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Introduction/Objective. Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common congenital malformation of the thoracic venous system and may often complicate cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) lead implantation. The purpose of this study was to assess feasibility and safety of CIED lead implantation through PLSVC and its long-term efficacy. Methods. This is a retrospective observational study performed in a tertiary center from July 2005 to July 2019 among patients with fully successful implantation of all intended CIED leads through PLSVC. Results. CIED implantation was successfully completed with left-side approach in 26 of 32 (81.3%) patients with PLSVC. The average implantation time was 62, 73.5, 120, 74, 103.3, and 130 minutes and the average fluoroscopy time was 13.3, 20.8, 35.7, 17.1, 45.6, and 42.6 minutes for single and dual-chamber pacemakers, ICD-VR, ICD-DR, CRT-P, and CRT-D devices, respectively. The average follow-up period was 43.5 ± 29.9 months. During the follow-up period no CIED leads-related complications were noticed. Conclusion. The results of our study showed that the presence of PLSVC is not an obstacle for CIED implantation. The long-term follow-up proved stability of CIED leads implanted through PLSVC.

Introduction/Objective. Pneumothorax is one of the most common complications of cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices implantation. We aimed to assess the incidence of pneumothorax after implantation of these devices and to determine risk factors for this complication. Methods. A retrospective, observational study included patients in whom CRM devices were implanted, pacing system was upgraded, or lead revision was performed during 2012 at the Pacemaker Center, Clinical Center of Serbia. We determined the connection between different variables, including sex, age, type of implanted device, prior history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, operator experience, venous access, the use of intravenous contrast during procedure, and the development of pneumothorax as the procedure-related complication, using multiple logistic regression. Results. A total of 999 patients were included in this study. The patients’ mean age was 68.1 Ѓ} 9.2 years; 665 (66.6%) patients were male. The incidence of pneumothorax was 1.8% and an invasive treatment of this complication was required in 13 (72.2%) patients. Pneumothorax was more frequent in women (B = -2.136, p = 0.015), in patients with age > 75 years (B = 4.315, p = 0.001), venous access with subclavian vein puncture (B = 2.672, p = 0.045), and use of intravenous contrast during procedure (B = 3.155, p = 0.007). Conclusion. Pneumothorax is a relatively rare complication of CRM device implantation, and for reducing its incidence, cephalic vein cut-down should be preferred to subclavian or axillary vein puncture as venous access, axillary vein puncture should not be avoided when cephalic vein cannot be found or used, and in the case of difficult vein puncture, contrast venography should be done immediately, before risky punctures.

It has been over half a century since the implementation of pacemaker therapy in our country and the region. The first successful implantation of a pacemaker in former Yugoslavia and in Serbia took place on September 16, 1965 in “Dr. Dragiša Mišović” Clinical Hospital Centre, and this operation, with a team of doctors of the institution, was performed by surgeon Dragoljub (Bata) Adamov (1927–1996). The first permanent pacemaker implantation was with epicardial leads with thoracotomy approach. The patient was operated on under general anesthesia, administered by anesthesiologist Predrag Lalević (1927–), and Dr. Adamov was assisted by Dr. Miša Albrecht (1933–) and Dr. Milan Dragović (1933–2009). Although pacemaker therapy has since been widely proven and confirmed, it is necessary to remember the pioneers who introduced this kind of therapy to the region, as they deserve a distinguished place in the history of medicine in Serbia.

Introduction. Vasovagal syncope is the most common type of reflex syncope. Efficacy of cardiac pacing in this indication has not been the subject of many studies and pacemaker therapy in patients with vasovagal syncope is still controversial. Objective. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of pacing therapy in treatment of patients with vasovagal syncope, to determine contribution of new therapeutic models in increasing its success, and to identify risk factors associated with a higher rate of symptoms after pacemaker implantation. Methods. A retrospective study included 30 patients with pacemaker implanted due to vasovagal syncope in the Pacemaker Center, Clinical Center of Serbia, between November 2003 and June 2014. Head-up tilt test was performed to diagnose vasovagal syncope. Patients with cardioinhibitory and mixed type of disease were enrolled in the study. Results. Mean age was 48.1 ± 11.1 years and 18 (60%) patients were men. Mean follow-up period was 5.9 ± 3.0 years. Primarily, implantable loop recorder was implanted in 10 (33.3%) patients. Twenty (66.7%) patients presented cardioinhibitory and 10 (33.3%) mixed type of vasovagal syncope. After pacemaker implantation, 11 (36.7%) patients had syncope. In multiple logistic regression analysis we showed that syncope is statistically more likely to occur after pacemaker implantation in patients with mixed type of vasovagal syncope (p = 0.018). There were two (6.7%) perioperative surgical complications. Conclusion. Pacemaker therapy is a safe treatment for patients with vasovagal syncope, whose efficacy can be improved by strict selection of patients. We showed that symptoms occur statistically more often in patients with mixed type of disease after pacemaker implantation.

