Cardiac Implantation Research Articles

Trends and Challenges in the Development of 3D-Printed Heart Valves and Other Cardiac Implants: A Review of Current Advances.

This article provides a comprehensive review of the current trends and challenges in the development of 3D-printed heart valves and other cardiac implants. By providing personalized solutions and pushing the limits of regenerative medicine, 3D printing technology has revolutionized the field of cardiac healthcare. The use of several organic and synthetic polymers in 3D printing heart valves is explored in this article, with emphasis on both their benefits and drawbacks. In cardiac tissue engineering, stem cells are essential, and their potential to lessen immunological rejection and thrombogenic consequences is highlighted. In the clinical applications section, the article emphasizes the importance of 3D printing in preoperative planning. Surgery results are enhanced when surgeons can visualize and assess the size and placement of implants using patient-specific anatomical models. Customized implants that are designed to match the anatomy of a particular patient reduce the likelihood of complications and enhance postoperative results. The development of physiologically active cardiac implants, made possible by 3D bioprinting, shows promise by eliminating the need for artificial valves. In conclusion, this paper highlights cutting-edge research and the promise of 3D-printed cardiac implants to improve patient outcomes and revolutionize cardiac treatment.

Cardiac implantable electronic device implantation and device-related infection.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are important tools for managing arrhythmias, improving hemodynamics, and preventing sudden cardiac death. Device-related infections (DRI) remain a significant complication of CIED and are associated with major adverse outcomes. We aimed to assess the trend in CIED implantations, and the burden and morbidity associated with DRI. The 2011-2018 National Inpatient Sample database was searched for admissions for CIED implantation and DRI. A total of 1 604 173 admissions for CIED implantations and 71 007 (4.4%) admissions for DRI were reported. There was no significant change in annual admission rates for DRI (3.96-4.59%, P value for trend = 0.98). Those with DRI were more likely to be male (69.3 vs. 57%, P < 0.001) and have a Charlson comorbidity index score ≥3 (46.6 vs. 36.8%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF) increased in those admitted with DRI over the observation period. Pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and post-procedural hematoma were the most common complications in those with DRI (4.1, 3.6, and 2.90%, respectively). Annual in-hospital mortality for those with DRI ranged from 3.9 to 5.8% (mean 4.4%, P value for trend = 0.07). Multivariate analysis identified CHF [odds ratio (OR) = 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.35-2.07], end-stage renal disease (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.46-2.48), coagulopathy (OR = 2.94; 95% CI = 2.40-3.61), and malnutrition (OR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.99-3.15) as the predictors of in-hospital mortality for patients admitted with DRI. Device-related infection is relatively common and continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of DRI has not changed significantly despite technical and technological advances in cardiac devices and their implantation.

Clinical Outcomes of Cardiac Device Implantation in Patients With Underlying Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Clinical Outcomes of Cardiac Device Implantation in Patients With Underlying Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Temporary pacemaker implantation via median cubital vein: A simple safe and effective technique.

Temporary cardiac pacemaker implantation (PM) via the femoral and subclavian veins is widely used in clinics to treat patients with severe bradycardia or tachycardia, but it is technically challenging and potentially associated with various complications. This study investigated the feasibility and safety of a novel method of PM implantation via the median cubital vein. A total of 279 patients of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between March 2020 and December 2021 who required no-emergency PM implantation were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups based on the temporary PM implantation routes: F-control (n = 107), via the femoral vein; S-control (n = 67), via the subclavian vein, and N-group (n = 105), via the median cubital vein. The sheath placement time (SPT), electrode placement time (EPT), electrode arrival rate (EAR), rate of sensing and pacing (RSP), radiation quantity (RD), electrode dislocation rate (EDR) and average electrode retention time (AERT) were recorded and evaluated. In addition, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to evaluate the comfort levels of patients in the three groups. There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to age, EAR, RSP, EPT, RD, and AERT (p > 0.05). However, the N-group had significantly lower SPT than the F-control and S-control groups (67.0 ± 22.0 s vs. 321.7 ± 122.2 s and 307.3 ± 128.5 s, p = 0.000). Additionally, the F-control had significantly higher EDR than the S-control group and the N-group (11 (10.3%) vs. 2 (3.0%) and 3 (2.9%), p = 0.036). Besides, comparison of the HAMA and SDS scores before and after PM implantation showed significant differences in the S-control group (p = 0.010) and the N-group (p = 0.000). Temporary PM implantation via the median cubital vein is safe, effective, and less time-consuming.

