Abstract Background Physiological pacing has gained significant interest due to its potential to achieve optimal hemodynamic response. This study aimed to assess left ventricular performance in terms of electrical parameters, specifically QRS duration, and mechanical performance, evaluated as myocardial work. We compared His Bundle Pacing (HBP) and Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) to evaluate their effects. Methods Twenty-four patients with class I or IIa indications for pacing were enrolled in the study, with 12 patients undergoing HBP implantation and another 12 patients undergoing LBBAP implantation. A comprehensive analysis of myocardial work was conducted. Results Our findings indicate that there were no major differences in terms of spontaneous and HBP activation in myocardial work, except for global wasted work (217 mmHg% vs. 283 mmHg%; p 0.016) and global work efficiency (87 mmHg% vs. 82 mmHg%; p 0.049). There were no significant differences observed in myocardial work between spontaneous activation and LBBAP. Similarly, no significant differences in myocardial work were found between HBP and LBBAP. Conclusions Both pacing modalities provide physiological ventricular activation without significant differences when compared to each other. Moreover, there were no significant differences in QRS duration between HBP and LBBAP. However, LBBAP demonstrated advantages in terms of feasibility, as it achieved better lead electrical parameters compared to HBP (threshold@0.4 ms 0.6 V vs. 1 V; p=0.045. Sensing 9.4 mV vs. 2.4 mV; p<0.001). Additionally, LBBAP required less fluoroscopy time (6 min vs. 13 min; p=0.010) and procedural time (81 min vs. 125 min; p=0.004) compared to HBP. Clinical Perspective What is Known His Bundle Pacing (HBP) and Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) have been recognized as more physiological alternatives to traditional right ventricular pacing. LBBAP has shown greater feasibility compared to HBP, although direct comparison data between the myocardial work in HBP and LBBAP are limited. What the Study Adds Our study contributes to the existing knowledge by demonstrating that both HBP and LBBAP provide physiological ventricular activation, with no significant differences observed between the two pacing modalities in terms of myocardial work and QRS duration. However, LBBAP showcased advantages such as reduced need for fluoroscopy, shorter procedural time, and improved electrical parameters. These findings further support the potential of LBBAP as a favorable pacing option. Graphical abstract
Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is widely used in professional soccer players as a tool to assess individual response to training load. Different devices and methods are available for HRV assessment. The relationship between HRV and competitive soccer matches performance is not documented. Methods: We monitored HRV in professional soccer players throughout a game season. Measurements were performed with a portable lightweight device in weekly 5 min sessions from which we obtained the value of the square root of the mean squared differences of successive beat-to-beat intervals (rMSSD). Game parameters of run and velocity were collected. Results: Twenty-seven players were monitored with a total of 121 observations. The rMSSD significantly related with the total distance covered (p = 0.036) and with the distance covered running at >15 km/h (p = 0.039) during soccer games. Conclusions: HRV was associated with competition performance in professional soccer players.
Background: Transcatheter ablation is the standasrd treatment for atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT). However, different techniques are available. Data about the use of irrigated flexible-tip catheters and three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping (3D EAM) for AVNRT ablation are scant. The aim of this study was to evaluate in long-term follow-up efficacy and safety of a novel approach for AVNRT treatment. Methods: This is a cohort single arm study with long-term follow-up. Patients with AVNRT were treated with catheter ablation by means of irrigated flexible-tip catheters combined with 3D EAM. Results: One-hundred-and-fifty patients were enrolled and followed-up for a median of 38 months (minimum 12, maximum 74). Acute procedural success rate was 96.7% (145/150 patients). During follow-up, 11 patients had arrhythmia recurrences (7.3%). No patient developed atrioventricular conduction block with need for pacemaker implantation (0%). Fourteen patients died during follow-up (9.3%). Conclusions: Acute procedural success and long-term follow-up show that AVNRT could be safely and effectively treated with irrigated flexible-tip catheters and 3D EAM.
