstepne badanie trafności treściowej kwestionariusza przeprowadzono zgodnie z wytycznymi ISPOR Principles of Good Practice for the Translation and Cultural Adaptation Process for Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) Measures opublikowanymi w 2005 r. Wyniki: W 2011 r. dokonano przekladu kwestionariusza na jezyk polski, a w procesie adaptacji kulturowej wzielo udzial 20 pacjentow (12 mezczyzn, średnia wieku 54,9 ± 17,4 roku). W trakcie procesu zidentyfikowano problemy związane z bliskim znaczeniem niektorych nazw objawow arytmii i charakterystycznymi dla jezyka polskiego zwrotami grzecznościowymi zaleznymi od plci. Pierwszy problem rozwiązano poprzez wspolprace z dwoma ekspertami z zakresu arytmii serca, a drugi poprzez zbadanie preferencji pacjentow w trakcie procesu walidacji. Wnioski: Polska wersja kwestionariusza byla powszechnie akceptowana przez pacjentow uczestniczących w procesie walidacji. Napotkane problemy mogą powtorzyc sie w tlumaczeniach na inne jezyki i mogą zostac rozwiązane w podobny sposob jak w niniejszej pracy.

Introduction Right ventricular pacing (RVP) causes ventricular desynchronization and may lead to the development of heart failure (HF). Prolongation of atrioventricular delay (AVD) in DDDR pacemakers reduces unnecessary RV stimulation. The aim of the study was to verify the influence of RVP reduction on HF symptoms. Methods The study comprised 31 patients (17 men, mean age: 71.6 ± 8 yrs) with DDDR pacemaker implanted due to sinus node dysfunction (SND). At baseline, 28 patients did not present any symptoms of HF. Three patients were in NYHA class II. Patients were randomized either to 150 ms AVD or to minimizing right ventricular pacing (MRVP). Crossing over to the alternate mode took place after 4 months. Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX), echocardiography (ECHO) and BNP measurements were done before pacemaker implantation, after 4 and 8 months. Results The percentage of RVP was significantly higher in 150 ms AVD than in MRVP: 81.7 ± 22.6 versus 14.2±20.5%, P < 0.0001. Patients with 150 ms mode had worse CPX parameters than those with MRVP mode: peak oxygen uptake was 14.2±4.3 versus 19.9±6.3 ml/kg per min, P = 0.0001, higher BNP concentrations: 72.3±48.3 versus 49.4±43.9 pg/ml, P = 0.001 and worse left ventricle [LV] function: ejection fraction: 53.2±6.7 versus 57.3±5.5%, P < 0.0001; LV diastolic diameter: 4.86±0.52 versus 4.66±0.5 cm, P < 0.01. Conclusion Predominant RVP in patients without symptoms of HF at baseline may be responsible for worse performance in cardiopulmonary exercise test, higher BNP concentrations and impairment of LV function. Specific DDDR pacemaker programming promotes intrinsic AV conduction and may prevent the development of pacing-induced HF.

Patients with structurally normal hearts (SNH) suffering from ventricular tachycardia (VT) or frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are at low risk of sudden cardiac death. Any treatment ameliorates symptoms without a substantial influence on survival.The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the health-related quality of life (QoL) of patients with SNH undergoing elective radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of VT or PVCs.Patients scheduled for RFA of VT or PVCs in SNH were enrolled. They underwent 24-h Holter ECG and QoL assessment (SF-36 questionnaire) at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Results were compared within and between VT and PVCs groups.Among 44 enrolled patients:(i) 23 had VT; (ii) 21 had PVCs with a mean count of 18,711 +/- 10,378 beats/24h. Antiarrhythmic drugs (sotalol, propafenone) were more frequently used in the VT group than in the PVC group. All patients underwent successful RFA with no major complications with 2 cases of early reablation. At follow-up, a significant improvement 6 of 8 domains of SF-36 was observed in the VT and PVCs groups respectively with no significant difference in physical and mental component summary score between both groups.Favourable outcome of radiofrequency ablation in terms of quality of life and safety supports the idea of aggressive treatment of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with structurally normal hearts who are symptomatic and/or prone to cardiomyopathy. Comparable improvement of QoL in patients with PVCs and VT is an additional argument for performing ablation in symptomatic patients with frequent ventricular contractions.