Detection of Pacemaker and Identification of MRI-conditional Pacemaker Based on Deep-learning Convolutional Neural Networks to Improve Patient Safety.

With the increased availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a progressive rise in the frequency of cardiac device implantation, there is an increased chance that patients with implanted cardiac devices require MRI examination during their lifetime. Though MRI is generally contraindicated in patients who have undergone pacemaker implantation with electronic circuits, the recent introduction of MR Conditional pacemaker allows physicians to take advantage of MRI to assess these patients during diagnosis and treatment. When MRI examinations of patients with pacemaker are requested, physicians must confirm whether the device is a conventional pacemaker or an MR Conditional pacemaker by reviewing chest radiographs or the electronic medical records (EMRs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) trained to detect pacemakers on chest radiographs and to determine the device's subclassification. The DCNN perfectly detected pacemakers on chest radiographs and the accuracy of the subclassification of pacemakers using the internal and external test datasets were 100.0% (n = 106/106) and 90.1% (n = 279/308). The DCNN can be applied to the radiologic workflow for double-checking purposes, thereby improving patient safety during MRI and preventing busy physicians from making errors.

Cardiac defibrillator implantation in patients with syncope and inducible ventricular arrhythmia: insights from the German Device Registry

History of syncope is an independent predictor for sudden cardiac death. Programmed stimulation may be considered for risk stratification, but data remain sparse among different populations. Here, we analyzed the prognostic value of inducible ventricular arrhythmia (VA) regarding clinical outcome in patients with syncope undergoing defibrillator implantation. Among 4196 patients enrolled in the prospective, multi-center German Device Registry, patients with syncope and inducible VA (n = 285, 6.8%) vs. those with a secondary preventive indication (n = 1885, 45.2%), defined as previously documented sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, serving as a control group were studied regarding demographics, device implantation and post-procedural adverse events. Patients with syncope and inducible VA (64.9 ± 14.4 years, 81.1% male) presented less frequently with congestive heart failure (15.1% vs. 29.1%; p < 0.001) and any structural heart disease (84.9% vs. 89.3%; p = 0.030) than patients with a secondary preventive indication (65.0 ± 13.8 years, 81.0% male). Whereas dilated cardiomyopathy (16.8% vs. 23.8%; p = 0.009) was less common, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (5.6% vs. 2.8%; p = 0.010) and Brugada syndrome (2.1% vs. 0.3%; p < 0.001) were present more often. During 1-year-follow-up, mortality (5.1% vs. 8.9%; p = 0.036) and the rate of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (5.8% vs. 10.0%; p = 0.027) were lower in patients with syncope and inducible VA. Among patients with inducible VA, post-procedural adverse events including rehospitalization (27.6% vs. 21.7%; p = 0.37) did not differ between those with vs. without syncope. Taken together, patients with syncope and inducible VA have better clinical outcomes than patients with a secondary preventive defibrillator indication, but comparable outcomes to patients without syncope, which underlines the relevance of VA inducibility, potentially irrespective of a syncope.

Frame-rate reduction to reduce radiation dose for cardiac device implantation is safe.

