The Prognostic Role of Global Longitudinal Strain and NT-proBNP in Heart Failure Patients Receiving Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

Background: We aimed to evaluate whether baseline GLS (global longitudinal strain), NT-proBNP, and changes in these after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can predict long-term clinical outcomes and the echocardiographic-based response to CRT (defined by 15% relative reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume).

Methods: We enrolled 143 patients with stable ischemic heart failure (HF) undergoing CRT-D implantation. NT-proBNP and echocardiography were obtained before and 6 months after.

Clinical performance of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead monitoring diagnostics.

Background: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead monitoring diagnostic alerts facilitate the diagnosis of structural lead failure.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to prospectively study the performance of Medtronic ICD lead monitoring alerts.

Methods: A prespecified ancillary substudy, World-Wide Randomized Antibiotic Envelope Infection Prevention Trial, was conducted in patients with an ICD with all available alerts enabled.

The value of remote care in the reduction of healthcare utilization in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients.

Background: Minimal evidence is available of the reduction in healthcare utilization of remote care in ICD patients over a longer period of follow-up.

Objectives: This study compared healthcare utilization up to 3 year follow-up in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patients with remote care compared to conventional care.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who received a single or dual-chamber ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) between 2016 and 2018.

Dabigatran trough concentrations in very elderly patients.

Objectives: The aim of this observational study was to explore dabigatran concentrations in elderly and very elderly patients in a real-life population. Patients aged >75 years receiving dabigatran have a significantly higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared withthose receiving warfarin. High trough concentrations have an important impact on this bleeding risk.

Improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction among patients with coronary artery disease: an example of enhancing regional integration between a cardiac centre and a referring hospital.

Background: Value-based healthcare (VBHC) is a promising strategy to increase patient value. For a successful implementation of VBHC, intensive collaborations between organizations and integrated care delivery systems are key conditions. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of a pilot study regarding enhancing regional integration between a cardiac centre and a referring hospital on patient-relevant clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.