Background: In the majority of patients with a wide QRS complex and heart failure resistant to optimal medical therapy, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) leads to reverse ventricular remodeling and possibly to changes in cardiac collagen synthesis and degradation. We investigated the relationship of biomarkers of myocardial collagen metabolism and volumetric response to CRT. Methods: We prospectively studied 46 heart failure patients (mean age 61 ± 9 years, 87% male) who underwent CRT implantation. Plasma concentrations of amino-terminal propeptide type I (PINP), a marker of collagen synthesis, and carboxy-terminal collagen telopeptide (CITP), a marker of collagen degradation, were measured before and 6 months after CRT. Response to CRT was defined as 15% or greater reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume at 6-month follow-up. Results: Baseline PINP levels showed a negative correlation with both left ventricular end-diastolic volume (r=-0.51; p=0.032), and end-systolic diameter (r=-0.47; p=0.049). After 6 months of device implantation, 28 patients (61%) responded to CRT. No significant differences in the baseline levels of PINP and CITP between responders and nonresponders were observed (p>0.05 for both). During follow-up, responders demonstrated a significant increase in serum PINP level from 31.37±18.40 to 39.2±19.19 mg/L (p=0.049), whereas in non-responders serum PINP levels did not significantly change (from 28.12±21.55 to 34.47± 18.64 mg/L; p=0.125). There were no significant changes in CITP levels in both responders and non-responders (p>0.05). Conclusions: Left ventricular reverse remodeling induced by CRT is associated with an increased collagen synthesis in the first 6 months of CRT implantation.

Introduction. Chronic right ventricular pacing can deteriorate cardiac function. Consequently, pacemaker system upgrades are more frequently indicated. These interventions can be hindered by venous thrombosis. In literature, it is rarely described that this problem is resolved by implanting a new lead for left ventricle (LV) stimulation on the opposite side of the previously implanted pacemaker and then subcutaneously transferring it to the old pocket. Case outline. A 75-year-old male patient was hospitalized due to a planned pacemaker upgrade in December 2015. A dual-chamber pacemaker had been implanted due to sinus node dysfunction in 2011. During the previous 18 months he had been complaining about symptoms of heart failure. An upgrade to the cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with a new CRT-P device was indicated due to the LV dilatation with the ejection fraction decrease, clinical deterioration, and the presence of high percentage of ventricular pacing. In October 2015, the mentioned intervention was unsuccessful due to total left subclavian vein thrombosis on the side of the previously implanted pacemaker. Anticoagulation therapy was ordinated and the reevaluation was postponed. During this hospitalization, venography confirmed total left subclavian vein thrombosis despite the anticoagulation therapy. It was decided to implant a new LV lead on the right side and then subcutaneously shift it by pre-sternal tunneling to the previous left prepectoral pocket. The intervention was uneventful. The first controls have shown stable pacemaker parameters. Conclusion. This case report confirms that contralateral lead placement and subcutaneous pre-sternal tunnelling of the lead is feasible and safe in patients with an implanted pacemaker, an indication for system upgrade and ipsilateral vein obstruction.