Radiation exposure to patient and surgeon during cardiac implantable electrical device (CIED) procedures remains a substantial health hazard to date. Advanced technical options for radiation dose reduction often pose considerable financial hurdles. We propose a near-zero cost, low-effort modification to a clinical x-ray system significantly reducing radiation dose during CIED implantation. We aim to evaluate a reduced frame rate protocol in CIED implantation for complication rates and reduction in radiation exposure. Starting May 2019, the frame rate during CIED implantations at our hospital was halved from 7.5 frames/s to 3.8 frames/s, and no further technical changes were made. During the following year, 264 patients were operated using this protocol and retrospectively compared with 231 cases implanted in the year before the protocol change, totaling 495 cases. Of these, 17%, 63%, and 19% were single-chamber, dual-chamber, or resynchronization devices, respectively. Incidence of complication prior to hospital discharge was considered the primary endpoint of the analysis. Radiation dose and procedural parameters were secondary endpoints. There was no increase in complications with the reduced frame rate protocol. Regression analysis further supported that the reduced frame rate radiation protocol was not associated with complication rates. Radiation exposure measured as dose area product was significantly reduced by ∼62% (median 369 [interquartile range 154-1207] cGy·cm2 via the reduced frame rate protocol vs median 970 [interquartile range 400-1906] cGy·cm2 with the standard frame rate; P < 0.01). A reduction of frame rate during CIED implantation is safe in terms of complication incidence and effective in terms of reducing radiation exposure.

Features of technological regulation for cardiac bioimplants

Patients with congenital heart defects and cardiovascular diseases are required new approaches to surgical intervention. The use of biological cardiac implants, which are made from the extracellular matrix, is a promising trend in modern regenerative medicine. These bioimplants can completely replace defective tissue or organs, and when manufactured with strict protocols and quality control measures, can be safe and effective for therapeutic applications. The process of manufacturing bioimplants involves various risks that need to be assessed and mitigated with ongoing monitoring and evaluation necessary to ensure the highest standards of quality. Overall, this study was successfully evaluated the requirements for introducing a new medical device into practice and created a technical file that meets all necessary documentation for certification.

Permutations in pacer wire implantation in patients evaluated for transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions.

Pacer wire induced tricuspid regurgitation is not well-understood. The mechanisms behind pacer wired induced tricuspid regurgitation have not been clearly defined. This clinical vignette sets to identify different technical mechanisms behind cardiac lead induced tricuspid regurgitation to help optimize cardiac lead implantation strategies for future device implantation.

The role of CT in arrhythmia management-treatment planning and post-procedural imaging surveillance.

Several interventional treatment options exist in patients with atrial and ventricular arrhythmia. Cardiac CT is routinely performed prior to occlusion of the left atrial appendage, pulmonary vein isolation, and cardiac device implantation. Besides the evaluation of coronary artery disease, cardiac CT provides isotropic, high-resolution CT images of the cardiac anatomy with the possibility of multiplanar reformations and three-dimensional reconstructions which are helpful to guide interventional treatment. In addition, cardiac CT is increasingly used to rapidly evaluate periprocedural complications and for the routine post-procedural imaging surveillance in patients after interventions. This review article will discuss current applications of pre- and post-interventional CT imaging in patients with arrhythmia.

Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis After Sars-CoV-2 Infection as Limitation of Contemporary Transplantology: A Case Report

Invasive fungal infections are uncommon in pediatric heart transplant recipients. Risk and mortality are highest in the first 6 months post-transplant, especially in patients with previous surgery and those requiring mechanical support. There is a possibility that prior SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause a more severe course of pulmonary aspergillosis, especially in immunosuppressed individuals. This report describes a female patient, eight years of age, who was admitted to the pediatric cardiac surgery department with symptoms of end-stage heart failure in urgent need of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was implanted as a bridge to transplantation. During over a year on the waiting list, LVAD was replaced twice due to the presence of fibrin on the inlet valve. While staying in the ward, the patient underwent SARS-CoV-2 infection. An orthotopic heart transplant was successfully performed after 372 days of MCS with LVAD. One month after transplantation, the girl developed severe pulmonary aspergillosis complicated by sudden cardiac arrest and implantation of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) used for 25 days. Unfortunately, a few days after weaning from VV ECMO, the patient died due to intracerebral bleeding.

