Ventricular Fibrillation Arrest Research Articles

Current and investigational therapies for the treatment of refractory ventricular fibrillation.

Esmolol, dual sequential defibrillation, vector change defibrillation, and left stellate ganglion block are presented and reviewed for the treatment of refractory ventricular fibrillation. Although no formal definition has been established for refractory ventricular fibrillation, the literature describes it as a pulseless ventricular arrhythmia that persists despite 3 standard defibrillation attempts, administration of amiodarone 300 mg intravenously, and provision of three 1-mg intravenous doses of epinephrine. Evolving literature surrounding resuscitation in this particular subset of cardiac arrest challenges the efficacy of traditional therapies, such as epinephrine, and suggests that other treatment modalities may improve outcomes. Case reports, case series, and small retrospective studies have pointed to benefit when utilizing a variety of therapies, namely, esmolol, dual sequential defibrillation, vector change defibrillation, or left stellate ganglion block, in patients with refractory ventricular fibrillation arrest. A mounting, although limited, body of evidence suggests that esmolol, dual sequential defibrillation, vector change defibrillation, or left stellate ganglion block may be effective at terminating refractory ventricular fibrillation and improving patient outcomes. Further evidence is required before these therapies can be adopted as standard practice; however, as key members of the code response team, it is imperative for pharmacists to be familiar with the supporting evidence, safety considerations, and logistical challenges of utilizing these treatments during arrest.

Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiopulmonary Arrest Following Micra™ Leadless Pacemaker Implantation

Leadless cardiac pacemakers such as the Micra™ transcatheter leadless pacing system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) are an alternative to traditional transvenous pacemakers. Implantation of leadless pacemakers, albeit safe, may be associated with complications, including cardiac tamponade; high capture thresholds; and, rarely, ventricular arrhythmias. We report a case of ventricular fibrillation arrest following the implantation of a Micra™ leadless pacemaker.

Abstract P432: Alpha-actinin 2 Missense Variant And Its Role In Cardiac Muscle Force Production And Diastolic Dysfunction

ACTN2 gene encodes for the alpha-actinin 2 protein, which has an actin-binding role. In cardiac muscle, alpha-actinin 2 is located in the Z-disc of the sarcomere, where it anchors myofibrillar actin filaments. A 48-years old female patient presented with ventricular fibrillation arrest was successfully resuscitated. Coronary angiography exhibited normal coronary arteries. Cardiac MRI did not show myocardial scar tissue or arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). Echocardiogram showed normal left ventricular ejection fraction, stage II diastolic dysfunction and elevated right ventricular systolic pressure. Genetic testing identified a missense variant of unknown significance in ACTN2 (a gene previously associated with dilated cardiomyopathy/ARVD), and in SCNB2 (encodes sodium voltage-gated channel beta subunit 2, a gene previously associated with long QT syndrome). We investigated the effects of the ACTN2 variant on cardiac muscle contraction, providing an inside view of the importance of ACTN2 in sarcomere function. Left ventricular free wall samples were obtained from the patient’s explanted heart at the time of cardiac transplantation. Mechanics of contraction were measured in permeabilized cardiac muscle preparations (CMPs) in the presence of 3% dextran T-500 (to restore the myofilament lattice to physiological dimensions) at 30°C. The experiments were performed at sarcomere lengths 2.1 μm and 2.3 μm achieved by HeNe laser diffraction. CMPs containing ACTN2 mutant protein displayed increased myofilament Ca 2+ sensitivity of isometric force and lower maximal isometric force compared to human donor samples (control). Sinusoidal stiffness was decreased at all levels of Ca 2+ activation and isometric force in ACTN2 variant CMPs. The rate of tension redevelopment was faster at all levels of Ca 2+ activation and isometric force. Alpha-actinin 2 is an important sarcomeric protein that regulates the kinetics of cardiac muscle contraction. This work establishes the importance of alpha-actinin 2 in the Z-disc mechanotransduction to thin and thick filament interactions.

