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Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Evaluar el tratamiento y aplicacion de las recomendaciones de las guias europeas del tratamiento de fibrilacion auricular (FA), en una cohorte contemporanea de pacientes con FA. Metodos REGUEIFA es un estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicentrico de pacientes con diagnostico primario o secundario de FA que residen en la comunidad autonoma de Galicia y son valorados por cardiologos. Resultados Se incluyeron 1.007 pacientes con una edad media de 67 anos y 32% mujeres. Un 50% de pacientes tenia enfermedad cardiovascular. La amiodarona fue el farmaco antiarritmico mas utilizado (24,5%). El riesgo tromboembolico fue de 2,3 ± 1,5 en la escala CHA2DS2-VASc y el riesgo hemorragico de 0,7 ± 0,7 en la escala HAS-BLED. Se prescribio tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales (ACO) en el 91,1%. Una mayor puntuacion en la escala CHA2DS2-VASc, y la ablacion de FA se identificaron como factores independientes asociados a ACO mientras que la forma paroxistica se asocio a no anticoagulacion. Se identificaron la edad y la insuficiencia renal como factores independientes de prescripcion de antagonistas de la vitamina K mientras que la cardioversion electrica y la ablacion de FA se asociaron de forma independiente a la prescripcion de ACO de accion directa. Conclusiones El estudio REGUEIFA proporciona informacion contemporanea del tratamiento cardiologico de pacientes con FA. La prescripcion de ACO fue del 91,1%. Se describen los factores independientes asociados a la prescripcion de ACO y de ACO de accion directa.

Este año ha estado marcado por la pandemia por coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2), que ha afectado nuestro modo de vida y de trabajo, además de focalizar una gran proporción de la publicación científica. Repasaremos las principales novedades en arritmias cardiacas y electrofisiología durante los últimos 12 meses, seleccionando en primer lugar los documentos de consenso más relevantes y las guías de práctica clínica de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología y, posteriormente, aquellas publicaciones con mayor relevancia para el cardiólogo clínico.

The modulation of acetylcholine (ACh) release by botulinum toxin injection into epicardial fat diminishes atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. These results suggest an interaction between autonomic imbalance and epicardial fat as risk factors of AF. Our aim was to study the inflammatory, lipidic and fibroblastic profile of epicardial stroma from patients who underwent open‐heart surgery, their regulation by cholinergic activity and its association with AF. We performed in vitro and ex vivo assays from paired subcutaneous and epicardial stromal cells or explants from 33 patients. Acute ACh effects in inflammation and lipid‐related genes were analysed by qPCR, in intracellular calcium mobilization were performed by Fluo‐4 AM staining and in neutrophil migration by trans‐well assays. Chronic ACh effects on lipid accumulation were visualized by AdipoRed. Plasma protein regulation by parasympathetic denervation was studied in vagotomized rats. Our results showed a higher pro‐inflammatory profile in epicardial regarding subcutaneous stromal cells. Acute ACh treatment up‐regulated monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 levels. Chronic ACh treatment improved lipid accumulation within epicardial stromal cells (60.50% [22.82‐85.13] vs 13.85% [6.17‐23.16], P

