Agnieszka Piątkowska

Does a blanking period after pulmonary vein isolation impact long-term results? Results after 55 months of follow-up.

BACKGROUND The aims of the study are 1) to assess antiarrhythmic prophylaxis efficacy during the first 2 months after radiofrequency ablation (ARF) due to AF; 2) to define risk factors for early AF recurrence (EAFR) after ARF; 3) to determine the long-term follow-up results and risk factors for late AF recurrence (LAFR). METHODS A total number of 210 consecutive patients who had undergone ARF due to AF were analyzed. Patients were randomized into three groups: Group 1 (G1), without any anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD); Group 2 (G2), with amiodarone or sotalol; Group 3 (G3), with last ineffective AAD. The study was designed to analyze two periods: short-term observation, the first 2 months after ARF; and at least 2 years of long-term follow-up. RESULTS After 2 months, clinical data were collected from 171 patients (123 males, mean age of 50.3 years; persistent AF in 19.8%; lone AF in 36.6%). Sinus rhythm (SR) was maintained in 84 (49.1%) patients; 35 (20.4%) patients presented with a single episode of AF, 39 (23%) patients experienced a reduction in number of AF episodes, and 13 (7.5%) patients showed no improvement. No predisposing factor for early recurrence was found. After a mean follow-up of 55 months, clinical data were collected in 137 patients, of which 47 (34%) maintained SR. Those more likely to sustain SR were: males (82.9% vs. 62.2%; p = 0.018), younger patients (44.8 ± 12.7 vs. 52.5 ± 9.9; p = 0.0001), patients with smaller left atrium diameter (4.05 ± ± 0.49 cm vs. 4.25 ± 0.51 cm; p = 0.04), and those without any AF recurrence during the first 2 months after ARF (78.7% vs. 35.6%; p < 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, the independent risk factors for LAFR were hypertension (p < 0.001) and persistent AF (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Antiarrhythmic prophylaxis does not affect the number of AF recurrences during the first 2 months after ablation. SR maintenance during a blanking period after AF ablation is a positive prognostic factor in long-term follow-up. Persistent AF and hypertension are independent risk factors for late AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation.

Early hemodynamic response to the tilt test in patients with syncope.

Introduction Our aim was to evaluate the differences in the early hemodynamic response to the tilt test (HUTT) in patients with and without syncope using impedance cardiography (ICG). Material and methods One hundred twenty-six patients (72 female/48 male; 37 ±17 years) were divided into a group with syncope (HUTT(+), n = 45 patients) and a group without syncope (HUTT(–), n = 81 patients). ECG and ICG signals were continuously recorded during the whole examination, allowing the calculation of heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO) for every beat. The hemodynamic parameters (averaged over 1 min) were analyzed at the following points of the HUTT: the last minute of resting, the period immediately after the tilt (0 min), 1 min and 5 min after the maneuver. The absolute changes of HR, SV and CO were calculated for 0, 1, and 5 min after the maneuver in relation to the values at rest (ΔHR, ΔSV, ΔCO). Also, the percentage changes were calculated (HRi, SVi, COi). Results There were no differences between the groups in absolute and percentage changes of hemodynamic parameters immediately after and 1 min after tilting. Significant differences between the HUTT(+) and HUTT(–) groups were observed in the 5th min of tilting: for ΔSV (–27.2 ±21.2 ml vs. –9.7 ±27.2 ml; p = 0.03), ΔCO (–1.78 ±1.62 l/min vs. –0.34 ±2.48 l/min; p = 0.032), COi (–30 ±28% vs. –0.2 ±58%; p = 0.034). Conclusions In the 5th min the decrease of hemodynamic parameters (ΔSV, ΔCO, COi) was significantly more pronounced in HUTT(+) patients in comparison to the HUTT(–) group.

Electrophysiological features in patients with sinus node dysfunction and vasovagal syncope

Introduction Syncope is a common presentation of sinus node dysfunction (SND). Some patients who receive a permanent pacemaker due to SND do not benefit from it and further diagnostic workup leads to the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope (VVS). The aim of the study was to identify electrophysiological criteria that can be used for identification of patients with SND and concurrent VVS. Material and methods Transoesophageal atrial pacing (TAP) was performed in 100 patients divided into four groups depending on symptoms and TAP results. Standard electrophysiological parameters of sinus node function and their variability were obtained in the basal state and after pharmacological autonomic blockade (AB). Results Patients with concurrent SND and VVS had a greater variability of sinoatrial conduction time assessed by Strauss’ method than patients without incidents of syncope (83.2 ±53.9 vs. 34.1 ±19.6, 47.8 ±33.6 and 32.1 ±22.99). Apart from abnormal sinus node recovery time and second pause, patients with SND had bigger basal state variability of these parameters. In patients with SND and concurrent vasovagal syncope the variability of sinus node recovery time (SNRT), corrected SNRT (cSNRT) and second pause (IIP) decreased after autonomic blockade. Conclusions Patients with concurrent SND and VVS have distinct electrophysiological features – greater sinoatrial conduction time (SACT) variability and the decrease of SNRT, cSNRT and IIP variability after AB. However, further studies in larger study groups are needed to validate our findings. Transoesophageal atrial pacing is a useful procedure in patients with syncope, especially when the coexistence of more than one cardiac cause is suspected.

