| 1. |
- Bongiorni, Maria Grazia, et al.
(författare)
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Current practice in transvenous lead extraction : a European Heart Rhythm Association EP Network Survey
- 2012
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 14:6, s. 783-786
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIM: Current practice with regard to transvenous lead extraction among European implanting centres was analysed by this survey. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among all contacted centres, 164, from 30 countries, declared that they perform transvenous lead extraction and answered 58 questions with a compliance rate of 99.9%. Data from the survey show that there seems to be an overall increasing experience of managing various techniques of lead extraction and a widespread involvement of cardiac centres in this treatment. Results and complication rates seem comparable with those of main international registries. CONCLUSION: This survey gives an interesting snapshot of lead extraction in Europe today and gives some clues for future research and prospective European registries.
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| 2. |
- Bongiorni, Maria Grazia, et al.
(författare)
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EHRA research network surveys : 6 years of EP wires activity
- 2015
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 17:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Clinical practice should follow guidelines and recommendations mainly based on the results of controlled trials, which are often conducted in selected populations and special conditions, whereas clinical practice may be influenced by factors different from controlled scientific studies. Hence, the real-world setting is better assessed by the observational registries enrolling patients for longer periods of time. However, this may be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. In 2009, the Scientific Initiatives Committee of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) has instigated a series of surveys covering the controversial issues in clinical electrophysiology (EP). With this in mind, an EHRA EP research network has been created, which included EP centres in Europe among which the surveys on 'hot topic' were circulated. This review summarizes the overall experience conducting EP wires over the past 6 years, categorizing and assessing the topics regarding clinical EP, and evaluating the acceptance and feedback from the responding centres, in order to improve participation in the surveys and better address the research needs and aspirations of the European EP community.
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| 3. |
- Bongiorni, Maria Grazia, et al.
(författare)
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Preferred tools and techniques for implantation of cardiac electronic devices in Europe : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey
- 2013
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 15:11, s. 1664-1668
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to assess clinical practice in relation to the tools and techniques used for cardiac implantable electronic devices procedures in the European countries. Responses to the questionnaire were received from 62 members of the EHRA research network. The survey involved high-, medium-, and low-volume implanting centres, performing, respectively, more than 200, 100199 and under 100 implants per year. The following topics were explored: the side approach for implantation, surgical techniques for pocket incision, first venous access for lead implantation, preference of lead fixation, preferred coil number for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads, right ventricular pacing site, generator placement site, subcutaneous ICD implantation, specific tools and techniques for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), lead implantation sequence in CRT, coronary sinus cannulation technique, target site for left ventricular lead placement, strategy in left ventricular lead implant failure, mean CRT implantation time, optimization of the atrioventricular (AV) and ventriculo-ventricular intervals, CRT implants in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, AV node ablation in patients with permanent AF. This panoramic view allows us to find out the operator preferences regarding the techniques and tools for device implantation in Europe. The results showed different practices in all the fields we investigated, nevertheless the survey also outlines a good adherence to the common standards and recommendations.
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| 4. |
- Dagres, Nikolaos, et al.
(författare)
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Current ablation techniques for persistent atrial fibrillation : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Survey
- 2015
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 17:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this survey was to provide insight into current practice regarding ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) among members of the European Heart Rhythm Association electrophysiology research network. Thirty centres responded to the survey. The main ablation technique for first-time ablation was stand-alone pulmonary vein isolation (PVI): in 67% of the centres for persistent but not long-standing AF and in 37% of the centres for long-standing persistent AF as well. Other applied techniques were ablation of fractionated electrograms, placement of linear lesions, stepwise approach until AF termination, and substrate mapping and isolation of low-voltage areas. However, the percentage of centres applying these techniques during first ablation did not exceed 25% for any technique. When stand-alone PVI was performed in patients with persistent but not long-standing AF, the majority (80%) of the centres used an irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter whereas 20% of the respondents used the cryoballoon. Similar results were reported for ablation of long-standing persistent AF (radiofrequency 90%, cryoballoon 10%). Neither rotor mapping nor one-shot ablation tools were used as the main first-time ablation methods. Systematic search for non-pulmonary vein triggers was performed only in 10% of the centres. Most common 1-year success rate off antiarrhythmic drugs was 50-60%. Only 27% of the centres knew their 5-year results. In conclusion, patients with persistent AF represent a significant proportion of AF patients undergoing ablation. There is a shift towards stand-alone PVI being the primary choice in many centres for first-time ablation in these patients. The wide variation in the use of additional techniques and in the choice of endpoints reflects the uncertainties and lack of guidance regarding the most optimal approach. Procedural success rates are modest and long-term outcomes are unknown in most centres.
