Effects of systematic cardiac rehabilitation training in elderly patients with unstable angina following cardiac stent implantation

BACKGROUND Coronary stent implantation is usually used to treat unstable angina to alleviate stenosis or occlusion,promoting blood flow restoration and alleviating symptoms such as myocardial ischemia.And postoperative cardiac rehabilitation is essential for enhancing recovery and prognosis.Nevertheless,conventional rehabilitation lacks specificity,particularly for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and poor compliance,rendering it less effective.AIM To investigate the effects of systematic cardiac rehabilitation training in elderly patients with unstable angina following coronary stenting intervention.METHODS A retrospective enrollment was conducted comprising fifty-four elderly patients with unstable angina pectoris who underwent systematic cardiac rehabilitation training after receiving coronary intervention as the rehabilitation group,while fifty-three elderly patients who received basic nursing and rehabilitation guidance measures after coronary intervention were assigned to the control group.Differences in Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores,survival quality(SF-36)scores,cardiopulmonary exercise function assessment index,echocardiographic cardiac function index,and adverse cardiovascular events were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After intervention,the rehabilitation group observed greater VO2 Max,maximum metabolic equivalent,eft ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and smaller left ventricular end-systolic diameter.And the rehabilitation group observed greater scores of physical activity limitation,stable angina pectoris,treatment satisfaction,and SF-36 score.The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the two groups,showed no significant difference.CONCLUSION Systematic cardiac rehabilitation following coronary stenting in elderly patients with unstable angina pectoris can enhance cardiac function recovery,consequently enhancing both quality of life and cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance.

Effects of Continuous Precision Nursing Model on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Behavior and Cardiac Function in Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Stent Implantation

Objective:To explore the impact of a continuous precision nursing model on patients’Knowledge,Attitudes,and Practices(KAP)and cardiac function during the nursing process of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography and stent implantation.Methods:Ninety patients who underwent percutaneous coronary angiography and stent implantation in our hospital from April 2022 to April 2023 were selected and randomly divided into the control group(45 cases),in which routine nursing support was carried out during the treatment process,and the observation group(45 cases),in which continuous precision nursing model was carried out during the treatment process.Comparisons were made between the two groups of patients on their KAP,cardiac function,and quality of life during recovery.Results:There was no difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),cardiac output(CO),and cardiac index(CI)levels before intervention.After the intervention,the levels of cardiac function in the observation group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no difference in the Exercise of Self-Care Agency(ESCA)self-care ability scale scores before the intervention.After the intervention,the observation group had higher ESCA scores than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Implementation of a continuous precision nursing model in the care of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography and stent implantation improved the patient’s cardiac function,and KAP,and promoted recovery.

Cardiac rehabilitation and mid-term follow-up after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background Evaluation of patient outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation （TAVI） has usually been based on survival and clinical improvement. Studies on quality of life are limited, and data from comprehensive assessments after the procedure are lacking. Methods Sixty patients referred for cardiac rehabilitation after TAVI underwent in-hospital and after-discharge multidimensional assessments to evaluate clinical, functional, and nutritional statuses, degree of autonomy, cognitive impairment, depression and quality of life. Results On admission to rehabilitation, approximately half of the patients had severe functional impairment and dependence for basic activities of daily living. During their hospital stay, one-third of the patients suffered significant clinical complications and two had to be transferred to the implantation center. Despite this, the overall outcome was very good. All of the remaining patients were clinically stable at discharge and functional status, autonomy and quality of life were improved in most. During a mean follow-up of 540 days （range： 192-738 days）, five patients died from noncardiac causes, three were hospitalized for cardiac events, and nine for non cardiac reasons. Functional status and autonomy remained satisfactory in the majority of patients and most continued to live independently. Conclusions Patients referred for rehabilitation after TAVI are often very frail, with a high grade of functional impairment, dependence on others and high risk of clinical complications. During a rehabilitation programme, based on a multidimensional assessment and intervention, most patients showed significant improvement in functional status, quality of life, and autonomy, which remained stable in the majority of subjects during mid-term follow-up.

A simultaneous occurrence of pulmonary embolism and cerebral infarction following Micra^(TM)leadless pacemaker implantation

Since the successful implantation of the first cardiac pacemaker(PM)in 1958,PM has been widely used in clinical practice.With the advancement of interventional technology,PMs have become smaller and more effective.Despite continuous improvements,traditional PMs remain associated with a proportional risk of immediate-and short-term complications(9%–12%),[1]which are mainly related to electrodes or pockets.Short-term complications include pneumothorax,cardiac tamponade.