Background: Several clinical, laboratory and instrumental prognostic indicators for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been found. Combining all the different predictors in a score would make easier and more accurate the risk assessment of COVID-19 patients. To this purpose, we examined a large number of COVID-19 patients. First, we identified the best predictors of in-hospital mortality at admission. Then, we calculated a score system to capture the contribution of the various prognostic indicators.Methods: Prospective multicenter study (ELCOVID) referring to central-northern Italy. This project is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04367129). COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital in the period May-September 2020 were enrolled. Clinical, laboratory and electrocardiographic (ECG) records were collected at admission. Patients were followed-up and in-hospital mortality constituted the primary endpoint. A risk scoring system to predict prognosis was derived by independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.Findings: A total of 1014 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Demographic, clinical, laboratories and ECG characteristics were collected. Median age was 74 (IQR 64-82) years, and most patients were male (61%). During a median follow-up of 12 (IQR 7-22) days, 359 (35%) patients died. Age (HR 2.25, 95%CIs 1.72-2.94, p < 0.001), delirium (HR 2.03, 95%CIs 2.14-3.61, p = 0.012), platelets count (HR 0.91, 95%CIs 0.83-0.98, p = 0.018), D-dimer (HR 1.18, 95%CIs 1.01-1.31, p = 0.002), S1Q3T3 pattern and/or RBBB (HR 1.47, 95%CIs 1.02-2.13, p = 0.039) and ECG signs of previous myocardial necrosis (HR 2.28, 95%CIs 1.23-4.21, p = 0.009) were independently associated to in-hospital mortality. The risk scoring system derived had a moderate discriminatory capability and good calibration. A score value ≥4 had a sensitivity of 78,4% and specificity of 65,2% to predict in-hospital mortality.Interpretation: This score system stratifies prognosis and may be important for the management of COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04367129).Funding Statement: None.Declaration of Interests: None declared.Ethics Approval Statement: ELCOVID is a prospective observational study approved by the local Ethics Committee and involves 15 hospitals in the Emilia Romagna and Lazio, two regions in northern and central Italy heavily affected by the pandemic.
Major arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in young and apparently healthy people are usually the first manifestation of cardiac channelopathies (CC). CC include long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Identification and proper management of these diseases is a challenge for the clinical cardiologists, which could benefit from collaboration with geneticists and other physicians due to relevant genetic, molecular, biologic and psychologic implications. Medical awareness of these issues is growing fast as clinical research provides continue update. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of CC. The genes associated with CC and their relative role are here illustrated and summarized.
Abstract Background Catheter ablation has become an established treatment option for premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). It is well known that the use of fluoroscopy exposes patients and medical staff to potentially harmful stochastic and deterministic effects of ionising radiations. We sought to analyse procedural outcomes in terms of safety and efficacy using a “zero” or “near zero” X rays approach for treatment of PVCs. Methods The present retrospective, multicentre, observational study included 131 patients having undergone catheter ablation of PVCs using zero or “near zero” (less than 2 minutes) fluoroscopy between 2016 and 2020 in 4 high-volume centres. Baseline characteristics of the population, acute success and complications derived from the procedure were evaluated, as well as recurrence rate during follow-up. Results Median age was 51.0 years old [38-63], males were 77 (58.8%). Most often cause of ablation were palpitations (90.0%), followed by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (4.6%) and pre-syncope (14.5%). Among the study population, 26 (19.8%) had a cardiopathy. The median PVC burden before ablation was 15.1% [6%-22.4%]. The most frequent PVC origin was right ventricular outflow tract (n=72; 55.0%) followed by the left ventricle (n=21; 16.0%), LVOT and cusps (n=18; 13.7%),aortomitral continuity (n=7; 5.3%). A 3D electro-anatomical mapping system was used in all cases as well as a contact force catheter for mapping and ablation. The mean maximum radiofrequency power applied was 32.9 ± 4.1 W (median time: 370 sec). Median number of applications was 4.5 and mean total procedural time was 117.3 ± 47.5 minutes. Median best prematurity was 31.5 msec. We used isoprenaline in order to induce PVCs in 42% of cases and suppression of PVC was achieved in 127 patients (96.9%). There was only 2 complication (femoral hematoma and arteriovenous fistula conservatively treated). At 12 months, a complete success was documented in 109 patients (83.2%), a reduction in PVC burden was achieved in other 18 patients (13.7%) and a failure was recorded in 4 patients (3.1%). Conclusion The PVC ablation with “zero” or “near-zero” fluoroscopy is a safe procedure with no major complications and good rates of success and recurrence in our multicentre experience.
High-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) is common in elderly patients and in patients with other cardiac comorbidities and represents the most frequent indication for permanent pacemaker implantation.1 Conventional cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), including pacemakers and defibrillators, are implanted transvenously in the right cardiac chambers, with 1 or more leads crossing the tricuspid valve to reach the right ventricle (RV).2
Background: This case report outlines the presentation of an emerging complication arising from left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP). Case summary: A 43-year-old male with no history of cardiac problems experienced recurrent episodes of syncope with no prodromal symptoms. During monitoring in the emergency department, the patient underwent an episode of asystole, leading to LBBAP implantation. The procedure encountered technical challenges, resulting in an interventricular septal hematoma and subsequent ventricular arrhythmias. Despite initial concerns, conservative management led to resolution, demonstrated through echocardiographic follow-ups. Discussion: This report underscores the significance of ventricular arrhythmias as indicators of interventricular septal hematoma, providing insights into its diagnosis, management, and implications for LBBAP procedures.