Time to amiodarone administration and survival outcomes in refractory ventricular fibrillation.

International guidelines recommend amiodarone for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF). While early appropriate interventions have been shown to improve OHCA survival, the association between time to amiodarone and survival remains to be established. Included were adult OHCA in refractory VF, between January 2015 and December 2019, who received a resuscitation attempt with amiodarone from Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics. Patient characteristics and survival outcomes were described. Factors associated with survival were investigated, with a focus on time from arrest to amiodarone administration. Optimal time window for amiodarone administration was determined, and factors influencing whether amiodarone was given within the optimal time window were examined. A total of 502 patients were included. The average (range) time from arrest to amiodarone was 25 (4-83) min. Time to amiodarone was negatively associated with survival (adjusted odds ratio 0.93 for event survival; 95% confidence interval 0.89-0.97). The optimal time window for amiodarone was within 23 min following arrest. Patients receiving amiodarone within the optimal time had significantly better survival than those receiving it outside this window (event survival 38.3% vs 20.6%, P < 0.001; discharge survival 25.5% vs 9.7%, P < 0.001; 30-day survival 25.1% vs 9.7%, P < 0.001). Paramedic response time (adjusted odds ratio 0.96; 95% confidence interval 0.92-0.99) and time from arrest to intravenous access (0.71; 0.67-0.76) were independent factors determining whether patients received amiodarone within the optimal time. Earlier amiodarone administration was associated with improved survival. Strategies aimed at reducing delay to amiodarone administration have the potential to improve outcome.

The HEART score to identify emergency department patients suspected of an acute coronary syndrome who can be removed from cardiac monitoring: A retrospective chart review.

Continuous cardiac monitoring has been recommended for ED patients being evaluated for possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) due to concern for arrhythmia, although evidence suggests this risk is low. Indiscriminate use of monitored beds restricts access for other critically unwell patients and contributes to overcrowding. The objective of the present study was to determine if a low/intermediate-risk HEART score identified patients at very low risk for a clinically important arrhythmia who could be removed from cardiac monitoring. This was a single centre, retrospective, cohort study of consecutive ED patients in a tertiary referral hospital evaluated for possible ACS from July to August 2017. Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction or an arrhythmia at presentation which would mandate monitoring were excluded. Data was obtained by medical chart review. The primary outcome was the occurrence of an arrhythmia requiring treatment while in ED. Inter-rater reliability for data extraction demonstrated very strong agreement (kappa 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.83-0.91). There were 653 participants included with 83 (12.7%) having a final diagnosis of ACS. Three (0.5%) clinically important arrhythmias occurred. There were no cases of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest. Five hundred and forty (82.7%) participants were low/intermediate-risk HEART score and one (0.2%) clinically important arrhythmia occurred (this was supraventricular tachycardia treated by a valsalva manoeuvre). Among ED patients presenting with a possible ACS, a low/intermediate-risk HEART score identified those at very low risk for having a clinically important arrhythmia while in ED.

Coronary vasospasm as an etiology of recurrent ventricular fibrillation in the absence of coronary artery disease: a case report

ABSTRACT Background: Vasospastic angina (VA), or Prinzmetal’s angina, is characterized by symptoms of coronary angina caused by coronary vasospasm, usually in the absence of atherosclerotic changes. It typically presents with chest pain, which can be accompanied by transient electrocardiographic changes, if visualized during the attack. It can also rarely present with severe manifestations of acute myocardial angina, ventricular fibrillation, or cardiac arrest. Case presentation:We present a case of a 50-year-old Caucasian male who initially presented to the hospital with chest pain and was diagnosed with VA. Later, he was brought to the hospital by emergency medical services later with ventricular fibrillation, despite normal coronary anatomy on angiogram. He was managed with placement of an intra–cardiac defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prevention. The patient continued to have recurrent episodes of ventricular fibrillation with associated ICD shocks, and had multiple admissions to the hospital with similar presentations. Symptoms and arrhythmia improved after optimizing antianginal therapy. Conclusions:Ventricular fibrillation can be an uncommon but severe manifestation during VA crises. In cases with normal coronary vasculature, it is important to recognize VA as a cause of recurrent ventricular fibrillation in order to optimize medical management for prevention of fatal arrhythmias.

