Benefit of primary and secondary prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator in elderly patients.

Background: The benefit of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in elderly patients has been questioned. In the present study, we aimed to analyse the outcome of patients of different age groups with ICD implantation.

Methods: We included all patients who received an ICD in our hospital from 2011 to 2020.

P-wave parameters and their association with thrombi and spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrial appendage.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of abnormal P-wave parameters in patients with thrombus and/or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the left atrial appendage (LAA), and to identify P-wave parameters particularly associated with thrombus and SEC formation.

Hypothesis: We presume a significant relationship of P-wave parameters with thrombi and SEC.

Methods: All patients in whom a thrombus or SEC was detected in the LAA on transoesophageal echocardiography were included in this study.

Rate of atrial fibrillation and flutter induced tachycardiomyopathy in a cohort of hospitalized patients with heart failure and detection of indicators for improved diagnosis.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) induced tachycardiomyopathy (TCM) has been known to cause reversible heart failure (HF) for many years. However, the prevalence of the disease is unknown, and diagnosis is challenging. Therefore, the aim of the present study was (1) to assess the rate of AF/AFL induced TCM and (2) to identify indicators for diagnosis.

Predictors for the detection of arrhythmia requiring pacemaker/ICD implantation-Results from a loop recorder study.

Background: There are few large studies on which factors are associated with the occurrence of arrhythmias. Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are useful in detecting arrhythmia due to prolonged and continuous ECG monitoring. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify and evaluate clinical characteristics and ECG parameters for predicting arrhythmias requiring pacemaker/ICD implantation by analyzing a study cohort with ILR.

Short- and long-term outcome of patients with spontaneous echo contrast or thrombus in the left atrial appendage in the era of the direct acting anticoagulants.

Background: Thrombi and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the left atrial appendage (LAA) are associated with thromboembolic events and poor prognosis. There are very few data on long-term outcome, especially with the use of direct acting anticoagulants (DOAC).

Methods: In this retrospective study, all transoesophageal echocardiographies performed at a tertiary care university hospital from 2015 to 2020 were analyzed.

Impact of P-wave indices in prediction of atrial fibrillation-Insight from loop recorder analysis.

Background: Several P-wave indices are associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, previous studies have been limited in their ability to reliably diagnose episodes of AF. Implantable loop recorders allow long-term, continuous, and therefore more reliable detection of AF.

Risk stratification in patients undergoing interventional left atrial appendage occlusion-Prognostic impact of EuroSCORE II.

Background: Interventional closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an alternative option to stroke prophylaxis, particularly in multimorbid patients with a high risk of bleeding under oral anticoagulation. Due to the multiple comorbidities, the prognosis of patients is reduced, and the clinical benefit of the procedure is therefore questionable in the individual patient.

Hypothesis: The present study aims to identify independent preprocedural risk factors to improve risk stratification in these highly selected patients.