Echocardiographic predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation: A literature review

Background: Catheter ablation (CA) is a well-known treatment option for patients with symptomatic drug-resistant atrial fibrillation (AF). Multiple factors have been identified to determine AF recurrence after CA, however their predictive value is rather small. Identification of novel predictors of CA outcome is therefore of primary importance to reduce health costs and improve long-term results of intervention. The recurrence of AF following CA is related to severity of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, extent of atrial dilatation and fibrosis. The aim of this paper was to present and discuss the latest studies on the utility of echocardiographic parameters in terms of CA effectiveness in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO databases were searched for studies reporting echocardiographic preprocedural predictors of AF recurrence after CA. LV systolic and diastolic function, as well as atrial size, strain and dyssynchrony were taken into consideration. Results: Twenty one full-text articles were analyzed, including three meta-analyses. Several echocardiographic parameters have been reported to determine a risk of AF recurrence after CA. There are conventional methods that measure left atrial size and volume, LV ejection fraction, parameters assessing LV diastolic dysfunction, and methods using more innovative technologies based on speckle tracking echocardiography to determine left atrial synchrony and strain. Each of these parameters has its own predictive value. Conclusions: Regarding CA effectiveness, every patient has to be evaluated individually to estimate the risk of AF recurrence, optimally using a combination of several echocardiographic parameters

Pre-discharge defibrillation testing: Is it still justified?

Background: An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is routinely used to prevent sudden cardiac death. Since the introduction of that device into clinical practice, a defibrillation test (the so-called pre-discharge test [PDT]) has been an inseparable part of the ICD implantation procedure. Recently, the usefulness of PDT has been called into question. Methods: The aim of this research was to analyze ICD tests performed within two time periods: in years 1995–2001 (period I) and 2007–2010 (period II), in order to compare the results of tests and solutions to all the problems with ICD systems revealed by means of PDT. Results: During period I, 193 tests were performed, among which the ICD system malfunction was observed in 16 cases. Those included: sensing issues, specifically R-wave undersensing during ventricular fibrillation (VF) (7 patients) and T-wave oversensing (4 patients), as well as high defibrillation threshold (DFT) (2 patients) and ICD-pacemaker interaction (3 patients). During period II, among 561 tests, system malfunction was observed in 15 cases. In 1 patient it was VF undersensing, and in the remaining 14 it was high DFT. All the above problems were solved by means of appropriate ICD reprogramming, repositioning of the endocardial defibrillation lead or implantation of an additional subcutaneous defibrillation lead. Conclusions: Contemporary ICD technical solutions, compared to older systems, in most cases allow to avoid sensing problems. The key rationale behind ICD testing is the ability to confirm the efficacy of high-voltage therapy. Despite the increasing maximal defibrillation out­put of devices, and all possible adjustments to the characteristics of the impulse, there is still a group of patients that require additional procedures to ensure the appropriate defibrillation efficacy

Echocardiographic assessment in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and normal systolic left ventricular function before and after catheter ablation: If AF begets AF, does pulmonary vein isolation terminate the vicious circle?

Background: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) can be curative. There are conflicting data on whether AF associated atrial and ventricular structural remodeling reverses after ablation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effect of AF ablation in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: Forty three AF patients were studied (aged 56 ± 11 years; 29 male, 23% persistent AF, LVEF ≥ 50%) in whom RFCA was performed. Echocardiographic evaluation of atrial and ventricular diameters, volumes and strain imaging by two-dimensional speckle tracking were performed before and at least 6 months after RFCA. Nine patients had AF during baseline examination. Results: A significant decrease in the left (LA) and right (RA) atrial volume and an increase in the LA strain were observed 15 ± 7 months after RFCA. In the subgroup with baseline sinus rhythm, the increment in LA strain was only borderline significant. An increase in RA, right ventricular (RV) and Biatrial strain was noticed (p < 0.05). LVEF and global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle (LV), however, did not improve substantially. Conclusions: Radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF in patients with preserved LV systolic function results in significant improvement in RA and RV function with a substantial reduction in LA and RA size. No deleterious impact of AF ablation on LA function was revealed