Introduction. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia that requires treatment, does not come out of the focus of researchers. Monitoring its prevalence and effects of therapy is a good guideline approach to the growing population of patients in which this arrhythmia occurs. Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment of AF and cardiovascular profiles in the observed population. Methods. In this observational, cross-sectional, multicenter, international study, 584 patients in 30 centers in Serbia and Slovenia, older than 18 years and with AF or in sinus rhythm with a history of AF, were included. The assessment of the efficacy of treatment of AF was performed by analyzing the frequency of adequate therapeutic effect of medication in rhythm or frequency control in patients with AF. Results. The results confirmed that the highest incidence of AF duration is more than seven days, and is accompanied by symptoms. Inadequate frequency regulation was registered at 8.9% of patients. Hypertension was registered in two-thirds of all patients, while other cardiovascular risk factors were registered in about one-third of patients. An echocardiographic finding in the group of patients with AF confirms generally adequate left ventricular function with a slightly enlarged left atrium (4.6±0.8 cm). Increasing age and time from the first episode of AF decreases the probability of maintaining sinus rhythm, while symptomatic AF had a positive impact on the presence of sinus rhythm. Propafenone, sotalol and amiodarone showed a statistically significant connection with a positive therapeutic response, while β-blockers had a negative impact on the probability of establishing and maintaining sinus rhythm. Conclusion. Characteristics of therapeutic approaches, risks, comorbidity of patient populations in Slovenia and Serbia correspond to the fullest extent with the recommendations for good clinical practice, which further stresses the need for extensive measures in these regions.

Introduction: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has a role in control of cardiovascular and renal functions. Objective The objective was to assess the predictive value of BNP levels for development of heart failure in patients with permanent pacemakers. Method In patients with implanted DDD pacemakers, BNP levels were measured at rest and after exercise testing, on DDD and VVI modes. There were 42 patients (25 males; 59.5%), without symptoms or signs of coronary disease or heart failure, and with normal echocardiograms. According to BNP levels, the patients were divided into three groups: with BNP levels lower than 80 pg/ml, BNP ranging from 81-150 pg/ml, and BNP levels over 151 pg/ml. Results In the first group (27 patients), BNP levels were significantly higher on VVI compared to DDD mode, both at rest and after exercise (p

INTRODUCTION. Resynchronisation therapy with biventricular permanent pacing stimulation is one method of treating patients with systolic heart failure, with echocardiograph signs of ventricular asynchrony and a prolonged QRS of longer than 120 milliseconds. This method has been accepted in most medical centers around the world and was instigated in our Pacemaker Centre in December 2001, 3 months after FDA approval for human use. OBJECTIVE. The aim of the study was to present this new procedure and the results obtained from our own group of patients. METHOD. A multi-site, biventricular pacemaker, with a special electrode for left-half heart stimulation was implanted in the coronary sinus of 17 patients who had suffered systolic heart failure (12 male and 5 female, average age 59.9 years). For all of them, the duration of the QRS interval was longer than 120 ms, with left bundle branch morphology, and an ejection fraction below 30%. All the patients were NYHA class II or III. Prior to and after the implantation, a 12-channel ECG and ECHO were carried out, a b-minute hall walk test was performed, additionally, the total walked distance on a flat surface was measured, the general condition of the patient was evaluated, the number of medications being taken was noted, as was the number of days of hospitalization. RESULTS. The average time from diagnosis to implantation was 22 months, and the average post-operative follow-up was 14 months. Two of the patients died 10 and 7 months after the implantation, due to a new myocardial infarction and refractory heart failure. In addition, one patient did not show any improvement after the implantation of the multi-site pacemaker (there were three "non-responder" patients). All the other patients felt much better: decreased NYHA class for I - II class, increased left ventricle ejection fraction, reduced use of diuretics, increased b-minute hall walk distance and general walk distance on a flat surface, and decreased number of days of hospitalization. CONCLUSION. Resynchronisation heart failure therapy in the majority of patients with systolic left ventricular dysfunction and a prolonged QRS interval considerably improves cardiac function, in addition to reducing symptoms and hospital stays.

Introduction. The implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a new diagnostic tool in cardiology for establishing The causes of unexplained syncope in patients where standard conventional tests, invasive tests included, have failed. The device is a diagnostic "pacemaker," surgically implanted underneath the skin of the chest, with leads attached to the case of the device, not requiring endovenous lead implantation. Heart rhythm is monitored continuously on the basis of an endless loop, up to a maximum period of 14 months. Recording is carried out either by applying an outside activator whenever symptoms occur, or automatically, according to a preset algorithm for bradycardia, tachycardia, and/or asystolic detection. Objective. The aim of this study was to present this new diagnostic method as well as our first experiences with its implementation. METHOD We followed 5 patients (3 male, 2 female, mean age: 46.4±19) who had ILRs ("Reveal Plus," Medtronic Inc., USA) implanted at our centre, over a period of 14 months (7.6 ±5.5], concentrating on their clinical course, symptom occurrence, and electronically monitored heart rhythm at the time of ILR auto activation and/or recordings triggered by outside activation whenever a patient's symptoms were discernible. Results. In three patients, the ILR revealed syncope aetiology by documenting heart rhythm at the time of its occurrence. In one patient, involving a lethal outcome, the ILR was not explanted, so that the rhythm at the time of the fatal syncope, although assumed, remained undocumented, in one, most recently implanted patient, follow-up is still in progress. Conclusion. The implantable loop recorder represents an important innovation and a step forward in establishing the causes of recurrent syncope, which cannot be determined by standard invasive and non-invasive testing.