QT interval prolongation and the rate of malignant ventricular dysrhythmia and cardiac arrest in adult poisoned patients.

Prolongation of QTc interval, a common electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormality encountered in the toxicology patient, is reportedly associated with an increased risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmias (MVD), such as ventricular tachycardia (VT, with and without a pulse), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and/or cardiac arrest. Quantifiable cardiac arrest risk in relation to specific QTc interval length is not known in this population. We conducted a retrospective, observational study to assess the rate of cardiac arrest and its association with degree of QTc prolongation in a cohort of patients requiring toxicology consultation. 550 patients were included in our analysis (average age 36 years and 49% male). Average QTc was 453 milliseconds (ms). Overall incidence of cardiac arrest in the study cohort was 1.1% with 6 reported cases; when considering patients with QTc > 500 ms, incidence was 1.7%. Two patients with cardiac arrest experienced ventricular dysrhythmia with decompensation prior to cardiac arrest; four patients developed sudden cardiac arrest. The risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmia, including cardiac arrest, is low in this poisoned patient population with an overall rate of 1.1%. Two-thirds of cardiac arrest cases occurred in patients with normal QTc intervals. When considering patients with prolonged QTc intervals, the rate of cardiac arrest remains very low at 0.8%. Considering QTc greater than 500 ms, the rate of cardiac arrest is 1.7%. Further prospective studies are required to quantify the risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmias, including cardiac arrest, and its relation to the degree of QTc interval in poisoned patients.

Successful Short-Term ECPELLA Support as a Bridge to Recovery Following STEMI Complicated by Refractory Cardiogenic Shock Despite Emergency PCI

Introduction Cardiogenic shock (CS) remains the leading cause of mortality (40 - 50%) in patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Early institution of complex mechanical support may preserve life. Case Report A 65-year-old male was admitted to the ED in CS after an acute inferior STEMI (ST-segment elevation MI) complicated by ventricular fibrillation (VF). He had a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), remote left anterior descending (LAD) STEMI complicated by VF arrest, and surgical LAD revascularization (normal left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] at that time). Multiple shocks were required during transit and upon admission to the catheterization suite for VF. Pertinent findings were blood pressure (BP) 78/52/63 (systolic/diastolic/mean) mmHg, wedge pressure 19 mmHg, cardiac index (CI) 1.3 L/minute/m2, LVEF 20%, patent LAD graft, 100% left circumflex culprit lesion and 90% right coronary artery stenosis. Left common femoral artery Impella CP support was expedited. At P9 level/ 3.1L per minute flow/mean arterial pressure 67 mmHg, two-vessel stenting was then performed. However, due to refractory cardiogenic shock, peripheral veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was instituted immediately via right common femoral cannulation: 25F venous, 17F arterial, and 6F distal arterial reperfusion. Post-revascularization, he was transferred to the CCU on ECPELLA support: VA-ECMO at 3.7L/minute and Impella CP at P2 level with mean BP 91mmHg, wedge pressure 18 mmHg, CI 1.4 L/minute/m2. He improved rapidly with ECPELLA support and goal directed medical therapy. VA ECMO was decannulated within 36 hours and the Impella removed within 48 hours of the initiation of ECPELLA support. He was extubated within 12 hours of Impella removal and transferred to the Floor 5 days after admission on Milrinone 0.2 mcg/kg/min with CVP 9, MAP 77, CO 5.1, CI 2.8, and LVEF 30%. He was discharged home in stable condition 10 days following admission on guideline-directed medical therapy with a Life Vest. He returned to work two months after discharge. Summary Early multi-disciplinary collaboration and initiation of complex mechanical support such as ECPELLA can provide a survival advantage in very high risk patients presenting with AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock which has a very high mortality rate.

