• Issue

    Journal of Arrhythmia: Volume 37, Issue 3

    i-iii, 475-708
    June 2021

ISSUE INFORMATION

Open Access

Issue Information

  • Pages: i-iii
  • First Published: 16 June 2021

REVIEWER'S LIST

CLINICAL REVIEWS

Open Access

Ablation therapy for ventricular arrhythmias in patients with LVAD: Multiple faces of an electrophysiological challenge

  • Pages: 535-543
  • First Published: 05 May 2021
Ablation therapy for ventricular arrhythmias in patients with LVAD: Multiple faces of an electrophysiological challenge

Ventricular arrythmias have a significant prognostic impact in patients with LVAD. Catheter ablation in patients with LVAD is a feasible option when first line therapy fails. Mapping can be challenging due to mechanical and electromagnetic limitations. Complications can be reduced through a careful pre-procedural planning.

Open Access

ST-segment elevation during arrhythmia ablations—A review

  • Pages: 544-549
  • First Published: 17 March 2021
ST-segment elevation during arrhythmia ablations—A review

In this review, we have performed a literature search and attempt to provide the readership with a comprehensive overview of ST segment elevation during ablations and its mechanism and guidance for physicians on what to do when faced with such situations.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Open Access

Impact of image integration on clinical and procedural outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  • Pages: 550-555
  • First Published: 26 January 2021
Impact of image integration on clinical and procedural outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials showed that integration of preprocedural CT or MRI images with real-time electroanatomic maps to guide pulmonary vein isolation does not improve clinical and procedural outcomes.

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Open Access

Optimized lesion size index (o-LSI): A novel predictor for sufficient ablation of pulmonary vein isolation

  • Pages: 558-565
  • First Published: 07 April 2021
Optimized lesion size index (o-LSI): A novel predictor for sufficient ablation of pulmonary vein isolation

To achieve first-pass pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and to avoid the acute pulmonary vein reconnections is sometimes difficult even with the lesion size index (LSI)-guided radiofrequency ablation. We focused on the relationship between the optimized -LSI (o-LSI) (LSI/bipolar voltage within the PV-encircling lines, which were defined by the Advisor™ HD Grid catheter) and the sufficient ablation sites and found that was strongly associated with acute PV reconnection. The o-LSI may potentially be novel strategies for durable PVI.

Open Access

Change in the local impedance and electrograms recorded by a micro-electrode tip catheter during initial atrial fibrillation ablation

  • Pages: 566-573
  • First Published: 07 April 2021
Change in the local impedance and electrograms recorded by a micro-electrode tip catheter during initial atrial fibrillation ablation

Utility of the novel measurement of the local impedance during initial atrial fibrillation ablation was investigated. The local impedance drop during radiofrequency applications was higher than the generator impedance drop, both of which were positively correlated.

Open Access

Incidence, electrophysiological characteristics, and long-term follow-up of perimitral atrial flutter in patients with previously confirmed mitral isthmus block

  • Pages: 584-596
  • First Published: 12 May 2021
Incidence, electrophysiological characteristics, and long-term follow-up of perimitral atrial flutter in patients with previously confirmed mitral isthmus block

This is a retrospective clinical study comprising 72 patients who underwent mitral isthmus (MI) ablation either as part of an atrial fibrillation ablation strategy, or to treat reentrant AT. The MI block was acutely achieved in 69/72 patients. However, five patients, despite showing MI block based on conventional pacing maneuvers, developed perimitral atrial flutter through a gap in previous ablation lesions with extremely low impulse conduction velocity as shown by high density mapping.

Open Access

Impact of right atrial structural remodeling on recurrence after ablation for atrial fibrillation

  • Pages: 597-606
  • First Published: 06 May 2021
Impact of right atrial structural remodeling on recurrence after ablation for atrial fibrillation

A greater incidence of recurrence was observed in the presence of RA structural remodeling regardless of the AF type. RA structural remodeling was a useful predictor of clinical outcomes after PVI.