INTRODUCTION: Device infections constitute a major complication of transvenous pacemakers. Mechanical heart valves (MHV) increase the risk of infective endocarditis (IE) and pacemaker infection, requiring lifelong vitamin K-antagonists (VKA), which may affect patient management. Leadless pacemakers (LP) are associated with low infection rates, posing an attractive option in MHV patients requiring permanent pacing.This study describes outcomes following LP implantation in patients with MHV. METHODS: This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective study including consecutive patients implanted with an LP at 5 centers between June 2015 and January 2020.Procedural outcomes, antithrombotic management, complications, performance during follow-up and episodes of bacteremia and IE were compared between patients with and without an MHV (MHV and non-MHV groups). RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-nine patients were included (74 in the MHV group, 16.1%, and 385 in the non-MHV group, 83.9%).Procedural outcomes and acute electrical performance were comparable between groups.Vascular complications and cardiac perforation occurred in 2.7 vs. 2.3% (p=1) and 0% vs. 0.8% (p=1) in the MHV group and non-MHV group.One case of IE occurred in the MHV group and 2 in the non-MHV group.In MHV patients, uninterrupted VKA was used in 83.8 %, whereas 16.2 % were heparin-bridged.Vascular complication or tamponade occurred in 1(8.3 %) MHV heparin-bridged patient vs. 1 (1.6 %) MHV uninterrupted VKA patient (p=0.3). CONCLUSION: LP implantation outcomes in MHV patients are comparable to the general LP population.Device-related infections are rare following LP implantation, including in patients with MHV.In the MHV group, periprocedural anticoagulation management was not associated with significantly different rates of tamponade or vascular complication. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Introduction Feasibility of concomitant leadless-pacemaker (LP) implantation plus atrioventricular node ablation (AVNA) is unknown. Moreover, safety issues in the long run are also undetermined. It seems theoretically attractive since it could avoid one additional procedure and catheter could be introduced through the same sheath employed for the LP. On the contrary, risk of dislocation/electrical variations could represent a shortcoming. Objective We aim to report 1) feasibility of concomitant AVNA after a LP implantation and 2) long-term outcomes. Methods Single center, prospective and observational study of 256 consecutive patients with an indication for single-chamber pacemaker placement. The implantation procedure was carried out using a femoral approach and conventional technique. Successful implantation was accomplished in 255/256 patients referred for leadless implantation. In one patient, a complete obstruction of the inferior vena cava was documented, and a conventional unicameral pacemaker was implanted. Results 33 out of 255 patients underwent immediate AV ablation. Mean age was 75.2±8.3 years. Were predominantly females: 25 (75.7%) and indication was fast conduction atrial fibrillation (n=25), atypical flutter or atrial tachycardia (n=8). Mean acute “R wave” was 11.3mV, threshold of 0.55Vx0.24ms and impedance of 833Ω. Uneventful AV node ablation was performed in all of them immediately after LP implantation. Additional mean fluoroscopic time was 3.0 minutes. There were no vascular or arrhythmic complications after the implantation. After a mean follow-up of 27.9±12 months, all patients remained alive without notable event, and electrical parameters remained unchanged (Figure 1). Actuarial survival was shown in Figure 2. Conclusions Conconmitant AVN ablation after LP implantation seems feasible without remarkable complications in the long run. In our experience, this approach appears more comfortable for the patients and less time-consuming than conventional pacemaker implantation with sequential AV node ablation. There were no device macrodislodgements or unexpected device malfunctions in the follow-up period. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Electrical performanceSurvival

We present the case of a young male patient with an initial diagnosis of a rhabdomyoma that was surgically treated at a different hospital when he was 17. After a 2-year disease-free period, the patient presented another intra-cardiac mass. He refused surgical treatment and died 5 years later. Post-mortem immunochemistry studies of both tumors led to the diagnosis of a primary malignant cardiac PEComa with histopathologic characteristics that resembled a rhabdomyoma with abundant “spider cells.”

Imaging techniques have shown the association between left atrial adipose tissue (LAAT) volume and atrial fibrillation (AF) risk.To analyze 1) adipokines in peripheral and atrial plasma from patients undergoing AF ablation; 2) its association with LAAT volume measured by multislice CT and 3) its predictive value for AF recurrence.Seventy consecutive patients undergoing AF catheter ablation were screened. Blood samples were extracted from the left atrium and peripheral vein before catheter ablation. Multiplex fluorimetric immunoassay, enzyme-linked immunoassay and Western blot techniques were used for analyzing some adipokines, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), and leptin and perilipin analysis, respectively. Patients were followed up with clinical visits until one year after ablation. Generalized additive regression (GAM) was used for determining the best indicator of LAAT volume. Logistic regression analysis determined the best predictor of AF recurrence after persistent AF catheter ablation.Our results showed 1) differences in the levels of FABP4 between peripheral and left atrial blood samples. 2) persistent AF patients had higher LAAT volume than those with paroxysmal AF (5.12 ± 2.76 vs. 3.82 ± 1.81 mL; p 0.036). FABP4 was the best adipokine associated with LAAT in persistent AF (p 0.01) 3) and predictive value for AF recurrence after catheter ablation (AUC-ROC 0.883 with 95% CI 0.739-1.028).Plasma FABP4 levels, which were associated with LAAT volume in persistent AF, can be predictors of recurrence after catheter ablation. Whether persistent AF patients require more intensive management and monitoring according to FABP4 deserves further investigation.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Feasibility of concomitant leadless-pacemaker(LP) implantation plus atrioventricular node ablation(AVNA) is unknown. Moreover, safety issues in the long run are also undetermined. It seems theoretically attractive since it could avoid one additional procedure and catheter could be introduced through the same sheath employed for the LP. On the contrary, risk of dislocation/electrical variations could represent a shortcoming . Objective We aim to report 1) feasibility of concomitant AVNA after a LP implantation and 2) long-term outcomes. Methods Single center, prospective and observational study of 243 consecutive patients with an indication for single-chamber pacemaker placement. The implantation procedure was carried out using a femoral approach and conventional technique. Successful implantation was accomplished in 242/243 patients referred for leadless implantation. In one patient, a complete obstruction of the inferior vena cava was documented, and a conventional unicameral pacemaker was implanted. Results 33 out of 242 patients underwent immediate AV ablation. Mean age was 75.2 ± 8.3 years. Were predominantly females: 25(75.7%) and indication was fast conduction atrial fibrillation(n = 25), atypical flutter or atrial tachycardia (n = 8). Mean acute "R wave" was 11.3mV, threshold of 0.55Vx0.24ms and impedance of 833Ω. Uneventful AV node ablation was performed in all of them immediately after LP implantation. Additional mean fluoroscopic time was 3.0 minutes. There were no vascular or arrhythmic complications after the implantation. After a mean follow-up of 19.9± 12 months, all patients remained alive without notable event, and electrical parameters remained unchanged.(Figure 1) Conclusions Conconmitant AVN ablation after LP implantation seems feasible without remarkable complications in the long run. In our experience, this approach appears more comfortable for the patients and less time-consuming than conventional pacemaker implantation with sequential AV node ablation. There were no device macrodislodgements or unexpected device malfunctions in the follow-up period. Abstract Figure. Electrical performance

Sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SVASD) is an interatrial communication caused by a deficiency of the common wall between the superior vena cava and the right-sided pulmonary veins. Implantation of a conventional pacemaker in this setting can be challenging. We report the feasibility of leadless pacemaker (LPM) implantation assisted by imaging integration and electroanatomical mapping SI

Aims: Adiposity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Our aim was to study the sex differences in adipokines levels according to AF burden. Methods and results: Two independent cohorts of patients were studied: (i) consecutive patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation (n = 217) and (ii) a control group (n = 105). (i) Adipokines, oxidative stress, indirect autonomic markers, and leucocytes mRNA levels were analysed; (ii) correlation between biomarkers was explored with heatmaps and Kendall correlation coefficients; and (iii) logistic regression and random forest model were used to determine predictors of AF recurrence after ablation. Our results showed that: (i) fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) and leptin levels were higher in women than in men in both cohorts (P < 0.01). In women, FABP4 levels were higher on AF cohort (20 ± 14 control, 29 ± 18 paroxysmal AF and 31 ± 17 ng/mL persistent AF; P < 0.01). In men, leptin levels were lower on AF cohort (22 ± 15 control, 13 ± 16 paroxysmal AF and 13 ± 11 ng/mL persistent AF; P < 0.01). (ii) In female with paroxysmal AF, there was a lower acetylcholinesterase and higher carbonic anhydrase levels with respect to men (P < 0.05). (iii) Adipokines have an important role on discriminate AF recurrence after ablation. In persistent AF, FABP4 was the best predictor of recurrence after ablation (1.067, 95% confidence interval 1-1.14; P = 0.046). Conclusion: The major finding of the present study is the sex-based differences of FABP4 and leptin levels according to AF burden. These adipokines are associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory and autonomic indirect markers, indicating that they may play a role in AF perpetuation., This study was supported by projects (PI16/01282 and PI18/01584) integrated in the Plan Estatal de I+D+I 2016–2019 and cofounded by ISCIII-Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). J.N.L.-C. and M.R.-M. were a recipient of a Sociedade Galega de Cardioloxía (SOGACAR) research grant. D.d.G.-C. was a recipient of a Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación grant from the Ministry of Science Innovation and Universities (IJCI-2016-29393). CIBER Cardiovascular (CB16/11/00403 to V.Ll.-C. and D.d.G.-C.) is a project from Carlos III Health Institute.