Association between insurance status and in-hospital outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation arrest.

BackgroundLack of health insurance is associated with adverse clinical outcomes; however, the association between health insurance status and in‐hospital outcomes after out‐of‐hospital ventricular fibrillation (OHVFA) arrest is unclear.HypothesisLack of health insurance is associated with worse in‐hospital outcomes after out‐of‐hospital ventricular fibrillation arrest.MethodsFrom January 2003 to December 2014, hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of OHVFA in patients ≥18 years of age were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Patients were categorized into insured and uninsured groups based on their documented health insurance status. Study outcome measures were in‐hospital mortality, utilization of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and cost of hospitalization. Inverse probability weighting adjusted binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality and ICD utilization and linear regression was performed to identify independent predictors of cost of hospitalization.ResultsOf 188 946 patients included in the final analyses, 178 005 (94.2%) patients were insured and 10 941 (5.8%) patients were uninsured. Unadjusted in‐hospital mortality was higher (61.7% vs. 54.7%, p < .001) and ICD utilization was lower (15.3% vs. 18.3%, p < .001) in the uninsured patients. Lack of health insurance was independently associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (O.R = 1.53, 95% C.I. [1.46–1.61]; p < .001) and lower utilization of ICD (O.R = 0.84, 95% C.I [0.79–0.90], p < .001). Cost of hospitalization was significantly higher in uninsured patients (median [interquartile range], p‐value) ($) (39 650 [18 034‐93 399] vs. 35 965 [14 568.50‐96 163], p < .001).ConclusionLack of health insurance is associated with higher in‐hospital mortality, lower utilization of ICD and higher cost of hospitalization after OHVFA.

Kidney allograft infarction associated with transplant renal artery stenosis in a COVID-19 kidney transplant recipient

Kidney allograft infarction is rare, but an urgent condition that requires prompt intervention to avoid allograft loss. Renal artery thrombosis is the leading cause of infarction. Apart from traditional risk factors for thrombosis, emerging SARS-CoV-2 predisposes patients to thrombotic diseases both in arterial and venous vasculatures. We report a case of kidney transplant recipient with known transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) status post angioplasty with severe COVID-19, complicated by oliguric acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). She did not have a history of thromboembolic disease. The hospital course was complicated by new-onset atrial and ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest requiring multiple rounds of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. She had no signs of renal recovery, and an abdominal CT scan showed evidence of allograft infarcts. She underwent an allograft nephrectomy. Pathology revealed diffuse thrombotic microangiopathy involving glomeruli, arterioles, and arteries associated with diffuse cortical infarction with negative SARS-CoV-2 immunostain and in situ hybridization. This is the first case of kidney allograft infarct with a history of TRAS in a COVID-19 patient. Underlying TRAS and COVID-19-associated thrombosis in this patient are unique and likely play a key role in allograft infarction from arterial thrombosis. Recognizing risk factors and early therapy for allograft infarction may improve transplant outcomes.

1165: Adult Swine Model of Ventricular Fibrillation Arrest for Resuscitation With Perfluorocarbon Emulsion

Murphy, Travis1; Zhu, Jiepei1; Parsons, Travis1; Spiess, Bruce1; Becker, Torben1 Author Information

A method to predict ventricular fibrillation shock outcome during chest compressions

