Multiparametric Approach to Arrhythmic Mitral Valve Prolapse: Novel and Recognized Markers of Increased Sudden Cardiac Arrest Risk.

Background: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in some cases may predispose to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The aims of this study were to evaluate determinants of arrhythmic MVP (AMVP) in a large population and to identify variables associated with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or sudden cardiac death.

Methods: This ambispective cohort study included patients 18 to 70 years of age with MVP with preserved ejection fraction and no coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or channelopathies.

The effect of short term amiodarone treatment on the effectiveness of catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation refractory to cardioversion.

Background: Little is known about the effect of amiodarone therapy in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation refractory to electrical cardioversion (AF-REC) scheduled for catheter ablation (CA).

Aims: This study aimed to determine whether postulated atrial reverse remodelling achieved through short-term pre- and post-ablation amiodarone therapy with sinus rhythm restoration prior to CA affects the long-term effectiveness of the rhythm control strategy in AF-REC patients.

Material And Methods: AF-REC patients scheduled for CA were included in this retrospective study.

Education of healthcare professionals to improve guideline adherence in atrial fibrillation: the STEEER-AF cluster-randomized clinical trial.

Guideline-adherent care is associated with better patient outcomes, but whether this can be achieved by professional education is unclear. Here we conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial across 70 centers in six countries to understand if a program for the education of healthcare professionals could improve patient-level adherence to clinical practice guidelines on atrial fibrillation (AF). Each center recruited patients with AF seen in routine practice (total N = 1,732), after which the centers were randomized, accounting for baseline guideline adherence to class I and III recommendations from the European Society of Cardiology on stroke prevention and rhythm control.

Conduction system optimized cardiac resynchronization therapy- exceptional modality of cardiac pacing in patients with severe heart failure. A hope for non-responders?

For many years, the apex of the right ventricle (RV) seemed to be a sufficiently good site for ventricular pacing, effectively protecting both the health and life of patients with atrioventricular conduction disorders. However, the studies have demonstrated that this is not an optimal site, since it leads to electrical and mechanical interventricular asynchrony, which in some cases (15-20 ​%) results in the development of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM). The introduction of biventricular cardiac resynchronization therapy (BiV-CRT) into clinical practice was a real breakthrough in the development of modern electrotherapy, and conduction system pacing (CSP) has heralded even greater hopes.

Radiofrequency Versus Cryoballoon 180-Day Mortality Risk After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: An 8-Year Analysis.

Introduction: Catheter ablation (CA) is a preferred treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), often outperforming antiarrhythmic medications in maintaining sinus rhythm and managing symptoms. One of the most important features of any treatment method, alongside its effectiveness, is its safety.

Methods: This study evaluates 180-day all-cause mortality rates post-ablation using data from the National Health Fund in Poland (NHF-P), encompassing over 99% of AF CAs and 100% of deaths in Poland from 2012 to 2019.

Factors Influencing Contact Force in Robotic Magnetic Navigation Ablation.

Introduction: Stability of catheter-tissue contact in the robotic magnetic navigation (RMN) system is one of the key features that distinguishes this system from manually guided catheters. Numerous studies have shown that contact force (CF) in manually controlled catheters is as crucial for forming an optimal lesion as the duration of application or power. Catheters used in the RMN system lack a quantitative method for intraoperative monitoring of this parameter.

Complications of transvenous lead extraction-focus on tricuspid valve damage: a case report.

Background: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) has become an essential component of lead management strategies, but it carries the risk of severe complications, including damage to the tricuspid valve. Currently, there are no established predictors that can help prevent these complications.

Case Summary: An 84-year-old male with a dual-chamber pacemaker was admitted to the hospital due to a pocket fistula resulting from a local infection.

Mitral valve prolapse in sudden cardiac arrest survivors: Coincidence or causal relationship?

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) risk stratification in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) may be complicated by other potential causes of arrhythmia.

Objective: We aimed to characterize SCA survivors with isolated MVP (iMVP) and non-isolated MVP (non-iMVP) and to assess their long-term follow-up.

Methods: This ambispective study included 75 patients with MVP who experienced SCA and were treated in our center between 2009 and 2024.

Position statement of Polish Cardiac Society experts on cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathies (CMs) are a very broad group of diseases, including genetically determined and acquired, and their classification is based on phenotypic characteristics. There is always a need to search for the etiology (often also to try to identify the genetic cause), which may determine the appropriate choice of clinical management. The geographical distribution of genetic variants varies as does the prevalence across populations, ethnic groups, regions, and countries.

Design and deployment of the STEEER-AF trial to evaluate and improve guideline adherence: a cluster-randomized trial by the European Society of Cardiology and European Heart Rhythm Association.

Aims: The aim is to describe the rationale, design, delivery, and baseline characteristics of the Stroke prevention and rhythm control Treatment: Evaluation of an Educational programme of the European society of cardiology in a cluster-Randomized trial in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (STEEER-AF) trial.

Methods And Results: STEEER-AF is a pragmatic trial designed to objectively and robustly determine whether guidelines are adhered to in routine practice and evaluate a targeted educational programme for healthcare professionals. Seventy centres were randomized in six countries (France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and UK; 2022-23).

Ventricular Arrhythmias in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients-Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are used in the treatment of advanced left ventricular heart failure. LVAD can serve as a bridge to orthotopic heart transplantation or as a destination therapy in cases where orthotopic heart transplantation is contraindicated. Ventricular arrhythmias are frequently observed in patients with LVAD.