Aims Adiposity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Its associated proteins are differentially released between male and female. FABP4 and leptin are mediators in adipose tissue-inflammatory effects. Our aim was to study their gender differential behavior on mechanisms associated with AF progression. Methods and results Two independent cohorts were analyzed: A) patients referred for AF catheter ablation (n=217) and patients with suspected coronary artery disease referred for a CT scan (without previous history of AF) (n=105). Protein levels were determined by multiplex fluorometric immunoassay. Gene mRNA expression was analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction. Correlation between biomarkers was explored with heatmaps and Kendall correlation coefficients. Logistic regression and random forest model determined the best predictors of AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Our results showed: 1) a distinctive profile according to gender, with an increment of FABP4 levels in women (20±14, 29±18 and 31±17 ng/mL; p=0.007) and a decrease of leptin levels in men (22±15, 13±16 and 13±11 ng/mL; p=0.001) among control, paroxysmal and persistent AF groups, respectively; 2) sex differences regarding inflammatory profile, oxidative stress and autonomic indirect markers in AF; 3) a prominent role of adipokines to discriminate AF recurrence after ablation. In persistent AF, FABP4 was the best predictor (LR coefficient 1.067, 95% CI 1–1.14, p=0.046). Conclusion The major finding of the present study is the sex differences of FABP4 and leptin according to AF burden. The relationship of these adipokines with oxidative stress, inflammatory and autonomic indirect markers might explain part of the mechanisms underlying the AF perpetuation. Adipokines regarding Gender & AF burden Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Institute of Health Carlos III

Aims Acetylcholine (ACh) released modulation by botulinum toxin injection into epicardial fat diminish atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. These results suggest an interaction between autonomic imbalance and epicardial fat as risk factors of AF. Our aim was to study the inflammatory and lipid profile of epicardial stroma from AF patients and their regulation by high cholinergic activity. Methods and results We performed in vitro assays with primary cultures from paired subcutaneous and epicardial stromal cells from 33 patients. We analysed ACh effect on gene expression, intracellular calcium mobilization and neutrophil migration. Plasma protein regulation by parasympathetic denervation was performed in vagotomised rats. Acute ACh treatment up-regulated MCP1 levels on epicardial stromal cells and suggested a neutrophil infiltration enhancement. Patients with AF had a greater FABP4 gene expression (1.54±0.01 vs 1.47±0.01, p=0.005). Its plasma levels were pronouncedly declined on vagotomised rats (2.02±0.21 ng/mL vs 0.65±0.23 ng/mL, p Conclusions Acute ACh activity up-regulates MCP1 and calcium mobilization on epicardial stromal cells. Longer ACh treatment enhanced lipid accumulation. In this line, epicardial stroma from patients with permanent AF contains higher FABP4 expression levels. Thus, modulate cholinergic activity might reduce FABP4 since vagus nerve denervation is associated with a sharply decrease in FABP4 plasma levels. FABP4 in human AF and vagotomised rats Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Carlos III Health Institute; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela

Introduction and objectives Initial results of Leadless pacemakers (LPM) has been promising in worldwide, nevertheless there are still no long term experience published, so the objective of our study was to evaluate electrical parameters at mid and long term follow-up, describing as well total complications and mortality in a single center-study. Methods This was a prospective, observational clinical trial that included 183 consecutive patients, with an indication for a single-chamber pacemaker implantation. Results All successful implantation included a total of 183 patients with a mean age of 79,2 ±6,6 years (range 54-93y/o); 111 (60,6%) were men and more frequent rhythm was permanent atrial fibrillation (160), including those in which a node ablation was performed in the same procedure (22). Clinical and echocardiographyc characteristics are described in table 1.Mean follow-up was of 26 ±10 months including: 64 patient at 24 months, 46 at 36 months and 7 patients at 48 months. Electrical parameters are represented in figure 1, which were stable and flawless at long term follow-up. Total complications were 3,3%, with only 2 patient requiring surgery for resolution (1,7%), and all were acute during LPM implantation. A total of 17 patients (9,3%) died with no relation to pacemaker. Conclusions In our experience, leadless pacemakers electrical performance continues stable, appropriate at long term follow-up, and no other complications developed. Baseline Characteristics of Patients Age(years) 79.2 ± 6.6[54-93] Male gender, n (%) 118 (60.6%) Hypertension, n (%) 149 (81.7%) Diabetes mellitus, n (%) 64 (34.9%) COPD, n (%) 33(18.3%) Renal dysfunction, n (%) 30 (16.7%) Valvular disease, n (%) 74 (41.1%) Atrial Fibrillation, n (%) 161 (98.0%) LVEF(%) 60.0 ± 8 OAC, n (%) 123(67.2%) NOAC, n (%) 23 (10.0%) Abstract Figure. Electrical performance