Multimorbidity patterns in people with Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundMultimorbidity is highly impactful for older adults, especially when it co‐occurs with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, scarce evidence is available about comorbid conditions co‐occurring with AD. We aimed to identify the most prevalent comorbid conditions and examine the common multimorbidity patterns in patients with AD.MethodUsing electronic health records of a university hospital, we extracted data from 2,646 older adults with AD (ICD‐10) using Calderón‐Larrañaga’s inventory of chronic conditions. Leverage correlation was performed to detect multimorbidity patterns.ResultAD patients had on average 13 comorbid conditions and 50% of them had at least 10 comorbid conditions co‐occurring with AD. Hypertension (51.7%), lipoprotein metabolism disorders and other lipidemia (35%), depression (33.9%), general mental disorders (31.96%), sleep disorders (26%), urinary disorders (25.3%), anemia (24.6%), joint disorders (23.19%), chronic kidney disease (21.25%), and other functional intestinal disorders (20.66%) were the top 10 prevalent comorbid conditions. The common multimorbidity patterns were “disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemia” and “hypertension” (frequency [n = 747, 30%]; leverage:0.09), followed by “hypertension” and “hypertensive kidney disease” (frequency [n = 189, 8%]; leverage:0.06), “presence of cardiac and vascular implants and grafts” and “disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias” (frequency [n = 181,7%; leverage:0.05), and “Type 2 diabetes” and “hypertension (frequency [n = 181,7%; leverage:0.05).”ConclusionOur results align with prior studies that cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and depression are common conditions in people with AD. These findings might support future studies investigating the mechanisms linking multimorbidity to AD, which ultimately can guide preventive actions and comprehensive approaches for managing these co‐occurring conditions.

On-demand heart valve manufacturing using focused rotary jet spinning

On-demand heart valve manufacturing using focused rotary jet spinning

Impact of the Covid19 pandemic on implantable cardiac device implants in Spain. Data from the nationwide Covid 19 RM (remote monitoring) Spain registry

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The Covid-19 pandemic has meant a very significant reduction in all urgent and non-urgent activity, including the implants of Cardiac Implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) throughout 2020. From the end of 2020 and throughout the year 2021, hospital activity has normalised, but it is uncertain whether the devices that were not implanted within 2020 have been delayed in time or actually lost. Purpose We sought to evaluate the pre and post-pandemic trends in CIEDs implantations from a large nationwide database in order to determine the global effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on CIEDs implants in Spain. Methods The Covid-19 Remote Monitoring Spain Registry (Covid-19 RM-Spain) is a survey supported by the Heart Rhythm Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology to request the whole national data regarding the number of CIED´s implants and remote monitoring activations from the five main manufacturers classified according to each autonomous community (not by institutions).All data were aggregated and anonymized to analyse the total sample. Appropriate permissions were granted to use the data and a confidentiality agreement was signed in order to avoid any transmission of sensitive information. Results No institution objected to the use of their data, so the total number of devices implanted in Spain were obtained, which were 50258, 52994, 47330 and 54490 in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. When we try to balance the drop in implants during 2020 and the subsequent increase experienced during 2021 against the average of 2018 and 2019, we have observed that approximately 2600 pacemakers (7%) and about 150 defibrillators (3.1%) have been "lost". With regard to the rest of the devices, adding up the differences between 2020 and 2021 and comparing them with the average for 2018-19, an increase of 419 Cardiac Resynchronization defibrillators (18%), 130 Cardiac Resynchronization Pacemakers (9.4%) and 1189 Implantable Loop recorders ( 26%) have been observed. Conclusion(s) In 2020 there was a large reduction in all CIEDs implants. In the most numerous devices (pacemakers), unlike the rest, the increment has not compensated for the reduction in implants that occurred in 2020 by the end of 2021. The marked increase in the number of cardiac resynchronization implants may suggest that the indication for single or dual-chamber defibrillator implantation may have finally evolved in a significant number of patients into an indication for cardiac resynchronization. Abbreviations: CRT-D: Cardiac resynchronization Therapy -Desfibrillator; CRT-P: Cardiac resynchronization Therapy -pacemaker; ICD: Implantable cardiac defibrillators; ILR: Implantable Loop recorders; LLPM: Leadles Pacemakers; PM: Pacemakers; S-ICD: Subcutaneous Implantable cardiac defibrillator.

