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Background Standard methods fail to reveal late potentials in 20 to 30% of patients with ventricular arrhythmias after myocardial infarction. However, these patients may develop transient delayed ventricular activation during increases in heart rate. Methods and Results Atrial pacing was performed, at the rates of 100 min−1and 120 min−1, in 50 patients after myocardial infarction. Twenty-six patients had a history of documented, sustained ventricular tachycardia, 12 had a history of ventricular fibrillation and 12 no history of ventricular arrhythmias. The low-noise surface electrocardiogram was analysed before and during atrial pacing in the time and frequency domains. Fifteen of 26 patients with ventricular tachycardia, four of 12 with ventricular fibril-lation and three of 12 without ventricular arrhythmias experienced late potentials during sinus rhythm. Atrial pacing led to a shift of 26±15 ms of preexistent late potentials into the ST segment, this being greater in patients with anterior infarctions and to an increase in magnitude in patients with inferior infarctions. In patients without late potentials during sinus rhythm, atrial pacing provoked late potentials in eight of 11 patients with ventricular tachycardia, in four of eight patients with ventricular fibrillation and in one of nine patients without ventricular arrhythmias. Low amplitude signals (LAS) were increased in patients after inferior and filtered QRS in patients after anterior infarction. In 10 patients without cardiac disease no late potentials were detectable in the time and frequency domain either at rest or during increased heart rate. Conclusions Increase in heart rate may unmask late potentials in patients prone to malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Therefore, functional late potential analysis with non-invasive clinical stress tests, i.e. exercise tests, should be performed only with an adequate rate response. This might identify patients at risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias otherwise not identified with conventional late potential analysis.

Objectives. We prospectively performed a two-step risk assessment in patients in the early phase after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Background. Noninvasive methods like Holter electrocardiographic monitoring (HM) and determination of the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) as well as the invasive technique of programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) have been used to identify patients in the late phase after MI as candidates for prophylactic implantation of a cardioverter/defibrillator. However, it is unclear whether these results can be transferred to patients following acute MI. Methods. A series of 657 patients with acute MI (≤75 years) underwent HM and EF. If one of the two methods yielded abnormal findings (HM ≥20 ventricular ectopic beats/h/≥10 ventricular pairs/day/ventricular tachycardia; EF ≤40%), PVS was done (abnormal PVS: induction of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, duration >10 s, cycle length ≥230 ms). Results. Of 657 patients, 304 (46%) had either an abnormal HM or EF. The PVS performed in 146 of 304 patients was abnormal in 22. During a mean follow-up of 37 months, there were 106 (16%) deaths, being sudden in 24 (3.6%), nonsudden cardiac in 45 (6.8%). The incidence of arrhythmic events (sudden cardiac death, symptomatic ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest) was 18% (4/22) with an abnormal PVS and only 4% (5/124) with a normal PVS (odds ratio 4.0, p = 0.032). Conclusions. The rate of arrhythmic events is low in post-MI patients in the 1990s. Nevertheless, a two-step risk stratification is helpful in selecting candidates for a defibrillator trial aiming at primary prevention of sudden cardiac death after MI.

Aims The aim of the study was to examine the results of implanting small sized cardioverter defibrillators in the pectoral as opposed to the abdominal area. Hitherto, owing to the large size of the early defibrillators, the site of implantation had been confined to the abdomen. Methods Between 30 March 1993 and 1 November 1994, 778 patients from 63 centres in 14 countries underwent their first device implantation. The study was set up to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of Medtronic models 7219D, a multi-lead abdominal/pectoral implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and 7219C, a pectoral single-lead Active Can™implantable cardioverter defibrillator. There were 155 abdominal and 623 pectoral implants. Survival data were comparable during a mean follow-up period of 4·0±4·6 months, with no difference regarding the pectoral placement of single (n=392) or multi-lead (n=231) devices. The only significant difference was related to severe lead-related events: 5·3% in the pectoral vs 11·6% in the abdominal group ( P

Die Katheterablation mit Radiofrequenzstrom ist heute als etabliertes Behandlungsverfahren bei typischem Vorhofflattern anzusehen. Durch eine lineare Lasion am Boden des rechten Vorhofs zwischen Trikuspidalring und Vena cava inferior („Isthmus”) kann der dem typischen Vorhofflattern zugrundeliegende Makro-Reentry-Kreis dauerhaft unterbrochen werden. Ein entscheidender Fortschritt zur Senkung der Rezidivrate nach Katheterablation von Vorhofflattern wurde mit der Einfuhrung des elektrophysiologischen Kriteriums des bidirektionalen Isthmus-blocks erzielt. Die Erfolgsrate der Ablation wird mit etwa 85 bis 90%, die Rezidivrate mit etwa 10 bis 15% angegeben. Ein klinisches Hauptproblem nach erfolgreicher Katheterablation von typischem Vorhofflattern ist das Auftreten von paroxysmalem Vorhofflimmern. Vorhofflimmern nach Isthmusablation von Vorhofflattern tritt vor allem bei Patienten mit vorbestehend vorhandenem Vorhofflimmern auf; demgegenuber ist nur bei etwa 20% der Patienten nach Ablation von Vorhofflattern mit neu auftretendem Vorhofflimmern zu rechnen.

Als repetitive monomorphe ventrikulare Tachykardie (RMVT) wird eine rechtsventrikulare Tachykardie bei Patienten ohne strukturelle Herzerkrankung mit uberwiegend singularer, bigeminiformer oder salvenartiger monomorpher ventrikularer Extrasystolie bezeichnet. Zumeist liegt eine Linksschenkelblock-Konfiguration mit Indifferenz- oder Steiltyp wahrend der ventrikularen Tachykardie vor. In unserem Kollektiv von 20 Patienten war es bei 35% anamnestisch zu Synkopen gekommen. In drei Fallen war eine Synkope Erstmanifestation der RMVT. Bei 25% unserer RMVT-Patienten waren auch anhaltende ventrikulare Tachykardien mit einer Dauer >3 min im Langzeit-EKG dokumentiert. Wesentliche Differentialdiagnose einer RMVT ist die paroxysmale anhaltende Form der idiopathischen ventrikularen Tachykardie. Neben dem typischen salvenartigen Auftreten der ventrikularen Extrasystolie ist die Belastungsabhangigkeit wegweisend fur die Diagnose einer RMVT. In 85–90% der Falle gelang in unserem Patientenkollektiv die Auslosung von Salven einer RMVT oder einer anhaltenden RMVT mittels Ergometrie oder eines Isoproterenol-Testes. Die Auslosung einer RMVT mittels programmierter rechtsventrikularer Stimulation gelang in unserem Patientenkollektiv nur in 13% der Falle. Somit ist die Durchfuhrung einer elektrophysiologischen Untersuchung nur zur Unterscheidung einer ventrikularen von einer supraventrikularen Tachykardie mit Schenkelblock oder zum Ausschlus einer anderen ventrikularen Tachyarrhythmie bei stattgehabter Synkope erforderlich. Die Prognose der RMVT ist gut; in unserem Kollektiv von RMVT-Patienten traten wahrend einer Nachbeobachtungszeit von bis zu 4 Jahren keine lebensbedrohlichen ventrikularen Tachyarrhythmien auf. Die Mehrzahl der Patienten mit RMVT last sich mit Verapamil oder β-Blocker ausreichend gut einstellen. Gelegentlich ist eine Therapie mit einem Klasse-III-Antiarrhythmikum erforderlich. Wahrend bei der paroxysmalen anhaltenden Form der idiopathischen ventrikularen Tachykardie bei medikamentoser Therapierefraktaritat eine Katheterablation mit hervorragenden Erfolgsaussichten vorgenommen werden kann, ist die Durchfuhrung einer Katheterablation bei RMVT nur in seltenen Fallen indiziert.

