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Long-term clinical outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) compared to thoracoscopic surgical ablation (SA) to treat patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) are not known. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term (36-month) clinical efficacy, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of SA and CA in LSPAF. Participants were followed up for 3 years using implantable loop recorders and questionnaires to assess the change in quality of life. Intention-to-treat analyses were used to report the findings. Of the 115 patients with LSPAF treated, 104 (90.4%) completed 36-month follow-up [CA: n = 57 (95%); SA: n = 47 (85%)]. After a single procedure without antiarrhythmic drugs, 7 patients (12%) in the CA arm and 5 (11%) in the SA arm [hazard ratio 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–1.83; P =.41] were free from atrial fibrillation/tachycardia (AF/AT) ≥30 seconds at 36 months. Thirty-three patients (58%) in the CA arm and 26 (55%) in the SA arm (hazard ratio 1.04; 95% CI 0.57–1.88; P =.91) had their AF/AT burden reduced by ≥75%. The overall impact on health-related quality of life was similar, with mean quality-adjusted life year estimates of 2.45 (95% CI 2.31–2.59) for CA and 2.32 (95% CI 2.13–2.52) for SA. Estimated costs were higher for SA (mean £24,682; 95% CI £21,746–£27,618) than for CA (mean £18,002; 95% CI £15,422–£20,581). In symptomatic LSPAF, CA and SA were equally effective at achieving arrhythmia outcomes (freedom from AF/AT ≥30 seconds and ≥75% burden reduction) after a single procedure without antiarrhythmic drugs. However, SA is significantly more costly than CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has been shown to be effective and safe. Limited data are available on LBBAP in the congenital heart disease (CHD) population. This study aims to describe the feasibility and safety of LBBAP in CHD patients compared with non-CHD patients.Methods and Results: This is a single-centre, non-randomized observational study recruiting consecutive patients with bradycardia indication. Demographic data, ECGs, imaging, and procedural data including lead parameters were recorded. A total of 39 patients were included: CHD group (n = 13) and non-CHD group (n = 26). Congenital heart disease patients were younger (55 ± 14.5 years vs. 73.2 ± 13.1, P < 0.001). Acute success was achieved in all CHD patients and 96% (25/26) of non-CHD patients. No complications were encountered in either group. The procedural time for CHD patients was comparable (96.4 ± 54 vs. 82.1 ± 37.9 min, P = 0.356). Sheath reshaping was required in 7 of 13 CHD patients but only in 1 of 26 non-CHD patients, reflecting the complex and distorted anatomy of the patients in this group. Lead parameters were similar in both groups; R wave (11 ± 7 mV vs. 11.5 ± 7.5, P = 0.881) and pacing threshold (0.6 ± 0.3 V vs. 0.7 ± 0.3, P = 0.392). Baseline QRS duration was longer in the CHD group (150 ± 28.2 vs. 118.6 ± 26.6 ms, P = 0.002). Despite a numerically greater reduction in QRS and a similar left ventricular activation time (65.9 ± 6.2 vs. 67 ± 16.8 ms, P = 0.840), the QRS remained longer in the CHD group (135.5 ± 22.4 vs. 106.9 ± 24.7 ms, P = 0.005).Conclusion: Left bundle branch area pacing is feasible and safe in CHD patients as compared to that in non-CHD patients. Procedural and fluoroscopy times did not differ between both groups. Lead parameters were satisfactory and stable over a short-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The effect of moderate excess alcohol consumption is widely debated and has not been well defined in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). There is need for a greater evidence base to help advise patients. We sought to evaluate the effect of moderate excess alcohol consumption on cardiovascular structure, function and outcomes in DCM.Methods: Prospective longitudinal observational cohort study. Patients with DCM (n=604) were evaluated for a history of moderate excess alcohol consumption (UK government guidelines; >14 units/week for women, >21 units/week for men) at cohort enrolment, had cardiovascular magnetic resonance and were followed up for the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, heart failure and arrhythmic events. Patients meeting criteria for alcoholic cardiomyopathy were not recruited.Results: DCM patients with a history of moderate excess alcohol consumption (n=98, 16%) had lower biventricular function and increased chamber dilatation of the left ventricle, right ventricle and left atrium, as well as increased left ventricular hypertrophy compared with patients without moderate alcohol consumption. They were more likely to be male (alcohol excess group: n=92, 94% vs n=306, 61%, p=<0.001). After adjustment for biological sex, moderate excess alcohol was not associated with adverse cardiac structure. There was no difference in midwall myocardial fibrosis between groups. Prior moderate excess alcohol consumption did not affect prognosis (HR 1.29, 95% CI 0.73 to 2.26, p=0.38) during median follow-up of 3.9 years.Conclusion: DCM patients with moderate excess alcohol consumption have adverse cardiac structure and function at presentation, but this is largely due to biological sex. Alcohol may contribute to sex-specific phenotypic differences in DCM. These findings help to inform lifestyle discussions for patients with DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previously, we reported that the Brompton Harefield Infection Score (BHIS) accurately predicts surgical site infection (SSI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The BHIS was developed using two-centre data and stratifies SSI risk into three groups based on female gender, diabetes or HbA1c > 7.5%, body mass index ≥ 35, left ventricular ejection fraction < 45% and emergency surgery. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate BHIS internally as well as externally. Methods: Multi-centre prospective evaluation involving three tertiary centres took place between October 2012 and November 2015. SSI was classified using the Public Health England protocol. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed predictive accuracy. Results: Across the four hospital sites, 168 of 4308 (3.9%) CABG patients had a SSI. Categorising the hospitals by BHIS score revealed that 65% of all patients were low risk (BHIS 0–1), 26% were medium risk (BHIS 2–3) and 8% were high risk (BHIS ≥ 4). The area under the ROC curve was in the range of 0.702–0.785. Overall area under the ROC curve was 0.709. Conclusions: BHIS provides a novel, internally and externally evaluated score for a patient’s risk of SSI after CABG. It enables clinicians to focus on strategies to prospectively identify high-risk patients and improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to analyse randomized controlled study and real-world outcomes of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) undergoing left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the Watchman device and to compare costs with available antithrombotic therapies. Methods Registry data of LAAC from two centres were prospectively collected from 110 patients with NVAF at risk of stroke, and results suitable and unsuitable for long-term anticoagulation (age 71.3 ± 9.2 years, CHADS2 2.8 ± 1.2, CHA2DS2-VASc 4.5 ± 1.6, and HAS-BLED 3.8 ± 1.1). Outcomes from PROTECT AF and registry study LAAC were compared with warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, aspirin, and no treatment using a network meta-analysis. Costs were estimated over a 10-year horizon. Uncertainty was assessed using sensitivity analyses. The procedural success rate was 92% (103/112). Follow-up was 24.1 ± 4.6 months, during which annual rates of stroke, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality were 0.9% (2/223 patient-years), 0.9% (2/223 patient-years), and 1.8% (4/223 patient-years), respectively. Anticoagulant therapy was successfully stopped in 91.2% (93/102) of implanted patients by 12 months. Registry study LAAC stroke and major bleeding rates were significantly lower than PROTECT AF results: mean absolute difference of stroke, 0.89% (P = 0.02) and major bleeding, 5.48% (P < 0.001). Left atrial appendage closure achieved cost parity between 4.9 years vs. dabigatran 110 mg and 8.4 years vs. warfarin. At 10 years, LAAC was cost-saving against all therapies (range £1162-£7194). Conclusion Left atrial appendage closure in NVAF in a real-world setting may result in lower stroke and major bleeding rates than reported in LAAC clinical trials. Left atrial appendage closure in both settings achieves cost parity in a relatively short period of time and may offer substantial savings compared with current therapies. Savings are most pronounced among higher risk patients and those unsuitable for anticoagulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) electric isolation is reported to improve persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation outcomes. However, loss of LAA mechanical function may increase thromboembolic risk. Concomitant LAA electric isolation and occlusion as part of conventional AF ablation has never been tested in humans. We therefore evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of LAA electric isolation and occlusion in patients undergoing long-standing persistent AF ablation.Methods and Results: Patients with long-standing persistent AF (age, 68±7 years; left atrium diameter, 46±3 mm; and AF duration, 25±15 months) underwent AF ablation, LAA electric isolation, and occlusion. Outcomes were compared with a balanced (1:2 ratio) control group who had AF ablation alone. Among 22 patients who underwent ablation, LAA electric isolation was possible in 20. Intraprocedural LAA reconnection occurred in 17 of 20 (85%) patients, predominantly at anterior and superior locations. All were reisolated. LAA occlusion was successful in all 20 patients. There were no major periprocedural complications. Imaging at 45 days and 9 months confirmed satisfactory device position and excluded pericardial effusion. One of twenty (5%) patients had a gap of ≥5 mm requiring anticoagulation. Nineteen of twenty (95%) patients stopped warfarin at 3 months. Without antiarrhythmic drugs, freedom from AF at 12 months after a single procedure was significantly higher in the study group (19/20, 95%) than in the control group (25/40, 63%), P=0.036. Freedom from atrial arrhythmias was demonstrated in 12 of 20 (60%) and 18 of 20 (90%) patients after 1 and ≤2 procedures (mean, 1.3), respectively.Conclusions: Persistent AF ablation, LAA electric isolation, and mechanical occlusion can be performed concomitantly. This technique may improve the success of persistent AF ablation while obviating the need for chronic anticoagulation.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02028130. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which characterized simultaneous, global left atria (LA) dominant frequency (DF) distribution during spontaneous human paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) using spectral analysis and noncontact mapping. The study found that focal areas of high DF are more frequent in paroxysmal AF, are spatiotemporally unstable, and are not the source of centrifugal activation. The study also concluded that such areas of high DF do not indicate fixed drivers of AF.