Sudden cardiac death in an athlete is rare and tragic event. An athlete's death draws high public attention given that athletes are considered the healthiest category of society. The vast majority of sudden cardiac death in young athletes is due to congenital cardiac malformations such as hypertrophie cardiomyopathy and various coronary artery anomalies. In athletes over age 35, the usual cause of sudden cardiac death is coronary artery disease. With each tragic death of a young athlete, there is a question why this tragedy has not been prevented. The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association recommend that a pre-participation exam should include a complete cardiovascular history and physical examination.

The authors present surgical techniques and distant results of the operative treatment in patients with occlusive lesions of the supraaortic branches. The study included 29 men (55.8 %) and 23 women (44.2 %), with the average age of 54 years. The majority of patients - 44 (84.6 %) had symptoms and signs of the upper extremities ischemia while 25 (48.1 %) had symptoms and signs of cerebral ischemia (the posterior circulation mainly). Among seven patients with isolated cerebral ischemia of the anterior circulation, four of them developed transient ischemic attack (TIA) and three had cerebrovascular insult (CVI). All patients were examined ultrasonographically and angiographically. Operative treatment was performed under general anesthesia. In eight cases the anatomic, and in 44 extraanatomic procedure was applied. Following reconstructive procedures were used: endarterectomy and patch of the brachiocephalic trunk - 2 bypass from ascending aorta - 7, carotid to subclavian bypass - 31 subclavian to carotid bypass - 7, subclavian artery transposition - 3 axillo-axillary bypass - 2. During the follow-up period (10-228 months) eight out of 52 patients exhibited the occlusion of the graft. Six occlusions developed after carotid-subclavian bypass: in two patients reconstructions were performed using Dacron grafts, in three using PTFE grafts and in one patient using autologous vein graft. Two occlusions developed after subclavio-carotid bypass. In both cases the vein graft was used: one was coming from the ipsilateral and the other one from the contralateral subclavian artery. The mean period from the operation to the occlusion of the graft (the mean lasting of the primary flow) was 14.72 years (SE=1.41; 95 % CI=11.96-17.48). There was no statistically significant difference in primary patency and survival without symptoms between patients treated with the anatomic and those treated with the extra anatomic approach. Practically, this means that both approaches were equally good, so that the decision about the approach should be made individually according to the loading factors of each patient. In the case of the carotid-subclavian bypass, according to our results, we recommend the use of the PTFE graft.

Endocardial pacing system implantation has been performed in 15 children of mean age 37months (ranging from 1 day to 89 months). Endocardial lead fixation was performed by means of slowly resorbable suture (Dexon) to allow spontaneous lead migration as the child grows. During a mean follow-up period of 61 months (range 17-108 months), none of the patients needed reintervention for correcting the lead length to allow growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rearranged origin of heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) influences the regulation of the heart and consequently the respiratory rhythm, and the bidirectional interaction of these rhythms not documented. Hence, we examined coupling of the RR interval and the respiration (Resp) signal by coherence, Granger causality and the cross-sample entropy method of time series analysis in patients with AF and a healthy control group. In healthy subjects, the influence of respiration on cardiac rhythm was found as increased coherence at the breathing frequency (BF) range, significantly stronger interaction and synchrony from Resp to RR than from RR to Resp. On the contrary, in patients with AF, coherence at BF diminished, there were no causal interactions between signals in both directions, which resulted in equally great asynchrony between them. In AF, the absence of full functionality of the sinoatrial node, as an integrator of neural cardiac control, resulted in diminished vagal modulation of heart periods and consequently impaired bidirectional cardio-respiratory interaction.