Comparison between thoracic ultrasound and chest x-ray in non-infective early complications detection after cardiac implantable electronic devices implantation procedures

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background In the immediate postoperative of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) implantation procedures, literature and practice suggest the use of chest radiography as a gold standard diagnostic tool for early local complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax and pericardial effusion. The introduction of bedside thoracic ultrasound into clinical practice guarantees a tool that is easy to use and highly appropriate for the early diagnosis of pleural pathologies. However, its use in the context of cardiac stimulation is not yet validated and is not mentioned in international consensus documents. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of early mechanical complications in the post-implantation of cardiac stimulation devices and to compare the diagnostic power of the two methods. Methods 397 consecutive patients who underwent intracavitary device implantation or upgrade with the puncture of a central venous vessel were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter study from November 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022. In the two days following surgery, all patients underwent chest radiography, when possible in the supine position, and chest ultrasound at the patient's bed to detect early complications of the implantation. Results Acute mechanical complications following the implantation of CIED accounted for 5.3%, of which 13 were pneumothorax (3.3%), in over 92% of cases of mild degree. The diagnosis was made by chest ultrasound alone in 10 cases (77%), in 2 cases (15.3%) by radiography alone and in 1 case (7.7%) by both methods (p-value 0.006). In 3 patients it was necessary to place a pleural drainage, in 2 cases the diagnosis was made with ultrasound alone and in 1 case with radiography alone (p=ns). Eight pericardial effusions (2%) were also observed, all of a mild degree, diagnosed exclusively with ultrasound methods and did not require drainage. No cases of hemothorax were observed. Conclusion In our experience, thoracic ultrasound performed at the patient's bed following the implantation of a CIED has a diagnostic power superior to standard chest radiography in diagnosing early mechanical complications of the procedure, without subjecting the patient to early mobilization or ionizing radiation.

Axillary vein puncture versus cephalic vein cutdown for cardiac implantable electronic device implantation: a meta-analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cephalic vein cutdown (CVC) and axillary vein puncture (AVP) are both recommended for transvenous implantation of leads for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Nonetheless, it is still debated which of the two techniques has a better safety and efficacy profile. Methods We systematically searched Medline, Embase and Cochrane electronic databases up to September 5th, 2022, for studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of AVP and CVC reporting at least one clinical outcome of interest. The primary endpoint was acute procedural success. The effect size was estimated using a random-effect model as Risk Ratio (RR) and relative 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Results Overall, 8 studies were included, which enrolled 1926 patients and 3532 transvenous lead implants [66.3% (n=1277) males with an average age of 72.3±14.8 years]. Compared to CVC, AVP showed a significant increase in the primary endpoint (95.7 % vs 76.1 %; RR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.09-1.40; p=0.001) (Figure 1). Total procedural time (Mean Difference [MD]: -8.25 min; 95%CI: -10.23- -6.27; p&amp;lt;0.0001; I2 =0%) and venous access time (MD: -6.24 min; 95%CI: -7.01- -5.47; p&amp;lt;0.0001; I2 =0%) were significantly shorter with AVP compared to CVC. No differences were found between AVP and CVC for incidence of pneumothorax (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.13 - 4.0; p=0.71), lead failure (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.23-1.48; p=0.26), pocket hematoma/bleeding (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.15- 2.23; p=0.43), device infection (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.14- 6.60; p=0.96) and fluoroscopy time (MD: -0.24 min; 95%CI: -0.75- 0.28; p=0.36). Conclusion Our meta-analysis suggests that AVP may improve procedural success and reduce total procedural time and venous access time compared to CVC.