Background: Biological sex has a diverse impact on the cardiovascular system. Its influence on dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains unresolved., Objectives: This study aims to investigate sex-specific differences in DCM presentation, natural history, and prognostic factors., Methods: The authors conducted a prospective observational cohort study of DCM patients assessing baseline characteristics, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, biomarkers, and genotype. The composite outcome was cardiovascular mortality or major heart failure (HF) events., Results: Overall, 206 females and 398 males with DCM were followed for a median of 3.9 years. At baseline, female patients had higher left ventricular ejection fraction, smaller left ventricular volumes, less prevalent mid-wall myocardial fibrosis (23% vs 42%), and lower high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I than males (all P < 0.05) with no difference in time from diagnosis, age at enrollment, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, pathogenic DCM genetic variants, myocardial fibrosis extent, or medications used for HF. Despite a more favorable profile, the risk of the primary outcome at 2 years was higher in females than males (8.6% vs 4.4%, adjusted HR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.55-6.35; P = 0.001). Between 2 and 5 years, the effect of sex as a prognostic modifier attenuated. Age, mid-wall myocardial fibrosis, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial volume, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I, left bundle branch block, and NYHA functional class were not sex-specific prognostic factors., Conclusions: The authors identified a novel paradox in prognosis for females with DCM. Female DCM patients have a paradoxical early increase in major HF events despite less prevalent myocardial fibrosis and a milder phenotype at presentation. Future studies should interrogate the mechanistic basis for these sex differences., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures This work was supported by the UK Medical Research Council (MR/W023830/1), the National Heart Lung Institute Research Foundation, Royston Centre for Cardiomyopathy Research, NIHR Biomedical Research Unit Royal Brompton Hospital, NIHR Imperial College Biomedical Research Centre, British Heart Foundation (RE/18/4/34215; SP/10/10/28431; SP/17/11/32885; BH FS/ICRF/21/26019), Wellcome Trust (107469/Z/15/Z), Rosetrees Trust, Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust [21JTA], and Alexander Jansons Myocarditis UK. Dr Januzzi has been supported in part by the Hutter Family Professorship. Dr Van Spall has been funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Dr Michos has participated in advisory boards for Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Bayer, Esperion, AstraZeneca, and Amarin. Dr Januzzi has been a trustee of the American College of Cardiology; has been a board member of Imbria Pharmaceuticals; has been a director at Jana Care; has received grant support from Abbott Diagnostics, Applied Therapeutics, HeartFlow, Innolife, and LivaNova; has received consulting fees from Abbott, Bayer, Beckman-Coulter, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Quidel, Roche Diagnostics, and Siemens; and has participated in clinical endpoint committees/data safety monitoring boards for Abbott, AbbVie, Bayer, CVRx, Intercept, Pfizer, and Takeda. Dr Pennell has received consulting fees from Bayer and Chiesi; has received research support from Bayer and Siemens; and has received speaker fees from Chiesi and Bayer. Dr Cook has been a co-founder and shareholder with Enleofen Bio PTE LTD. Dr Ware has received consulting fees from MyoKardia and Foresite Labs; and has received research support from MyoKardia/Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr Halliday has participated in an advisory board with AstraZeneca. Dr Baruah is working full-time for AstraZeneca. For the purpose of open access, the author has applied a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Crown Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has been shown to be effective and safe. Limited data are available on LBBAP in the congenital heart disease (CHD) population. This study aims to describe the feasibility and safety of LBBAP in CHD patients compared with non-CHD patients., Methods and Results: This is a single-centre, non-randomized observational study recruiting consecutive patients with bradycardia indication. Demographic data, ECGs, imaging, and procedural data including lead parameters were recorded. A