Die erfolgreiche Radiofrequenz-Katheterablation tachykarder Rhythmusstorungen setzt eine genaue Lokalisation des arrhythmogenen Substrats wahrend der elekrophysiologischen Untersuchung voraus. Mit Hilfe der elektromagnetischen Technologie des neuen Mappingsystems CARTO™ ist die dreidimensionale farbcodierte elektroanatomische Darstellung der Aktivierungssequenz moglich. Mapping der sinutrialen Aktivierung des rechten Vorhofs bei 11 Patienten lieferte erste klinische Erfahrungen mit diesem neuen System. Die physiologische Aktivierungssequenz lies sich bei allen Patienten komplikationslos dreidimensional darstellen und der Sinusknoten als physiologischer Aktivitatsfokus mit interindividueller Variabilitat lediglich in der Sagittalebene lokalisieren. Das nichtfluoroskopische Mappingsystem erlaubt eine Visualisierung der elektrischen Aktivitat und kann dadurch die Lokalisierung des arrhythmogenen Substrats wahrend Tachykardie vor erfolgreicher Ablation erleichtern.

A 75-year-old woman was referred to our pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) clinicwith anabnormal electrocardiogram(ECG).TheECG(Figure,A)showedabnormalspikescompared with a regular ECG (without spikes) (Figure, B) of the same patient performed3months earlier, prompting a referral for device interrogation. Clinical manifestations such as dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, or signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure were absent. The patient’s vital signs were normal. Question: Do spikes on ECG resembling impulses produced by a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) necessarily indicate a cardiac etiology?

Objective Residual aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been associated with increased mortality. Nevertheless, a considerable proportion of these patients survives and appears to tolerate AR. Identification of patients at higher risk of death may assist in tailoring therapy, but predictors of mortality in this subset of patients is largely unknown. Methods A total of 1432 patients were included in the German TAVI registry. One-year follow-up data were available for 1318 patients (92%). Of the latter, 201 patients (15.2%) had more-than-mild AR as evaluated by angiography and represent the population of the current analysis. Among these patients, baseline demographic, clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic characteristics were compared among survivors and non-survivors to identify factors associated with mortality at 1 year. Results Mean age was 81.2±6.6 years and men represented 55%. The mean logistic EuroSCORE was 22±15%. Overall, 92% of patients received the Medtronic CoreValve and 8% received the Edwards Sapien valve. At 1 year, 61 patients (31%) with more-than-mild post-TAVI AR had died. Compared with patients who survived, patients who died had more commonly coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease and chronic renal impairment. Patients who died had a lower baseline LVEF (44±18% vs 52±16%, p=0.002), higher prevalence of more-than-mild (≥2+) mitral regurgitation (44% vs 27%, p=0.001), and a higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (51±18 mm Hg vs 44±19 mm Hg, p=0.002), but the severity of aortic stenosis was similar, and the prevalence and severity of pre-TAVI AR was comparable (any AR in 88% vs 83%, respectively, p=0.29). Using Cox regression analysis, only baseline mitral regurgitation ≥2+ (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.99, p=0.03) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.33, p=0.04) were independently associated with 1-year mortality, while female gender was protective (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.96, p=0.03). Conclusions We identified preprocedural characteristics associated with 1-year mortality in patients with more-than-mild AR after TAVI. More-than-mild baseline mitral regurgitation, higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure and male gender were independently associated with worse outcome.

We developed criteria for implantation and programming of permanent endocardial pacemakers in patients with a nonthoracotomy ICD system. These criteria were prospectively used in 10 patients who recieved an ICD prior to (n = 5) or following (n = 5) implantation of a dual chamber (n = 6) or ventricular (n = 4) pacemaker with a unipolar (n = 4) or bipolar (n = 6) lead configuration. All patients were tested for interactions or malfunctions. Undersensing of ventricular fibrillation by the atrial sense amplifier and inadequate atrial pacing occurred in one patient with a unipolar dual chamber system programmed to AAIR but didn't impair ICD sensing. Transient or permanent loss of capture or sensing of the pacemaker was not observed after ICD shocks with the output programmed to double pulse width and voltage of stimulation threshold and the sensitivity to 50% of the detected R wave. One episode of transient reprogramming occurred without clinical consequences. One unipolar ventricular pacemaker lead had to be exchanged against a bipolar lead because of oversensing of the pacing artifact by the ICD. There was no failure of an ICD to detect ventricular arrhythmias due to inadequate pacemaker activity. During a follow-up period of 21 +/- 11 months, a total of 78 ventricular arrhythmias were effectively treated in six patients. Thus, a combined use of transvenous ICD and pacemaker is possible despite the close vicinity of pacing and defibrillations leads. Optimized programming different to the common settings is required. As interactions occurred only in unipolar pacemaker leads bipolar systems should be used in these patients.

Objective: Exercise induced ischemia or heart rate acceleration may unmask late potentials or provoke functional changes, which might be important factors to improve the low positive predictive value of late potential analysis at rest for postinfarction risk stratification. However, methodological refinements are required to detect late potentials with exercise. Methods: We, therefore, investigated the surface-electrocardiogram in 100 patients after myocardial infarction (50 with sustained ventricular tachycardia [group I], 50 patients without ventricular arrhythmias [group II], and in 15 normals before and immediately after bicycle exercise test using Spectrotemporal Mapping (STM) with fast Fourier transform (FFT) and Simson method and introduced selective signal averaging. Results: In group I, 30 out of 50 patients showed late potentials at rest, after selective signal averaging also recognizable immediately after exercise in all of these patients, however, with a time-shift of 18 ± 13 ms into the ST-segment. Twelve out of 50 patients of group I with only transient late potentials tended to have inducible and recurrent ventricular tachycardia with a shorter cycle length. In group II, 4 out of 50 patients had late potentials at rest and 2 out of 46 patients developed them during exercise. Transient pathological Simson method was associated with transmural ischemia. Conclusions: Thus, detection of the effects of exercise on late potential analysis is possible with selective signal averaging immediately after exercise. Exercise unmasks late potentials not detectable at rest by their time-shift into the ST-segment. Using this method, patients that would have been lost with conventional late potential analysis, could be identified.