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| 5. |
- Dagres, Nikolaos, et al.
(författare)
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Current practice of antiarrhythmic drug therapy for prevention of atrial fibrillation in Europe : The European Heart Rhythm Association survey
- 2013
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 15:4, s. 478-481
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this survey was to provide insight into current practice regarding the use of antiarrhythmic drugs for atrial fibrillation (AF) among members of the European Heart Rhythm Association research network. Thirty-seven centres responded. Rhythm control was preferred in patients with significant AF-related symptoms by 73 of centres, in all patients after a first detected episode by 59, and in young patients even if AF was well tolerated by 49 of centres. The most common strategy after successful conversion of the first AF episode was a wait-and-see approach without initiation of antiarrhythmic drugs (49). Conventional -blockers were always or sometimes used as first-choice drugs for AF prevention by 76 of centres. Only 11 used dronedarone regularly as a first-choice drug. The diagnostic work-up for exclusion of heart disease prior to initiation of class IC antiarrhythmic drugs was limited. Markers monitored for proarrhythmia risk were QRS duration for class IC drugs (68) and the QT interval for sotalol and amiodarone (65). In conclusion, rhythm control is more widely employed than expected. Beta-blockers are widely used for AF prevention in contrast to the limited use of the new drug dronedarone.
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| 6. |
- Deharo, Jean-Claude, et al.
(författare)
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Perioperative management of antithrombotic treatment during implantation or revision of cardiac implantable electronic devices : the European Snapshot Survey on Procedural Routines for Electronic Device Implantation (ESS-PREDI)
- 2016
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 18:5, s. 778-784
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The European Snapshot Survey on Procedural Routines for Electronic Device Implantation (ESS-PREDI) was a prospective European survey of consecutive adults who had undergone implantation/surgical revision of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) on chronic antithrombotic therapy (enrolment March-June 2015). The aim of the survey was to investigate perioperative treatment with oral anticoagulants and antiplatelets in CIED implantation or surgical revision and to determine the incidence of complications, including clinically significant pocket haematomas. Information on antithrombotic therapy before and after surgery and bleeding and thromboembolic complications occurring after the intervention was collected at first follow-up. The study population comprised 723 patients (66.7% men, 76.9% aged a parts per thousand yen66 years). Antithrombotic treatment was continued during surgery in 489 (67.6%) patients; 6 (0.8%) had their treatment definitively stopped; 46 (6.4%) were switched to another antithrombotic therapy. Heparin bridging was used in 55 out of 154 (35.8%) patients when interrupting vitamin K antagonist (VKA) treatment. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment was interrupted in 88.7% of patients, with heparin bridging in 25.6%, but accounted for only 25.3% of the oral anticoagulants used. A total of 108 complications were observed in 98 patients. No intracranial haemorrhage or embolic events were observed. Chronic NOAC treatment before surgery was associated with lower rates of minor pocket haematoma (1.4%; P= 0.042) vs. dual antiplatelet therapy (13.0%), VKA (11.4%), VKA + antiplatelet (9.2%), or NOAC + antiplatelet (7.7%). Similar results were observed for bleeding complications (P= 0.028). Perioperative management of patients undergoing CIED implantation/surgical revision while on chronic antithrombotic therapy varies, with evidence of a disparity between guideline recommendations and practice patterns in Europe. Haemorrhagic complications were significantly less frequent in patients treated with NOACs. Despite this, the incidence of severe pocket haematomas was low.
