Radiation exposure in CB PVI can be markedly reduced without prolonging procedure times, affecting the outcome or complication rates. Moreover, ICE seems to shorten total freezing time.

The 2G-CB seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of perAF in the mid-term.

Aims Pacing the specific conduction system like the Bundle of His (HB) can lead to more physiologic activation patterns compared to traditional right ventricular apical pacing. The aim of this study was to estimate the feasibility and value of electroanatomical mapping (EAM) for HB pacing during the learning curve and its impact on procedural outcome. Methods and results Fifteen consecutive patients were treated using EAM of the His bundle region before implantation. Voltage and activation maps of HB potentials were performed. The activation time from His potential to R wave (ECG-reference) was measured and correlated to the HV interval. The atrial and ventricular potentials were blended so the active window could only see the His potential. After completing the activation map, it was transformed into a peak-to-peak voltage map of the HB. With reversed black and white colour scale, the exact point of the maximal His signal amplitude was visualized. Procedural data for the implantation were analysed using this innovative approach. The average total procedural time and fluoroscopy time was 88.2 ± 19.1 min and 10.9 ± 4.5 min, respectively. The 3D mapping time was 18.4 ± 5.1 min. The 13.9 ± 5.1 His potential points were needed in average to complete the map. No periprocedural complications were seen in this cohort. In 86.7% of cases, His bundle pacing was successful. The average threshold for the His bundle stimulation and the R-wave amplitude was 1.62 ± 1 V (@1.0 ms) and 4.8 ± 3.2 mV, respectively. The pacing impedance was 513.5 ± 102.8 Ω. Average paced QRS complex width was 116.9 ± 20.3ms. On average 2.6 ± 1.6 lead positions were targeted to find the optimal pacing site. Conclusion Electroanatomical mapping-guided implantation of His-bundle leads can facilitate the identification of optimal pacing sites and allow to minimize procedure and fluoroscopy times even during the phase of the learning curve.

Background DiGeorge syndrome, also known as ‘CATCH 22’, is the most common deletion in humans and is one of the velocardiofacial syndromes. It is characterized by a specific facial phenotype, and structural and functional abnormalities in the cardiac and endocrine systems. One form of endocrine system dysfunction is hypocalcaemia, which causes arrhythmic events and can result in a transient loss of consciousness. We present a case highlighting the late diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome in a patient with recurrent episodes of syncope due to suspected arrhythmic events secondary to hypocalcaemia. Case summary A 44-year-old woman was referred for further investigation of recurrent syncope episodes and documented transient QT-prolongation with hypocalcaemia. Previous detailed cardiological examination, including invasive procedures such as coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance tomography, was unremarkable. Slight characteristic facial dysmorphia and transient hypocalcaemia were strongly suggestive of DiGeorge syndrome. The diagnosis was confirmed by genetic testing. Calcium substitution was initiated and no recurrent episodes of syncope or arrhythmic events were reported during 12 months of follow-up. Discussion Clinical presentation and time of manifestation of the DiGeorge syndrome varies widely depending on the mutation expression extent. An atypical disease course may delay the diagnosis and appropriate management of affected patients. In this case, confirmation of the diagnosis allowed the initiation of appropriate treatment, reducing the risk for further events. Given that syncope and arrhythmia can be the first and only manifestation of late-onset DiGeorge syndrome, specialists in adult cardiology need to be aware of this presentation.

Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) facilitates ventricular arrhythmia (VA) ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of RMN-guided ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) and premature ventricular contractions (PVC). A total of 176 consecutive patients (mean age 53.23 ± 17.55 years, 37% female) underwent VA ablation for PVC (132 patients, 75%) or VT (44 patients, 25%). The cohort consisted of 119 patients (68%) with idiopathic VA, 31 (18%) with ischemic (ICM), and 26 (15%) with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). VA recurrence was observed in 69 patients (39%, mean age 51.71 ± 19.91 years, 23% female) during a follow-up period of 5.48 years (first quartile 770.50 days, second quartile 1101.50 days, third quartile 1615.50 days). Left ventricular ejection fraction <40% lead to a significantly increased risk for VA (p = 0.031*). Multivariate analyses found DCM to be an independent predictor (IP) for VA recurrence (p < 0.001*, hazard ratio (HR) 3.74, confidence interval (CI) 1.58–8.88). ICM resulted in a lower increase in VA recurrence (p = 0.221, HR 1.49, CI 0.79–2.81). Class I/III/IV antiarrhythmic drug therapy (AADs) was also identified as IP for recurrence (p = 0.030*, HR 2.48, CI 1.11–5.68). A total of 16 patients (9%) died within the observational period. RMN-guided ablation of VA lead to acceptable long-term results. An impaired LV function, DCM, and AADs were associated with a significant risk for VA recurrence. Personalized paths are needed to improve efficacy and outcome.

Aims Accessory pathway (AP) ablation is a standard procedure for the treatment of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW). Twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)-based delta wave analysis is essential for predicting ablation sites. Previous algorithms have shown to be complex, time-consuming, and unprecise. We aimed to retrospectively develop and prospectively validate a new, simple ECG-based algorithm considering the patients’ heart axis allowing for exact localization of APs in patients undergoing ablation for WPW. Methods and results Our multicentre study included 211 patients undergoing ablation of a single manifest AP due to WPW between 2013 and 2021. The algorithm was developed retrospectively and validated prospectively by comparing its efficacy to two established ones (Pambrun and Arruda). All patients (32 ± 19 years old, 47% female) underwent successful pathway ablation. Prediction of AP-localization was correct in 197 patients (93%) (sensitivity 92%, specificity 99%, PPV 96%, and NPV 99%). Our algorithm was particularly useful in correctly localizing antero-septal/-lateral (sensitivity and specificity 100%) and posteroseptal (sensitivity 98%, specificity 92%) AP in proximity to the tricuspid valve. The accuracy of EASY-WPW was superior compared to the Pambrun (93% vs. 84%, P = 0.003*) and the Arruda algorithm (94% vs. 75%, P &lt; 0.001*). A subgroup analysis of children (n = 58, 12 ± 4 years old, 55% female) revealed superiority to the Arruda algorithm (P &lt; 0.001*). The reproducibility of our algorithm was excellent (ϰ&gt;0.8; P &lt; 0.001*). Conclusion The novel EASY-WPW algorithm provides reliable and accurate pre-interventional ablation site determination in WPW patients. Only two steps are necessary to locate left-sided AP, and three steps to determine right-sided AP.

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Introduction Cryoballoon (CB)‐guided ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is established in symptomatic AF patients. This study sought to determine the safety and efficacy of CB pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in young adults. Methods and Results A total of 93 consecutive patients aged <45 years referred to our center for AF ablation were included in this observational study. All patients received CB‐guided PVI according to a standardized institutional protocol. Follow‐up was performed in our outpatient clinic using 72‐h Holter monitoring and periodic telephone interview. Recurrence was defined as any AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) episode >30 s following a 3‐month blanking period. A propensity matched control group consisting of patients older than 45 years were used for further evaluation. Mean age was 35 ± 7 years, 22% suffered from persistent AF, 85% were male. Mean follow‐up was 2.6 ± 2 years. At the end of the observational period, 83% of patients were free of any AF/AT episodes. There was an excellent overall 12‐month success rate of 92%. In comparison to a matched group the overall recurrence rate was noticeably lower in the young group (15% vs. 27%). Increasing age was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.16 for recurrence. In a multivariate analysis model, left atrial diameter remained as significant predictor of AF/AT recurrence. The complication rate was low, no permanent phrenic nerve palsy was observed. Conclusion CB‐guided PVI in young adults is safe and effective with favorable long‐term results. It may be considered as first‐line therapy in this relatively healthy population.