Left bundle branch area pacing versus endocardial resynchronization in patients with heart failure.

Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) and endocardial resynchronization (Endo-CRT) are alternatives to biventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Objective: To compare the outcomes of LBBAP versus Endo-CRT using conventional pacing leads.

Methods: Patients with heart failure (HF) undergoing CRT with LBBAP or Endo-CRT were included.

Improved all-cause mortality with left bundle branch area pacing compared to biventricular pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy: a meta-analysis.

Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has emerged as a physiological alternative pacing strategy to biventricular pacing (BIVP) in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aimed to assess the impact of LBBAP vs. BIVP on all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF)-related hospitalization in patients undergoing CRT.

Intracardiac Echocardiography-guided Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion.

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a suitable alternative to oral anticoagulant therapy to prevent stroke in patients with AF. Most procedures are performed under transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) guidance, which facilitates transseptal puncture, reduces the risk of procedurerelated complications and provides an additional method for device selection and real-time monitoring during device deployment. However, TOE has significant shortcomings, including the need for general anaesthesia/deep sedation as well as a significant risk of procedure-related adverse events.

The Emerging Role of Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing for Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy.

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) reduces the risk of heart failure-related hospitalisations and all-cause mortality, as well as improving quality of life and functional status in patients with persistent heart failure symptoms despite optimal medical treatment and left bundle branch block. CRT has traditionally been delivered by implanting a lead through the coronary sinus to capture the left ventricular epicardium; however, this approach is associated with significant drawbacks, including a high rate of procedural failure, phrenic nerve stimulation, high pacing thresholds and lead dislodgement. Moreover, a significant proportion of patients fail to derive any significant benefit.

Chlorhexidine gluconate pocket lavage to prevent cardiac implantable electronic device infection in high-risk procedures.

Background: Infection is the most dreaded complication of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), particularly in patients undergoing high-risk procedures (eg, generator change, device upgrade, lead/pocket revision).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) pocket lavage in high-risk procedures.

Methods: Patients from a prospective multicenter registry undergoing high-risk procedures were included.

Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Versus Biventricular Pacing as Initial Strategy for Cardiac Resynchronization.

Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an alternative to biventricular pacing (BiVp).

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes between LBBAP and BiVp as an initial implant strategy for CRT.

Methods: In this prospective multicenter, observational, nonrandomized study, first-time CRT implant recipients with LBBAP or BiVp were included.

Outcomes of chlorhexidine lavage without capsulectomy versus complete capsulectomy after lead extraction for the treatment of cardiac implantable electronic device infection.

Introduction: Capsulectomy is recommended in patients with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection after transvenous lead extraction (TLE) but is time-consuming and requires extensive tissue debridement. In this study, we describe the outcomes of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) lavage in lieu of capsulectomy for the treatment of CIED infections.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent TLE for CIED-related infections in two institutions in Colombia.

Assisted reality device to guide cardiac implantable device programming in distant rural areas.

Background: Patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) living in rural areas have difficulty obtaining follow-up visits for device interrogation and programming in specialized healthcare facilities.

Objective: To describe the use of an assisted reality device designed to provide front-line workers with real-time online support from a remotely located specialist (Realwear HTM-1; Realwear) during CIED assistance in distant rural areas.

Methods: This is a prospective study of patients requiring CIED interrogation using the Realwear HMT-1 in a remote rural population in Colombia between April 2021 and June 2022.