DeSimone, Christopher V.

AbstractBackgroundAutomated wide complex tachycardia (WCT) differentiation into ventricular tachycardia (VT) and supraventricular wide complex tachycardia (SWCT) may be accomplished using novel calculations that quantify the extent of mean electrical vector changes between the WCT and baseline electrocardiogram (ECG). At present, it is unknown whether quantifying mean electrical vector changes within three orthogonal vectorcardiogram (VCG) leads (X, Y, and Z leads) can improve automated VT and SWCT classification.MethodsA derivation cohort of paired WCT and baseline ECGs was used to derive five logistic regression models: (i) one novel WCT differentiation model (i.e., VCG Model), (ii) three previously developed WCT differentiation models (i.e., WCT Formula, VT Prediction Model, and WCT Formula II), and (iii) one “all‐inclusive” model (i.e., Hybrid Model). A separate validation cohort of paired WCT and baseline ECGs was used to trial and compare each model's performance.ResultsThe VCG Model, composed of WCT QRS duration, baseline QRS duration, absolute change in QRS duration, X‐lead QRS amplitude change, Y‐lead QRS amplitude change, and Z‐lead QRS amplitude change, demonstrated effective WCT differentiation (area under the curve [AUC] 0.94) for the derivation cohort. For the validation cohort, the diagnostic performance of the VCG Model (AUC 0.94) was similar to that achieved by the WCT Formula (AUC 0.95), VT Prediction Model (AUC 0.91), WCT Formula II (AUC 0.94), and Hybrid Model (AUC 0.95).ConclusionCustom calculations derived from mathematically synthesized VCG signals may be used to formulate an effective means to differentiate WCTs automatically.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of single-dose intravenous dexamethasone on AF recurrence following radiofrequency catheter ablation. Methods: A cohort of 94 adult patients (>18 years) underwent catheter ablation at Mayo Clinic Rochester from January to March 2019. Only first-time ablation patients were included, with all re-do ablations excluded to minimize heterogeneity. Administration of intraoperative dexamethasone 4 mg or 8 mg was determined by chart review from the procedure. At our institution, intraoperative intravenous steroids are administered for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. AF recurrence was determined by ECG or cardiac monitoring at less than 3 months or between 3 months and 1 year with an in-person follow-up visit. Results: A total of 36.2% of patients received intravenous dexamethasone compared to 63.8% who did not (providing a 2:1 comparison group). The incidence of documented AF or flutter lasting greater than 30 seconds was 20.6% in the dexamethasone group versus 21.7% in the non-dexamethasone group, p value 1.00. AF or atrial flutter recurrence from 3 months to 1 year was 20.6% in the dexamethasone group compared to 21.7% in the non-dexamethasone group, p value 1.00. Conclusion: These data suggest that intraoperative intravenous dexamethasone administered during AF ablation for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis does not have a significant effect on AF recurrence rates.

Background: The use of direct current electroporation has the potential for significant utility because of its non-thermal approach to tissue destruction. However, the fear of inducibility of cardiac arrhythmias (particular ventricular fibrillation) when using electroporation remains of concern due to membrane poration and ion flux during periods of vulnerability occurring in ventricular repolarization. Objectives: Critically examine the incidence of arrhythmias in a series of acute canine studies to retrospectively determine cause and safe electoporative dosing margins. Methods: We performed electroporation ablation in 6 acute canine studies. These were experimental studies performed at sites critical in arrhytmogenesis. Sites included the pulmonary veins, left atrial appendage, superior vena cavae, right atrium and ventricle. Electroporation was delivered using an ECG gating algorithm so that QRS complexes are tagged and direct current energy is not delivered during the vulnerable portion of the T wave. Results: In 6 acute canine experiments, we delivered a total of 62 electroporation applications for ablation purposes. The average electroporation dosage delivered involved an average of 1427 Volts (range 750-3000 V), Pulse length of 100 ms, and number of pulses of 20.2 (range 10-100). AF was induced in 27.4% of electroporiatve applications. Atrial flutter/tachycardia occurred in 8.1%. VF occurred in only one application at a location of the left superior pulmonary vein. Conclusion: These data suggest that induction of VF is relatively uncommon with ECG gating and highlight its importance when using this modality. However, the induction of AF occurs with higher frequency. The actual mechanism as to why this occurs requires further systematic study.