Supraventricular arrhythmias are common in Brugada syndrome (BS), and notoriously difficult to manage with medical therapy secondary to associated risks. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is often utilized instead, but its outcomes in this population are not well‐known. We aim to provide a holistic evaluation of interventional treatment for Atrial fibrillation (AF) in the BS population. Electronic databases Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Cochrane, and Scopus were systematically searched for publications between 01/01/1995 and 12/31/2017. Studies were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 49 patients with BS and AF were included. Age range from 28.8 to 64 years, and 77.5% were male. 38 patients were implanted with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICD) at baseline, and of them, 39% suffered inappropriate shocks for rapid AF. 34/49 (69%) of patients achieved remission following a single PVI procedure. Of the remaining, 13 patients underwent one or more repeat ablation procedures. Overall, 45/49 (91.8%) of patients remained in remission during long‐term follow‐up after one or more PVI procedures in the absence of antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy. Postablation, no patients suffered inappropriate ICD shock. Furthermore, no major complications secondary to PVI occurred in any patient. AF ablation achieves acute and long‐term success in the vast majority of patients. It is effective in preventing inappropriate ICD therapy secondary to rapid AF. Complication rates of PVI in BS are low. Thus, in light of the risks of AADs and risk of inappropriate ICD shocks in the BS population, catheter ablation could represent an appropriate first‐line therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in BS patients.

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is indicated in symptomatic heart failure (HF) patients after achieving optimal medical therapy. However, there are still a large percentage of patients who do not respond to CRT. Malnutrition is a frequent comorbidity in patients with HF, and it is associated with a poorer prognosis. Here, we evaluate the nutritional status of patients assessed by Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and its association with structural remodeling and cardiovascular events. Methods: We investigated the effect of CONUT on HF/death in 302 consecutive patients with a CRT device implanted between 2005 and 2015 in a single tertiary center. We categorized the patients into three groups: normal nutritional status (CONUT 0–1), mild malnutrition (CONUT 2–4) and moderate-severe malnutrition (CONUT ≥ 5). Changes in nutritional status were assessed in patients with mild-to-severe malnutrition prior to CRT. Results: One hundred and forty-eight patients exhibited normal nutritional status (49.0%), 99 patients exhibited mild malnutrition (32.8%) and 55 patients exhibited moderate-severe malnutrition (18.2%). CONUT scores of at least 2 were associated with higher risk of HF/death compared with CONUT 0–1. Significant left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling was noted in patients with better nutritional status. In addition, those malnutrition patients at baseline that improved nutritional state exhibited fewer HF/death events at follow-up. Conclusion: CONUT score prior to CRT was an independent risk factor of death/HF and was correlated with LV reverse remodeling. Improvements in CONUT score during long-term follow-up were associated with a reduction in the rate of HF/death. Keywords: Cardiac resynchronization therapy, Heart failure, Malnutrition, CONUT score

To analyze the clinical profile and therapeutic strategy in atrial fibrillation (AF) according to gender in a contemporaneous patient cohort a prospective, multicenter observational study was performed on consecutive patients diagnosed with AF and assessed by cardiology units in the region of Galicia (Spain). A total of 1007 patients were included, of which 32.3% were women. The mean age of the women was significantly greater than that of the men (71.6 versus 65.7 years, p &lt, 0.001), with a higher prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and valve disease. Women more often reported symptoms related to arrhythmia (28.2% in EHRA class I versus 36.4% in men), with a poorer level of symptoms (EHRA classes IIb and III). Thromboembolic risk was significantly higher among women (CHA2DS2-VASc 3 ± 1.3 versus 2 ± 1.5), in the same way as bleeding risk (HAS-BLED 0.83 ± 0.78 versus 0.64 ± 0.78) (p &lt, 0.001), and women more often received anticoagulation therapy (94.1% versus 87.6%, p = 0.001). Rhythm control strategies proved significantly less frequent in women (55.8% versus 66.6%, p = 0.001), with a lesser electrical cardioversion (ECV) rate (18.4% versus 27.3%, p = 0.002). Perceived health status was poorer in women. Women were older and presented greater comorbidity than men, with a greater thromboembolic and bleeding risk. Likewise, rhythm control strategies were less frequent than in men, despite the fact that women had poorer perceived quality of life and were more symptomatic.