total of 39 patients were included: CHD group (n = 13) and non-CHD group (n = 26). Congenital heart disease patients were younger (55 ± 14.5 years vs. 73.2 ± 13.1, P < 0.001). Acute success was achieved in all CHD patients and 96% (25/26) of non-CHD patients. No complications were encountered in either group. The procedural time for CHD patients was comparable (96.4 ± 54 vs. 82.1 ± 37.9 min, P = 0.356). Sheath reshaping was required in 7 of 13 CHD patients but only in 1 of 26 non-CHD patients, reflecting the complex and distorted anatomy of the patients in this group. Lead parameters were similar in both groups; R wave (11 ± 7 mV vs. 11.5 ± 7.5, P = 0.881) and pacing threshold (0.6 ± 0.3 V vs. 0.7 ± 0.3, P = 0.392). Baseline QRS duration was longer in the CHD group (150 ± 28.2 vs. 118.6 ± 26.6 ms, P = 0.002). Despite a numerically greater reduction in QRS and a similar left ventricular activation time (65.9 ± 6.2 vs. 67 ± 16.8 ms, P = 0.840), the QRS remained longer in the CHD group (135.5 ± 22.4 vs. 106.9 ± 24.7 ms, P = 0.005)., Conclusion: Left bundle branch area pacing is feasible and safe in CHD patients as compared to that in non-CHD patients. Procedural and fluoroscopy times did not differ between both groups. Lead parameters were satisfactory and stable over a short-term follow-up., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)

Introduction: Conduction system pacing (CSP), consisting of His bundle pacing (HBP) or left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a rapidly developing field. These pacing techniques result in single lead left ventricular resynchronisation. Understanding of the associated learning curve of the two techniques is an important consideration for new implanters/implanting centres., Methods: We conducted a review of the first 30 cases of both HBP and LBBAP at The Royal Brompton Hospital. The procedural duration and fluoroscopy time were used as surrogates for the learning curve of each technique., Results: Patient characteristics were similar in HBP and LBBAP groups; LV ejection fraction (46% vs 54%, p = 0.08), pre-procedural QRS duration (119 ms vs 128 ms, p = 0.32).Mean procedural duration was shorter for LBBAP than for HBP (87 vs 107mins, p = 0.04) and the drop in procedural duration was more marked in LBBAP, plateauing and remaining low at 80mins after the initial 10 cases. Fluoroscopic screening time mirrored procedural duration (8 min vs 16 min, p < 0.01)., Discussion/conclusion: Our data suggest that the CSP learning curve was shorter for LBBAP than for HBP and appears to plateaux after the first 10 cases, however the HBP learning curve is longer with continued improvement over the first 30 cases. The shorter learning curve of LBBAP in conjunction with the superior electrical parameters and simplified programming mean the establishment of a CSP program is potentially easier with LBBAP compared to with HBP., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a final common manifestation of heterogenous etiologies. Adverse outcomes highlight the need for disease stratification beyond ejection fraction., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify novel, reproducible subphenotypes of DCM using multiparametric data for improved patient stratification., Methods: Longitudinal, observational UK-derivation (n = 426; median age 54 years; 67% men) and Dutch-validation (n = 239; median age 56 years; 64% men) cohorts of DCM patients (enrolled 2009-2016) with clinical, genetic, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, and proteomic assessments. Machine learning with profile regression identified novel disease subtypes. Penalized multinomial logistic regression was used for validation. Nested Cox models compared novel groupings to conventional risk measures. Primary composite outcome was cardiovascular death, heart failure, or arrhythmia events (median follow-up 4 years)., Results: In total, 3 novel DCM subtypes were identified: profibrotic metabolic, mild nonfibrotic, and biventricular impairment. Prognosis differed between subtypes in both the derivation (P < 0.0001) and validation cohorts. The novel profibrotic metabolic subtype had more diabetes, universal myocardial fibrosis, preserved right ventricular function, and elevated creatinine. For clinical application, 5 variables were sufficient for classification (left and right ventricular end-systolic volumes, left atrial volume, myocardial fibrosis, and creatinine). Adding the novel DCM subtype improved the C-statistic from 0.60 to 0.76. Interleukin-4 receptor-alpha was identified as a novel prognostic biomarker in derivation (HR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.9-6.5; P = 0.00002) and validation cohorts (HR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.3-2.8; P = 0.00005)., Conclusions: Three reproducible, mechanistically distinct DCM subtypes were identified using widely available clinical and biological data, adding prognostic value to traditional risk models. They may improve patient selection for novel interventions, thereby enabling precision medicine., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures This work was supported by the UK Medical Research Council (UT- MR/M003191/1; DOR-MRC: MC-A658-5QEB0), Elliot's Touch, National Institute for Health Research Royal Brompton Biomedical Research Unit, National Institute for Health Research Imperial College Biomedical Research Centre, British Heart Foundation (SP/10/10/28431; SP/17/11/32885; RE/18/4/34215; DOR: RG/19/6/34387), Fondation Leducq (11 CVD-01, 16 CVD-03), Wellcome Trust (107469/Z/15/Z), Rosetrees Trust, Alexander Jansons Foundation, CORDA, and the Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. This research was funded in part by the Wellcome Trust. The funders had no input in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication. Dr Hazebroek has received funding from the Kootstra Talented Post-Doc Fellowship. Dr Ware has served as a consultant for MyoKardia and Foresite Labs. Dr Pennell has served as a consultant for Chiesi; has received research support from Bayer and Siemens; and has received speakers fees from Chiesi and Bayer. Dr Cooper has served as a board member for the Myocarditis Foundation; and has served as a consultant for Kiniksa, CardiolRx, Stromal Therapeutics, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr Januzzi is a Trustee of the American College of Cardiology; has received research support from Applied Therapeutics, Innolife, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and Abbott Diagnostics; has received consulting income from Abbott, Janssen, Novartis, and Roche Diagnostics; and has served on Clinical Endpoint Committees/Data Safety Monitoring Boards for Abbott, AbbVie, Amgen, Bayer, CVRx, Janssen, MyoKardia, and Takeda. Dr Cook is co-founder and a shareholder of Enleofen Bio PTE LTD. Dr Deo has received funding from the National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (DP2 HL123228), and One Brave Idea. Prof Heymans has received funding from IMI2-CARDIATEAM (N° 821508), the Netherlands Cardiovascular Research Initiative, an initiative with support of the Dutch Heart Foundation, CVON2016-Early HFPEF, 2015-10, CVONShe-PREDICTS, grant 2017-21, CVON Arena-PRIME, and 2017-18; is supported by FWO G091018N and FWO G0B5930N; has received personal fees for scientific advice to AstraZeneca, Cellprothera, and Merck; and has received an unrestricted research grant from Pfizer. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: Characterizing the differences in substrate and clinical outcome between heart failure (HF) and non-heart failure (non-HF) patients undergoing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation., Methods and Results: Using complex fractionated electrograms (CFE) as a surrogate marker of substrate complexity, we compared the bi-atrial substrate in patients with persistent AF with and without HF, at baseline and after ablation, to determine its impact on clinical outcome. In this retrospective analysis of two prospective studies, 60 patients underwent de-novo step-wise left atrial (LA) ablation, 30 with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% (non-HF group) and 30 with LVEF ≤ 35% (HF group). Multiple high-density bi-atrial CFE maps were acquired along with AF cycle length (AFCL) at each procedural stage. Change in bi-atrial CFE areas, AFCL and outcome data were then compared. In the non-HF group, higher CFE-areas were found at baseline and at each step of the procedure in the LA. In both LA and the right atrium (RA), baseline and final CFE area were also higher in the non-HF group. Single procedure, arrhythmia-free survival at 1 year was higher in the HF group compared with the non-HF group (72% vs. 43%, log rank P = 0.04). Final total bi-atrial CFE area was an independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence., Conclusions: CFE represents an important surrogate marker of atrial substrate complexity. The atrial substrate in persistent AF differs between HF and non-HF with the latter representing a more complex 'primary' bi-atrial myopathy. LA focussed ablation results in more extensive substrate modification in HF and better clinical outcomes as compared with non-HF.