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| 7. |
- Grazia Bongiorni, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Management of malfunctioning and recalled pacemaker and defibrillator leads : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey
- 2014
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 16:11, s. 1674-1678
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this survey was to describe the different strategies regarding the management of malfunctioning and recalled pacemaker and defibrillator leads across Europe. A questionnaire has been designed to assess the current practice and physician's approach to the management of leads which are faulty, unnecessary, and/or recalled. Responses to the questionnaire were received from 34 hospitals-members of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) electrophysiology (EP) research network. The survey involved both very high and low volume implanting centres, with 85% of the responding centres performing lead extraction. The survey provides a panoramic view of operator's decision making in the field of malfunctioning, recalled, and redundant leads and outlines a common point of view on lead abandonment and factors influencing the decision about lead extraction. The main factors strongly influencing the decision making were patient's age (59%), the presence of the damaged leads (44%), and the lead dwelling time (44%). Regarding the lead abandonment, the main concern (61%) was the potential greater difficulty associated with lead extraction in the future. High volume extracting centres showed a greater propensity to removing the malfunctioning or recalled leads compared with low volume or non-extracting centres. This EP Wire survey gives a snapshot of the operators' approaches and options regarding redundant, malfunctioning, and recalled lead management and may form the basis for future prospective research on this topic.
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| 8. |
- Hernandez-Madrid, Antonio, et al.
(författare)
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How are arrhythmias managed in the paediatric population in Europe? : Results of the European Heart Rhythm survey
- 2014
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 16:12, s. 1852-1856
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this survey was to provide insight into current practice regarding the management of paediatric arrhythmias in Europe. The survey was based on a questionnaire sent via the Internet to the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) electrophysiology research network centres. The following topics were explored: patient and treatment selection, techniques and equipment, treatment outcomes and complications. The vast majority of paediatric arrhythmias concerns children older than 1 year and patients with grown-up congenital heart disease. In 65% of the hospitals there is a specialized paediatric centre, and the most commonly observed arrhythmias include Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and atrioventricular nodal re-entry tachycardias (90.24%). The medical staff performing paediatric catheter ablations in Europe are mainly adult electrophysiology teams (82.05% of the centres). Radiofrequency is the preferred energy source used for paediatric arrhythmia ablation. Catheter ablation is only chosen if two or more antiarrhythmic drugs have failed (94.59% of the centres). The majority of the centres use flecainide (37.8%) or atenolol (32.4%) as their first choice drug for prevention of recurrent supraventricular arrhythmias. While none of the centres performed catheter ablation in asymptomatic infants with pre-excitation, 29.7% recommend ablation in asymptomatic children and adolescents. The preferred choice for pacemaker leads in infants less than 1 year old is implantation of epicardial leads in 97.3% of the centres, which continues to be the routine even in patients between 1 and 5 years of age as reported by 75.68% of the hospitals. Almost all centres (94.59%) report equally small number of complications of catheter ablation in children (aged 1-14 years) as observed in adults.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Hocini, Meleze, et al.
(författare)
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Diagnosis and management of patients with inherited arrhythmia syndromes in Europe : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Survey
- 2014
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 16:4, s. 600-603
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Inherited arrhythmia disorders associated with structurally normal heart (i.e. long and short QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, early repolarization syndrome, idiopathic ventricular fibrillation) cause 10 of 1.1 million sudden deaths in Europe and the USA. The purpose of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) electrophysiology wire survey was to assess the European clinical practice adopted for the diagnosis and management of these disorders. The survey was based on an electronic questionnaire sent out to the EHRA Research Network centres. Responses were received from 50 centres in 23 countries. The results of the survey show that inherited arrhythmia syndromes have a relatively low burden and are diagnosed and managed in accordance with the current guidelines. However, more than 50 of centres do not participate in any existing registry underlining the need for establishing a pan-European registry of these disorders.
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| 11. |
- Kotecha, Dipak, et al.
(författare)
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Integrating new approaches to atrial fibrillation management : the 6th AFNET/EHRA Consensus Conference.
- 2018
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 20:3, s. 395-407
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There are major challenges ahead for clinicians treating patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The population with AF is expected to expand considerably and yet, apart from anticoagulation, therapies used in AF have not been shown to consistently impact on mortality or reduce adverse cardiovascular events. New approaches to AF management, including the use of novel technologies and structured, integrated care, have the potential to enhance clinical phenotyping or result in better treatment selection and stratified therapy. Here, we report the outcomes of the 6th Consensus Conference of the Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), held at the European Society of Cardiology Heart House in Sophia Antipolis, France, 17-19 January 2017. Sixty-two global specialists in AF and 13 industry partners met to develop innovative solutions based on new approaches to screening and diagnosis, enhancing integration of AF care, developing clinical pathways for treating complex patients, improving stroke prevention strategies, and better patient selection for heart rate and rhythm control. Ultimately, these approaches can lead to better outcomes for patients with AF.