Introduction: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics_2014 Update suggests more than 424,000 people suffer out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the United States. Hypothesis: We assessed seasonal variation in OHCA from a large national hospitalisation database in the past decade. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to estimate the annual number of hospitalisations with from 2000-2011. Identification of out of hospital cardiac arrest related hospitalisations was based on the designation of the International Classification of Diseases (9th Edition) Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis code 427.5 (OHCA) as the principal discharge diagnosis. The frequency of hospitalisation for each month cumulative over 11 years was calculated and divided by number of days in that month to obtain the mean hospitalisations per day for each month. All calculations were carried out using the weighted estimates approximating nationwide population estimates. Results: An estimated 93,209 hospitalisations with primary diagnosis of OHCA occurred in the United States from the beginning of the calendar year 2000 to the end of the calendar year 2011. The number of hospitalisations per day in each month is shown in Figure 1.The number of hospitalisation was maximum in the winter months and minimum in summer months. Specifically, the mean number of hospitalisation each day (averaged over 11 years) was least in August (242). There was a rising trend from August to January. The average number of hospitalisation was highest in January (310); thereafter, the hospitalisation rate dropped to a nadir in August. There was however no seasonal pattern in inhospital mortality. Conclusions: We identified for the first time in United States an impressive pattern of seasonal variation in hospitalisations for OHCA. Further efforts must be made to identify triggers and methods to prevent OHCA and reduce its burden on health care system.

Introduction: One million patients around the world have had total hip arthorplasty with 35% of them having metal-on-metal implants. Although there have been some case reports of cobalt cardiotoxicity from arthroprosthetic cobaltism resulting in dilated cardiomyopathy, incidence of cardiomyopathy and mortality in these patients is unknown. Objective: We therefore sought to determine the incidence of new onset cardiomyopathy (EF <40%) and associated mortality, in patients with metal hip arthroplasty. Methods: We retrospectively examined the records of the patients form our institutional total hip arthroplasty registry (Metal on Metal: MoM, Metal on Polyethylene: MoP, Ceramic on Ceramic: CoC and Ceramic on Polyethylne: CoP). Among 122 patients with baseline and follow up echocardiograms, cobalt and chromium levels were available in 12 patients, none of which developed incident cardiomyopathy. Results: The mean age of the population with metal group (MoM and MoP) was 53 years, predominantly males. During the follow up period of 10 years, the cumulative incidence (KM curve probabilities) of low EF <=40% in our study population was 14% in metal group as compared to 5% in non-metal group (CoC and CoP), (p value 0.51). At 15 years of follow up, among 122 patients, there were16 deaths in the metal group (81) and only 2 deaths in the non-metal group (41) (p value 0.15). Conclusions: In conclusion, although the incidence of cardiomyopathy as well as mortality is low in patients with metal hip arthroplasty and not significantly, further studies maybe needed to assess its effect on diastolic dysfunction.

Background: Worldwide, approximately one million patients have had total hip arthroplasty with 35% being cobalt and chromium Metal-on-Metal (MoM) or Metal-on-Polythelene (MoP) implants. Animal models have suggested that cobalt and chromium can affect all chambers, but there seems to be an atrial predilection. There are several case reports of metal containing hip arthroplasty causing atrial arrhythmias but the true incidence of atrial fibrillation associated with metal hip arthroplasty remains undefined. Objective: We sought to determine the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients with metal containing hip arthroplasty. We also examined the association between serum cobalt and chromium levels and arrhythmias in this cohort and all cause mortality. Methods: We retrospectively examined the records of patients from the Mayo Clinic total hip arthroplasty registry (Metal group - Metal-on-Metal: MoM and Metal-on-Polyethylene: MoP, Non-Metal group - Ceramic-on-Ceramic: CoC and Ceramic-on-Polyethylne: CoP) to obtain demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory, ECG, and echocardiographic data. Out of a total of 1756 patients, Cobalt and Chromium levels were available in 138 patients. Results: The mean age of patients with metal containing hip replacement was 50 years and were predominantly male. During a follow up period of 10 years, the incidence of atrial fibrillation in our study population was 8% in metal group compared to 2% (p=0.11) in non-metal group. There was no association between cobalt or chromium levels with the incidence of atrial fibrillation. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in metal group versus non-metal group (p=0.005). Conclusion: The incidence of atrial fibrillation was relatively more in patients with metal versus non-metal hip arthroplasty but there was no association of serum cobalt or chromium levels with incidence of atrial fibrillation in the subset of patients. In addition, all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the metal group suggesting potential toxic effects of metal containing hip arthroplasty.

