Decolonization of Staphylococcus aureus Prior to Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Implantation: Evaluating Preoperative Yield.

Background: Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are associated with risks of device-related infections (DRI) impacting major adverse outcomes. Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a leading cause of early pocket infection and bacteremia. While studies in other surgical contexts have suggested that nasal mupirocin treatment and chlorhexidine skin washing may reduce colonization and infection risk, limited data exist for CIED interventions.

The Efficacy of Echocardiography-guided Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices Implantation to reduce Device Related Tricuspid Regurgitation: Long-term Follow-up.

Background: Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) with endocardial leads crossing the tricuspid valve can lead to or worsen tricuspid regurgitation (TR), causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite a recent randomized controlled study revealing a low short-term incidence of device-related TR (DRT) post-CIED implantation, uncertainties persist regarding the efficacy of intra-procedural 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) in preventing long-term TR.

Objectives: To conduct a long-term follow-up study on patients with CIED implants based on a previous study conducted at our hospital.

A novel robotic radiation shielding device for electrophysiologic procedures: A prospective study.

Background: A robotic Radiaction Shielding System (RSS) was developed to provide a full-body protection to all medical personnel during fluoroscopy-guided procedures, by encapsulating the imaging beam and blocking scattered radiation.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate its efficacy in real-world electrophysiologic (EP) laboratory- both during ablations and cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) procedures.

Methods: A prospective controlled study comparing consecutive real-life EP procedures with and without RSS using highly sensitive sensors in different locations.

Comparison of Factors Associated with Inflammation, Thrombosis, and Platelet Reactivity as well as Turnover between Patients with High versus Low CHA2DS2-VASc without Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: The CHA2DS2-VASc score has been shown to predict systemic thromboembolism and mortality in certain groups in sinus rhythm (SR), similar to its predictive value with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objectives: To compare factors of inflammation, thrombosis, platelet reactivity, and turnover in patients with high versus low CHA2DS2-VASc score in SR.

Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients in SR and no history of AF.

Echocardiography-guided Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Implantation to Reduce Device Related Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Prospective Controlled Study.

Background: Endocardial leads of permanent pacemakers (PPM) and implantable defibrillators (ICD) across the tricuspid valve (TV) can lead to tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or can worsen existing TR with subsequent severe morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: To evaluate prospectively the efficacy of intraprocedural 2-dimentional-transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) in reducing/preventing lead-associated TR.

Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized controlled study comparing echocardiographic results in patients undergoing de-novo PPM/ICD implantation with intraprocedural echo-guided right ventricular (RV) lead placement (Group 1, n=56) versus non-echo guided implantation (Group 2, n=55).

Comparison of Immature Platelet Fraction and Factors Associated with Inflammation, Thrombosis and Platelet Reactivity Between Left and Right Atria in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Recent trials found poor temporal relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes and strokes. Thus, stroke in AF patients probably involves more mechanisms than cardiac embolism. We compared factors of inflammation, thrombosis and platelet reactivity between left (LA) and right atria (RA) and femoral vein (FV) in patients with AF.

Migration of a new generation implantable loop recorder: a case report.

Background: Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are widely used in patients with syncope, palpitations, or cryptogenic stroke. Implantable loop recorder implantation is considered a minimally invasive, low-risk procedure, however, rare complications can occur, including device migration.

Case Summary: A 65-year-old woman underwent implantation of the new generation Biotronik ILR-BioMonitor 3-at a typical, standard location as part of recurrent syncope workup.

Cannabis induced cardiac arrhythmias: a case series.

Introduction: Cannabis use is known to be associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity. We describe three cases of cannabis-related malignant arrhythmias, who presented to the cardiac department at our institution within the last 2 years. All three patients were known to smoke cannabis on daily basis.

Evaluation of left atrial remodeling by 2D-speckle-tracking echocardiography versus by high-density voltage mapping in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Strain imaging during left atrial (LA) reservoir phase (LASr) is used as a surrogate for LA structural remodeling and fibrosis. Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with >5% low-voltage zones (LVZs) obtained by 3D-electro-anatomical-mapping have higher recurrence rate post-ablation. We investigated the relationship between LA remodeling using two-dimensional-speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and high-density voltage mapping in AF patients.

Measurements of immature platelet fraction and inflammatory markers in atrial fibrillation patients - Does persistency or ablation affect results?

Purpose: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with platelet hyperactivity and a higher proportion of immature platelets. We aimed to examine whether immature platelet fraction (IPF) and inflammatory markers differ between AF types and whether they are affected by ablation.

Methods: A prospective study included patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter (AFL).