BackgroundOut-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death. Quantitative analysis of the VF electrocardiogram (ECG) can predict patient outcomes and could potentially enable a patient-specific, guided approach to resuscitation. However, VF analysis during resuscitation is confounded by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) artifact in the ECG, challenging continuous application to guide therapy throughout resuscitation. We therefore sought to design a method to predict VF shock outcomes during CPR. MethodsStudy data included 4577 5-s VF segments collected during and without CPR prior to defibrillation attempts in N = 1151 arrest patients. Using training data (460 patients), an algorithm was designed to predict the VF shock outcomes of defibrillation success (return of organized ventricular rhythm) and functional survival (Cerebral Performance Category 1–2). The algorithm was designed with variable-frequency notch filters to reduce CPR artifact in the ECG based on real-time chest compression rate. Ten ECG features and three dichotomous patient characteristics were developed to predict outcomes. These variables were combined using support vector machines and logistic regression. Algorithm performance was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to predict outcomes in validation data (691 patients). ResultsAUC (95% Confidence Interval) for predicting defibrillation success was 0.74 (0.71–0.77) during CPR and 0.77 (0.74–0.79) without CPR. AUC for predicting functional survival was 0.75 (0.72–0.78) during CPR and 0.76 (0.74–0.79) without CPR. ConclusionA novel algorithm predicted defibrillation success and functional survival during ongoing CPR following VF arrest, providing a potential proof-of-concept towards real-time guidance of resuscitation therapy.

Abstract 296: Adult Swine Model of Ventricular Fibrillation Arrest for Resuscitation with Perfluorocarbon Emulsions

Background: The purpose of this study was to develop a model of ventricular fibrillation arrest with reliable outcomes and minimally invasive methods to study the use of perfluorocarbon emulsions (PFC) as agents to prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury after cardiac arrest as quantified by known biomarkers. Methods: Female Yorkshire swine underwent anesthesia and minimally invasive instrumentation for monitoring under ultrasound. Cardiac arrest was induced with spinal needle insertion at the apex and right parasternal space. Ventricular fibrillation was reliably obtained in all animals on initial attempts. A three-minute circulatory arrest state was observed. Administration of PFC was concurrent with resuscitation including closed chest compressions, epinephrine, amiodarone, and defibrillation at 1J/kg. Primary endpoint was induction of cardiac arrest and tolerance of PFC with return of spontaneous circulation. Blood levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase-L1 (UCLH1) were secondary end points for three animals. Results: Six of six animals were induced into ventricular fibrillation on initial attempt and two of three survival experiments were able to obtain spontaneous circulation. PFC with pretreatment was tolerated well and no signs of increased pulmonary pressures. GFAP, UCHL1 were significantly lower in intervention animals compared to controls. Conclusions: The results obtained from this preliminary study and technical refinements via additional donated animals have allowed us to make modifications in the choice of PFC, vascular access, and anticoagulation plan. This model provides a consistent method for inducing ventricular fibrillation with minimally invasive techniques. The PFC tested was well tolerated. More robust evaluation of PFC as resuscitative agents is needed with appropriately powered studies.

Abstract 253: Trajectory of Ventricular Fibrillation Prognostic Status During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Background: Resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to ventricular fibrillation (VF) typically involves continuous CPR cycles interrupted every 2 minutes for rhythm analysis and potential defibrillation. Quantitative measures of the VF ECG waveform have been proposed to guide therapy for VF arrest because they are associated with myocardial energetics, are dynamic over the course of resuscitation, and predict outcome. However, while VF waveform measures have until recently have required CPR interruption to accurately gauge prognostic status, CPR interruptions are associated with a lower chance of survival. We used a novel waveform measure previously-validated during active CPR to estimate the course of VF status through the 2-minute CPR cycle between consecutive shocks. Methods: We conducted an observational study of patients with VF OHCA who experienced recurrent VF for at least 90 seconds following initial shock. We used the continuous defibrillator ECG to calculate the VF waveform measure as a function of predicted probability of survival-with-intact-neurologic-status at 1-s intervals over the course of resuscitation between shocks. Results: We collected 499 VF ECG segments (≥90 seconds) during CPR from 313 patients. The trajectory of the average prognostic VF measure had a 3-phase time-dependent pattern (Fig. 1). During CPR, the slope of the measure decreased during the initial 25 s of VF (slope = -12%/min) and was relatively flat during the subsequent 65-s interval of VF (slope = +1%/min). Furthermore, slope decreased sharply following the cessation of CPR for rhythm analysis, charge, and shock (slope = -23%/min). Conclusion: On average, a novel VF waveform measure assessed during the scheduled cycle of CPR and rhythm analysis between consecutive shocks was characterized by a period of decline, stabilization, and then decline. Whether these changes in VF status can be used to improve care for individual patients is uncertain.