QT interval prolongation is an important marker for the development of cardiac arrhythmias (CAs). Optimal methods to estimate QT/QTc intervals in patients with ventricular pacing (VP) and its correlation with CA have not been widely investigated. We aimed to validate the currently available formulas for QT determination during VP and to compare their abilities in predicting the occurrence of CA (atrial fibrillation [AF] and malignant ventricular arrhythmias [VAs] in patients with advanced heart failure and cardiac resynchronization therapy). Consecutive patients with advanced heart failure who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation between August 2001 and April 2015 were included in a retrospective study. Four proposed formulas for QT correction in VP rhythms were evaluated. One hundred eighty patients were enrolled. During 44 months of follow-up, 43 patients (37.7%) developed AF and 16 patients (8.9%) developed VA. There was no correlation between corrected QT increments and AF risk with any of the formulas for paced rhythms. Regarding VA, higher corrected QT values measured with Massachusetts' formula (QTcM) were found to have a higher risk of event (p = 0.036) (Beta = 1.012 [1.001 to 1.023]). Each 1 ms increase in QTc increased the probability of experiencing VA by 12‰. QTcM >444 was found to be a strong predictor of VA. In conclusion, there are significant differences in mean QTc interval measured by the currently advised formulas. QTc interval was not associated with AF in any of the formulas. Only the QTcM formula showed a significant stepwise increase in the risk of experiencing malignant VA.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Actualmente hay pocos estudios sobre el marcapasos sin cable (Micra) en la practica clinica, especialmente con seguimientos > 6 meses. El objetivo es evaluar los parametros electricos al implante y en el seguimiento, asi como la seguridad de esta nueva tecnica. Metodos Estudio prospectivo y observacional en el que se incluyo a 30 pacientes consecutivos de edad ≥ 65 anos con indicacion de implante de marcapasos unicameral. Resultados Se implanto exitosamente el Micra en los 30 pacientes incluidos. La media de edad era 79,4 ± 6,4 (66-89) anos; 20 (66,6%) eran varones; 28 (93,3%) presentaban fibrilacion auricular permanente; 1, taquicardia auricular y 1, ritmo sinusal. En 5 pacientes (16,6%) se realizo ablacion del nodulo auriculoventricular en el mismo procedimiento (4 pacientes en fibrilacion auricular rapida y 1 con taquicardia auricular); en 2 pacientes la indicacion fue tras el implante percutaneo de valvula aortica. En 23 (76,6%) el implante se realizo estando en tratamiento anticoagulante oral (INR maximo, 2,4). No hubo complicaciones mayores, salvo un derrame pericardico moderado sin repercusion hemodinamica. El seguimiento medio fue de 5,3 ± 3,3 meses y 4 pacientes superaron el ano de seguimiento. Los parametros de estimulacion fueron excelentes tanto en el implante como en el seguimiento a corto-medio plazo. Conclusiones El implante de marcapasos sin cables es factible y seguro y presenta potenciales ventajas sobre los sistemas convencionales. Seran necesarios estudios con mayor seguimiento antes de generalizar su uso en la practica clinica diaria.

Introduction and objectives Currently, studies on the leadless pacemaker (Micra) have mostly been limited to clinical trials with less than 6 months’ follow-up and they often fail to reflect real population outcomes. We sought to evaluate electrical parameters at implantation and chronologically during follow-up, as well as the safety of this new technique. Methods This prospective, observational study included 30 consecutive patients, all ≥ 65 years, with an indication for single-chamber pacemaker implantation. Results Successful implantation was accomplished in all patients referred for leadless implantation. The mean age was 79.4 ± 6.4 years (range, 66-89 years); 20 (66.6%) were men and 28 had permanent atrial fibrillation (93.3%); 1 had atrial tachycardia and 1 had sinus rhythm. Concomitant atrioventricular node ablation was performed immediately after implantation in 5 patients (16.6%), and implantation was performed after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in 2. The procedure was performed under an uninterrupted anticoagulation regimen (maximum INR 2.4) in 23 patients (76.6%). With the exception of 1 moderate pericardial effusion without tamponade, there were no severe complications. The mean follow-up was 5.3 ± 3.3 months and 4 patients had more than 1 year of follow-up. Sensing and pacing parameters were stable both at implantation and during the short- to mid-term follow-up. Conclusions Implantation of leadless pacemakers is feasible, safe and provides advantages over the conventional system. Further studies with longer follow-up periods will be needed before these devices become widely used in routine clinical practice.