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| 12. |
- Larsen, Torben Bjerregaard, et al.
(författare)
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Stroke and bleeding risk evaluation in atrial fibrillation : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 16:5, s. 698-702
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to assess clinical practice in relation to stroke and bleeding risk evaluation in atrial fibrillation, particularly regarding the use of risk evaluation schemes, among members of the EHRA electrophysiology (EP) research network. In this EP Wire survey, we have provided some insights into current practice in Europe for the use of these risk assessment schemes. There were some obvious practice differences. However, reassuring information on current practice in Europe was evident, but more focus on renal function is warranted, especially facing the fact that novel oral anticoagulants are used for antithrombotic therapy.
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| 13. |
- Lewalter, Thorsten, et al.
(författare)
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Atrial fibrillation ablation techniques
- 2012
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 14:10, s. 1515-1517
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We performed a survey on current atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation techniques used for catheter ablation of AF among the European Heart Rhythm Association Research Network. The focus of this questionnaire is on the ablation strategy, such as the use of different lesion sets or sites of ablation in the various forms of AF, and on the technical aspects of catheter ablation with respect to energy sources and imaging modalities.
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| 14. |
- Lip, Gregory Y. H., et al.
(författare)
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Left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation in Europe : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey
- 2013
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 15:1, s. 141-143
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this EP wire survey was to assess clinical practice in relation to the use of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) among members of the European Heart Rhythm Association research network. The average number of performed LAAO was 10.6 per year and most (73) centres performed 10 procedures per year. We found that LAAO was being performed for stroke prevention in AF, for the most common indication being othe patient has absolute contraindication to long term oral anticoagulants'. Among survey respondents, LAAO procedures are most often performed by interventional cardiologists. Experience varied widely, and this was reflected in the wide range of thromboembolic and procedural (tamponade, bleeding) complications reported by the respondents to this EP wire survey.
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| 15. |
- Marinskis, Germanas, et al.
(författare)
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Practices of cardiac implantable electronic device follow-up : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey
- 2012
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 14:3, s. 423-425
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This survey analyses some details of follow-up of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in 40 centresthe members of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) research network. Results of this survey show that practices of CIED follow-up are not homogeneous between EHRA research network centres, and recommended clinical evaluation of the patients regarding possible device up-grade is not always performed. Remote device monitoring appears to be an evolving practice, mostly used in implantable cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator recipients.
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| 16. |
- Marinskis, Germanas, et al.
(författare)
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X-ray exposure hazards for physicians performing ablation procedures and device implantation : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 15:3, s. 444-446
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of the survey was to evaluate physician's and authorities policies and clinical practices when using occupational X-ray during ablation procedures and device implantation. This survey shows infrequent use of lead gloves, radiation absorbing pads, and lead glass cabins, but increasing use of three-dimensional mapping systems to decrease X-ray radiation hazards. Digital fluoroscopy with decreased frame rate is not used by approximately one-third of responding centres.
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| 17. |
- Pison, Laurent, et al.
(författare)
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Imaging techniques in electrophysiology and implantable device procedures : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey
- 2013
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 15:9, s. 1333-1336
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey is to assess the implementation and use of imaging techniques in cardiac electrophysiology (EP) and device procedures across European cardiovascular centres. Forty European centres, all members of the EHRA EP research network, responded to this survey. Thirty-one centres (88) use transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to evaluate left atrial size and/or volume before atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Sixteen centres (46) perform delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide ventricular tachycardia ablation. Electroanatomical mapping (EAM) systems are available in 65 of responding centres and the use of robotic catheter and remote magnetic navigation systems is limited to 10. Fusion of EAM data with cardiac computed tomography (CT) and/or MRI is performed in up to 43 of AF ablation procedures. Seventeen out of 35 (49) responding centres also perform TTE to predict a favourable response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Imaging of the cardiac venous system with CT and identification of myocardial scar using CT or MRI, is not routinely performed in the majority of centres [32 (91) and 26 (75) centres, respectively) prior to CRT. This EHRA survey shows that several imaging techniques are used to guide catheter ablation and CRT procedures in European centres. Echocardiographic imaging, EAM techniques, and cardiac CT/MRI are commonly used.
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| 18. |
- Pison, Laurent, et al.