Abstract 16917: The Forgotten Prolapsed Mitral Valve in a Patient With Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Current literature suggests that the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) attributable to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is more common than historically presumed. Although its true incidence remains unknown, this novel realization suggests that the presence of MVP after resuscitated SCA should prompt exploratory identification of a causative association between MVP and SCA, even in the presence of other plausible explanatory findings. Case Description: A 60-year-old male with a history of hypertension presented with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (VF). Coronary angiography revealed a 99% occluded 1st diagonal branch which was stented. TTE showed normal biventricular function and coincidentally found a myxomatous mitral valve with bileaflet prolapse. The patient was discharged without further work up under the rationale that the ischemic etiology of his arrest was reversed. 6 months later, he presented with another episode of VF arrest. EKG showed sinus bradycardia and a QTc of 534ms. Troponin was negative. Coronary angiography revealed a patent stent and coronary vessels. A cardiac MRI was obtained to investigate the arrhythmic significance of his MVP and showed late gadolinium enhancement in the basal inferolateral wall and tips of the mitral papillary muscles. A dual chamber implantable cardiac defibrillator was placed with a plan for future mitral valve repair. Discussion: Recent studies suggest that the estimated annual risk of SCA due to MVP is 0.2% to 1.9%, a figure higher than previously reported. Certain EKG, TTE and cardiac MRI findings have been associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and SCA. In this patient, this included bileaflet MVP, mitral antral disjunction, and inferobasal wall and papillary muscle fibrosis. Currently, there are no society guidelines to assist in the identification of patients with MVP at high-risk for SCA. Nonetheless, in patients with MVP resuscitated from SCA, further workup to identify high risk features is reasonably justified to guide secondary SCA prophylaxis, even in the presence of other explanatory findings for SCA.

Prognostic value of non-ischemic ring-like left ventricular scar pattern in patients with apparently idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias: a CMR imaging study

Abstract Background The presence of left ventricular (LV) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been correlated to life-threatening arrhythmic events in patients with apparently idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic significance of a specific LV-LGE phenotype characterized by a subepicardial/midmyocardial “ring-like” pattern of fibrosis. Methods Out of a total of 518 consecutive patients with apparently idiopathic VAs who underwent CMR study, 79 (15%) had evidence of LV-LGE. Of these, 23 (4%) patients had LV LGE with ring-like pattern, defined as subepicardial or midmyocardial LGE involving at least 3 contiguous segments in the same slice (group A), while 56 (11%) patients had LV LGE with no ring-like pattern (group B). The remaining 439 patients had no LGE (group C). The end-point of the study was a composite SCD, resuscitated cardiac arrest and nonfatal episodes of ventricular fibrillation or documented sustained ventricular tachycardia. Results Group A patients were more frequently males compared to groups B and C (96% vs. 79% vs. 52%; p&amp;lt;0.01) and had more frequently a family history of SCD and/or cardiomyopathy (30% vs. 11% vs. 5%; p&amp;lt;0.01). All patients in Group A showed VAs with a predominant RBBB morphology vs. 38 (68%) patients in Group B and 65 (15%) in Group C (p&amp;lt;0.01). During a follow-up of 63±39 months, the composite outcome occurred in 13 patients (57%) in Group A vs. 11 (20%) in Group B and 2 (1%) in Group C (p&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusion In patients with apparently idiopathic VAs, a nonischemic LV-LGE with a ring-like pattern at CMR is associated with a high rate of malignant arrhythmic events during follow-up. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery without aortic cross-clamping: A safe alternative approach.