Background: The mapping of ventricular arrhythmias in humans using a minibasket 64-electrode catheter paired with a novel automatic mapping system (Rhythmia) has not been evaluated., Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mapping ventricular arrhythmias and clinical outcomes after ablation using this system., Methods: Electroanatomic maps for ventricular arrhythmias were obtained during 20 consecutive procedures in 19 patients (12 with ventricular tachycardia [VT] and 2 with ventricular ectopy [VE]). High-density maps were acquired using automatic beat acceptance and automatic system annotation of electrograms., Results: Forty-seven electroanatomic maps (including 3 right ventricular and 9 epicardial maps) were obtained. Left ventricular endocardial mapping by transseptal (n = 13) and/or transaortic (n = 11) access was safe with no complications related to the minibasket catheter. VT substrate maps (n = 14; median 10,184 points) consistently demonstrated late potentials with high resolution. VT activation maps (n = 25; median 6401 points) obtained by automatic annotation included 7 complete maps (covering ≥90% of the tachycardia cycle length) in 5 patients in whom the entire VT circuit was accurately visualized. VE timing maps (n = 8) successfully localized the origin of VEs in all, with all accepted beats consistent with clinical VEs. Over a median follow-up of 10 months, no arrhythmia recurrence was noted in 75% after VT ablation and 86% after VE ablation., Conclusion: In this first human experience for ventricular arrhythmias using this system, ultra-high-density maps were created rapidly and safely, with a reliable automatic annotation of VT and consistent recording of abnormal electrograms. Medium-term outcomes after ablation were encouraging. Further larger studies are needed to validate these findings., (Copyright © 2016 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with a variety of clinical presentations undergo atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Long-term ablation success rates can vary considerably., Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a clinical scoring system to predict long-term freedom from AF after ablation., Methods: We retrospectively derived the scoring system on a development cohort (DC) of 1125 patients undergoing AF ablation and tested it prospectively in a test cohort (TC) of 937 patients undergoing AF ablation., Results: The demographics of the DC patients were as follows: age 62.3 ± 10.3 years, male sex 801 (71.2%), left atrial size 4.30 ± 0.69 cm, paroxysmal AF 348 (30.9%), number of drugs failed 1.3 ± 1.1, hypertension 525 (46.7%), diabetes 100 (8.9%), prior stroke/transient ischemic attack 78 (6.9%), prior cardioversion 528 (46.9%), and CHADS2 score 0.87 ± 0.97. Multivariate analysis showed 6 independent variables predicting freedom from AF after final ablation: coronary artery disease (P = .021), atrial diameter (P = .0003), age (P = .004), persistent or long-standing AF (P < .0001), number of antiarrhythmic drugs failed (P < .0001), and female sex (P = .0001). We created a scoring system (CAAP-AF) using these 6 variables, with scores ranging from 0 to 13 points. The 2-year AF-free rates by CAAP-AF scores were as follows: 0 = 100%, 1 = 95.7%, 2 = 96.3%, 3 = 83.1%, 4 = 85.5%, 5 = 79.9%, 6 = 76.1%, 7 = 63.4%, 8 = 51.1%, 9 = 53.6%, and ≥10 = 29.1%. Ablation success decreased as CAAP-AF scores increased (P < .0001). The CAAP-AF score also predicted freedom from AF in the TC. The 2-year Kaplan-Meier AF-free rates by CAAP-AF scores were as follows: 0 = 100%, 1 = 87.0%, 2 = 89.0%, 3 = 91.6%, 4 = 90.5%, 5 = 84.4%, 6 = 70.1%, 7 = 71.0%, 8 = 60.7%, 9 = 68.9%, and ≥10 = 51.3%. As CAAP-AF scores increased, 2-year freedom from AF in the TC decreased (P < .0001)., Conclusion: An easily determined clinical scoring system was derived retrospectively and applied prospectively. The CAAP-AF score predicted freedom from AF after ablation in both a DC and a TC of patients undergoing AF ablation. The CAAP-AF score provides a realistic AF ablation outcome expectation for individual patients., (Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Surgical site infection (SSI) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a serious complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the substantial impact of SSI there is lack of a specific risk stratification tool to predict this complication after CABG. This study was undertaken to develop a specific prognostic scoring system for the development of SSI that could risk-stratify patients undergoing CABG., Methods: Between January 2009 and June 2012, continuous prospective surveillance data on SSI and a set of 41 variables were collected. Using binary logistic regression analysis we identified independent predictors of SSI. Initially we developed a predictive model in a subset of 769 patients. Dataset was expanded to 4087 cases and a final model and