Objectives: Few data is available comparing Edwards SAPIEN XT - SXT (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) with Medtronic CoreValve - CoV (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota) in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: We selected consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR with SXT or CoV at our Institution. Main outcomes were Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-combined safety endpoints. Results: A total of 100 patients (SXT, n=50 versus CoV, n=50) were analyzed. Both SXT and CoV showed good device success rates (98% versus 90%, p=0.20). SXT versus CoV reduced the occurrence of paravalvular regurgitation after TAVR (26% versus 90%, p0.99), life-threatening bleedings (2% versus 4%, p>0.99), stroke (4% versus 6%, p>0.99) and death (6% versus 2%, p>0.99) did not differ between SXT and CoV. However, safety endpoints favored SXT (17% versus 34.6%, p=0.01), due to a numerically higher incidence of ischemic stroke and Acute Kidney Injury Stage 3 after CoV. At multivariate analysis, TAVR with SXT (odds ratio=0.21, 95% confidence intervals [0.05-0.84], p=0.03) was predictive of fewer adverse events. Conclusions: Transcatheter valve implantation with Edwards SAPIEN XT was associated with lower VARC-combined safety endpoints as compared with Medtronic CoreValve. More extensive cohorts are needed to confirm these results.

Aims To assess image quality and diagnostic performance of 3.0 Tesla (3T) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial perfusion imaging with a dual radiofrequency source to detect functional relevant coronary artery disease (CAD), using coronary angiography and invasive pressure-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) as reference standard. Methods and results We included 116 patients with suspected or known CAD, who underwent 3T adenosine myocardial perfusion CMR (resolution 2.97 × 2.97 mm) and coronary angiography plus FFR measurements in intermediate lesions. Image quality of myocardial perfusion CMR was graded on a 4-point scale (1 = poor to 4 = excellent). Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by ROC analyses using a 16-myocardial segment-based summed perfusion score (0 = normal to 3 = transmural perfusion defect) and by determining sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value on the coronary vessel territory and the patient level. Diagnostic image quality was achieved for all stress myocardial perfusion CMR studies with an average quality score of 2.5, 3.1, and 3.0 for LAD, LCX, and RCA territories. The ability of the myocardial perfusion CMR perfusion score to detect significant coronary artery stenosis yielded an area under the curve of 0.93 on ROC analysis. Values for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value on a vessel territory level and the patient level were 89, 95, 87, 96% and 85, 87, 77, 92%, respectively. Conclusion In patients with suspected or known significant CAD, 3T myocardial perfusion CMR with standard perfusion protocols provides consistently high image quality and an excellent diagnostic performance.

Chest pain associated with cocaine use represents an increasing problem in the emergency department (ED). Cocaine use has been linked to the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We used coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA) to evaluate the prevalence, severity and composition of atherosclerotic lesions in cocaine users. We studied 78 patients with non-occasional cocaine use (52 men, 44 +/- 7 years, 23 under the acute influence) and acute chest pain but without ACS, who had undergone cCTA in the ED. Patients were matched one-to-one by gender, race, symptoms, and risk-factors with a control cohort (n = 78; 52 men, 45 +/- 6 years) not using cocaine. Each coronary segment was evaluated for the presence and composition (calcified, non-calcified, partially calcified) of atherosclerotic plaque and for stenosis. The prevalence of coronary stenosis was not significantly different between patients with and without cocaine use (13% versus 5%, P > 0.05). However, cocaine users on average had significantly more atherosclerotic plaques (0.44 +/- 0.88 versus 0.29 +/- 0.83, P 0.05) and non-calcified plaques (0.26 +/- 0.63 versus 0.17 +/- 0.57, P > 0.05), yet not reaching statistical significance. Furthermore, cocaine users had significantly more partially calcified plaques (0.41 +/- 0.61 versus 0.17 +/- 0.41, P

Catheter ablation (CA) has emerged as a widespread therapeutic option in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, no safety data with regard to the impact of the underlying structural heart diseases (SHD) are available. We sought to assess the risk for acute and long-term complications during CA of AF in relation to underlying SHD.We included 6,211 patients in a prospective registry undergoing CA of AF in 41 nationwide centers. All patients were divided into 4 groups according to the underlying heart disease: No SHD (69.4%), hypertensive heart disease (HHD) (12.0%), coronary artery disease (CAD) (15.1%), and cardiomyopathy (CM) (3.6%). In univariate analysis, patients with HHD had an overall complication rate of 7.28%, whereas patients without an SHD had a significantly lower rate of 6.01% (P0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that HHD (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.97 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-3.83], P = 0.0442) and age (years; OR: 1.04 [95% CI: 1.01-1.07], P = 0.0155) were independent predictors of severe, nonfatal complications and death. Other SHD including CAD (OR: 1.48 (0.73-3.00), P = 0.2797) and CM (OR: 2.37 [0.70-7.99], P = 0.1630) failed to reach statistical significance. Male sex was protective (OR: 0.47 [95% CI: 0.27-0.81], P = 0.0062).In general, CA of AF has a low number of severe complications. In our prospective registry HHD emerged as an independent predictor of severe, nonfatal complications during AF ablation but other SHD including CAD and CM did not. The influence of HHD on the complication rate should be considered in patient selection.

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic computed tomographic (CT) perfusion imaging of the myocardium for the detection of hemodynamically relevant coronary artery stenosis compared with the accuracy of coronary angiography and fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement.This study was approved by the institutional review board and the Federal Radiation Safety Council (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz). All patients provided written informed consent. Thirty-two consecutive patients in adenosine stress conditions underwent dynamic CT perfusion imaging (14 consecutive data sets) performed by using a 256-section scanner with an 8-cm detector and without table movement. Time to peak, area under the curve, upslope, and peak enhancement were determined after calculation of time-attenuation curves. In addition, myocardial blood flow (MBF) was determined quantitatively. Results were compared with those of coronary angiography and FFR measurement by using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In addition, threshold values based on the Youden index and sensitivity and specificity were calculated.Area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity, respectively, were 0.67, 41.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.5%, 61.1%), and 86.6% (95% CI: 76.0%, 93.7%) for time to peak; 0.74, 58.6% (95% CI: 38.9%, 76.5%), and 83.6% (95% CI: 72.5%, 91.5%) for area under the curve; 0.87, 82.8% (95% CI: 64.2%, 94.1%), and 88.1% (95% CI: 77.8%, 94.7%) for upslope; 0.83, 82.8% (95% CI: 64.2%, 94.1%), and 89.6% (95% CI: 79.6%, 95.7%) for peak enhancement; and 0.86, 75.9% (95% CI: 56.5%, 89.7%), and 100% (95% CI: 94.6%, 100%) for MBF. The thresholds determined by using the Youden index were 148.5 HU · sec for area under the curve, 12 seconds for time to peak, 2.5 HU/sec for upslope, 34 HU for peak enhancement, and 1.64 mL/g/min for MBF.The semiquantitative parameters upslope and peak enhancement and the quantitative parameter MBF showed similar high diagnostic accuracy.http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.13121441/-/DC1.