(författare)
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Left atrial appendage closure-indications, techniques, and outcomes : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Survey
- 2015
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 17:4, s. 642-646
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this EP Wire was to assess the indications, techniques, and outcomes of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in Europe. Thirty-three European centres, all members of the European Heart Rhythm Association electrophysiology (EP) research network, responded to this survey by completing the questionnaire. The major indication for LAAO (94%) was the prevention of stroke in patients at high thrombo-embolic risk (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2) and contraindications to oral anticoagulants (OACs). Twenty-one (64%) of the responding centres perform LAAO in their own institution and 80% implanted 30 or less LAAO devices in 2014. Two-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography was the preferred imaging technique to visualize LAA before, during, and after LAAO in 79, 58, and 62% of the participating centres, respectively. Following LAAO, 49% of the centres prescribe vitamin K antagonists or novel OACs. Twenty-five per cent of the centres combine LAAO with pulmonary vein isolation. The periprocedural complications included death (range, 0-3%), ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke (0-25%), tamponade (0-25%), and device embolization (0-20%). In conclusion, this EP Wire has demonstrated that LAAO is most commonly employed in patients at high thrombo-embolic risk in whom OAC is contraindicated. The technique is not yet very widespread and the complication rates remain significant.
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| 19. |
- Pison, Laurent, et al.
(författare)
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Surgical and hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation procedures
- 2012
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 14:7, s. 939-941
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this EP Wire is to survey clinical practice in this rapidly evolving field as the variety of surgical techniques and the heterogeneity of treated patients make the comparison of results and outcomes challenging. Twenty-four European centres, all members of the EHRA EP research network, responded to this survey and completed the questions. Of the participating centres, 11 (46) performed (irrespective of the technique) stand-alone surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in 2011. Seven hospitals (64) performed totally thoracoscopic AF ablation procedures off-pump (in 20100 of their cases). The most commonly used lesion set was only pulmonary vein isolation in five hospitals (46). Eight centres (73) performed validation of the surgical lesion set at the time of intervention. The most important indication for performing stand-alone, totally thoracoscopic surgical AF ablation in seven participating hospitals was failed catheter ablation. According to their definition of success, participating centres reported their success rate to be 10100 for paroxysmal AF and 095 for (longstanding) persistent AF. The most frequently encountered complications during stand-alone, surgical AF ablation were pneumothorax and haemothorax in up to 10 of the cases. This EP Wire survey shows a wide variation not only in indications for stand-alone, surgical AF ablation, but also in surgical techniques, lesion sets, follow-up, and outcome.
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| 20. |
- Pison, Laurent, et al.
(författare)
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Work-up and management of lone atrial fibrillation : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Survey
- 2014
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 16:10, s. 1521-1523
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to explore the work-up and management of lone atrial fibrillation (AF) among the European centres. Thirty-two European centres, all members of the EHRA electrophysiology (EP) research network, responded to this survey and completed the list of questions. The prevalence of lone AF has been reported to be ≤10% by 19 (60%) of the participating centres. The presence of isolated left atrial enlargement and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction represent heart disease according to 50 and 84% of the centres, respectively, and exclude the diagnosis of lone AF. Fifty-nine per cent of responders do not routinely consider genetic testing in lone AF patients. The initial therapeutic approach in symptomatic paroxysmal lone AF is antiarrhythmic drug therapy as reported by 31 (97%) of the centres. Pulmonary vein isolation only is the first ablation strategy for patients with symptomatic persistent lone AF at 27 (84%) of the responding centres. Assessment for sleep apnoea, obesity, and intensive sports activity in lone AF is performed at 27 (84%) centres. In conclusion, this EP Wire survey confirms that the term 'lone AF' is still used in daily practice. The work-up typically includes screening for known risk factors but not genetic testing. The preferred management of paroxysmal lone AF is rhythm control with antiarrhythmic drugs, whereas pulmonary vein isolation is the first ablation strategy for the majority of patients with symptomatic persistent lone AF.
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| 21. |
- Potpara, Tatjana S, et al.