risk score were derived. Calibration of the scores was performed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test., Results: The model had area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of 0.727 (0.827 for preliminary dataset). Baseline risk score incorporated independent predictors of SSI: female gender = 2 (p < 0.0001; RR 2.1), diabetes = 1 (p = 0.0098, RR 1.4) or HbA1c >7.5% = 3 (p < 0.0001; RR 3.4), body mass index ≥35 = 2 (p < 0.0001; RR 2.4), left ventricular ejection fraction < 45% = 1 (p = 0.0255; RR 1.4), and emergency surgery = 2 (p = 0.012; RR 2.4). A risk stratification system, the Brompton & Harefield Infection Score (BHIS) was developed., Conclusion: BHIS effectively predicts SSI risk and may help with risk stratification in relation to public reporting and reimbursement as well as targeted prevention strategies in patients undergoing CABG., (Copyright © 2015 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Contact force sensing (CFS) technology improves acute pulmonary vein isolation durability; however, its impact on the clinical outcome of ablating atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown., Methods and Results: First time AF ablation procedures employing CFS from 4 centers were matched retrospectively to those without CFS in a 1:2 manner by type of AF. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia was defined as the primary outcome measure, and fluoroscopy time the secondary outcome measure. Nineteen possible explanatory variables were tested in addition to CFS. A total of 600 AF ablation procedures (200 using CFS and 400 using non-CFS catheters) performed between 2010 and 2012 (46% paroxysmal, 36% persistent, 18% long-lasting persistent) were analyzed. The mean follow-up duration was 11.4 ± 4.7 months-paroxysmal AF 11.2 ± 4.1 CFS versus 11.3 ± 3.9 non-CFS (P = 0.745)-nonparoxysmal AF 10.4 ± 4.5 CFS versus 11.9 ± 5.4 non-CFS (P = 0.015). The use of a CFS catheter independently predicted clinical success in ablating paroxysmal AF (HR 2.24 [95% CIs 1.29-3.90]; P = 0.004), but not nonparoxysmal AF (HR 0.73 [0.41-1.30]; P = 0.289) in a multivariate analysis that included follow-up duration. Among all cases, the use of CFS catheters was associated with reduced fluoroscopy time in multivariate analysis (reduction by 7.7 [5.0-10.5] minutes; P < 0.001). Complication rates were similar in both groups., Conclusions: At medium-term follow-up, CFS catheter technology is associated with significantly improved outcome of first time catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF, but not nonparoxysmal AF. Fluoroscopy time was lower when CFS technology was employed in all types of AF ablation procedures., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) are at high risk of heart block requiring subpulmonary left ventricular (LV) pacing. Long-term right ventricular (RV) pacing in congenitally normal hearts is associated with LV dysfunction. We examined the effects of univentricular subpulmonary LV pacing on the systemic RV in a ccTGA cohort., Methods: ccTGA patients with two echocardiographic studies at least 6 months apart were included. Records of 52 patients, 22 with pacing, were retrospectively reviewed. Seven patients with biventricular pacing were included for comparison., Results: The LV-Paced Group experienced deterioration in the RV fractional area change (RVFAC) (28.7 ± 10.0 vs. 21.9 ± 9.1%; P=0.003), systemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation (P=0.019) and RV dilatation (end-diastolic area 32.7 ± 8.7 vs. 37.2 ± 9.0 cm(2); P=0.004). There was a corresponding deterioration in NYHA class (P=0.013). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that pacing was an independent predictor of deteriorating RV function and RV dilation (hazard ratio 2.7(10-7.0) and 4.7(1.1-20.6) respectively). None of these parameters changed significantly in the Un-paced Group. The CRT Group showed improvement in RVFAC (22.0% to 30.7% (P=0.030) and NYHA class (P=0.030), despite having lower baseline RVFAC (22.0±5.7 vs. 31 ± 9.7%; P=0.025) and greater dyssynchrony (RV total isovolumic time 13.4 ± 2.1 vs. 9.3 ± 4.2s/min; P=0.016) when compared to the Un-Paced Group., Conclusions: Univentricular subpulmonary LV pacing in patients with ccTGA predicted deterioration in RV function and RV dilatation over time associated with deteriorating NYHA class. Alternative primary pacing strategies such as biventricular pacing may need consideration in this vulnerable group already highly prone to mortality from systemic RV failure., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited arrhythmia syndrome characterized by adrenergically induced ventricular arrhythmias in patients with structurally normal hearts. Initiating triggered arrhythmias, such as bidirectional ventricular tachycardia, often degenerate into reentrant arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF)., Objective: To determine