Background As more experience is obtained with leadless pacemakers systems (LPM), a great group of patients is considered for its implantation. There are issues that cannot be completely avoided with conventional transvenous pacemaker (VVI-PM) such as infectious or pocket related complications in which LPM are clearly superior. Purpose The aim of the study was to compare the clinical and device performance between LPM and VVIPM in the same period of time in a “real-world” population. Methods We performed a prospective, observational, one center study, including all patients with a single chamber pacemaker implantation within 3 years (June 2015-December 2018) and its mid-term follow-up. All clinical, electrical and echocardiographic characteristics, as well as implantation characteristics and complications, were described. Results We included a total of 339 patients with transvenous pacemakers, 195 patients with VVI-PM and 144 LPM. There were no significant differences in mortality between both groups during the follow-up (12,3±10 months), Figure 1. Although there were no significant differences in major complications (P-value 0,54), the number of total complications was lower in the LPM group (P-value 0,01) at the expense of fewer minor ones (P-value 0,02), Table 1. Table 1. Complications TVP (195) LPM (144) P value Major complications 11 (5.6%) 6 (4.2%) 0.54 Minor complications 10 (5.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0.01 Total Complications 21 (10.7%) 6 (4,2%) 0.02 Figure 1 Conclusions In our study, during the med-term follow-up, there were no significant differences in terms of mortality and the major complications between LMP and VVI-PM. Although, the number of minor complications were less with the LMP.

Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent heart disease, affecting a significant proportion of patients over 65 years old. The CHA2DS2-VASc score predicts 1 year risk of a thromboembolic (TE) event and is well validated against several populations. However, calibration may vary if there is subgroup heterogeneity. Purpose To compare the CHA2DS2-VASc score calibration, in patients with or without anticoagulation (AC) in a real population of AF patients in our healthcare area. Methods Patients with an episode with atrial fibrillation/flutter were selected from a general population in a healthcare area (383,000 subjects), with 21/12/2013 as a cut-off date. Patients with valve disease, anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy were identified. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated as stipulated in the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. A CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 is considered to be low risk for TE events (0% at 1 year), score of 1 intermediate risk (0.6% rate at 1 year), and greater than 1 high risk (3% rate at 1 year). Quantitative variables are presented as mean and standard deviation (SD). Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. A logistic regression was fitted to predict 1-year risk TE outcomes with CHA2DS2-VASc as the only covariate. Model calibration was assessed using the predicted versus actual probabilities of TE events. All analyses were performed using R v.3.4 (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria) with the packages rms and ggplot2. Results CHA2DS2-VASc was calculated in 7990 patients with AF. A total of 1824 patients were excluded either due to valvular disease (846) or due to previous antiplatelet treatment (1047). From them, 143 patients were excluded for an incomplete follow-up time ( As of December 31, 2015, 67 stroke cases had been notified from 6023 patients (1.1%) (Table 1). Mortality rate was 181 (3%) at 1 year. Patients presented overall low risks of stroke with a poor score calibration. Higher scores presented risks that were lower than predicted by CHA2DS2-VASc. Event rate at 1 year was similar regardless of the AC regime at the initial date, and also similar to a previous cohort of anticoagulated patients (Lip et al.). This similarity may indicate confounding by later AC therapy initiation, before the final assessment date. Table 1. Comparison of thromboembolic event rates in several studies % (No-AC) % (AC) % Lip 2010 % Poli 2011 % Friberg 2012 % Okumura 2014 0.01 0.01 0.02 4.5 4.5 1 AC: anticoagulation. CHA2DS2VASc score calibration Conclusion Higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores are not associated to higher risks of stroke in our healthcare area, in patients with non-valvular AF and without antiplatelet therapy.

