Search

VT Ablation in MitraClip PatientsIntroduction Patients with mitral regurgitation are increasingly treated by percutaneous implantation of a MitraClip device (Abbott Park, IL, USA). We investigate the feasibility and safety of the transmitral catheter route for catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in these patients. Methods The mitral valve with the MitraClip in situ was crossed under transesophageal 3-dimensional echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance using a steerable sheath for ablation of the left ventricle. Results Five patients (all males, median age 74.0 ± 16.0 years) who had previously a MitraClip implanted were referred for catheter ablation of VT. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 29.0% ± 24.0%. One patient had both an atrial septal defect and a left atrial appendage occluder device in addition to a MitraClip. The duration between MitraClip implantation and ablation was 1019.0 ± 783.0 days. After transseptal puncture, ablation catheter was successfully steered through the mitral valve with the use of fluoroscopy. A complete high-density map of the substrate in sinus rhythm could be obtained in all patients using multipolar mapping catheters. In 1 patient, mapping was carried out using a mini-basket catheter. Procedural endpoints, noninducibility of all VTs, and abolition of all late potentials were achieved in all patients. Procedure time was 255.0 ± 52.5 minute, fluoroscopy time was 23.0 ± 7.3, and the radiation dose was 61.0 ± 37.5 Gycm2. No mitral insufficiency or worsening of regurgitation was documented after the procedure. Conclusions This is the first report demonstrating the feasibility and safety of VT ablation in patients with a MitraClip device using the anterograde transmitral catheter route.

Background: Chronic right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing has been associated with increased risk of heart failure and adverse outcome. The acute effects of RVA pacing on three-dimensional (3D) ventricular function and mechanical dyssynchrony are not well known. We performed a real-time 3D echocardiographic (RT3DE) study to assess global and regional left ventricular function during RVA pacing. Methods: Twenty-six patients with implanted cardiac devices and normal intrinsic atrioventricular conduction were included in the study. RT3DE was performed during intrinsic sinus rhythm and during RVA pacing. Quantification of global and regional left ventricular function was performed offline by time-volume analysis of 16 myocardial segments. Time to reach minimum regional volume was calculated for each segment as a percentage of the cardiac cycle. The systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI) was defined as the standard deviation of these time periods. Longitudinal function was assessed by time-volume analysis of apical, midventricular, and basal segments. Results: During RVA pacing, a reversed apical-to-basal longitudinal contraction sequence was observed in 58% of all patients. RVA pacing was associated with increased left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony (SDI increase from 4.4 ± 2.2% to 6.3 ± 2.4%, P = 0.001) and reduced LV ejection fraction (decrease from 53 ± 13% to 47 ± 14%, P = 0.05). Conclusion: RT3DE assessment of LV function provides evidence that pacing from the RVA results in acute alterations in LV contraction sequence and increased LV dyssynchrony. Further studies are warranted to assess the potential of RT3DE to identify patients who might be at increased risk of pacing-induced heart failure or who might benefit from alternate-site or multisite pacing. (PACE 2011; 76–81)

Background: Myocardial contractilitycanbealteredusingvoltageclamptechniques bymodulating amplitude and durationof theactionpotential resulting in enhanced calcium entry in the cell of isolated muscle strips (Non-Excitatory Currents; NEC). Extracellular electrical stimuli delivered during the absolute refractory period (Cardiac Contractility Modulation; CCM) have recently been shown to produce inotropic effects in-vivo. Aim: Understanding the cellular mechanism, underlying the CCM effect, is essential for evaluating its clinical potential. We tested the hypothesis that NEC and CCM modulate contractility via similar cellular mechanisms. Methods: Square wave electric currents were applied in the organ bath to isometrically contracting rabbit RV papillary muscle and human failing trabecular muscle during the absolute refractory period (ARP). Results: These currents, which did not initiate new action potentials or contractions, modulated action potential duration (shortened or lengthened) and contractility (enhanced or depressed) in a manner that depended upon their amplitude, duration and delay from the pacing stimulus. The contractility modulation effect in the rabbit RV papillary muscle was markedly blunted after exposure to ryanodine, indicating that the sarcoplasmic reticulum plays an important role in the contractility modulation. Conclusion: Like voltage clamping, extracellular currents applied during the ARP can similarly modulate action potential duration in-vitro and modulate myocardial contractility by similar intracellular mechanisms. This concept provides the potential of a therapeutic strategy in patients with heart failure to enhance contractility.

Electromagnetic fields may interfere with normal implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) function. Although the devices are effectively shielded and use exclusively bipolar leads, electromagnetic interference (EMI) remains a concern when patients are exposed to several household appliances. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential EMI risk of induction ovens, which are increasingly common in private households. In vitro measurements of an induction oven for private households GK 43 TI (V-Zug, Inc., Zug, Switzerland) showed that heating is regulated by increasing operating time from level 1 (100 ms/sec) to 5 (continuous operation). From levels 5 to 9 the magnetic field increases. Nineteen patients with left-sided implants of single- and dual-chamber ICD systems (8 Medtronic, 7 Guidant, and 4 St. Jude Medical) (18 males, 1 female), age (mean +/- SEM) 58 +/- 3 years, were included in this study. All patients were examined in standing position, bent over the cooking pot (minimal distance to the induction coil 25 cm), and with the cooking pot put eccentrically over the induction field at three different cooking levels (level 2, 5, and 9). The tests were repeated touching the cooking pot with one hand. Ventricular sensitivity was left unchanged. Ventricular tachycardia therapies were turned off in Medtronic and Guidant devices and ventricular sensing was continuously monitored in St. Jude Medical devices during testing. Interrogation of the devices after exposure did not show any inappropriate tachycardia detection, oversensing, or reprogramming. In conclusion, ICD patients can be reassured that EMI is unlikely to affect their devices if induction ovens are used in their kitchens.