Impact of gender on the utilization of cardiac implantable devices and outcome: results from the German DEVICE registry

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are widely used in patients with life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias or systolic heart failure. Real world data regarding gender impact on ICD and CRT implantation and outcome is scarce. Purpose To investigate the impact of gender-specific differences on cardiac devices implantation and outcomes. Methods The German DEVICE registry is a nationwide prospective multicentre database of ICD and CRT devices implantation. A total of 5451 patients were prospectively enrolled in 44 centres between March 2007 and February 2014 and were monitored for a median of 17 months. Results A minority of patients in this registry was female 1050 (19.3%; mean age 64.4 ± 14.6 years; median BMI 27.2) while men represented 80.7% (mean age 65.5 ± 12.4 years; median BMI 26.8). Female patients were less likely to have a LVEF &amp;lt;35% (70.6% vs. 77.7%; p&amp;lt;0.0001) and more likely to have a LVEF &amp;gt;55% (13.3% vs. 6.6%; p&amp;lt;0.0001). Moreover, women were less likely to have coronary artery disease (42.3% vs. 64.7%; p&amp;lt;0.0001), history of myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass graft (p&amp;lt;0.0001 for all). The rate of CRTs was significantly higher in women than in men (33.4% vs. 28.7%; p=0.0036). In terms of secondary prevention implantations, women were more likely to have history of ventricular fibrillation (VF; 50.7% vs. 37.2%; p&amp;lt;0.0001) but less likely to have history of ventricular tachycardia (VT; 34.5% vs. 47.5%; p&amp;lt;0.0001). The rates of major periprocedural complications and in-hospital complications were higher in women (3.3% vs. 1.7%; p=0.002 and 5.6% vs. 3.7%; p=0.0208). The Kaplan-Meier estimated 1-year all-cause mortality was 5.4% for women and 7.4% for men, while the overall mortality during follow-up was 10% for women and 14% for men (p=0.0004), with no gender differences in terms of death cause. Significantly less women received device shocks (14.2% vs. 17.5%; p=0.0260), while more women needed device revision during follow-up (10.9 % vs. 8.2%; p=0.0246). Similar rates of primary and secondary prevention indication were noted for female and male patients (p=0.9717). There was no difference between the groups regarding the need of postprocedural system revision (p=0.7884), as well as in-hospital death, cardiac death, or sudden cardiac death. The non-fatal complications during follow-up were comparable for men and women. Moreover, similar rates and durations of all cause and cardiac rehospitalizations were found (p=0.1644 and p= 0.1816). Conclusion In this real-life patient cohort only a minority of female patients were enrolled. Female patients were more likely to undergo CRT implantation and had a higher risk for acute major periprocedural complications and in-hospital complications but a lower overall mortality in 1-year follow-up. However, the differences in baseline characteristics should be considered as potential confounders.

Learning curve for left bundle branch area pacing with standard stylet-driven pacing leads

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background His bundle pacing (HBP) was developed as a physiological conduction system pacing to complement the problem of conventional right ventricular pacing (RVP) related to dyssynchrony. Recently, left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), which overcomes the shortcomings of HBP, has been implemented. Most studies on initial experiences with LBBAP have reported that it was achieved through a lumen-less pacing lead (LLL) with a fixed helix design; however, there are situations in which LLL cannot be used. This study aimed to evaluate the initial experience and learning curve of LBBAP using a standard stylet-driven lead with an extendable helix design. Methods The study included 265 patients who underwent LBBAP or conventional RVP performed by operators without previous LBBAP experience at our hospital in Korea between December 2020 and October 2021. LBBAP was performed using a stylet-driven pacing lead with an extendable helix. The learning curve was evaluated by analyzing fluoroscopy and procedure times. Results LBBAP was successful in 65 of 69 (94.2%) patients during the observation period. In 65 patients who underwent LBBAP, mean fluoroscopy and procedural times were 17.1 ± 17.2 minutes and 64.2 ± 33.5 minutes, respectively. The learning curve for achieving LBBAP plateaued after the 24th case, with a gradually shortening procedure time. Conclusion During the initial experience with LBBAP, fluoroscopy and procedural times improved with increasing operator experience. For operators who were experienced in cardiac pacemaker implantation, the steepest part of the learning curve was over the first 20-25 cases. It is shorter than the previously reported learning curves of HBP.

