Seventeen-year trend (2001-2017) in pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator utilization based on hospital discharge database data: An analysis by age groups.

Aims: To analyze temporal trends (2001 -2017) of Pacemakers (PM) and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICD) procedures in Italy, according to the national Hospital Discharge Database (HDD).

Methods: Frequency and implant rate (IR) in the Italian population were analyzed by age groups (<50, 50-79, ≥80 years).

Results: From 2001 (2009 for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-Defibrillator - CRT-D) to 2017, first PM implants (1stPM) increased from 36,823 (637/million inhabitants) to 49,716 (820/million), ICD implants from 3,141 (54/million) to 24,255 (400/million) and CRT-D from 2,915 (49/million, 16.

Long-term patient satisfaction with implanted device remote monitoring: a comparison among different systems.

Aims: Remote monitoring is an effective strategy to improve patients' outcomes and reduce hospitalization in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. However, data on patients' satisfaction are scarce. The aim of the current study was to assess patients' satisfaction, ease of use and impact on daily activities of the remote monitoring and to investigate whether there are differences among different devices and different manufacturers.

Multicentre experience with the second-generation subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator and the intermuscular two-incision implantation technique.

Introduction: The recently developed second-generation subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) and the intermuscular two-incision implantation technique demonstrate potential favorable features that reduce inappropriate shocks and complications. However, data concerning large patient populations are lacking. The aim of this multicentre prospective study was to evaluate the safety and outcome of second-generation S-ICD using the intermuscular two-incision technique in a large population study.

Intermittent levosimendan infusions in advanced heart failure: a real world experience.

Objective To analyse the effects of levosimendan infusions in advanced heart failure. Methods Patients with advanced heart failure treated with repeated levosimendan infusions were retrospectively compared with controls. Clinical, blood and echocardiographic parameters were obtained at baseline and after 12 months, and before and after each levosimendan infusion.