The usefulness of echo-based hemodynamic parameters in cardiac resynchronization therapy with conduction system pacing for optimal device programing.

Background: His bundle pacing (HBP) has proved to be a valuable alternative enabling the physiological activation of cardiac contraction in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). At present, however, little is known about the optimal method of programming of the His bundle-paced CRT systems in terms of achieving the best cardiac output.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy with conduction system pacing (CRT+CSP) on echo-based hemodynamic parameters in the early post-operative measurements.

Employment of the Evolution RL sheath as a first-choice device shortens transvenous lead extraction time without affecting procedural safety and efficacy compared to its auxiliary use: Insights from the prospective multicenter EVO registry.

Background: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is recommended in cases of local and systemic infections related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Additionally, TLE is indicated in the event of lead damage or CIED malfunction. The extraction procedure is associated with a risk of life-threatening complications.

Mechanical extraction of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads with a dwell time of more than 10 years: insights from a single high-volume centre.

Aims: To analyze and compare the effectiveness and safety of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads with a dwell time of >10 years (Group A) vs. younger leads (Group B) using mechanical extraction systems.

Methods And Results: Between October 2011 and July 2022, we performed TLE in 318 patients.

To what extent does prior antimicrobial therapy affect the diagnostic performance of radiolabeled leukocyte scintigraphy in infective endocarditis?

Aims: This prospective, single-center study sought to assess to what extent there is interference between the hybrid technique of single-photon emission tomography-computed tomography with technetium99m-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime-labeled leukocytes (99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT/CT) and antimicrobial therapy in patients with infective endocarditis (IE).

Methods And Results: During the years 2015-2019, we enrolled 205 consecutive adults with suspected IE, all underwent 99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT/CT. The study population was divided into those who had received antimicrobial therapy up to 30 days prior to 99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT/CT (group 1, n = 96) and those who had not (group 2, n = 109).

Transvenous Lead Extraction in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Device: The Impact of Systemic and Local Infection on Clinical Outcomes-An ESC-EHRA ELECTRa (European Lead Extraction Controlled) Registry Substudy.

Background: Infections of cardiac implantable devices (CIEDI) have poor outcomes despite improvement in lead extraction (TLE) procedures. Methods: To explore the influence of CIEDI on the outcomes of TLE and the differences between patients with systemic (Sy) vs. local (Lo) CIEDI, we performed a sub-analysis of the EORP ELECTRa (European Lead Extraction ConTRolled) Registry.

The electrocardiographic interpretation of ventricular pacing suppression algorithms in the pacemaker.

Algorithms designed to reduce the right ventricular (RV) pacing burden are widely available in modern dual-chamber implantable pacing devices. These algorithms allow the atrioventricular delay for sensed ventricular events to be longer than for ventricular paced events. However, since these features are unique to pacemaker manufacturers, they often produce unfamiliar electrocardiographic (ECG) appearances that suggest pacemaker dysfunction.

Thoracic impedance measurement in heart stimulation and cardiac arrhythmias.

The electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is often a puzzling problem. The difficulty of the device function evaluation further increases in the presence of unfamiliar timing cycles and additional functions. We present an interesting ECG with a special function of a Biotronik ICD devices called the thoracic impedance monitoring, and demonstrate its behavior in a patient with atrial fibrillation, pacing beats, ventricular ectopic beats, and couple of ventricular beats.

The Prognostic Value of mTc-HMPAO-Labeled Leucocyte SPECT/CT in Cardiac Device-Related Infective Endocarditis.

Objectives: This was a prospective, single-center study designed to assess the prognostic value of the hybrid technique of single photon emission tomography and computed tomography with the application of technetiumm-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime-labelled autologous leukocytes (mTc-HMPAO-SPECT/CT) in patients with cardiac device-related infective endocarditis (CDRIE).

Background: CDRIE entails the risk of complications and an increase in mortality rates, both in-hospital and long-term. The prognostic value of mTc-HMPAO-SPECT/CT in the course of CDRIE has not been evaluated so far.