Comparative Study of Porous Iron Foams for Biodegradable Implants: Structural Analysis and In Vitro Assessment.

Biodegradable metal systems are the future of modern implantology. This publication describes the preparation of porous iron-based materials using a simple, affordable replica method on a polymeric template. We obtained two iron-based materials with different pore sizes for potential application in cardiac surgery implants. The materials were compared in terms of their corrosion rate (using immersion and electrochemical methods) and their cytotoxic activity (indirect test on three cell lines: mouse L929 fibroblasts, human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAMSC), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)). Our research proved that the material being too porous might have a toxic effect on cell lines due to rapid corrosion.

Temporary trends of cardiac device related infective endocarditis in a tertiary referral center between 2006 and 2022

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare, but life-threatening complication of cardiac device implantation. Despite recent preventive strategies and advances in antimicrobial and surgical treatment, morbidity and mortality rates are still high. Aims The objective of our study was to assess the epidemiological characteristics, temporal trends and mortality rates of cardiac device related IE (CDRIE) in our high-volume, tertiary referral center. Methods retrospective data collection was performed between January 1, 2006 and March 31, 2022. Median follow-up was 3.8 yrs (IQR: 0.6 – 9.2 yrs). Patients admitted between 2006 and 2013 (group 1) and between 2014 and 2022 (group 2) were compared to assess temporal trends. Thirty-day, 6-month and 1-year mortality rates were estimated. Results During the observed 17 years 82 patients were admitted with CDRIE (61 males [74%]), mean age: 57.3 ±18 yrs; 6 VVI, 7 VDD, 17 VVI-ICD, 24 DDD, 10 DDD-ICD and 18 CRT devices [4 CRT-P, 14 CRT-D]); median time since first implantation was 3.8 yrs [IQR: 1.1 – 6.6 yrs]). Staphylococci were the most prevalent infective agents (62%), S. aureus (SA) infection was found in 37 cases (out of whom 13 were MRSA [16%]), coagulase negative Staphylococcus in 14 cases (17%), Enterococcus faecalis in 9 cases (11%), streptococci in 4 cases (5%), blood culture was negative in 13 cases (15%), and in 5 cases other pathogens were the underlying microorganism. Patients in Group 1 (n=42) did not differ from patients in Group 2 (n=40) in terms of age, male gender or ejection fraction. Patients in Group 2 had higher CRP level at admission (42,9 [IQR:34-55] mmol/l vs 90 [IQR:25-60] mmol/l, p=0.02). ICD lead (29% vs 67%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and E. faecalis infection (2% vs 20%, p=0.03) and percutan extraction (55% vs 75%, p=0.05) were more prevalent in Group 2. The 30-day and 6-month mortality rates were worse in Group 2 than in Group 1 (2% vs 17.5% p=0.03; and 16% vs 35% p=0.04 resp.) while the 1-year mortality did not differ (24% vs 40%). The all-cause mortality was 10% at 30 days, 26% at 6 month and 32% at 1 year. Univariate regression showed that age (HR: 1.03 [1.01-1.07] p&amp;lt;0.05), ejection fraction (HR: 0.96 [0.93-0.98] p&amp;lt;0.005), ICD lead (HR: 4.89 [1.82-14.40] p&amp;lt;0.005) and the time since first implantation (HR: 0.88 [0.77-0.98] p&amp;lt;0.05) were the predictors of 1-year mortality. However, in Cox multiple regression model only age (HR: 1.05 [1.004-1.1] p&amp;lt;0.05) and ICD lead (HR: 1.16 [1.16-17.38] p&amp;lt;0.05) remains independent predictors of outcome at 1 year. Conclusions In the past 17 years the most prevalent underlying microorganism were staphylococcal species, although Enterococcus faecalis infection increased over time. Patients with CDRIE had poor prognosis, every third patient died at 1 year after diagnosis. The short-term prognosis is even worse in the past few years than before, which may be a negative consequence of limited accessibility of healthcare due to COVID 19 pandemic.