F. Molin

Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Heart Rhythm Society 2016 Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Guidelines

Sudden cardiac death is a major public health issue in Canada. However, despite the overwhelming evidence to support the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in the prevention of cardiac death there remains significant variability in implantation rates across Canada. Since the most recent Canadian Cardiovascular Society position statement on ICD use in Canada in 2005, there has been a plethora of new scientific information to assist physicians in their discussions with patients considered for ICD implantation to prevent sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias. We have reviewed, critically appraised, and synthesized the pertinent evidence to develop recommendations regarding: (1) ICD implantation in the primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with and without ischemic heart disease; (2) when it is reasonable to withhold ICD implantation on the basis of comorbidities; (3) ICD implantation in patients listed for heart transplantation; (4) implantation of a single- vs dual-chamber ICD; (5) implantation of single- vs dual-coil ICD leads; (6) the role of subcutaneous ICDs; and (7) ICD implantation infection prevention strategies. We expect that this document, in combination with the companion article that addresses the implementation of these guidelines, will assist all medical professionals with the care of patients who have had or at risk of sudden cardiac death.

Detection of high incidence of Riata lead breaches by systematic postero-anterior and lateral chest X-ray in a large cohort

AIMS Insulation breaches with externalization of conductor cables have been described for St-Jude Medical Riata™ defibrillation leads. Published data on the incidence of Riata lead abnormalities are quite heterogeneous. The objective of this study was to estimate systematically the prevalence of lead abnormalities using a postero-anterior (PA) and lateral chest X-ray (CXR). METHODS AND RESULTS From 2002 to 2008, 552 Riata defibrillation leads were implanted at our centre. We evaluated patients for potential insulation breaches. A PA and lateral CXR was obtained. Chest X-rays were reviewed by two electrophysiologists using a zooming function with magnification up to factor 7.5 and were classified as normal or abnormal for the presence of conductor externalization. A total of 284 patients were included. Riata lead models were 1570, 1580, 1582, 1590, 1592, 7000, 7002, and 7022. The total frequency of radiological lead defects was 24.3%. Insulation breaches occurred at zones of major lead curvature. Mean maximal spacing between extruding lead components was 3.6 ± 1.9 mm (range 2.0-12.4). Abnormal CXRs were more frequent in 8F leads (31.4% vs. 6.3%; P < 0.001). Most defects occurred with lead models 1582 (41.2%) and 1580 (31.4%). Mean time since implantation was longer in abnormal leads (6.7 vs. 5.9 years; P < 0.001). Abnormal leads had higher pacing thresholds (1.1 ± 0.8 V vs. 0.9 ± 0.4 V; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION The incidence of insulation breach in Riata leads is much higher than quoted by the manufacturer or reported by most of the literature. A PA and lateral CXR with zooming appears adequate to identify lead breaches when reviewed by an electrophysiologist. Riata lead breaches without electrical abnormalities present a management dilemma and will require further studies.

The Brugada syndrome in Canada: A unique French-Canadian experience

UNLABELLED The Brugada syndrome (BS) is a clinical entity involving cardiac sodium channelopathy, typical electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and predisposition to ventricular arrhythmia. This syndrome is mainly recognized by specialized cardiologists and electrophysiologists. Data regarding BS largely come from multicentre registries or Asian countries. The present report describes the Quebec Heart Institute experience, including the clinical characteristics and prognosis of native French-Canadian subjects with the Brugada-type ECG pattern. METHODS AND RESULTS BS has been diagnosed in 35 patients (mean age 51 +/- 12 years) at the Quebec Heart Institute since 2001. Patients were referred from primary care physicians for ECG abnormalities, syncope or ventricular arrhythmia, or were diagnosed incidentally on an ECG obtained for other purposes. The abnormal ECG was recognized after a syncopal spell in four patients and during family screening in four patients. All of the others were incidental findings following a routine ECG. No patient had a family history of sudden cardiac death at younger than 45 years of age. In this population, right bundle branch block pattern with more than 2 mm ST segment elevation in leads V1 to V3 was recorded spontaneously in 25 patients and was induced by sodium blockers in 10 patients. The sodium channel blocker test was performed in 21 patients and was positive in 18 patients (86%). An electrophysiological study was performed in 20 of 35 patients, during which ventricular fibrillation was induced in five patients; three of the five patients were previously asymptomatic. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted in six of 35 patients (17%), including three of four patients with a history of syncope. A loop recorder was implanted in three patients. After a mean follow-up of 36 +/- 18 months, one patient died from a noncardiac cause and one patient (with a history of syncope) received an appropriate shock from his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. No event occurred in the asymptomatic population. CONCLUSIONS BS is present in the French-Canadian population and is probably under-recognized. Long-term prognosis of individuals with BS, especially in sporadic, asymptomatic cases, needs to be clarified.

Usefulness of Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Isolation of Pulmonary Veins in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

Background: New imaging strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation should enhance the safety of this technique. The role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in this setting has not been prospectively evaluated.

Extra-anatomic Course of a Right Ventricular Pacing Lead: Clinical Implications

Extra-anatomic Course of a Right Ventricular Pacing Lead: Clinical Implications Pierre-Louis Nadeau, MD, Jean Champagne, MD, Franck Molin, MD, Jean-Francois Sarrazin, MD, Gilles O’Hara, MD, Isabelle Nault, MD, Louis Blier, MD, Eric Charbonneau, MD, Fr ed eric Jacques, MD, and Francois Philippon, MD Electrophysiology Division, Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Qu ebec, Laval University, Qu ebec City, Qu ebec, Canada Cardiac Surgery Division, Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Qu ebec, Laval University, Qu ebec City, Qu ebec, Canada