Usefulness of CartoMerge image integration module in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background: Anatomy assessment using Computer Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MRI) is performed in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The aim of this analysis was to investigate whether electroanatomical 3D map and CT/MRI image integration using the CartoMerge system improves efficacy, reduces procedure time or fluoroscopy usage. Materials and methods: 57 patients undergoing PVI were divided in two groups: “Merge” (n=45 pts) and “non-Merge” (n=14 pts) depending on usage of image integration. PV isolation during procedure (acute PVI), procedure time, fluoroscopy time, number of radio frequency (RF) applications and AF recurrence during follow-up (Merge group: 12-24 months, non-Merge group: 9-18 months) were analyzed. Results: Intra-procedural PVI was equal in both groups (93%). Long-term efficacy, defined as absence of AF recurrence, was insignificantly higher in the Merge group (69,8% vs 50%, p=0,11793). Procedure time was significantly longer in the Merge group – 239,1 (±55,5) min. vs 192,4 (±44,5). Fluoroscopy time was similar in both groups 29,9 (±12,23) vs 24,6 (±26,5) min, (p=0,579). Number of RF applications was significantly higher in the Merge group 48,5 (±25,2) vs 27,2 (±14,9). Conclusions: CartoMerge did not improve the rate of acute PVI, long-term effectivity or fluoroscopy time. In the non-Merge group the procedure time was shorter and the number of applications was significantly smaller

Sonocystografia 3D/4D u dzieci – czy wnosi więcej informacji niż badanie 2D?

Background: By now, two-dimensional contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS) has become a well-established method for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of vesicoureteral reflux in children, particularly after the recent approval for this application in children in the USA and in Europe. The introduction of three-dimensional static (3D) and real-time (4D) techniques with ultrasound contrast agents opens up new diagnostic opportunities for this imaging modality. Objective: To analyze whether 3D and 4D ceVUS is a superior technique compared to standard 2D ceVUS in diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux in children. Material and methods: The study included 150 patients (mean age 3.7 years) who underwent 2D and 3D/4D ceVUS for the diagnosis and grading of vesicoureteral reflux. Results: 2D ceVUS and 3D/4D ceVUS diagnosed the same number of vesicoureteral refluxes, however, there was a statistically significant difference in grading between the two methods. Performing 3D/4D ceVUS resulted in changing the initial grade compared to 2D ceVUS in 19 out of 107 refluxing units (17.76%) diagnosed. The 4D technique enabled a more conspicuous visualization of vesicoureteral reflux than the 3D technique. Conclusions: 2D ceVUS and 3D/4D ceVUS diagnosed the same number of vesicoureteral refluxes, however, there was a statistically significant difference in grading between the two methods. Thus 3D/4D ceVUS appears at least a valid, if not even a more conspicuous technique compared to 2D ceVUS.Wprowadzenie: Sonocystografia mikcyjna wykonywana techniką dwuwymiarową (2D) posiada ugruntowaną pozycję jako metoda diagnostyki i monitorowania leczenia odpływu pęcherzowo-moczowodowego u dzieci, szczególnie w kontekście uzyskanej niedawno rejestracji środka do stosowania w tym wskazaniu w USA i Europie. Wprowadzenie trójwymiarowych technik statycznych (3D) i dynamicznych (4D) z zastosowaniem ultrasonograficznych środków kontrastujących otwiera nowe możliwości diagnostyczne przed tą metodą obrazowania. Cel pracy: Celem pracy było określenie, czy sonocystografia mikcyjna 3D i 4D wnosi więcej informacji w porównaniu do standardowej sonocystografii mikcyjnej 2D w diagnostyce odpływu pęcherzowo-moczowodowego u dzieci. Materiał i metoda: Grupa badana obejmowała 150 pacjentów (średnia wieku 3,7 roku), którzy zostali poddani badaniu sonocystografii mikcyjnej 2D i 3D/4D w celu zdiagnozowania i oceny stopnia odpływu pęcherzowo-moczowodowego. Wyniki: Przy użyciu techniki 2D zdiagnozowano taką samą liczbę odpływów pęcherzowo-moczowodowych jak w badaniu 3D/4D. Istniała jednak statystycznie istotna różnica pomiędzy obiema metodami w aspekcie oceny stopnia odpływu. W 19 spośród 107 (17,76%) jednostek miedniczkowo-moczowodowych (JMM) ze zdiagnozowanym odpływem rozszerzenie badania o sonocystografię techniką 3D/4D skutkowało zmianą pierwotnego stopnia odpływu określonego na podstawie sonocystografii mikcyjnej 2D. Technika 4D umożliwiała uzyskanie obrazowania odpływu pęcherzowo-moczowodowego w sposób dokładniejszy niż technika 3D. Wnioski: Przy użyciu sonocystografii mikcyjnej 2D zdiagnozowano taką samą liczbę odpływów pęcherzowo-moczowodowych jak w przypadku techniki 3D/4D. Istniała jednak statystycznie istotna różnica pomiędzy obiema metodami w aspekcie oceny stopnia odpływu. Można zatem stwierdzić, iż sonocystografia mikcyjna 3D/4D to skuteczna technika diagnostyczna, która dodatkowo umożliwia bardziej dokładne w porównaniu z techniką 2D zobrazowanie odpływu, ułatwiając ocenę jego stopnia

3D/4D contrast-enhanced urosonography (ceVUS) in children – is it superior to the 2D technique?