Catheter ablation is used extensively with curative intention in atrial fibrillation. Radiofrequency ablation has long been a standard of care, while cryoballoon technology has emerged as a feasible approach with promising results. Prospective multicenter registry data referring to both ablation technologies in AF ablation therapy are lacking.Between January 2007 and August 2011, a total of 3,775 consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF who underwent PV ablation in their respective centers were enrolled. The cohort was divided into 2 groups according to the ablation energy source used: cryoballoon ablation (group 1, n = 905 [24.0%], median age 63 years, 64.3% men) and RF ablation (group 2, n = 2870 [76.0%], median age 63 years, 62.7% men). Comorbidities and baseline clinical characteristics were similar in both groups.Acute success rate was similar in both groups (97.5% in cryo vs 97.6% in RF; P = 0.81). Procedure times were similar, ablation and fluoroscopy times were higher in cryoballoon when compared to RF ablation. Overall complication rate was similar in cryo- (4.6%) and RF-ablation (4.6%; P = 1.0). Phrenic nerve palsy was more often in cryo versus RF ablation (2.1% in cryo vs 0.0% in RF; P0.001). Other complications were more common in RF compared to cryoablation (4.6% in RF vs 2.7% in cryo; P0.05).RF ablation is the most widespread ablation method in Germany, but use of cryoballoon increased significantly. Procedure times were similar, but ablation and fluoroscopy times were longer in cryoballoon ablation. No significant differences were found in terms of acute success and overall complication rate.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is already an accepted option to treat elderly patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are inoperable or at high surgical risk. However, short- and long-term mortality after TAVI remains an important issue, raising the need to further improve the technology of TAVI as well as to identify patients who will not benefit from TAVI. A total of 1,391 patients treated with TAVI at 27 hospitals were included in the German Transcatheter Aortic Valve Interventions - Registry. One-year follow-up data were available for 1,318 patients (94.8%), with a mean follow-up period of 12.9 ± 4.5 months. One-year mortality was 19.9%. Survivors and nonsurvivors showed multiple differences in patient characteristics, indications for interventions, preintervention and interventional characteristics, and postintervention events. A higher logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score was associated with higher 1-year mortality (p0.0001). Cox proportional-hazards analysis revealed the following independent predictors of mortality: among preintervention findings: previous mitral insufficiency ≥II° (p = 0.0005), low-gradient aortic stenosis (p = 0.0008), previous decompensation (p = 0.0061), previous myocardial infarction (p = 0.0138), renal failure (p = 0.0180), previous New York Heart Association class IV (p = 0.0254), and female gender (p = 0.0346); among procedural factors: intraprocedural conversion to surgery (p = 0.0009), peri-intervention stroke (p = 0.0003), and residual aortic insufficiency ≥II° (p = 0.0022); and among postprocedural events: postintervention myocardial infarction (p = 0.0009) and postintervention pulmonary embolism (p = 0.0025). In conclusion, 1-year mortality after TAVI was 19.9% in this series. Patient characteristics and procedural as well as postintervention factors associated with mortality were identified, which may allow better patient selection and better care for these critically ill patients.

The optimal placement for the second defibrillation lead in a two-lead system has never been addressed. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 33 patients with an average age of 59.2 years (range 41-78 years), predominantly male (n = 29), who underwent implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for treatment of ventricular tachycardia (n = 19) or ventricular fibrillation (n = 14). In all patients an attempt was made to implant an endovenous ICD device (leads only, no subcutaneous patch). In group I (n = 18) the defibrillation anode, a separate unipolar lead, was placed in the common position, the superior vena cava. In group II (n = 15) the lead was placed in the left subclavian vein. At least two consecutive shocks reverting ventricular fibrillation at energies < or = 24 J were required for implantation of the ICD device. All shocks were monophasic. The success rate of endovenous defibrillation was significantly higher in group II than in group I (67% vs 28%, P < 0.05). Thus, it could be demonstrated that the position of the defibrillation anode can influence the defibrillation efficacy in transvenous ICD systems. Prospective randomized trials are needed to investigate the optimal position for the second defibrillation electrode, which may gain increasing importance as soon as dual chamber ICDs become available.

The implantation of a transvenous cardioverter defibrillator (PCD 7217B) was performed in a patient with a persistent left superior vena cava. The defibrillation electrodes were positioned in the right ventricle and the superior vena cava via the right subclavian vein. A subcutaneous patch had to be implanted at the left lateral chest wall to achieve sufficient defibrillation thresholds. Three weeks later the system had to be removed because of a generator pocket infection. During the second implantation we placed one electrode in the persistent left superior vena cava perpendicular to the electrode in the right ventricle. Using this configuration transvenous defibrillation was possible without an additional subcutaneous patch.

The presence of severe atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta, and its extreme form the "porcelain" aorta, is associated with a worse clinical outcome in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement. Percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis can overcome this problem: 1,374 TAVI procedures were performed at 27 hospitals in 147 patients (10.7%) with and 1,227 (89.3%) without a porcelain aorta. The mean reported prevalence of a porcelain aorta at the hospitals was 7.8% ± 14.8% (range 0% to 70%). Diabetes mellitus (46.3% vs 33.2%, p = 0.00018), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (43.5% vs 22.2%, p0.0001), and peripheral arterial obstructive disease (34.7% vs 20.0%, p0.0001) were more prevalent in patients with a porcelain aorta. In patients with a porcelain aorta, coronary ischemia occurred more often (2.0% vs 0.1%, p0.0001), with a tendency toward a greater stroke rate (5.5% vs 2.8%, p = 0.08), greater in-hospital death rate (10.9% vs 8.1%, p = 0.24), and greater death or stroke rate (14.4% vs 10.2%, p = 0.12). On multivariate analysis, the presence of a porcelain aorta was not associated with in-hospital death (odds ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 0.72 to 2.55, p = 0.3441) nor in-hospital death or stroke (odds ratio 1.50, 95% confidence interval 0.81 to 2.47, p = 0.2207). In conclusion, in this real-world TAVI registry, a "porcelain" aorta was diagnosed in almost every tenth patient. Although differences were found in its frequency among the participating hospitals, the presence of a porcelain aorta was not associated with in-hospital death or stroke.

Cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter (AFL) can occur in a paroxysmal or persistent pattern. The aim of this study was to identify clinical, echocardiographic, and electrophysiological risk factors independently associated with persistence of AFL.Patients of the recently published AURUM 8 study with paroxysmal versus persistent AFL were compared with respect to clinical and echocardiographic baseline characteristics as well as procedural parameters. The AURUM 8 study is a randomized, multicenter clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of gold versus platinum-iridium 8-mm-tip ablation. AFL was paroxysmal in 218 patients and persistent in 210 patients.Univariate analysis revealed that patients with persistent AFL had higher New York Heart Association class (P = 0.002), shorter time since 1st AFL episode (median 0.18 vs 0.34, P = 0.037), a higher prevalence of previous coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (17% vs 9%, P = 0.02), left ventricular hypertrophy (17% vs 8%, P = 0.005), dyspnea during AFL (P0.001), mitral regurgitation (P = 0.002), tricuspid regurgitation (P = 0.049), and pulmonary hypertension (P = 0.01). Palpitations during AFL were less frequent in patients with persistent AFL (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, weight, AFL diagnosis after initiation of class IC or III antiarrhythmic drugs for atrial fibrillation, history of left ventricular hypertrophy, dyspnea during AFL and mitral regurgitation on echocardiography were significant independent variables associated with persistent AFL. A history of atrial fibrillation and palpitations during AFL were independently associated with paroxysmal AFL.We were able to identify clinical and echocardiographic risk factors associated with persistence of typical AFL. Treatment of these risk factors can potentially not only prevent the transition from paroxysmal to persistent AFL, but maybe also the development or initiation of AFL in general.

Comparison of coronary artery stent assessment with cardiac CT angiography (cCTA) using traditional filtered back projection (FBP) and sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE), in both full- and half-radiation dose image data.Dual-source cCTA studies of 37 implanted stents were reconstructed at full- and half-radiation dose with FBP and SAFIRE. Half-dose data were based on projections from one DSCT detector. In-stent noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and stent-lumen attenuation increase ratio (SAIR) were measured and image quality graded. Stent volumes were measured to gauge severity of beam hardening artefacts.Full-dose SAFIRE reconstructions were superior to full-dose FBP vis-à-vis in-stent noise (21.2 ± 6.6 vs. 35.7 ± 17.5; P 0.05), SNR (22.1 ± 8.6 vs. 14.3 ± 6.7; P 0.05), SAIR (19.6 ± 17.6 vs. 33.4 ± 20.4%; P 0.05), and image quality (4.2 ± 0.86 vs. 3.5 ± 1.0; P 0.05). Stent volumes were lower measured with SAFIRE (119.9 ± 53.7 vs. 129.8 ± 65.0 mm(3); P 0.05). Comparing half-dose SAFIRE with full-dose FBP, in-stent noise (26.7 ± 13.0 vs. 35.7 ± 17.5; P 0.05) and SNR (18.2 ± 6.9 vs. 14.3 ± 6.7; P 0.05) improved significantly. SAIR (31.6 ± 24.3 vs. 33.4 ± 20.4%; P 0.05), stent volume (129.6 ± 57.3 vs. 129.8 ± 65.0 mm(3); P 0.05), and image quality (3.5 ± 1.0 vs. 3.7 ± 1.1; P 0.05) did not differ. Radiation dose decreased from 8.7 ± 5.2 to 4.3 ± 2.6 mSv.Iterative reconstruction significantly improves imaging of coronary artery stents by CT compared with FBP, even with half-radiation-dose data.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an emerging alternative for high-risk patients with aortic stenosis unsuitable for surgical intervention. We report the case of a 26-mm Edwards Sapien valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) implanted into an insufficient 29-mm CoreValve prosthesis (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN) 1 year after implantation using the transapical approach in a 59-year-old man. Transesophageal echocardiography showed severe paravalvular regurgitation and computed tomography revealed the CoreValve to be located slightly below the aortic annulus with evidence of underdeployment. The balloon-expandable Sapien system caused a better expansion of the underdeployed CoreValve and the pericardial skirt adequately covered the leakage. The paravalvular regurgitation disappeared and the patient recovered.

SafeR performance versus DDD/automatic mode conversion (DDD/AMC) and DDD with a 250-ms atrioventricular (AV) delay (DDD/LD) modes was assessed toward ventricular pacing (Vp) reduction.After a 1-month run-in phase, recipients of dual-chamber pacemakers without persistent AV block and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were randomly assigned to SafeR, DDD/AMC, or DDD/LD in a 1:1:1 design. The main endpoint was the percentage of Vp (%Vp) at 2 months and 1 year after randomization, ascertained from device memories. Secondary endpoints include %Vp at 1 year according to pacing indication and 1-year AF incidence based on automatic mode switch device stored episodes.Among 422 randomized patients (73.2±10.6 years, 50% men, sinus node dysfunction 47.4%, paroxysmal AV block 30.3%, bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome 21.8%), 141 were assigned to SafeR versus 146 to DDD/AMC and 135 to DDD/LD modes. Mean %Vp at 2 months was 3.4±12.6% in SafeR versus 33.6±34.7% and 14.0±26.0% in DDD/AMC and DDD/LD modes, respectively (P0.0001 for both). At 1 year, mean %Vp in SafeR was 4.5±15.3% versus 37.9±34.4% and 16.7±28.0% in DDD/AMC and DDD/LD modes, respectively (P0.0001 for both). The proportion of patients in whom Vp was completely eliminated was significantly higher in SafeR (69%) versus DDD/AMC (15%) and DDD/LD (45%) modes (P0.0001 for both), regardless of pacing indication. The absolute risk of developing permanent AF or of remaining in AF for30% of the time was 5.4% lower in SafeR than in the DDD pacing group (ns).In this selected patient population, SafeR markedly suppressed unnecessary Vp compared with DDD modes.

Defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing during implantation of the cardioverter defibrillator is associated with hemodynamic deterioration and pump failure in many patients. We investigated the influence of DFT testing on cardiac function intraoperatively using a balloon-tipped catheter. In 13 consecutive patients with a nonthoracotomy approach, a mean of 3.4 +/- 1.4 episodes of ventricular fibrillation were induced with an overall ischemic time of 87 +/- 54 seconds. At the end of DFT testing, patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of30% had significant impairment of cardiac index (1.6 +/- 0.5 L/min/m2 after testing vs 2.2 +/- 0.6 L/min/m2 before the procedure). One patient with severely comprised ventricular function needed prolonged positive inotropic support. The left ventricular function of patients with a preoperative EFor = 30%, however, was not changed (2.2 +/- 0.5 L/min/m2 after testing and 2.2 +/- 0.5 L/min/m2 before testing). The two groups did not differ with respect to the number of testing episodes, ischemic time, or DFT. Thus patients with a low preoperative EF (30%) are threatened by a severe left ventricular deterioration during ICD implantation. Close hemodynamic monitoring with a balloon-tipped catheter is recommended in these patients.