Time-to-first appropriate shock in patients implanted prophylactically with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: data from the Survey on Arrhythmic Events in BRUgada Syndrome (SABRUS).

Aims: Data on predictors of time-to-first appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in patients with Brugada Syndrome (BrS) and prophylactically implanted ICD's are scarce.

Methods And Results: SABRUS (Survey on Arrhythmic Events in BRUgada Syndrome) is an international survey on 678 BrS patients who experienced arrhythmic event (AE) including 252 patients in whom AE occurred after prophylactic ICD implantation. Analysis was performed on time-to-first appropriate ICD discharge regarding patients' characteristics.

Gender differences in patients with Brugada syndrome and arrhythmic events: Data from a survey on arrhythmic events in 678 patients.

Background: There is limited information on gender differences in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) who experienced arrhythmic events (AEs).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical, electrocardiographic (ECG), electrophysiological, and genetic characteristics between males and females in patients with BrS with their first AE.

Methods: The multicenter Survey on Arrhythmic Events in BRUgada Syndrome collected data on the first AE in 678 patients with BrS including 619 males (91.

Arrhythmic Events in Brugada Syndrome: A Nationwide Israeli Survey of the Clinical Characteristics, Treatment; and Long-Term Follow-up (ISRABRU-VF).

Background: Limited information exists about detailed clinical characteristics and management of the small subset of Brugada syndrome (BrS) patients who had an arrhythmic event (AE).

Objectives: To conduct the first nationwide survey focused on BrS patients with documented AE.

Methods: Israeli electrophysiology units participated if they had treated BrS patients who had cardiac arrest (CA) (lethal/aborted; group 1) or experienced appropriate therapy for tachyarrhythmias after prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation (group 2).

Fever-related arrhythmic events in the multicenter Survey on Arrhythmic Events in Brugada Syndrome.

Background: The literature on fever-related arrhythmic events (AEs) in Brugada syndrome (BrS) is currently limited to few case reports and small series.

Objective: The present study aimed to describe the characteristics of fever-related AE in a large cohort of patients with BrS.

Methods: The Survey on Arrhythmic Events in Brugada Syndrome is a multicenter study on 678 patients with BrS with first AE documented at the time of aborted cardiac arrest (n = 426) or after prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation (n = 252).

Profile of patients with Brugada syndrome presenting with their first documented arrhythmic event: Data from the Survey on Arrhythmic Events in BRUgada Syndrome (SABRUS).

Background: Detailed information on the profile of patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) presenting their first arrhythmic event (AE) after prophylactic implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is limited.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were (1) to compare clinical, electrocardiographic, electrophysiologic, and genetic profiles of patients who exhibited their first documented AE as aborted cardiac arrest (group A) with profiles of those in whom the AE was documented after prophylactic ICD implantation (group B) and (2) to characterize group B patients' profile using the class II indications for ICD implantation established by HRS/EHRA/APHRS expert consensus statement in 2013.

Methods: A survey of 23 centers from 10 Western and 4 Asian countries enabled data collection of 678 patients with BrS who exhibited their AE (group A, n = 426; group B, n = 252).

Age of First Arrhythmic Event in Brugada Syndrome: Data From the SABRUS (Survey on Arrhythmic Events in Brugada Syndrome) in 678 Patients.

Background: Data on the age at first arrhythmic event (AE) in Brugada syndrome are from limited patient cohorts. The aim of this study is 2-fold: (1) to define the age at first AE in a large cohort of patients with Brugada syndrome, and (2) to assess the influence of the mode of AE documentation, sex, and ethnicity on the age at first AE.

Methods And Results: A survey of 23 centers from 10 Western and 4 Asian countries gathered data from 678 patients with Brugada syndrome (91.

Management of Brugada Syndrome: Thirty-Three-Year Experience Using Electrophysiologically Guided Therapy With Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs.

Background: Information on long-term clinical outcome of patients with Brugada syndrome treated with electrophysiologically guided class 1A antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) is limited.

Methods And Results: An aggressive protocol of programmed ventricular stimulation was performed in 96 patients with Brugada syndrome (88% males; mean age, 39.8±15.

Effects of sex on the incidence of cardiac tamponade after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: results from a worldwide survey in 34 943 atrial fibrillation ablation procedures.

Background: Cardiac tamponade is the most dramatic complication observed during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and the leading cause of procedure-related mortality. Female sex is a known risk factor for complications during AF ablation; however, it is unknown whether women have a higher risk of tamponade.

Methods And Results: A systematic Medline search was used to locate academic electrophysiological centers that reported cases of tamponade occurring during AF ablation.