Faculty Bibliography

Algorithms designed to reduce the burden of right ventricular pacing are widely available in modern implantable pacing devices. To ensure safe and optimal utilization, understanding the properties of these algorithms as well as their possible unfavourable effects is essential. In this review, we discuss in detail the technical and clinical aspects of rhythm management algorithms and update on their significant recent modifications. In addition, we highlight possible adverse phenomena that may be induced by these different pacing algorithms intended to minimize pacing.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:The MARVEL study demonstrated at a single time point that accelerometer (ACC)-based atrial sensing improves AV synchrony (AVS) in patients with AV block and a Micra pacemaker. The purpose of the MARVEL Evolve sub-study was to assess performance over time. METHODS:This prospective single-center study compared AVS and ACC signals at two visits ≥6 months apart. Custom software was temporarily downloaded into the Micra at each visit and AVS was measured during 30 min at rest. RESULTS:Nine patients from the MARVEL study were enrolled. The mean (±SD) age was 82.3±6.0 years old, 67% were male, and a Micra was implanted for 6.0±6.4 months. High degree AV block was present in 4 patients, whereas 5 with predominantly intrinsic conduction required intermittent pacing for bradycardia. The mean interval between visits was 7.1±0.6 months. Seven patients had normal sinus node function at both visits and were included in a paired analysis. Both ACC signal amplitude (visit 2-visit 1 = 1.4 mG; 95% CI [-25.8 to 28.4 mG]; p = 0.933) and AVS (visit 1: 90.8 %, 95% CI [72.4, 97.4] and visit 2: 91.4%, 95% CI [63.8, 98.5]; p = 0.740) remained stable. Three patients had spontaneous atrial tachycardia. During atrial fibrillation, no atrial contraction was detected or tracked. During atrial flutter, intermittent tracking resulted in a ventricular rate of 60±8 bpm; there was no ventricular pacing > 100 bpm. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:ACC signals amplitude and performance of AVS pacing were stable over time. During atrial arrhythmias, the AV synchronous pacing mode behaved safely.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:Elimination of pace-capture along pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) lesion sets reduces atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF. Pacing from the RF ablation electrode during RF application is prevented within the CARTO electroanatomic mapping system (Biosense Webster, Inc.) due to theoretical safety considerations. We evaluated a method of pacing the distal ablation electrode during RF application in the CARTO system, thus avoiding repeated activation and inactivation of the pacing channel and facilitating immediate recognition of pace-capture loss. We investigated the safety, feasibility, and utility of simultaneous pace-ablate (SPA) during AF ablation with the CARTO-3 system and a contact-force sensing RF ablation catheter. METHODS:Safety of feasibility of SPA was evaluated in 250 patients undergoing first-time AF ablation. Frequency and regional distribution of pace-capture following PVI was evaluated in a cohort of 50 consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF. RESULTS:SPA was successfully performed in all 250 patients without adverse event. At least one pace-capture site was noted in 22 of 50 PAF patients (44%), and pace-capture following PVI was most common at anterior and superior left atrial sites. There were 2.0 ± 3.3 RF applications during pacing via the distal ablation electrode per patient, and all lesions sets were successfully rendered unexcitable. CONCLUSIONS:Pace-capture along the completed PVI lesion set remains common despite utilization of contact-force sensing RF ablation catheters and automated lesion annotation. Simultaneous pace-ablate in AF ablation using the CARTO system may be safely used to render atrial lesion sets unexcitable.

Aims: THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH(R) SF Catheter is a new contact-force (CF)-sensing catheter with 56-hole porous tip designed for improved cooling and reduced fluid delivery compared with a standard 6-hole open-irrigated catheter. The SMART SF study examined the periprocedural safety, acute effectiveness, and procedural efficiency of the catheter for drug-refractory symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) ablation. Methods and results: The prospective, open-label, non-randomized SMART-SF was conducted at 17 US sites. Circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was performed with confirmation of entrance block in all PVs. Stable ablation sites were identified using CARTO VISITAG Module. Primary adverse events (AEs;