Cryoballoon technology is a promising technique in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, success rates in patients with persistent AF have not been convincing. There is a trend toward performing more extensive procedures that are referred to as ‘pulmonary vein isolation plus.’ To combine pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and antral substrate modification, we used both the 23-mm and 28-mm cryoballoon in a single approach in patients with persistent AF. 33 consecutive patients (26 men, age 60 ± 10 years, LA size 44 ± 5 mm) with persistent AF were prospectively included. All patients underwent the “double balloon strategy:” at least two applications at each pulmonary vein (PV) using the smaller 23-mm balloon to isolate the PV at the ostial level plus at least one additional freeze by the 28-mm balloon at the wide PV antral level. 7-day Holter monitors were performed during follow-up at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months post-ablation. 131 of 133 PVs were targeted and isolated (98.4 %). A mean of 14 ± 2 cryoballoon applications per patient or 3.5 ± 1.5 applications per vein were performed. After a single procedure and mean follow-up of 15 ± 3 months, 69.7 % of patients remained in sinus rhythm (3-month blanking period). There were no major complications. In persistent AF, the “double balloon strategy;” combining the small and large cryoballoon allowed ostial PV isolation followed by antral cryoablation is feasible, safe and associated with a favorable outcome.

AIMS: Drug-eluting balloons (DEB) have recently emerged as a valuable treatment option for patients with coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR). However, little information exists on results of DEB therapy of in-stent restenosis from drug-eluting stents (DES). METHODS AND RESULTS: The Pantera Lux balloon catheter, a novel DEB releasing paclitaxel with a BTHC matrix was studied in a prospective, multicentre first-in-man trial of patients with ISR either from bare metal stents (BMS) or drug-eluting stents (DES). Here we report on the clinical and angiographic follow-up of the first 45 Pantera Lux patients after six months. The mean age (± SD) of the studied ISR patients was 69 ± 9 years (82% males, 18% females). The distribution of BMS and DES in these patients was 53% and 47%, respectively. Success of deployment of the device was 100%. After six months, the major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate was 7.7% including one post-procedural non-fatal myocardial infarction, one target lesion- and one target vessel- revascularisation (each clinically driven). Angiographic in-stent late lumen loss was 0.03 ± 0.35 mm (BMS: -0.08 ± 0.37 mm, DES: 0.15 ± 0.28 mm) as assessed by an independent angiographic core laboratory. CONCLUSION: Treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis with the Pantera Lux paclitaxel-releasing balloon catheter shows very promising preliminary 6-month results, irrespective of whether the initially implanted stent was a bare metal- or a drug-eluting stent.

A significant proportion of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have concomitant peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which plays a crucial role in the preinterventional selection process of determining an optimal vascular access site. The aim of our study was to determine the impact of PAD on clinical outcome after TAVI in a real-world setting.A total of 1,315 patients (mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation 20.6% ± 13.7%) underwent TAVI in 27 centers and were included in the prospective German TAVI Registry.Of the 1,315 patients with TAVI, 330 (25.1%) had PAD. These patients had a higher logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score (27.7% ± 16.0% vs 18.3% ± 12.0%, P.0001), mainly attributed to more frequent and severe comorbidities. Compared with patients without PAD, patients with PAD had a higher rate of vascular complications (28.5% vs 20.7%, P.01), dialysis-dependent renal failure (11.2% vs 5.4%, P.001), myocardial infarction (1.2% vs 0.3%, P.05), and, subsequently, 30-day mortality (12.7% vs 6.9%, P.001). Choosing a surgical approach, for example, transapical access, did not reduce the periprocedural risk associated with PAD; in-hospital mortality was 15.7% for surgical and 10.5% for percutaneous patients with TAVI having PAD (P.001). In a multivariate regression analysis, PAD was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (hazard ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7, P = .004) after TAVI.In this real-world TAVI Registry, PAD was an independent predictor of mortality in patients with percutaneous and surgical TAVI, including vascular complications. Assessment of PAD should play a crucial role in the preinterventional selection process, regardless of the access strategy.

Patients with liver cirrhosis are considered as high-risk population for cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to review mortality and mid-term outcome of patients with liver cirrhosis requiring coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valve replacement, or combined procedures.Between July 1997 and December 2006, 47 patients (mean age 65.4 ± 11.7 years) with liver cirrhosis were operated for CABG (21 patients), aortic valve replacement /mitral valve replacement (14 patients), CABG/VR (9 patients) or aortic dissection/tumorexstirpation (3 patients) (group I). Thirty-three patients were classified as Child-Pugh class A (subgroup A), 14 patients as Child-Pugh class B cirrhosis (subgroup B). Postoperative complications/mortality were analyzed retrospectively and compared with a propensity-score pair-matched control group of 47 patients (group II). Follow-up ranged from 0.1 to 11.5 years (mean 3.9 ± 0.25 years) and was complete for 100%.Necessity of blood products was higher in group I (red cells, fresh frozenplama, platelets; P< 0.01). Chest-tube output (group I 1113 ± 857 vs. group II 849 ± 521; P = 0.15) and re-exploration rate (8.5 vs. 0%; P = 0.11) were slightly accelerated. Ventilation time and ICU-stay was prolonged (P< 0.015). Thirty-day mortality showed 19.1% (group I) versus 8.5% (group II) (P< 0.01), 6.1% (subgroup A) versus 50% (subgroup B) (P< 0.01). Operative risk in subgroup A was not significantly increased compared with control group (P = 0.68). In Child-B operative risk was 15.5-fold higher than in Child-A cirrhosis (P< 0.001). Postcardiotomy syndrome and pleurisy were more frequent in the cirrhosis group (4/47 vs. 0/47; P = 0.11). Actuarial survival after 3, 5 and 8 years was: group I 78.6, 75.6, and 70.2% versus group II 89.1, 85.7, and 85.7% (P = 0.08). Subgroup survival analysis was: group A 90.7, 86.6, and 78.5% versus group B 50, 50, and 50% (P< 0.01).Cardiac surgery can be performed safely in patients with Child-Pugh class A and selected patients with Child-Pugh class B cirrhosis. Mid-term survival-rates within 8 years were not significantly different compared with a propensity-score pair-matched control group without cirrhosis.