Leadless cardiac pacemaker implantations after infected pacemaker system removals in octogenarians

Background Management of pacemaker(PM)infections among advanced aged patients possesses particular clinical challenges due to higher rates of concurrent cardiovascular disease and medical comorbidities.Novel leadless cardiac pacemakers(LCPs)may provide new opportunities for better management options in this population,however,there is limited data especially in Asian populations to guide the decision making.Methods We reviewed 11 octogenarians(median age:86[minimum 82–maximum 90]years;male:73%;median body mass index(BMI):20.1 kg/m^(2))who received Micra Transcatheter Pacing System(Medtronic Inc,Minneapolis,MN)implantations following transvenous lead extractions(TLEs)for PM infections.Results All patients had more than two medical comorbidities(average 3.7 comorbidities).The indications for LCP implantations were atrioventricular block in four patients,atrial fibrillation bradycardia in five,and sinus node dysfunction in two.Eight patients(73%)were bridged with temporary pacing using active fixation leads(median interval of 14.0 days),while one with severe dementia underwent a concomitant LCP implantation and TLE during the same procedure.Successful TLEs and LCP implantations were successfully accomplished in all without any complications.The median time from the TLE procedure to discharge was 22 days(minimum 7–maximum 136).All patients remained free of infections during a mean follow-up period of 17.2±6.5 months.Conclusions LCP implantations were safe and effective after removing the entire infectious PM system in all octogenarians.The novel LCP technology may offer an alternative option for considering a re-implantation strategy after transvenous PM infections in elderly patients,particularly those with severe frailty and PM dependency.

Association of time-varying changes in physical activity with cardiac death and all-cause mortality after ICD or CRT-D implantation

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of longitudinal changes in physical activity(PA)with long-term outcomes after im-plantable cardioverter-defibrillator(ICD)or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator(CRT-D)implantation.METHODS Patients with ICD/CRT-D implantation from SUMMIT registry were retrospectively analyzed.Accelerometer-de-rived PA changes over 12 months post implantation were obtained from the archived home monitoring data.The primary end-points were cardiac death and all-cause mortality.The secondary endpoints were the first ventricular arrthymia(VA)and first ap-propriate ICD shock.RESULTS In 705 patients,446(63.3%)patients showed improved PA over 12 months after implantation.During a mean 61.5-month follow-up duration,99 cardiac deaths(14.0%)and 153 all-cause deaths(21.7%)occurred.Compared to reduced/un-changed PA,improved PA over 12 months could result in significantly reduced risks of cardiac death(improved PA≤30 min:hazard ratio(HR)=0.494,95%CI:0.288−0.848;>30 min:HR=0.390,95%CI:0.235−0.648)and all-cause mortality(improved PA≤30 min:HR=0.467,95%CI:0.299−0.728;>30 min:HR=0.451,95%CI:0.304−0.669).No differences in the VAs or ICD shocks were observed across different groups of PA changes.PA changes can predict the risks of cardiac death only in the low baseline PA group,but improved PA was associated with 56.7%,57.4%,and 62.3%reduced risks of all-cause mortality in the low,moderate,and high baseline PA groups,respectively,than reduced/unchanged PA.CONCLUSIONS Improved PA could protect aganist cardiac death and all-cause mortality,probably reflecting better clinical efficacy after ICD/CRT-D implantation.Low-intensity exercise training might be encouraged among patients with different baseline PA levels.