Background Real-world data reinforce positive results in different implant locations of leadless pacemaker (LPM). LPM have special characteristics regarding accelerometer programmation. Purpose The purpose of the study was to describe our experience with LPM different implantation location and its programmation according the vector accelerometer. Methods We performed a prospective observational one center study including all patients with LPM implantation within 3 years (June 2015-December 2018). Location of deployment was classified as apicalseptal, midseptal or right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT). Vector programmation was performed from the second visit in patients with acceptable mobility and heart rate below 80 bpm, with the abbreviated protocol recommended by the brand. Clinical evaluation according to vector programmed was performed 3 to 6 months later. Results We include a total of 144 LPM, and exercise test was performed in 86 patients. There were 86 men (59.7%) with a mean age of 79.1±6.9 years-old (54 to 89). Location of deployment was distributed as follows: 32.4% in apicalseptal, 54.5% in midseptal and 13.1% in RVOT. Vector 1 was the more frequent programmation, specially in apicalseptal position. Correlation between location and vector of programmation could not be predicted (p=0.2381), but there was a non-significant tendency (p=0.08) between patients with LPM in RVOT location and Vector 3 programmation. Table 1 and Figure 1. Table 1. Micra Location and Activity Vector Apicalseptal Midseptal RVOT P Value Test Vector 39 (84.8%) 40 (58.5%) 7 (46.7%) NS Vector 1 22 (56.4%) 26 (65.0%) 2 (28.6%) NS Vector 2 8 (20.5%) 4 (10.0%) 1 (14.3%) NS Vector 3 9 (23.1%) 10 (25.0%) 4 (57.1%) 0.08 Figure 1 Conclusions In our series, Vector 1 was the predominant accelerometer programmation specially in apicalseptal LPM position and Vector 3 in RVOT position.

Objective: We wondered if a modification of the conventional transseptal puncture technique performed with an angioplasty wire could be useful in patients with contrast hypersensitivity or allergy-like reactions. Methods: This study comprised our initial experience in 22 patients with atrial fibrillation who were scheduled for an electrophysiology study (EPS) and pulmonary vein ablation and who had a contraindication for iodinated contrast administration. Results: Of the 22 patients, 16 were men and ages ranged from 27 to 74 years (mean 56 years). Overall successful transseptal access was achieved in all 22. A control echocardiogram was performed in all patients. There were no complications in any case and no significant differences were found from the conventional transseptal puncture technique regarding procedure or fluoroscopy time. Conclusions: A modification of the conventional transseptal puncture technique performed with fluoroscopy and EPS catheters for anatomical reference and an angioplasty wire is an option in cases with severe contrast hypersensitivity. Resumo: Objetivos: Questionámo-nos se uma modificação da técnica de punção transseptal tradicional realizada com fio guia de angioplastia poderia ser útil em doentes com hipersensibilidade ou outros tipos de reações alérgicas ao contraste. Métodos: Este estudo reflete a nossa experiência inicial com 22 doentes com fibrilhação auricular, programados para estudo eletrofisiológico e ablação da veia pulmonar, que tiveram contraindicação para injeção de contraste com iodo. Resultados: O acesso transseptal global bem-sucedido foi alcançado na totalidade dos 22 doentes (16 homens) entre os 27-74 anos (idade média 56). Foi realizado um ecocardiograma de controlo em todos os doentes. Não se registaram complicações nem diferenças significativas em relação à técnica de punção tradicional relativamente à duração do procedimento ou ao tempo de fluoroscopia. Conclusões: A modificação da técnica de punção transseptal tradicional com fluoroscopia, cateteres de EEF para referências anatómicas e fio guia de angioplastia pode constituir uma opção válida nos casos de hipersensibilidade grave ao contraste.

AIMS: Leadless pacemaker (LDP) allows implantation using a femoral approach. This access could be utilized for conventional atrioventricular nodal ablation (AVNA). It could facilitate unifying the two procedural components. Data regarding its feasibility and long-term outcomes remain lacking. We aim to evaluate the feasibility and long-term outcomes of sequential LDP and AVNA. METHODS: Prospective, observational multicenter study including consecutive patients with indication for single-chamber pacemaker placement. In those with additional indication for AVNA, ablation was performed immediately after the LPD through the same sheath. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients were included. Mean age was 77.9 ± 10.5 years; 74 (54%) were men. Immediately following LDP implantation, 27 patients (19.7%) underwent concurrent AVNA. There were six (5.5%) complications in patients referred for LDP procedures and three (11%) in those who underwent a combined approach. None of these complications were solely attributable to theadded AVNA component. No mechanical dislodgement, electrical damage to any device, or electromagnetic interference ever took place. During a mean follow-up period of 123 ± 48 days, three patients (3.6%) died of noncardiovascular causes. The remaining population stayed alive without significant arrhythmias. There were no relevant differences with regard to sensing and pacing thresholds between patients in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: AVNA can safely be performed immediately following LDP. A combined approach obviates the need for additional vascular access and optimizes feasibility and comfort for patients and healthcare providers. It offers an acceptable safety and efficacy profile, both acutely and upon intermediate-term follow-up.