A new technique for catheter ablation of atrioventricular (AV) conduction, using temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy and a bipolar asymmetrical electrode configuration, was applied to 12 patients (mean age, 48 +/- 15 years; range, 18-69 years) with medically refractory atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) or rapid atrial rhythms. The energy source was a 500 kHz generator with automatic power regulation to a preselected temperature of 80 degrees C. A specially designed 7 F bipolar asymmetric thermo-catheter was used for ablation in all cases. The endpoints of the procedure were: first-degree AV block in patients with AVNRT and third-degree block in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter. Energy was applied over a range of 1-14 times per patient. After a mean follow-up of 8 +/- 4 months, third- or first-degree AV block persisted in eight patients. In comparison to constant-power radiofrequency ablation, where impedance rises are commonly observed, no impedance rise or coating of the electrode occurred during any of the 97 energy applications in this study. Variable wall contact of the electrode was identified in 20 of 97 applications by a slow temperature rise or a drop in temperature and frequent power adjustments. Thus, monitoring temperature and automatic power regulation may help to reduce the total delivered energy. Temperature control during radiofrequency energy avoids coagulum formation and consequently the associated potential hazards of constant-power application.

Cryoballoon technique is an innovative alternative to radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, with current cryoballoon application techniques, the operator has no access to electrical information for 300 s during the freezing cycle.The objective of this study is to investigate the novel approach of real-time monitoring of pulmonary vein (PV) potentials throughout freezing using a circular mapping catheter introduced into the central lumen of the cryoballoon catheter.Patients had paroxysmal or persistent AF. Standard balloon catheters (23 or 28 mm diameter, 10.5 F shaft) were used. A coaxial mapping catheter (shaft diameter 0.9 mm; 15 mm loop with six electrodes) was advanced through the lumen of the cryoballoon catheter, replacing the guide wire. The primary procedural end point was successful PV isolation and real-time PV potential recording. Secondary end points were procedural data, complications, and the time to successful PV isolation.In 141 consecutively enrolled patients, balloon positioning and ablation were successful in 439/568 veins (77%). Real-time recording of PV conduction during the freeze cycle was possible in 235/568 PVs (41%). Main reasons for failure to obtain real-time PV recordings were a distal position of the circular mapping catheter or insufficient catheter-vessel wall contact during ablation. A cutoff value of 83 s to PV isolation was predictive of stable procedural PV isolation without reconduction. One minor hemoptysis was observed possibly related to the mapping catheter.This study, the largest to date, showed that real-time monitoring of PV conduction during cryoballoon freezing can be safely performed with a circular mapping catheter. A cutoff time of 83 s to PV isolation was predictive of sustained procedural PV isolation success without reconduction.

This appendix section of this book titled Ecologies and Economies in Medieval and Early Modern Europe presents the list of works published by Richard C. Hoffmann in the year 1971-2008. The chapters collected in the book represent as much in their formidable erudition as in their dazzling diversity the integrity and vibrancy of the field of premodern environmental history. The collection is organized into two thematic sections, both of which entertain long chronological views. The first, Premodern People and the Natural World, explores the complex relationships between human beings and the world in which they lived. Then, Maryanne Kowaleskis innovative study of the thriving fishing industries of medieval England, where the seasonal migrations of fish to their spawning grounds had a profound influence not only on the orchestration of regional markets but also on the lives of fishermen and their families. Keywords: Early Modern Europe; ecologies; economies; medieval England

Radiofrequency catheter ablation has been shown to be an effective treatment for patients with accessory pathways in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and other supraventricular tachycardias. However, the biophysical parameters used so far in vivo did not correlate to the size of myocardial lesions and provided no information about the myocardial wall contact of the electrode. In this study 104 radiofrequency applications were performed on excised pig myocardium in circulating heparinized pig blood as well as in blood alone, and root mean square (rms) voltage, root mean square current and phase angle were measured using a specially developed device. The calculated effective power and output power differed by only 2–7% when measured at the point of maximum current during coagulation. A drop of current following a rise in impedance led to a phase displacement of more than 80° and thereby to a drop of effective power to 17% of the output power. Hence, apparent output power consists mainly of ineffective power. The time dependent variations of phase angle, impedance and current were found to be useful for distinguishing between the media blood and myocardium. These results show that physical parameters measured during radiofrequency catheter ablation may help to control electrode position in the clinical situation and reduce the number and duration of ineffective energy applications.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation has been shown to be an effective form of treatment of accessory pathways in patients with WPW-syndrome and other supraventricular tachycardias. However, the biophysical parameters so far used in vivo neither correlated with the size of the myocardial lesion nor did they provide any information about contact of the electrode with the myocardial wall. In this study, 104 radiofrequency energy applications were performed on excised pig myocardium in circulating heparinized pig blood, and in blood alone, and root mean square (rms) voltage, current and phase angle were measured using a specially developed device. The calculated effective power and output power differed by only 2-7% measured at the point of maximum current during coagulation. A progressive drop in current following a rise in impedance led to a phase shift of more than 80 degrees with a decrease in effective power to 17% of the output power. Hence, apparent output power was mainly ineffective power. The time-dependent variations of phase angle, impedance and current were found to be useful for distinguishing between the coagulated media. These results show that physical parameters measured during radio-frequency catheter ablation may help to monitor electrode position in the clinical situation and reduce the number of ineffective energy applications.

Atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure are frequently associated with complex interactions. Patients with both diseases bear a sophisticated therapeutic challenge for the attending physician. The approach to treat atrial fibrillation differs for patients with and without heart failure in several aspects. Basic requirements are the treatment of the underlying diseases and prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications. Rate and rhythm control are the two main therapeutic strategies for atrial fibrillation according to the current guidelines. Large trials including the recently published AF-CHF study (Atrial Fibrillation - Congestive Heart Failure) failed to demonstrate a difference in mortality for both strategies. Thus, the therapeutic decision is mainly based on the patient's symptoms to improve quality of life. Rate control should be applied to asymptomatic patients or if rhythm control has already failed. If beta-blockers and digoxin have failed to control heart rate, His ablation with pacemaker implantation can be considered. In patients without heart disease, class I antiarrhythmic drugs and, in case of ineffectiveness, amiodarone or catheter ablation are recommended for rhythm control. First data concerning catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in heart failure are promising and randomized studies are on the way. Rhythm control remains first-line therapy in recent-onset or highly symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation patients with and without heart failure.