Surgical Results of Left Ventricular Lead Implantation for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Objectives: Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) has proven its effectiveness in patients with symptomatic heart failure [1,2]. Although rewarding, the procedure of biventricular pacemaker implantation is challenging and subsequently fails in 8%-11% of patients. In patients whose left ventricular (LV) electrode cannot be placed transvenously, surgical implantation of an epicardial electrode can be achieved. Methods: Seventeen patients (14 male, 3 female), among whom LV electrode was failed to be placed transvenously, were included into our study. The epicardial LV electrodes were implanted through anterior mini thoracotomy. The patients were followed up for approximate six months and complications, ejection fraction (EF), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, QRS durations as well as pacing parameters were recorded. Results: Mean age of the patients was 64.4 ± 7.01 (54-79) years. Preoperative mean EF of the patients was 26.1% ± 3.7%. The LV electrode was placed at the optimal place on the lateral LV wall through left sided mini thoracotomy. The mean duration of the operation was 26.76 ± 8.12 minutes and the mean hospital stay was 2.05 ± 0.42 days. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Only 1 patient had LV electrode displaced on the 3rd postoperative month and the patient was reoperated successfully. The EF on the 6th postoperative month was 29.4% ± 3.81% and NYHA class was 2.58 ± 0.5. The etiology of heart failure had no influence on outcome. Conclusions: Surgical implantation of LV lead is associated with low complication rates and excellent follow-up results without exposure to radiation. Thus epicardial leads can be proposed as equal alternative to transvenous leads.

VAD implantation in cardiac failure patients with prosthetic valves

Objective An increasing number of patients requiring ventricular assist devices (VAD) have had previous valvular corrections,including valve repair,and valve replacement with mechanical or bioprosthetic valves. The operative and peri-operative management of these patients are various. Methods A retrospective study of VADs between Jan 1994 and June 2008 revealed 10 patients

Small bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators:Outcome analysis using telemetry review

AIM:To determine if there were any interactions between cardiac devices and small bowel capsules secondary to electromagnetic interference (EMI) in patients who have undergone small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE).METHODS:Authors conducted a chart review of 20 patients with a cardiac pacemaker (CP) or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) who underwent continuous electrocardiographic monitoring during their SBCE from 2003-2008.authors searched for unexplained electrocardiogram (ECG) findings,changes in CP andICD set parameters,any abnormality in transmitted capsule data,and adverse clinical events.RESULTS:There were no adverse events or hemodynamically significant arrhythmias reported.CP and ICD set parameters were preserved.The majority of ECG abnormalities were also found in pre-or post-SBCE ECG tracings and the CP behavior during arrhythmias appeared appropriate.Two patients seemed to have episodes of undersensing by the CP.However,similar findings were documented in ECGs taken outside the time frame of the SBCE.One patient was observed to have a low signal encountered from the capsule resulting in lack of localization,but no images were lost.CONCLUSION:Capsule-induced EMI remains a possibility but is unlikely to be clinically important.CPinduced interference of SBCE is also possible,but is infrequent and does not result in loss of images transmitted by the capsule.

Optimized cardiac magnetic resonance imaging inversion recovery sequence for metal artifact reduction and accurate myocardial scar assessment in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices

Late gadolinium enhancement(LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance(CMR) is the gold standard for imaging myocardial viability.An important application of LGE CMR is the assessment of the location and extent of the myocardial scar in patients with ventricular tachycardia(VT), which allows for more accurate identification of the ablation targets.However, a large percentage of patients with VT have cardiac implantable electronic devices(CIEDs), which is a relative contraindication for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging due to safety and image artifact concerns.Previous studies showed that these patients can be safely scanned on 1.5 T scanners provided that an adequate imaging protocol is adopted.Nevertheless, imaging patients with a CIED result in metal artifacts due to the strong frequency off-resonance effects near the device; therefore, the spins in the surrounding myocardium are not completely inverted, and thus give rise to hyperintensity artifacts.These artifacts obscure the myocardial scar tissue and limit the ability to study the correlation between the myocardial scar structure and the electro-anatomical map during catheter ablation.In this study, we developed a modified inversion recovery technique to alleviate the CIED-induced metal artifacts and improve the diagnostic image quality of LGE images in patients with CIEDs without increasing scan time or requiring additional hardware.The developed technique was tested in phantom experiments and in vivo scans, which showed its capability for suppressing the hyperintensity artifacts without compromising myocardium nulling in the resulting LGE images.