Background: By now, two-dimensional contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS) has become a well-established method for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of vesicoureteral reflux in children, particularly after the recent approval for this application in children in the USA and in Europe. The introduction of three-dimensional static (3D) and real-time (4D) techniques with ultrasound contrast agents opens up new diagnostic opportunities for this imaging modality. Objective: To analyze whether 3D and 4D ceVUS is a superior technique compared to standard 2D ceVUS in diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux in children. Material and methods: The study included 150 patients (mean age 3.7 years) who underwent 2D and 3D/4D ceVUS for the diagnosis and grading of vesicoureteral reflux. Results: 2D ceVUS and 3D/4D ceVUS diagnosed the same number of vesicoureteral refluxes, however, there was a statistically significant difference in grading between the two methods. Performing 3D/4D ceVUS resulted in changing the initial grade compared to 2D ceVUS in 19 out of 107 refluxing units (17.76%) diagnosed. The 4D technique enabled a more conspicuous visualization of vesicoureteral reflux than the 3D technique.\ud Conclusions: 2D ceVUS and 3D/4D ceVUS diagnosed the same number of vesicoureteral refluxes, however, there was a statistically significant difference in grading between the two methods. Thus 3D/4D ceVUS appears at least a valid, if not even a more conspicuous technique compared to 2D ceVUS

Ozone disinfection of community pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic as a possible preventive measure for infection spread

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently one of the major global health and economic challenges. An efficient method for reducing the transmission of the virus is a still unmet medical need. Existing experimental data have shown that coronavirus survival is negatively impacted by ozone, high temperature, and low humidity. Therefore, it is feasible to use area ozonation in pharmacies - the front line of the healthcare system. Nevertheless, further work is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone disinfection to reduce the transmission of this virus in pharmacies, hospitals, and other public environments. Med Pr. 2021;72

Readiness and Willingness to Provide Immunization Services after Pilot Vaccination Training: A Survey among Community Pharmacists Trained and Not Trained in Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland

Background: Immunization rates among the adult population in Poland are below desired targets, urging the need to expand this service in the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ultimate goals for limiting the spread of the infection are vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Pharmaceutical companies are in a race for the fastest possible way to deliver vaccines. Community pharmacists in Poland are recognised as an accessible yet underutilised group of medical professionals. Therefore, involving pharmacists in vaccinations may have beneficial results for the healthcare system. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the readiness and willingness of community pharmacists following the Pharmacist Without Borders project who had either been trained or not in providing immunization services, and to identify the factors that may support the implementation of such services in Poland. Methods: This study was conducted among pharmacists between February and August 2020 in Poland. A survey was developed to determine their readiness to provide vaccination services in their pharmacies, to recognise any barriers to vaccinations, as well as the factors necessary to implement vaccination services in Polish pharmacies. Results: A total of 1777 pharmacists participated in the study, comprising 127 (7.1%) pharmacists trained in vaccinations during the Pharmacists Without Borders project and 1650 (92.9%) pharmacists not participating in the workshops. Pharmacists participating in the workshops more often indicated that providing vaccinations in community pharmacies would improve the overall vaccination rate (p = 0.0001), and that pharmacists could play an important role in advertising and promoting vaccinations (p = 0.0001). For the pharmacists not participating in the workshops, they indicated to a much greater extent possible barriers affecting the readiness to provide vaccinations in pharmacies. They most often pointed out that vaccination services would result in a significant workload increase (p = 0.0001), that pharmacies were not adapted to immunization, and that there were not enough training courses for pharmacists (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The pharmacists working in community pharmacies indicated many advantages of vaccinations in pharmacies. This study identified barriers to the introduction of vaccinations and factors necessary to implement these services in pharmacies. The pharmacists trained during the immunization programme of the Pharmacists Without Borders project showed a greater readiness to provide immunization services