Introduction Options for a pharmacological cardioversion (CV) of short-duration atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with a stable coronary artery disease (CAD) are limited to amiodarone or vernakalant. Antazoline has been reported to achieve high rates of AF conversion to sinus rhythm, but data on its effectiveness and, more importantly, safety in stable CAD patients, have been sparse. Aims To assess the effectiveness and safety of antazoline-based therapy in patients with a stable CAD undergoing pharmacological CV of short-duration AF in the emergency department (ED). Results A retrospective case-control study. We conducted an analysis of medical records of patients with a stable CAD undergoing CV of short duration (≤48 hours) AF in the ED using intravenous antazoline. The main endpoints of the study were successful cardioversion of AF and hospitalization due to the adverse effects (AE) of the treatment. Between 2008 and 2012, out of 548 CVs, antazoline was administered 334 times: 138 in CAD and 196 in the control group. Patients in the CAD group were older and had more comorbidities than controls; 65 patients had had a history of myocardial infarction (MI). In CAD group, the effectiveness was higher (82.6% vs 63.8%, RB: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.14-1.48], P = 0.0002) and the hospitalization rate due to AE was similar (1.4% vs 4.1%, RR: 0.36 [95% CI: 0.08-1.65], P = 0.2054) to the control group. Among patients with CAD, a history of MI did not influence the effectiveness or safety of the CV (P = 0.2252 and P = 1.0000, respectively). Conclusions In selected patients with a stable CAD, even with a history of MI, antazoline-based CV of short-duration AF may be an effective and safe therapeutic option.

Aims A novel electrophysiological technique, paced electrogram fractionation analysis (PEFA), which measures activation delay of stimulated beats through the myocardium, has shown that long delays in activation are strongly associated with sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation. The aim of our study was to determine whether there are differences in intra-atrial conduction in patients with and without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using PEFA. Twenty patients (15 women) in the mean age 54.7+ 16.6 years, scheduled for transcatheter ablation of their arrhythmias, were divided into two groups: 10 controls without PAF and 10 patients with PAF. Methods and results During PEFA, pacing and recording catheters were placed in the coronary sinus (three sites: distal, mid, and proximal) and at four right atrium sites: crista terminalis (one site), RA isthmus (one site), and interatrial septum (two sites). The PEFA protocol involves pacing from one site and recording electrograms from other six sites. A decremental sequence, delivered at one site, had a cycle length of 490 ms (S1S1) with an extrastimulus inserted every third beat whose coupling interval (S1S2) is reduced by 1 ms on each occasion. This process is repeated from each atrial site. The S1S2 at which electrogram duration starts to prolong, and the increase in electrogram duration is determined at all sites. In three patients from the PAF group, atrial fibrillation was induced during PEFA and it was terminated by electrical cardioversion. No other complications were noted. The patients with PAF, compared with the control group, have abrupt increases in the electrogram duration, which occur, at significantly longer S1S2 (P , 0.0001). There were also significantly longer intra-atrial delays in the intrinsic deflection of the electrogram in PAF patient vs. control group (P , 0.0001). Conclusions Comparison of PAF and non-AF patient groups showed that intra-atrial conduction delay start in the PAF group earlier (with longer S1S2 intervals) and they are significantly longer in the PAF group. This suggests that atria in patients with PAF are diffusely diseased and that the measured activation delays form one component of an arrhythmogenic substrate.

Aims Having several recently published reports on increased rate of cardiac perforation with some lead models as background, we assess the relation between cardiac perforations and models of leads used. Methods and results All pacing and defibrillation leads implantations between 1 January 2007 and 31 March 2008 were analysed retrospectively. There were 2247 leads implanted in 1419 patients aged 67.6 ± 14.1, 1200 (53%) active and 1047 (47%) passive fixation leads. Cardiac perforation occurred in eight patients (0.5%). The number of perforations does not differ significantly between the pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantations (five and three cases, respectively, P = 0.13). All perforations were associated with the active fixation leads implantation (8 vs. 0, P < 0.01). Only four models of leads were associated with perforations, but the risk of their use was not statistically significantly increased, when compared with other active fixation leads placed in the adequate position. Conclusions The incidence of cardiac perforation related to pacing and defibrillation leads is low. The use of active fixation leads is associated with an increased risk of cardiac perforation. We did not find any correlation between the perforation rate and any particular model of the implanted lead.