whether the effectiveness of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks is dependent on rhythm type., Methods: It is a retrospective study of patients with CPVT who had undergone ICD implantation. Thirteen patients received ICDs (median age 15 years; range 9-43 years): 7 of 13 (54%) for cardiac arrest and 6 of 13 (46%) for syncope despite drug therapy. The median follow-up duration was 4.0 years (range 1.7-19.9 years). Nineteen reinterventions occurred, excluding generator replacements. Ten patients received 96 shocks (median 4 shocks; range 1-30 shocks). Eighty-seven shock electrograms were reviewed. Sixty-three (72%) shocks were appropriate, and 24 (28%) were inappropriate (T-wave oversensing 7 [29%], supraventricular arrhythmia 16 [67%], after self-terminating VF 1 [4%])., Results: Among appropriate shocks, 20 (32%) were effective in terminating sustained arrhythmia and 43 (68%) were ineffective. Shocks delivered to triggered arrhythmias nearly always failed (1 of 40 [3%] effective), while shocks delivered to VF were usually successful (19 of 23 [83%] effective; P < .001). Four patients received 17 appropriate antitachycardia pacing therapies for ventricular tachycardia: only 2 (12%) were effective. No patient died., Conclusions: The effectiveness of ICD shock therapy in CPVT depends on the mechanism of the rhythm treated. Shocks delivered to initiating triggered arrhythmias nearly always fail, whereas those for subsequent VF are usually effective. ICD programming in these patients is exceptionally challenging., (© 2013 Published by Heart Rhythm Society on behalf of Heart Rhythm Society.)

Background: Targets for catheter ablation of atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) in post-Mustard procedure patients are often located in the pulmonary venous atrium (PVA). Traditional access to this chamber is retrograde via the aorta. However trans-baffle puncture may be a key determinant of successful ablation in many cases., Methods: All AT ablations performed in patients late after Mustard and Senning operations by a single operator from 2007 to 2012 were reviewed., Results: Nine procedures were identified. In total, 12 ATs were treated, seven persistent, the remainder induced, consisting of counterclockwise cavotricuspid isthmus dependent flutter (5), macroreentrant with isthmus in the systemic venous atrium (SVA) (2), macroreentrant with isthmus in the PVA (1), focal from the PVA (3), and focal from the SVA (1). Ablation within the PVA was required in all procedures to treat AT. Retrograde access in one patient was impossible due to the presence of a Bjork-Shiley tricuspid valve replacement; retrograde access in another two patients was attempted but catheter manipulation was ineffective and AT could not be mapped and ablated. Trans-baffle puncture was performed with transoesophageal echocardiographic guidance in all cases without complications and resulted in successful ablation of AT., Conclusions: Access to the pulmonary venous atrium is essential for successful ablation of AT in many Mustard patients. Trans-baffle puncture remains a relevant technique to modern practice and can be performed safely and effectively., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Contact force (CF) sensing technology allows real time CF measurement during catheter ablation. We hypothesised that the use of CF technology during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) would translate into lower acute pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection rates., Methods and Results: Symptomatic AF patients were treated in two groups, 'unblinded' and 'blinded', each containing 20 patients undergoing first time PVI. An irrigated radiofrequency CF sensing catheter was used in both groups. In the 'unblinded' group, the operator could view the CF value during mapping and ablation in real time. In the 'blinded group', the operator was 'blinded' to this information during the procedure, although the data were recorded. All 80 PVs were successfully isolated with exit and entrance block re-tested after 1h with adenosine. There was a significant association between blinding and the rate of acute PV reconnection. 17/80 (21%) of the PVs in the blinded subjects had a reconnection while 3/80 (4%) of the PVs in the unblinded subjects had a reconnection (p=0.001). Blinding the operator resulted in lower mean CF overall (11.6g (10.5, 12.9 g) vs. 14.4 g (13.3, 15.7 g); p=0.002). Sites where applied CF was significantly lower than others were usually the sites where reconnection occurred: these were the ridge between the left upper PV and appendage, and the right carina., Conclusions: CF data identified key areas where CF was poor. These were the areas of acute reconnection. Availability of real time CF information during PVI was associated with a significantly lower acute pulmonary vein reconnection rate., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)