The gender difference of utilization of cardiac implantable electronic device in China： data from Arrhythmia Interventional Therapy Data Registry

Background Cardiac implantable electronic devices （CIEDs） greatly improve survival and life quality of patients. However, there are gender differences regarding both the utilization and benefit of these devices. In this prospective CIED registry, we aim to appraise the gender differences in CIED utilization in China. Methods Twenty centers from 14 provinces in China were included in our registry study. All patients who underwent a CIED implantation in these twenty centers between Jan 2015 and Dec 2016 were included. Results A total of 8570 patients were enrolled in the baseline cohort, including 7203 pacemaker, 664 implantable cardiac defibrillators （ICD） implants and 703 cardiac resynchronization therapy device （CRT/D）. Totally, 4117 （48.0%） CIED patients were female, and more than 59% pacemaker patients were female, but women account only one third of ICD or CRT/D implantation in this registry. There were significant differences between genders at pacemaker and ICD indications. Female was more likely received a pacemaker due to sick sinus syndrome （SSS） （63.9% vs. 51.0%, P 〈 0.001）. Female patients receiving an ICD were more likely due to cardiac ion channel disease （29.2% vs. 4.2%, P 〈 0.001）. The percentage of utilization of dual-chamber pacemaker in female patients was significantly higher than male （85.3% vs. 81.1%, P 〈 0.001）. But male patients were more likely received a cardiac resynchronization therapy devices with defibrillator than female （56.5% vs. 41.9%, P = 0.001）. In pacemaker patient, male was more likely to have structure heart disease （31.3% vs. 28.0%, P = 0.002）. In ICD patient, male patients were more likely to have ischemic heart disease （48.2% vs. 29.2%, P 〈 0.001）. The mean age of women at the time of CRT/D implantation was older than men （P = 0.014）. Nonischemic cardiomyopathy （70.9%） was the most common etiology in the patients who underwent the treat？ment of CRT/D, no matter male or female. Conclusions In real-world setting, female do have different epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical presentation of many cardiac rhythm disorders when compared with male, and all these factors may affect the utilization of CIED implantation. But it also possibility that cultural and socioeconomic features may play a role in this apparent discrimination.

PCI techniques to aid implantation of CRT-D in a senior patient with persistent left superior vena cava

Persistent left superior vena cava （PLSVC） is a rare con- genital anomaly of the vena cava, affecting about 0.5% of the general population, which poses a particular obstacle during transvenous electronic device implantation. Here, we report a successful cardiac resynchronization therapy-de-fibrillator device （CRT-D） implantation strategy in which techniques and devices for percutaneous coronary interven- tion were used via a PLSVC.

Cardiac embolism after implantable cardiac defibrillator shock in non-anticoagulated atrial fibrillation:The role of left atrial appendage occlusion

Cardioembolic events are one of the most feared complications in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF) and a formal contraindication to oral anticoagulation(OAC).The present case report describes a case of massive peripheral embolism after an implantable cardiac defibrillator(ICD) shock in a patient with NVAF and a formal contraindication to OAC due to previous intracranial hemorrhage.In order to reduce the risk of future cardioembolic events,the patient underwent percutaneous left atrial appendage(LAA) occlusion.A 25 mm AmplatzerTM Amulet was implanted and the patient was discharged the following day without complications.The potential risk of thrombus dislodgement after an electrical shock in patients with NVAF and no anticoagulation constitutes a particular scenario that might be associated with an additional cardioembolicrisk.Although LAA occlusion is a relatively new technique,its usage is rapidly expanding worldwide and constitutes a very valid alternative for patients with NVAF and a formal contraindication to OAC.

CIED implantation in elderly patients： a single-center experience

Thanks to the development of new medical technologies and improvement in medical care the last decades are characterized by the growth of elderly＇s number. The median age of the world＇s population is increasing because of a decline in birth rates and a 20-year increase in the average life span during the second half of the 20th century.

The feasibility of leadless pacemaker implantation in nonagenarians:case report and literature review

In the aging populations of China,there is an increasing prevalence of various types of bradycardias that require pacing therapy.In 1958,the first transvenous pacemaker(TVPM)was implanted at Karolinska Hospital in Sweden,which unveiled the era of cardiac pacing therapy.[1]A TVPM includes transvenous electrodes and a pulse gener-ator that is implanted subcutaneously.Despite its obvious benefits,the complication rate associated with TVPM could be as high as 10%.

