Incidence, predictors, and impact on outcome of increased left ventricular latency in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Purpose: Latency during left ventricle (LV) pacing has been suggested as a potential cause of ineffectual biventricular pacing. We assessed the incidence, predictors, and impact on outcome of increased LV latency in 274 patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods: On implantation, the latency interval was defined as the shortest stimulus-to-QRS onset interval in any lead of the 12-lead ECG.

A multicenter feasibility study on ultrafiltration via a single peripheral venous access in acute heart failure with overt fluid overload.

Objectives: The need for a central venous catheter has limited the widespread use of ultrafiltration in daily clinical practice for the treatment of acute heart failure (AHF) with overt fluid overload. We evaluated the feasibility of a new ultrafiltration device, the CHIARA (Congestive Heart Impairment Advanced Removal Approach) system, that utilizes a single-lumen cannula (17G, multi-hole) inserted in a peripheral vein of the arm.

Methods: In this multicenter, prospective, feasibility study, consecutive ultrafiltration treatments (lasting ≥6 hours and with an ultrafiltration rate ≥100ml/h) with the CHIARA device and a single peripheral venous approach were performed at 6 Italian hospitals.