(författare)
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How are patients with atrial fibrillation approached and informed about their risk profile and available therapies in Europe? : Results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Survey
- 2015
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 17:3, s. 468-472
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This European Heart Rhythm (EHRA) Scientific Initiatives Committee EP Wire Survey aimed at exploring the common practices in approaching patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and informing them about their risk profiles and available therapies in Europe. In the majority of 53 responding centres, patients were seen by cardiologists (86.8%) or arrhythmologists (64.2%). First- and follow-up visits most commonly lasted 21-30 and 11-20 min (41.5 and 69.8% of centres, respectively). In most centres (80.2%) stroke and bleeding risk had the highest priority for discussion with AF patients; 50.9% of centres had a structured patient education programme for stroke prevention. Individual patient stroke risk was assessed at every visit in 69.2% of the centres; 46.1% of centres had a hospital-based anticoagulation clinic. Information about non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) was communicated to all AF patients eligible for oral anticoagulation (38.5% of centres) or to warfarin-naive/unstable patients (42.3%). Only two centres (3.8%) had a structured NOAC adherence follow-up programme; in eight centres (15.4%) patients were requested to sign the statement they have been informed about the risks of non-adherence to NOAC therapy, and three centres (5.8%) had a patient education programme. Patient preferences were of the highest relevance regarding oral anticoagulation and AF ablation (64.7 and 49.0% of centres, respectively). This EP Wire Survey shows that in Europe considerable amount of time and resources are used in daily clinical practice to inform AF patients about their risk profile and available therapies. However, a diversity of strategies used across the European hospitals was noted, and further research is needed to better define optimal strategies for informing AF patients about their risk profile and treatment options.
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| 22. |
- Potpara, Tatjana S, et al.
(författare)
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Oral anticoagulant therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing ablation : results from the First European Snapshot Survey on Procedural Routines for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation (ESS-PRAFA)
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 17:6, s. 986-993
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The European Snapshot Survey on Procedural Routines in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation (ESS-PRAFA) is a prospective, multicentre snapshot survey of patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, conducted to collect patient-based data on current clinical practices in AF ablation in context of the latest AF Guidelines and contemporary oral anticoagulant therapies. The EP Research Network Centres were asked to prospectively enrol consecutive patients during a 6-week period (September/October 2014). Data were collected via the web-based case report form. We present the results pertinent to the use of antithrombotic therapies. Thirteen countries prospectively enrolled 455 eligible consecutive patients [mean age 59 ± 10.8 years, 131 (28.8%) females]. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.12 ± 1.06 [137 patients (30.1%) had a score of ≥2]. Before ablation, 443 patients (97.4%) were on anticoagulant therapy [143 (31.4%) on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and 264 (58.0%) on vitamin K antagonists (VKAs)]. Of the latter, 79.7% underwent ablation without VKA interruption, whilst a variety of strategies were used in patients taking NOAC. After ablation, most patients (89.3%) continued the same anticoagulant as before, and 2 (0.4%) were not prescribed any anticoagulation. At discharge, 280 patients (62.2%) were advised oral anticoagulation for a limited period of mean 3.8 ± 2.2 months. On multivariate analysis, CHA2DS2-VASc, AF duration, prior VKA use, and estimated AF ablation success were significantly associated with the decision on short-term anticoagulation. Our results show the increasing use of NOAC in patients undergoing AF ablation and emphasize the need for more information to guide the periprocedural use of both NOACs and VKAs in real-world setting.
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| 23. |
- Proclemer, Alessandro, et al.
(författare)
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Current practice in Europe : how do we manage patients with ventricular tachycardia? European Heart Rhythm Association survey
- 2013
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 15:2, s. 167-169
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of the EP wire is to examine the clinical practice in the management of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), with special focus on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Forty-five European centres, all members of the EHRA-EP Research network completed the questions of the survey. There was an equal distribution of centres with high, medium, and low volume of activity. The most common aetiologies were: post-myocardial infarction ischaemic heart disease (55), followed by idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (18), and idiopathic VT (11) and others (12). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed in more than 50 of patients in 24 centres (62.2). Invasive electrophysiological study was performed in more than 70 of patients in 16 centres (35.6), between 51 and 70 in 9 (20), below 50 in 20 (44.5). In 39 centres (86.7), implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation was considered in all patients with structural heart disease and left ventricular ejection fraction 35. In the setting of secondary prevention, early radiofrequency ablation of the VT was performed in more than 50 of the patients in only five centres (11.4). Sequential endo-epicardial approach was reported in 52.2 of centres.
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| 24. |
- Proclemer, Alessandro, et al.