Attempting to place an aortic cross-clamp may complicate surgery and postoperative outcomes in patients who have mediastinal adhesions or in those with extensive aortic calcification. Although right-sided cardiac surgery via thoracotomy is not a new technique in these patients, robotic-assisted intracardiac repair without cross-clamping was not reported in a large group of patients previously. In this study, the safety of robotic-assisted cardiac surgery without aortic cross-clamping was examined. From January 2010 to March 2020, 304 patients underwent robotic-assisted cardiac surgery in our center and in 25 of these patients (8.2%) with a mean age of 65.5 ± 20 years myocardial protection was succeeded with moderate hypothermic ventricular fibrillatory arrest. Severe pericardial adhesions or existence of highly calcified ascending aorta were the indications for fibrillatory arrest during robotic assistant surgery. Most patients were in New York Heart Association Class ≥II (88.0%) and the mean logistic Euroscore value was 18.5 ± 22.3. The typeof operations were mitral/tricuspid valve repair/replacement, cryoablation, atrial septal defect closure, and pericardiectomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass times were 141.5 ± 47 (minimum 77-maximum 252) min. There was no case of conversion to open thoracotomy or sternotomy. Hemiparesis was observed in one patient. Two patients with 78.2 and 81.9 Euroscore values had mesenteric ischemia and multiorgan failure, respectively, and died at postoperative period. Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery without cross-clamping may provide reasonable outcomes in patients with severe aortic calcification or mediastinal adhesions undergoing intracardiac repair. These acceptable outcomes may encourage surgeons to perform this approach in appropriate group of patients.

Cardiac Sarcoidosis Mimicking Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The Importance of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A man with a presumed diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy presented after a ventricular fibrillation arrest. Review of prior cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pattern of late gadolinium enhancement that was atypical for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and most consistent with cardiac sarcoidosis, with diagnosis confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Coronary artery ectasia presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in a young indigenous man: a case report

BackgroundCoronary artery ectasia (CAE) is often an incidental finding on angiography, however, patients can present with acute coronary syndrome due to a large thrombus burden requiring treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention or with emergency surgery.Case summaryA 26-year-old Indigenous Australian male was admitted with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction associated with an out of hospital ventricular fibrillation arrest. Coronary angiography demonstrated thrombotic occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery with heavy thrombus burden and prominent vascular ectasia of all three coronary arteries. He was managed with surgical thrombectomy and coronary artery bypass graft of his LAD.DiscussionThis is the first case of triple CAE in an Indigenous Australian. The case highlights the lack of consensus approach in the management of CAE due to paucity of prospective studies.

Cardiac sarcoidosis and ventricular arrhythmias. A rare association of a rare disease. A retrospective cohort study from the National Inpatient Sample and current evidence for management.

Sarcoidosis is an increasingly recognized multi-systemic condition. Cardiac sarcoidosis is associated with ventricular arrhythmias and higher mortality rates. Little epidemiological data is available regarding the disease and associated ventricular arrhythmias. Data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database 2012-2014, were reviewed. Dis-charges associated with sarcoidosis were identified as the target population using relevant ICD-9-CM codes. Primary outcome was a diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in the sarcoidosis population. Secondary outcomes include rate of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and cardiac arrest. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the association of VT with multiple potential confounding clinical variables. Of 18,013,878 health encounters, 46,289 (0.26%) subjects had a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. VT and VF were more prevalent among patients with sarcoidosis compared to those without a diagnosis of sarcoidosis (2.29% vs. 1.22%; p < 0.001 and 0.25% vs. 0.21%; p < 0.001, respectively). Sarcoidosis was also associated with a higher prevalence of cardiac arrest (0.72% vs. 0.6%; p < 0.001). In unadjusted analyses, all examined comorbidities were significantly more common in those with sar-coidosis, including diabetes mellitus (31.6% vs. 21.25%; p < 0.001), hypertension (65.2% vs. 51.74%; p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (21.09% vs. 14.02%; p < 0.001), heart failure (24.87% vs. 15%; p < 0.001) and acute coronary syndrome (4.32% vs. 3.35%; p < 0.001). The present study showed that sarcoidosis was associated with increased rates of ven-tricular tachyarrhythmia, which can affect the overall disease morbidity and mortality.