Indications for transvenous lead extraction and its procedural and early outcomes in elderly patients: a single-center experience.

Introduction: Due to the prolonged survival of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, leads often need to be removed in elderly individuals.

Objectives: We aimed to analyze indications for transvenous lead extraction (TLE), procedure effectiveness and safety, as well as 30‑day follow‑up in younger patients (≤80 years) and octogenarians (>80 years).

Patients And Methods: This prospective study included 667 patients who underwent TLE: 90 octogenarians (13.

The role of 99mTc-HMPAO-labelled white blood cell scintigraphy in the diagnosis of cardiac device-related infective endocarditis.

Aims: The hybrid technique of single-photon emission tomography and computed tomography with technetium99m-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime-labelled leucocytes (99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT/CT) is an emerging diagnostic technique in patients with cardiac device-related infective endocarditis (CDRIE). This prospective study assessed the 99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT/CT diagnostic profile and its added value to the modified Duke criteria (mDuke) in CDRIE diagnostic work-up.

Methods And Results: The study examined 103 consecutive patients with suspected CDRIE, who underwent 99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT/CT.

Permanent atrial fibrillation in patients with a dual‑chamber pacemaker.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is thought to be a progressive arrhythmia. The impact of sex and position of right ventricular lead is not well recognized. Whilst nonparoxysmal AF compared with paroxysmal AF has been associated with increased mortality in the general population, its prognostic significance nin patients with a dual‑chamber (DDD) pacemaker is less clear.

Transvenous extraction of 3-year-old Seldinger guide wire lost in venous system and causing superior vena cava syndrome - rare complication of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.

A 65-year-old male patient underwent left-sided placement of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. At three years after implantation he emerged complaining on left upper limb and left-sided neck edema. Left brachicephalic vein thrombosis due to device leads was recognized.

Inflammatory markers in the diagnostic workup of pacemaker- and defibrillator‑related infections in patients referred for transvenous lead extraction.

Background: Infectious complications can be life‑threatening in patients with permanent transvenous pacemakers and their diagnosis can be challenging.

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic utility of white blood cell (WBC) count and C‑reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in infectious complications in patients with cardiac pacemakers.

Methods: The prospective study included patients who underwent transvenous lead extraction (TLE) due to various indications.

Effectiveness and safety of transvenous extraction of single- versus dual-coil implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads at single-center experience.

The available literature lacks data concerning direct comparison of the effectiveness and safety of single- versus dual-coil implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads transvenous extraction. Certainly, additional shocking coil in superior vena cava adds to the amount of metal in the vascular system. Adhesions developing around the superior vena cava coil add to the difficulty of extraction of ICD lead if lead removal is required.

Association of NT-proBNP and GDF-15 with markers of a prothrombotic state in patients with atrial fibrillation off anticoagulation.

We investigated whether growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), also known as macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), levels are associated with a prothrombotic state in atrial fibrillation (AF) as compared to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (cTnI-hs). In 103 patients with AF assessed off anticoagulation (age: 71.0 [65.

Years of life lost as a measure of premature death among dual‑chamber pacemaker recipients from Małopolska Province.

Background: Pacemakers have become the standard of care in patients with severe bradycardia and conduction abnormalities. The survival and premature mortality can be assessed using the years of life lost (YLLs).

Aims: The aim of the study was to analyze mortality trends over the period from 1999 to 2015 among patients implanted with a dual‑chamber (DDD) pacemaker who were inhabitants of Małopolska Province.

Transvenous extraction of very old (over 20-year-old) pacemaker leads using mechanical systems: Effectiveness and safety.

Objective: To analyze and compare the effectiveness and safety of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) with mechanical systems of pacing leads older than 20 years (group A) versus younger leads (group B).

Methods: We performed TLE of 591 pacing leads in 377 patients. Fifty (8.