Background : The German tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) registry has been initiated to further evaluate this syndrome in a western population. We aimed to assess different patterns of left ventricular involvement in TTC. Methods : Inclusion criteria were: 1) acute chest symptoms, 2) reversible ECG changes (ST-segment elevation±T-wave inversion), 3) reversible left ventricular dysfunction with a wall motion abnormality not corresponding to a single coronary artery territory, 4) no significant coronary artery stenoses. Results : A total of 258 patients (pts) from 33 centers were included with a mean age of 68±12 years. Left ventriculography revealed the typical pattern of apical ballooning in 170 pts (66%) and an atypical mid-ventricular ballooning with normal wall motion of the apical and basal segments in 88 pts (34%). Mean age (68±11 vs 67±13 years) and gender distribution (150 women/20 men vs 80 women/8 men) were similar in both groups. Triggering events were present in 78% of the pts with apical ballooning (35% emotional, 34 physical and 9% combination) and in 75% of the pts with mid-ventricular ballooning (39% emotional, 25% physical and 11% combination). As assessed by left ventriculography, ejection fraction was significantly lower in pts with mid-ventricular ballooning (50±15% vs 45±13%, p=0.006). There was no difference in right ventricular involvement. Creatine kinase and troponin I were comparable in both groups. The ECG on admission showed ST-segment elevation in 87% of pts with apical ballooning and in 78% of pts with mid-ventricular ballooning. T-wave inversion was seen in 70% of the pts irrespective of the TTC variant. A Q-wave was significantly less present in pts with mid-ventricular ballooning (30% vs 16%, p=0.04). The QTc interval during the first 3 days was not different among both groups. Conclusion : A variant form with mid-ventricular ballooning was observed in one third of the pts with TTC. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in these pts, although they revealed significantly less Q-waves on the admission ECG. All other parameters were similar and confirm the concept that apical and mid-ventricular ballooning represent two different manifestations of the same syndrome.

Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia observed worldwide. Despite modern ablative treatment options, pharmacotherapy remains the first-line therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. Objective: Based on recently published guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation, the present paper reviews the current and emerging concepts of pharmacotherapy in atrial fibrillation. Methods: A MEDLINE search was conducted using the keyword ‘atrial fibrillation’ and ‘drug therapy’. The reviewed literature included clinical trials and published reviews as well as clinical guidelines. Results: The mainstay of atrial fibrillation therapy is the prevention of thromboembolic events. With growing knowledge of the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation new drug targets have been identified that promise improved outcomes in atrial fibrillation management and this will allow individual drug treatment in the near future.

Aims This investigation was conducted to determine the effectiveness of several conventional overdrive pacing modalities (single rate and rate responsive pacing at various lower rates) and of four dedicated preventive pacing algorithms in the suppression of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Method and results In this multi-centre, randomized trial, 372 patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF were enrolled. Patients received a dual-chamber pacing device capable of delivering conventional pacing therapy as well as dedicated AF prevention pacing therapies and to record detailed AF-related diagnostics. The primary endpoint was AF burden, whereas secondary endpoints were time to first AF episode and averaged sinus rhythm duration. During a conventional pacing phase, patients were randomized to single rate or rate-responsive pacing with lower rates of either 70 or 85 min 21 or to a control group with single rate pacing at 40 min 21 . In the subsequent preventive pacing phase, patients underwent pacing at a lower rate of 70 min 21 with or without concomitant application of four preventive pacing algorithms. A substantial amount of data was excluded from the analysis because of atrialsensing artefacts, identified in the device-captured diagnostics. In the conventional pacing phase, no significant differences were found between various lower rates and the control group receiving single rate pacing at 40 min 21 or between single rate and rate-responsive pacing. Patients receiving preventive pacing with all four therapies enabled had a similar AF burden compared with patients treated with conventional pacing at 70 min 21 (P ¼ 0.47). Conclusions The results do not demonstrate a significant effect of conventional atrial overdrive pacing or preventive pacing therapies. However, the observations provided important information for further consideration with respect to the design and conduct of future studies on the effect of atrial pacing therapies for the reduction of AF.

Background:The pathophysiology of neurocardiogenic syncope is heterogeneous. This study aim was to analyze whether extended monitoring during tilt-table testing provided additional information on the hemodynamic and vegetative state prior to neurocardiogenic syncope. Methods:This retrospective analysis is based on data of head-up tilt-table testing of 40 unselected consecutive patients with a history of unexplained syncope. For optimized characterization of the type of syncope, monitoring included electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure measurements and cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance and contractility index measurements by impedance cardiography, as well as epinephrine and norepinephrine plasma levels in supine position and every 5 min during tilting. Results:Seven of 40 patients were unsuitable for analysis because of incomplete data sets. Tilt-table was positive in 26 patients, negative in 7. Groups did not differ in hemodynamic and catecholaminergic parameters at baseline. Responses to tilting were VASIS 1 (mix of cardioinhibitory and vasodepressor) in 5 patients, VASIS 2B (cardioinhibitory with asystole >3sec) in 3, VASIS 3 (vasodepressor) in 16, orthostatic dysregulation in 2. In VASIS 1, the catecholamine measurement 4 min before syncope showed a proportionally larger increase of the epinephrine level than of norepinephrine. This disproportion was not observed in VASIS 2B and 3. In VASIS 2B, strong vasoconstriction and negative inotropy were evident in the presyncopal period. In VASIS 3, vascular resistance decreased continuously before syncope, while contractility index increased inadequately. Presyncopal epinephrine surge or norepinephrine loss was not observed in this group, suspecting other vasodilating factors. Conclusions:Extended monitoring by impedance cardiography and plasma catecholamine measurements during tilt-table testing gave further insight into different hemodynamic and neurohumoral presyncopal patterns among the various types of neurocardiogenic syncope and may thereby help to develop individualized therapeutic concepts.

Concomitant replacement of the mildly dilated ascending aorta during aortic valve replacement (AVR) is controversial because progress of aortic dilatation is uncertain after elimination of the valvular lesion. The study aim was to determine factors influencing the aortic dimensions, to analyze their clinical impact, and to identify criteria for concomitant surgery on the aorta.Between February 1994 and May 1999, 100 patients with tricuspid aortic valve disease received the stented porcine Mosaic prosthesis within a FDA approval study. Follow up (mean 4.8 years; range: 0.1-8.8 years; total 483.4 patient-years) included documentation of adverse events and transthoracic echocardiography with measurements of the aortic sinus, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta.Baseline aortic dimensions were dependent on gender and body surface area, but independent of the type and extent of valvular lesion, patient age, and atherosclerotic risk factors. Larger baseline aortic diameters were associated with smaller postoperative annual aortic expansion rates (r = -0.47, p0.001). In patients with baseline aortic dilatationor =40 mm (10.2%; mean 42.5+/-2.6 mm), aortic diameter decreased during follow up (p = 0.032; expansion rate -1.9+/-2.0 mm/year). Baseline aortic dilatation did not influence postoperative morbidity and mortality. Prosthetic regurgitation was associated with increases in aortic diameter (p0.001). Survival was reduced in patients with aortic expansion rates3.6 mm/year (0.0% versus 68.2+/-9.7%; p0.001).AVR without concomitant surgery on the aorta in patients with mild aortic dilatation is feasible, as aortic diameters were decreased after removal of the diseased valve. The aortic expansion rate had a strong prognostic importance, even on aortic diameters, which are considered to be within normal ranges.