Long-term Outcomes of Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Arrhythmias in Post-Myocarditis Patients: Insights from a Meta-Analysis of Current Data.

Background: In the past decade, catheter ablation (CA) has become a rapidly expanding treatment option for ventricular tachycardia (VT); however it is not commonly utilised for patients with post-myocarditis VT. We aimed to systematically review up-to-date evidence regarding feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of CA, with a specific focus on long-term relapse rate and procedural complications.

Methods: A structured electronic database search (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane) of the scientific literature was performed according to PRISMA guidelines for studies describing outcomes at up to 7.

Early pacemaker implantation for transcatheter aortic valve implantation is safe and effective.

Background: Permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is a common complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The optimum timing of PPM implantation is still unclear as conduction abnormalities evolve and a balance needs to be struck between conservative delays in the hope of conduction recovery and overutilization of pacing. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of early PPM implantation, without an observation period, among TAVI patients.

High sensitivity troponin and COVID-19 outcomes.

Background: Recent reports have demonstrated high troponin levels in patients affected with COVID-19. In the present study, we aimed to determine the association between admission and peak troponin levels and COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods: This was an observational multi-ethnic multi-centre study in a UK cohort of 434 patients admitted and diagnosed COVID-19 positive, across six hospitals in London, UK during the second half of March 2020.

Ethnicity and COVID-19 cardiovascular complications: a multi-center UK cohort.

Background: Recent reports suggest an association between ethnicity and COVID-19 mortality. In the present multi-center study, we aimed to assess the differences underlying this association, and ascertain whether ethnicity also mediates other aspects of COVID-19 like cardiovascular complications.

Methods: Data were collected from a mixed-ethnicity UK cohort of 613 patients admitted and diagnosed COVID-19 positive, across six hospitals in London during the second half of March 2020: 292 were White Caucasian ethnicity, 203 were Asian and 118 were of Afro-Caribbean ethnicity.

Predictive Role of BNP/NT-proBNP in Non-Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: An Updated Systematic Review.

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a growing public health issue, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition to pharmacological therapy, catheter ablation is an effective strategy in restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm. However, ablation is not without risk, and AF recurs in a significant proportion of patients.

A nurse-led implantable loop recorder service is safe and cost effective.

Introduction: Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are predominantly implanted by cardiologists in the catheter laboratory. We developed a nurse-delivered service for the implantation of LINQ (Medtronic; Minnesota) ILRs in the outpatient setting. This study compared the safety and cost-effectiveness of the introduction of this nurse-delivered ILR service with contemporaneous physician-led procedures.

Full blood count as potential predictor of outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Almost a third of patients fulfilling current guidelines criteria have suboptimal responses following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Circulating biomarkers may help identify these patients. We aimed to assess the predictive role of full blood count (FBC) parameters in prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients undergoing CRT device implantation.

Implantable Cardiac Electronic Devices in the Elderly Population.

The use of cardiac implantable electronic devices in the management of patients with heart rhythm conditions is well established. As the population ages, the use of cardiac implantable electronic devices in the elderly is likely to increase. This review provides a summary of the indications, implantation considerations and pragmatic advice on how to approach the use of these devices in this group of patients.

Nitric oxide donors for peripheral artery disease.

Current management of peripheral arterial disease involves risk factor modification and revascularisation, but many patients are still left with debilitating symptoms. Therefore, new treatment strategies are needed. The importance of nitric oxide, and its role in regulating endothelial function, is well-established.

Biological therapies targeting arrhythmias: are cells and genes the answer?

Introduction: Arrhythmias can cause symptoms ranging from simple dizziness to life-threatening circulatory collapse. Current management includes medical therapy and procedures such as catheter ablation or device implantation. However, these strategies still pose a risk of serious side effects, and some patients remain symptomatic.

Mechanical and surgical bioprosthetic valve thrombosis.

Valve thrombosis can occur in mechanical prosthetic valves and is increasingly recognised in transcatheter and surgically implanted bioprosthetic valves. The risk of thrombosis of mechanical valves is higher in the mitral position compared with aortic position and in older generation valves (ball and cage valves). There is a wide spectrum of presentation from the asymptomatic patient to those with embolic complications or cardiogenic shock.

Meta-analysis of the impact of intervention versus symptom-driven management in asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis.

Objective: The management of patients with asymptomatic, severe aortic stenosis (AS) is controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to examine the impact on outcomes of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with severe asymptomatic AS versus a symptom-driven intervention approach.

Methods: A search for studies that examined the outcomes of AVR and management of asymptomatic severe AS was performed.

Determinants of Mortality in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background: Renal impairment is a known predictor of mortality in both the general population and in patients with cardiac disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors that determine mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: In this study we included 293 consecutive patients with CKD who underwent PCI between 1st January 2007 and 30th September 2012.