Background: Data regarding ventricular tachycardia (VT) or premature ventricular complex (PVC) ablation following MVS is limited.) CA can be challenging given perivalvular substrate in the setting of mitral annuloplasty or prosthetic valves. Objective: To investigate the characteristics, safety, and outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation (CA) in patients with prior mitral valve surgery (MVS) and ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Methods: We identified consecutive patients with prior MVS who underwent CA for VT or PVC between January 2013- December 2018. We investigated the mechanism of arrhythmia, ablation approach, peri-operative complications, and outcomes. Results: In our cohort of 31 patients (77% men, mean age 62.3±10.8 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 39.2±13.9%) with prior MVS underwent CA (16 VT; 15 PVC). Access to the left ventricle was via transseptal approach in 17 patients, and a retrograde aortic approach was used in 13 patients. A combined transseptal and retrograde aortic approach was used in one patient, and a percutaneous epicardial approach was combined with trans-septal approach in 1patient. Heterogenous scar regions were present in 94% of VT patients and scar-related reentry was the dominant mechanism of VT. Clinical VA substrates involved the peri-mitral area in 6 patients with VT and 5 patients with PVC ablation. No procedure-related complications were reported. The overall recurrence-free rate at 1-year was 72.2%; 67% in the VT group and 78% in the PVC group. No arrhythmia-related death was documented on long-term follow-up. Conclusion: CA of VAs can be performed safely and effectively in patients with MVS

Abstract Background Despite safety communications from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the outbreak of Mycobacterium chimaera infections (MCIs) from contaminated heater-cooler devices, new cases continue to be identified. Methods We retrospectively reviewed confirmed cases of MCI that were managed at Mayo Clinic sites (Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota) from 09/2015 to 01/2021. Clinical histories including prior cardiovascular surgery were recorded. Diagnostic workup including ophthalmologic examination, imaging, and laboratory testing was reviewed. Treatment and survival outcomes on follow-up were obtained. Results Twelve patients with MCI were included. All patients had aortic valve or graft replacement. Five patients had their surgical procedures following the 10/15/2015 FDA safety communication. The mean time from surgery to symptom onset (range) was 32 (13–73) months. Ten of 11 patients who underwent ophthalmologic examination had chorioretinal abnormalities. Three patients who underwent microbial cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing tested positive for M. chimaera, which was subsequently confirmed with blood culture growth. Echocardiography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) revealed evidence of prosthetic valve/graft infection in 7/12 (58.3%) and 6/10 (60.0%) of cases, respectively. Seven patients (58.3%) underwent redo cardiovascular surgery. Of these, 1 patient died 2 days postdischarge, 1 experienced spinal osteomyelitis relapse, and another had interval prosthetic valve fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on PET/CT suspicious for recurrent infection. Among 4 patients on medical therapy only, 3 expired or transitioned to hospice during follow-up. Conclusions MCI continues to occur despite the FDA communications. Incorporation of ophthalmologic examination and use of advanced tools may improve MCI diagnosis. The mortality in these patients is high even with aggressive surgical/medical management.

AbstractBackgroundThe improved life expectancy observed in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has made age‐related cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias, a growing health concern.HypothesisWe describe the temporal trends in frequency of various arrhythmias and assess impact of arrhythmias on hospitalized HIV patients using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS).MethodsData on HIV‐related hospitalizations from 2005 to 2014 were obtained from the NIS database using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD‐9) codes. Data was further subclassified into hospitalizations with associated arrhythmias and those without. Baseline demographics and comorbidities were determined. Outcomes including in‐hospital mortality, cost of care, and length of stay were extracted. SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) was utilized for analysis. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of arrhythmias among hospitalized HIV patients.ResultsAmong 2 370 751 HIV‐related hospitalizations identified, the overall frequency of any arrhythmia was 3.01%. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was the most frequent arrhythmia (2110 per 100 000). The overall frequency of arrhythmias increased over time by 108%, primarily due to a 132% increase in AF. Arrhythmias are more frequent among older males, lowest income quartile, and nonelective admissions. Patients with arrhythmias had a higher in‐hospital mortality rate (9.6%). In‐hospital mortality among patients with arrhythmias decreased over time by 43.8%. The cost of care and length of stay associated with arrhythmia‐related hospitalizations were mostly unchanged.ConclusionsArrhythmias are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized HIV patients. AF is the most frequent arrhythmia in hospitalized HIV patients.

The impact of coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19), has been profound. Though COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, it has also been associated with a wide range of cardiovascular (CV) manifestations portending extremely poor prognosis. The principal hypothesis for CV involvement is through direct myocardial infection and systemic inflammation. We conducted a systematic review of the current literature to provide a foundation for understanding the CV manifestations and outcomes of COVID-19. PubMed and EMBASE databases were electronically searched from the inception of the databases through 27 April 2020. A second literature review was conducted to include major trials and guidelines that were published after the initial search but before submission. The inclusion criteria for studies to be eligible were case reports, case series, and observation studies reporting CV outcomes among patients with COVID-19 infection. This review of the current COVID-19 disease and CV outcomes literature revealed a myriad of CV manifestations with potential avenues for treatment and prevention. Future studies are required to understand on a more mechanistic level the effect of COVID-19 on the myocardium and thus provide avenues to improve mortality and morbidity.