Open Access

Impact of bisoprolol transdermal patch on early recurrence during the blanking period after atrial fibrillation ablation

  • Pages: 607-615
  • First Published: 04 May 2021
Impact of bisoprolol transdermal patch on early recurrence during the blanking period after atrial fibrillation ablation

The patients who were administered bisoprolol transdermal patches (BTPs) immediately after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation showed significant reductions in the incidence of early recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (ERAAs) compared with the patients who were not administered BTPs. The efficacy of BTPs at preventing ERAAs was confirmed not only immediately after ablation, but also during the short period after AF ablation.

Open Access

Electronic monitoring of adherence to once-daily and twice-daily direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: Baseline data from the SMAAP-AF trial

  • Pages: 616-625
  • First Published: 30 March 2021
Electronic monitoring of adherence to once-daily and twice-daily direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: Baseline data from the SMAAP-AF trial

Electronic monitoring demonstrated that the proportions of NVAF patients with ≥80% adherence did not differ between those taking DOACs once or twice daily in either the full analysis set (FAS) or per-protocol set (PSS). However, the group taking apixaban twice daily had a lower proportion of patients with ≥90% adherence than the group taking edoxaban once daily.

Open Access

Efficacy and safety of the second-generation cryoballoon ablation for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation in elderly patients

  • Pages: 626-634
  • First Published: 26 March 2021
Efficacy and safety of the second-generation cryoballoon ablation for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation in elderly patients

The mid-term success rate of pulmonary vein isolation by means of second-generation cryoballoon in persistent atrial fibrillation is significantly lower in older patients (>75 years) compared with the younger cohort. There is no difference in the complication rate of pulmonary vein isolation by means of second-generation cryoballoon of between younger and older patients.

Open Access

Postimplantation pocket hematoma increases risk of cardiac implantable electronic device infection: A meta-analysis

  • Pages: 635-644
  • First Published: 13 March 2021
Postimplantation pocket hematoma increases risk of cardiac implantable electronic device infection: A meta-analysis

Our meta-analysis included 14 studies, involving 28 319 participants. We demonstrated that postimplantation pocket hematoma significantly increases overall risk of infection (OR = 6.30, 95% CI: 3.87-10.24, I2 = 49.3%).

Open Access

Predictors of lead break during transvenous lead extraction

  • Pages: 645-652
  • First Published: 15 March 2021
Predictors of lead break during transvenous lead extraction

The extraction of cardiac implantable electronic device leads due to infections, malfunctions, and recalls is common, and can lead to complications such as lead break resulting in incomplete lead removal and cardiac tamponade. We found that older lead age, co-radial leads, passive leads, and non-polyurethane leads were independent predictors of lead break during extraction. These findings will guide clinicians to make appropriate choices of procedure and take greater care when these risk factors are present.

Open Access

Long-term cardiac reverse remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy

  • Pages: 653-659
  • First Published: 21 March 2021
Long-term cardiac reverse remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy

It is a real-world registry to evaluate the long-term effect of CRT on LV reverse remodeling assessed by repeat LV structural and functional measurements. Left ventricular reverse remodeling is maintained after the first year of CRT implantation throughout the entire follow-up in a real-world registry. Repeat measurements of LVEF improve the risk of individual mortality after adjusting by age and sex during long-term follow-up compared with a only measurement of LVEF after CRT.

CLINICAL REVIEW

Open Access

Cardiac implantable devices during exercise: Normal function and troubleshooting

  • Pages: 660-668
  • First Published: 22 March 2021
Cardiac implantable devices during exercise: Normal function and troubleshooting

Normal function and the most common problems that occur during pacemaker operation while performing physical exercise are discussed

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Open Access

Impact of bedrest on cardiovascular events and complications associated with temporary pacemakers in patients waiting for permanent pacemaker implantation

  • Pages: 669-675
  • First Published: 30 March 2021
Impact of bedrest on cardiovascular events and complications associated with temporary pacemakers in patients waiting for permanent pacemaker implantation

Bedrest might not prevent cardiovascular events or device complications in patients with a temporary pacemaker for bradyarrhythmias during the waiting period for permanent pacemaker implantation.

