Retrieval of Chronically Implanted Dual-chamber Leadless Pacemakers in an Ovine Model.

Background: The clinical utilization of leadless pacemakers (LPs) as an alternative to traditional transvenous pacemakers is likely to increase with the advent of dual-chamber LP systems. Since device retrieval to allow LP upgrade or replacement will become an important capability, the first such dual-chamber, helix-fixation LP system (Aveir DR; Abbott, Abbott Park, IL) was specifically designed to allow catheter-based retrieval. In this study, the preclinical performance and safety of retrieving chronically implanted dual-chamber LPs was evaluated.

Dual-chamber leadless pacing: Atrioventricular synchrony in preclinical models of normal or blocked atrioventricular conduction.

Background: Dual-chamber leadless pacemakers (LPs) require robust communication between distinct right atrial (RA) and right ventricular (RV) LPs to achieve atrioventricular (AV) synchrony.

Objective: The purpose of this preclinical study was to evaluate a novel, continuous implant-to-implant (i2i™) communication methodology for maintaining AV-synchronous, dual-chamber DDD(R) pacing by the 2 LPs.

Methods: RA and RV LPs were implanted and paired in 7 ovine subjects (4 with induced complete heart block).

Defibrillation effectiveness and safety of the shock waveform used in a contemporary wearable cardioverter defibrillator: Results from animal and human studies.

Introduction: The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is used to protect patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. We examined defibrillation efficacy and safety of a biphasic truncated exponential waveform designed for use in a contemporary WCD in three animal studies and a human study.

Methods: Animal (swine) studies: #1: Efficacy comparison of a 170J BTE waveform (SHOCK A) to a 150J BTE waveform (SHOCK B) that approximates another commercially available waveform.

Same-day discharge following catheter ablation and venous closure with VASCADE MVP: A postmarket registry.

Introduction: Early and safe ambulation can facilitate same-day discharge (SDD) following catheter ablation, which can reduce resource utilization and healthcare costs and improve patient satisfaction. This study evaluated procedure success and safety of the VASCADE MVP venous vascular closure system in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: The AMBULATE SDD Registry is a two-stage series of postmarket studies in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing catheter ablation followed by femoral venous access-site closure with VASCADE MVP.

A wearable cardioverter defibrillator with a low false alarm rate.

Introduction: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is indicated in appropriate patients to reduce the risk for sudden cardiac death. Challenges for patients wearing a WCD have been frequent false shock alarms primarily due to electrocardiogram noise and wear discomfort. The objective of this study was to test a contemporary WCD designed for reduced false shock alarms and improved comfort.

Determinants of outcome impact of vein of Marshall ethanol infusion when added to catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: A secondary analysis of the VENUS randomized clinical trial.

Background: The Vein of Marshall Ethanol for Untreated Persistent AF (VENUS) trial demonstrated that adding vein of Marshall (VOM) ethanol infusion to catheter ablation (CA) improves ablation outcomes in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). There was significant heterogeneity in the impact of VOM ethanol infusion on rhythm control.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between outcomes and (1) achievement of bidirectional perimitral conduction block and (2) procedural volume.

Effect of Catheter Ablation With Vein of Marshall Ethanol Infusion vs Catheter Ablation Alone on Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: The VENUS Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) has limited success. Procedural strategies beyond pulmonary vein isolation have failed to consistently improve results. The vein of Marshall contains innervation and AF triggers that can be ablated by retrograde ethanol infusion.

Targeted Left Ventricular Lead Implantation Strategy for Non-Left Bundle Branch Block Patients: The ENHANCE CRT Study.

Objectives: This study compared clinical outcomes between an increased electrical delay in the left ventricular region (QLV)-based LV lead implantation approach (QLV arm) and anatomical implantation approach (control arm) in patients with non-left bundle branch block.

Background: Limited data exist on cardiac resynchronization therapy effectiveness in patients with non-left bundle branch block. Clinicians generally deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy through an anatomical implantation approach; however, targeting the QLV may serve as an individualized implantation strategy in non-left bundle branch block patients.

Association between Arrhythmia and Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Heart Failure Patients Implanted with a Cardiac Defibrillator and Ambulatory Pulmonary Artery Pressure Sensor.

The association between ventricular arrhythmia (VA) burden or defibrillator therapy and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) has not been characterized in an ambulatory setting; thus, we sought in the present research to determine the relationship between ambulatory PAP and VA burden. A retrospective cohort study involving patients with an implantable cardiac defibrillator and CardioMEMS™ PAP sensor (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA) both transmitting remotely into the Merlin.net™ patient care network (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA) was conducted.

Anticoagulation Patterns in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in an Academic Center.

A common dilemma facing physicians treating patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the management of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy, because there is also an indication for dual antiplatelet therapy in these patients. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate anticoagulation patterns in this patient population in an attempt to identify patterns of risk factors that may influence OAC prescribing habits. This retrospective study entailed a review of a total of 4,648 patients from two academic hospitals who underwent PCI between 2008 and 2016.