Antazoline for termination of atrial fibrillation during the procedure of pulmonary veins isolation

PURPOSE Pulmonary vein isolation is a well established method of definite treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Periprocedural onset of AF usually terminates spontaneously within minutes, but not in all cases. Antazoline is an antihistaminic agent with antiarrhythmic properties. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of antazoline in termination of AF in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive 141 patients who received antazoline to terminate AF during pulmonary vein isolation were analyzed. The antazoline was administered at the rate of 30-50mg/min (max. 500mg) after the circumferential ablation in the ostia of pulmonary veins and before confirmation of isolation. Success was defined as restoration of sinus rhythm within 20min after antazoline infusion. RESULTS The efficacy of antazoline was 83.6% in paroxysmal and 31.1% in persistent AF patients. Clinical variables that were independently predictive of antazoline ineffectiveness were female (odds ratio [OR]: 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-14.3; p=0.018) and AF at the beginning of procedure (OR 28.4; 95% CI 3.89-208.0; p=0.001). Due to antazoline related side effects infusion was discontinued in 7 patients (5%). CONCLUSIONS Antazoline seems to be safe agent in termination of AF in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation. We also observed satisfying efficacy, which needs to be proved in a randomized clinical trial.

The Choice of Surgical Specialization by Medical Students and Their Syncopal History

Background The aim of the study was to assess whether medical students’ fainting outside the university or while witnessing surgical procedures and/or autopsies influenced their choice of a specialization. Materials and Methods The study group consisted of 605 medical students (from fourth to sixth year of study) from five medical universities in Poland (325 women, 212 men and 8 responders of an unspecified gender). The median age of subjects studied was 23 years, and the interquartile range was 23–24 years. The students at each university were chosen randomly by the author who worked there and had contact with them. An anonymous questionnaire was developed to gather information regarding demographics, the specialization which each student wanted to choose, the syncope occurrence in the medical history, the syncope and presyncope occurrence during surgery and autopsy as well as the syncopal events’ characteristics. Results The group of 15% of women and 30% of men declared to have pursued the surgical specialization (P<0.001), 29% of women and 56% of men declared the intention to pursue an invasive specialization (P<0.001). As many as 36.0% of women studied and 13.1% of men studied reported syncopal spells outside university (P<0.001). Only 41 students (6.8%) reported that syncope or presyncope in any studied circumstances had an impact on their specialization choice. The multivariate analysis showed that the choice of surgical specialization is related to the male gender and the absence of syncopal spells outside the university. Conclusions Syncopal and presyncopal spells may affect the professional choices of the medical students. The male gender and a lack of syncope occurrence outside operating room are related to the choice of surgical specialization.

Radiofrequency ablation without the use of fluoroscopy – in what kind of patients is it feasible?

Introduction The aim of the study was to describe the experience in performing ablation without fluoroscopy. Material and methods From 575 ablation procedures with CARTO performed in the period 2003–2008, 108 (42 M; age 40 ±16 years) were done without fluoroscopy. One patient had ablation using the Localisa system. There was one man with thrombocytopenia and two pregnant women. Results Right ventricular (RV) outflow tract arrhythmias and other RV arrhythmias were noted in 38 patients (35%) and 17 patients (15%), respectively. There were 5 (4.6%) left ventricular (LV) outflow tract arrhythmias and 19 (17.5%) other LV tachycardias; right accessory pathways in 17 patients (20%), in the middle cardiac vein in 1, Mahaim fibres in 1, and 3 cases of permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardias. One patient with CRT had AV node ablation (Localisa). In 3 patients there were also other arrhythmias treated: slow AV nodal pathway, typical flutter isthmus and right atrial tachycardia. In 2004, 1/96 CARTO procedures was done without fluoroscopy, in 2006 2/97, in 2007 19 (2 in LV) of 93, in 2008 87 (22 in LV) of 204. The percentage of ablations without fluoroscopy in every hundred CARTO procedures was: 1%, 1%, 8%, 23%, 46%, 28% (mean 18%). There were no procedure-related complications. Conclusions It is feasible to perform ablations within both right and left sides of the heart without fluoroscopy. The number and type of non-fluoroscopic procedures depends on the operators experience. Pregnant patients, with malignant history or with hematologic diseases should be ablated without fluoroscopy in centres that specialise in these kinds of procedures.

Catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy without fluoroscopy: A case control retrospective study

BACKGROUND Cardiac arrhythmias are common in pregnant women. In most cases, they do not require treatment other than rest, electrolyte supplementation and avoidance of strong coffee and tea. Persistent arrhythmia or the ventricular rate running at a high frequency may cause hemodynamic deterioration in the fetus or in both the fetus and the mother. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of arrhythmias in pregnant women who qualified for ablation as well as the feasibility and specific features of these interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 11 pregnant women (16-32 Hbd) aged 31 + 6. The control group consisted of 111 women aged 15-50 years (34 + 10), scheduled for ablation in 2012. The medical records of the selected study and control groups were analyzed and the following data was retrieved: age, the reason the ablation procedure was performed, the ablation duration, the number of radiofrequency applications, the total duration of radiofrequency applications, gravity, and comorbidities. RESULTS In the study group, accessory pathway related arrhythmias or atrial tachycardia (AT) accounted for 62% of cases, whereas in the control group for 32% (p = 0.042). All the procedures in the study group were performed with an electroanatomical system without fluoroscopy. All of the patients, but one, had no recurrence of arrhythmia. There were no complications and no overt effects were noted in the fetus. CONCLUSIONS Ablation of arrhythmias during pregnancy is rare. An experienced surgeon using electroanatomical system is usually able to ablate arrhythmic substrate without the use of X-ray fluoroscopy. The most prevalent causes of arrhythmias in pregnant women requiring ablation are accessory pathway and AT focus.

The presence of pacing artifacts may impede diagnosis of ventricular fibrillation during cardiac arrest.

The aim of the study was to assess the ability to recognize ventricular fibrillation (VF) concomitant with pacing artifacts presented either alone or with clinical scenario indicating the cardiac arrest in a patient with implanted pacemaker by members of the medical emergency team.

The complexity of hemodynamic response to the tilt test with and without nitroglycerine provocation in patients with vasovagal syncope

The paper presents a comparison of vasovagal syndrome occurrence in a head up tilt table test between patients with a positive result of passive tilt test and those with a positive result after pharmacological provocation. The study group consisted of 80 patients: 57 patients who experienced syncope in the passive phase of the test (43 women (aged: 35.6 ± 16.2) and 14 men (aged: 41.7 ± 15.6) and 23 patients who experienced syncope after pharmacological provocation (17 women (age: 32.3 ± 12) and 6 men (age: 43 ± 15). The main investigation was based on the assessment of monitored signals complexity: heart rate, blood pressure and stroke volume. The analysis of complexity in chosen measurement phases was performed with Sample Entropy. The investigation showed that the reactions of autonomic nervous system during tilt test and before syncope are similar for positive result of passive tilt test and positive result of tilt test with provocation. The differences in supine position occurred only in analysis based on impedance measurement (SV: p = 0.01). Significant differences were denoted for all signals just before the syncope (RRI, sBP, dBP: p = 0,00001 and SV: p = 0.01). In analysis of signals complexity the significant differences occurred just before the syncope for Sample Entropy of blood pressure (SampEn (sBP): p = 0.0008, SampEn (dBP): p = 0,0001).

Safety and efficacy of cryoablation without the use of fluoroscopy

BACKGROUND Development of electroanatomical systems make it possible to perform ablations without the use of fluoroscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cryoablation pro-cedures without the use of fluoroscopy. METHODS The study group consisted of 45 patients (14 female; age 36 ± 15 years) treated with cry-oablation using the EnSite electroanatomical system: 10 with ventricular extrasystoly from the right ventricle, 6 with the arrhythmogenic site near the left coronary artery, 17 patients with Wolff-Parkinson- -White syndrome (WPW), 2 patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) type 2, 7 patients with AVNRT type 1, 3 patients with atrial tachycardia. RESULTS In 38 of the 45 patients (84%) cryoablation procedure was performed without the use of fluoroscopy. Cryoablation efficacy was 78.9%. In 5 patients unsuccessful cryoablation was fallowed by radiofrequency applications. Finally, efficacy reached 92.1%. There were no deaths. In 1 patient a small adverse event - right bundle branch block was observed after ablation of para-Hisian accessory path-way. No other adverse events were observed. In the long term follow-up efficacy was 89.5%. CONCLUSIONS Cryoablation using electroanatomical system without the use of fluoroscopy is a safe and efficient procedure and it is a possible alternative in most patients qualified for cryoablation.