Browsing by Author "Tilz, Roland (16065182300)"

The purpose of this EP wire survey was to examine current practice in the management of both cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent and non-CTI-dependent atrial flutter (AFL) ablation amongst electrophysiologists in European and Canadian centres and to understand how current opinions vary from guidelines. The results of the survey were collected from a detailed questionnaire that was created by the European Heart Rhythm Association Research Network and the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society. Responses were received from 89 centres in 12 countries. The survey highlighted variability within certain aspects of the management of AFL ablation. The variability in opinion regarding other procedural details suggests a need for further research in this area and consideration of the development of guidelines specific to AFL. Overall, there is reasonable consensus regarding oral anticoagulation and the desired endpoints of ablation for patients with CTI-dependent AFL and for non-CTI-dependent AFL. © The Author 2016.

Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is currently one of the most commonly performed electrophysiology procedures. Ablation of paroxysmal AF is based on the elimination of triggers by pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), while different strategies for additional AF substrate modification on top of PVI have been proposed for ablation of persistent AF. Nowadays, various technologies for AF ablation are available. The radiofrequency point-by-point ablation navigated by electro-anatomical mapping system and cryo-balloon technology are comparable in terms of the efficacy and safety of the PVI procedure. Long-term success of AF ablation including multiple procedures varies from 50 to 80%. Arrhythmia recurrences commonly occur, mostly due to PV reconnection. The recurrences are particularly common in patients with non-paroxysmal AF, dilated left atrium and the "early recurrence" of AF within the first 2–3 post-procedural months. In addition, this complex procedure can be accompanied by serious complications, such as cardiac tamponade, stroke, atrio-esophageal fistula and PV stenosis. Therefore, CA represents a second-line treatment option after a trial of antiarrhythmic drug(s). Good candidates for the procedure are relatively younger patients with symptomatic and frequent episodes of AF, with no significant structural heart disease and no significant left atrial enlargement. Randomized trials demonstrated the superiority of ablation compared to antiarrhythmic drugs in terms of improving the quality of life and symptoms in AF patients. However, nonrandomized studies reported additional clinical benefits from ablation over drug therapy in selected AF patients, such as the reduction of the mortality and stroke rates and the recovery of tachyarrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. Future research should enable the creation of more durable ablative lesions and the selection of the optimal lesion set in each patient according to the degree of atrial remodeling. This could provide better long-term CA success and expand indications for the procedure, especially among the patients with non-paroxysmal AF. © 2017, The Author(s).

Aims: Standardized data definitions are essential for monitoring and assessment of care and outcomes in observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomized Trials (EuroHeart) project of the European Society of Cardiology aimed to develop contemporary data standards for atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) and catheter ablation. Methods and results: We used the EuroHeart methodology for the development of data standards and formed a Working Group comprising 23 experts in AF/AFL and catheter ablation registries, as well as representatives from the European Heart Rhythm Association and EuroHeart. We conducted a systematic literature review of AF/AFL and catheter ablation registries and data standard documents to generate candidate variables. We used a modified Delphi method to reach a consensus on a final variable set. For each variable, the Working Group developed permissible values and definitions, and agreed as to whether the variable was mandatory (Level 1) or additional (Level 2). In total, 70 Level 1 and 92 Level 2 variables were selected and reviewed by a wider Reference Group of 42 experts from 24 countries. The Level 1 variables were implemented into the EuroHeart IT platform as the basis for continuous registration of individual patient data. Conclusion: By means of a structured process and working with international stakeholders, harmonized data standards for AF/AFL and catheter ablation for AF/AFL were developed. In the context of the EuroHeart project, this will facilitate country-level quality of care improvement, international observational research, registry-based RCTs, and post-marketing surveillance of devices and pharmacotherapies. © 2022 The Author(s).

Background: Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) may be an alternative to transvenous ICD (TV-ICD). Aim: We sought to evaluate factors determining the choice of S-ICD vs. TV-ICD in Polish patients in comparison to other European countries. Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent TV-ICD or S-ICD implantation in centres participating in the European Heart Rhythm Association prospective snapshot survey were included. Results: During an eight-week study period, 429 patients were recruited, including 136 (31.7%) ICD patients from Poland (eight with S-ICD). In comparison to other European centres, the proportion of S-ICD implantations in Poland was lower (7% vs. 26%, p < 0.001), whereas the ratio of cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillator implantations was higher (43% vs. 26%; p < 0.001). Subjects receiving S-ICD in Poland were more often over 75 years old (25% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), in New York Heart Association class II (87.5% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.001), with chronic kidney disease (37.5% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.003), and with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (32% [14%–50%] vs. 50% [25%–60%], p = 0.04), compared to other European countries. Additionally, in comparison to subjects from other European centres, Polish patients were significantly more often implanted with S-ICD due to prior infection (37.5% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001) and a lack of venous access (25% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), whereas the largest subset of patients in other European countries were implanted with S-ICD because of young age (50% vs. 25%, p = NS). Conclusions: The main reasons leading to S-ICD implantations in Polish patients differ from the indications adopted in other European countries. In Poland, patients referred for TV-ICD or S-ICD implantation had more advanced heart failure and more comorbidities in comparison to subjects from other European countries. S-ICD is still underused in Polish patients. © Kardiologia Polska Polish Cardiac Society 2018