(författare)
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Current practice in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest management : a european heart rhythm association EP network survey
- 2012
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 14:8, s. 1195-1198
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this EP wire is to examine clinical practice in the field of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) management, with special focus on in-hospital diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Fifty-three European centres, all members of the EHRA-EP Research network, completed the questions of the survey. A dedicated strategy for OHCA management is active in 85 of the centres. Shockable tachyarrhythmias such as initial OHCA rhythm are reported in 70 of the patients in 64 of the centres. In-hospital therapeutic hypothermia was applied in 50 of the patients in 53 of the centres and in 50 in 47 of the centres. In the year 2011 90 of the centres performed 10 primary percutaneous coronary angioplasties (PCI) in OHCA patients. The survival rate, when the initial documented rhythm was shockable, was 30 in 42 of the centres, and conversely, was significantly lower when asystole or pulseless electrical activity was the initial rhythm. A favourable neurological recovery was reported in 50 of the patients in 13 (26) centres and in 2150 of the patients in 21 (44). This EP wire survey demonstrates a favourable implementation in OHCA of an invasive management strategy, including coronary angiography/PCI and implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy, while therapeutic hypothermia appears to be underused.
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| 25. |
- Proclemer, Alessandro, et al.
(författare)
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Screening and risk evaluation for sudden cardiac death in ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy : results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey
- 2013
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 15:7, s. 1059-1062
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this EHRA survey was to examine the current clinical practice of screening and risk evaluation for sudden cardiac death in ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy with a focus on selection of candidates for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy, timing of ICD implantation, and use of non-invasive and invasive diagnostic tests across Europe. A systematic screening programme for sudden cardiac death existed in 19 out of 31 centres (61.3%). Implantation of ICDs according to the inclusion criteria of MADIT-II and SCD-HeFT trials was reported in 30 and 29% of centres, respectively, followed by MADIT-CRT (18%), COMPANION (16%), and combined MADIT and MUSTT (7%) indications. In patients with severe renal impairment, ICD implantation for primary prevention of sudden death was always avoided in 8 centres (33.3%), was not used only if creatinine level was >2.5 mg/dL in 10 centres (32.2%), and in patients with permanent dialysis in 8 centres (33.3%). Signal-averaged electrocardiography and heart rate variability were never considered as risk stratification tools in 23 centres (74.2%). Implantation of a loop recorder was performed in patients with borderline indications for ICD therapy in 6 centres (19.4%), for research purposes in 5 (16.1%), and was never performed in 20 (64.5%) centres.In conclusion, the majority of participating European centres have a screening programme for sudden cardiac death and the selection of candidates for ICD therapy was mainly based on the clinical risk stratification and not on non-invasive and invasive diagnostic tests or implantable loop recorder use.
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| 26. |
- van Rosmalen, Frank, et al.
(författare)
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Adenosine usage during AF ablation in Europe and selected long-term findings from the ESC-EHRA EORP Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Long-Term registry.
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1383-875X .- 1572-8595. ; 60, s. 395-406
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Adenosine can be used to reveal dormant pulmonary vein (PV) conduction after PV isolation (PVI). This study presents a subanalysis of real-world 1-year follow-up data from the ESC-EHRA EORP Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Ablation Long-Term registry to analyze the usage of adenosine during PVI treatment in terms of rhythm outcome and safety.METHODS: The registry consists of 104 participating centers in 27 countries within the European Society of Cardiology. The registry data was split into an adenosine group (AG) and no-adenosine group (NAG). Procedure characteristics and patient outcome were compared.RESULTS: Adenosine was administered in 10.8% of the 3591 PVI patients included in the registry. Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy included the majority of adenosine cases (48.8%). Adenosine was applied more often in combination with open irrigation radiofrequency (RF) energy (74.7%) and less often in combination with nonirrigated RF energy (1.6%). After 1 year, a higher percentage of the AG was free from AF compared with the NAG (68.9% vs 59.1%, p < 0.001). Adenosine was associated with better rhythm outcome in RF ablation procedures, but not in cryo-ablation procedures (freedom from AF: RF: AG: 70.9%, NAG: 58.1%, p < 0.001, cryo: AG: 63.9%, NAG: 63.8%, p = 0.991).CONCLUSIONS: The use of adenosine was associated with a better rhythm outcome after 1 year follow-up and seems more useful in patients treated with RF energy compared with patients treated with cryo energy. Given the improved rhythm outcome at 1-year follow-up, it seems reasonable to encourage the use of adenosine during RF AF ablation.
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