Data Transmission Delay in Medtronic Reveal LINQ^TMImplantable Cardiac Monitor: Clinical Experience in 520 Patients

Background: The Implantable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) is an invaluable tool for detecting cardiac arrhythmias by providing physicians. Critical to the success of ICMs depends on how quickly and accurately the data can be transmitted to a physician’s office after an arrhythmic event. Then, the clinical event can be analyzed and the treatment will be provided accordingly. However, no reports have been published as to how efficiently the ICM data is transmitted. Methods: There is a retrospective review of 520 patients who received a Medtronic Reveal LINQTM between 2/01/2015 and 6/01/2017. The time from the arrhythmic event to the time of physician notification was calculated and reason for delay was noted. Results: One hundred and twenty patients out of 520 patients (23%) had arrhythmic events transmitted over a mean follow up of 14 ± 4 months. The mean time between cardiac events and physician notification was 15 ± 8 days. Sixty-three percent (63%) of data transmission delay (defined as >24 hours) was due to the MyCareLinkTM Monitor not being in proximity to the patient. Connection failure between the monitor and the network accounted for 34% of data transmission delay. Conclusion: Significant delay in data transmission from Medtronic Reveal LINQTM cardiac monitor occurs frequently impacting patient care. Newer generations of the implantable cardiac monitors utilize Bluetooth technology, enabling immediate transfer of data from ICM to a patient’s cellular phone and subsequently to their physician’s office. This technology could potentially improve efficiency and reliability eliminating the issues of proximity and connectivity.

Telemonitoring of Patients with Implantable Cardiac Devices to Manage Heart Failure: An Evaluation of Tablet-PC-Based Nursing Intervention Program

Background: With the rapid aging of society, the number of patients with heart failure has also increased. Implantable devices for heart failure have become standardized. Remote monitoring using cardiac devices has grown in popularity for medical efficiency and the early detection of abnormalities. Our first aim was to develop a tablet-PC-based nursing intervention program for patients requiring remote monitoring of implantable cardiac devices. The second purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of the program by using mixed-methods research. Methods: The study consisted of two phases. In phase 1, we designed a tablet-PC-based nursing intervention program, on the basis of a literature review and qualitative data collected via semi-structured interviews. In phase 2, we conducted a randomized controlled trial that served as a preliminary investigation of the program. The outcome measures were readmission, unexpected visits to the clinic for heart problems, quality of life, self-care behavior, and self-efficacy. After the study, we interviewed each participant about his or her experiences with the program. Interviews were audio recorded, coded, and thematically analyzed. Results: The 33 patients with heart failure were randomized into two groups as follows: 17 patients in the telenursing group and 16 in the control group. During 6 months of follow-up, the readmission for heart failure occurred in 11% of the intervention group and 18% of the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at any outcome measures. Three themes were extracted via qualitative analysis: “getting a sense of safety,” “triggering a health behavior change,” and “feeling like a burden.” Conclusion: No improvements in rates of rehospitalization or unexpected clinic visits were seen in the quantitative study. However, signs of behavior modification were seen in the qualitative study. This program has the possibility of improving patient outcomes.

Cardiac resynchronization in the elderly is beneficial, but could we implant our devices in old patients safer？

We read with interest the article by Olechowski, et aL recently published in the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. The results of this retrospective analysis of patients under- going cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） device implantation are in line with previous reports, suggesting that resynchronization therapy in the elderly is feasible and may lead to significant improvement of cardiac function and clinical status.

Cardiac implantable therapeutic medical devices:A narrative review

Heart diseases are common life-threatening acute diseases.They are leading causes of mortality worldwide,especially significant in developed countries.Other than medications for therapies and prophylaxis,special treatment considerations with implantable cardiac devices are important to reduce mortality and medical disability.This paper aims to review indications,contraindications,efficacy,complications,and generic considerations of several commonly implanted cardiac devices including pacemakers,cardiac resynchronization devices,implantable cardiac defibrillators,left atrial appendage occlusion watchman devices,and ventricular assist devices.As various implantable therapeutic cardiac devices are sometimes carried in the bodies of patients with cardiac disease,practitioners of various specialties should be familiar with different cardiac devices on the management of different cardiac conditions while providing holistic care.

Geriatric issues in patients with or being considered for implanted cardiac rhythm devices: a case-based review

1 Introduction Virtually all cardiovascular diseases including arrhythmias,valve disease,coronary artery disease and heart failure(HF)are increasingly common with advancing age.^([1])Age and disease-related changes in the heart including fibrosis in the atrial and ventricular myocardium and conduction system,scar tissue from myocardial infarction or other cardiomyopathic processes,increased inflammatory cytokines and changes to ion channels are just some of the factors that predispose older adults to arrhythmias.^([2]).