Open Access

Individualized left anterior oblique projection based on pigtail catheter visualization facilitates leadless pacemaker implantation

  • Pages: 676-682
  • First Published: 05 May 2021
Individualized left anterior oblique projection based on pigtail catheter visualization facilitates leadless pacemaker implantation

In our study, we used a pigtail catheter to orient radiographic angle during leadless pacemaker implantation such that the interventricular septum would be on edge in the LAO projection. Employing this angle made it very easy for even our cardiology fellows in training to implant leadless pacemakers at the optimal site on the septum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a right ventricular pigtail catheter has ever been used in this manner, and we feel that both physicians and patients would benefit from this simple maneuver, which we found to be safe and effective.

Open Access

High accessory pathway conductivity blocks antegrade conduction in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: A simulation study

  • Pages: 683-689
  • First Published: 24 March 2021
High accessory pathway conductivity blocks antegrade conduction in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: A simulation study

We performed computer simulations of antegrade accessory pathway (AP) conduction using a simplied wall model. We found that high AP conductivity blocked antegrade conduction. This finding suggests the involvement of an electrotonic effect.

CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA SPOT LIGHT

Open Access

An unexpected cause of sudden cardiac arrest in a young swimmer

  • Pages: 690-692
  • First Published: 27 March 2021
An unexpected cause of sudden cardiac arrest in a young swimmer

Sudden cardiac arrest is uncommon among young adults. Inherited cardiomyopathies and channelopathies are the most frequently identified cardiac etiologies. However, assessment of coronary artery anatomy is mandatory in order to rule out coronary artery anomalies.

Open Access

A sudden rise in pacing threshold of left ventricular lead associated with myocardial ischemia

  • Pages: 693-695
  • First Published: 03 April 2021
A sudden rise in pacing threshold of left ventricular lead associated with myocardial ischemia

We report for the first time a sudden rise in the pacing threshold of the left ventricular lead due to myocardial ischemia after cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator implantation, and its recovery to the baseline after the revascularization.

Open Access

Atrial flutter mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction

  • Pages: 696-697
  • First Published: 06 May 2021
Atrial flutter mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction

A 12 lead electrocardiogram provides an important diagnostic tool for atrial flutter recognition. However, rarely, atrial flutter waves can cause diagnostic challenges by producing ST segment abnormalities mimicking ST segment elevation and result in unnecessary workup and treatment.

Open Access

Exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia in coronary cameral fistula: A manifestation of reperfusion injury

  • Pages: 698-700
  • First Published: 06 May 2021
Exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia in coronary cameral fistula: A manifestation of reperfusion injury

Presentation, Investigation and Management of Coronary fistula and its arrhythmic complications.

ECG FOR STUDENTS & ASSOC. PROFESSIONALS

Open Access

Dual atrio ventricular node in heterotaxy syndrome

  • Pages: 701-702
  • First Published: 08 April 2021
Dual atrio ventricular node in heterotaxy syndrome

Our interesting electrocardiogram has two qRS morphology without features of preexcitation suggesting two atrio ventricular node conduction system. All cardiologists should be aware of this feature in heterotaxy syndrome as reentrant supraventricular tachycardia may develop in these patients.

RAPID COMMUNICATION

Open Access

Real-time echocardiographic guidance for confirming septal placement of right ventricular leads: A pilot study

  • Pages: 703-708
  • First Published: 06 May 2021
Real-time echocardiographic guidance for confirming septal placement of right ventricular leads: A pilot study

Pilot study evaluating the feasibility and impact of real-time transthoracic echocardiogram during cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) right ventricular lead placement.