Skip Navigation


European Heart Journal Advance Access originally published online on August 31, 2009
European Heart Journal
2009 30(20):2450-2460; doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehp359
This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow FREE Full Text (PDF) Freely available
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
30/20/2450    most recent
ehp359v1
Right arrow E-letters: Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when E-letters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Related articles in EHJ
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My Personal Archive
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Right arrow Disclaimer
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Dickstein, K.
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Dickstein, K.
Social Bookmarking
Add to CiteULike   Add to Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us  
What's this?

Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2009. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

The European cardiac resynchronization therapy survey

Kenneth Dickstein1,2, Nigussie Bogale1,2,*, Silvia Priori3, Angelo Auricchio4, John G. Cleland5, Anselm Gitt6, Tobias Limbourg6, Cecilia Linde7, Dirk J. van Veldhuisen8, Josep Brugada9 and on behalf of the Scientific Committee and National Coordinators

1 Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
2 Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
3 University of Pavia Maugeri Foundation, Pavia, Italy
4 Fondazione Cardiocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
5 University of Hull, Castle Hill Hospital, Kingston-upon-Hull, UK
6 Institut für Herzinfarktforschung Ludwigshafen an der Universität Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
7 Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
8 University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
9 Thorax Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Received 31 July 2009; revised 10 August 2009; accepted 12 August 2009; online publish-ahead-of-print 31 August 2009.

* Corresponding author. Tel: +47 97577673, Fax: +47 51519921, Email: nigussie.bogale{at}lyse.net

See page 2433 for the commentary on this article (doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehp366)


   Abstract
Top
 Abstract
Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Funding
 Appendix 1
 Appendix 2
 Appendix 3
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
Aims: The European cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) survey is a joint initiative taken by the Heart Failure Association and the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology. The primary aim of this survey is to describe current European practice associated with CRT implantations.

Methods and results: A total of 140 centres from 13 European countries contributed data from consecutive patients successfully implanted with a CRT device with or without an ICD between November 2008 and June 2009. The total number of patients enrolled was 2438. The median age of the patients was 70 years (IQR 62–76) and 31% were ≥75 years. It was found that 78% were in NYHA functional class III or IV and 22% in I or II. The mean ejection fraction was 27% ± 8 and the mean QRS duration 157 ms ± 32. The QRS duration was <120 ms in 9%. Atrial fibrillation was reported in 23%. It was found that 26% of patients had a previously implanted permanent pacemaker or ICD; 76% of procedures were performed by an electrophysiologist; 82% had an elective admission for implantation and the median duration of hospitalization was 3 days (IQR 2–7); and 73% received a CRT-D device which was more often implanted in men, younger patients, and with ischaemic aetiology. The mean QRS duration was reduced to 133 ms ± 27 (P < 0.0001) at discharge. Peri-procedural complication rates were comparable to the rates reported in randomized trials.

Conclusion: This CRT survey provides important information describing current European practice with regard to patient demographics, selection criteria, procedural routines, and status at discharge. These data should be useful for benchmarking individual patient management and national practice against wider experience.

Key Words: Cardiac resnchronization therapy (CRT) • European practice • Survey


   Introduction
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Funding
 Appendix 1
 Appendix 2
 Appendix 3
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
The recent ESC Heart Failure Guidelines,1 the ESC/European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) Guidelines for Cardiac Pacing,2 and the ACC/AHA/HRS Guidelines for Device Therapy3 provide a class I recommendation with the level of evidence A for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) treatment with or without an ICD in patients with symptomatic heart failure (NYHA III and IV) despite adequate medical treatment, a QRS duration >120 ms and an EF < 35%, in order to improve survival and reduce morbidity. Guidelines provide little guidance on which patients should have CRT-P or CRT-D, reflecting the lack of relevant data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs).4–6 The implantation rate of CRT-P or CRT-D in Western Europe was 100/million inhabitants in 2008; 25% of these devices were CRT alone (CRT-P) and 75% were devices in combination with an ICD (CRT-D).7

The data from RCTs on CRT are largely based on selected patients and there is also limited data in elderly patients with co-morbidity. It is likely that many patients who would benefit from device therapy do not receive it. In contrast, some patients who receive a device do not fulfil guideline criteria.8 Recent publications suggest that patients with higher left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF), milder symptoms, atrial fibrillation, right bundle branch block (RBBB), or narrower QRS durations with evidence of mechanical intraventricular dyssynchrony may benefit from implantation of a CRT device.9,10 There is substantial variation across Europe both with regard to interpretation of the indications as well as implantation routines and procedures. Specifically, practice varies with regard to decisions concerning device type.11

This European CRT survey was initiated by the Heart Failure Association (HFA) and the EHRA of the ESC in order to describe current European practice and routines associated with CRT-P/CRT-D implantations based on a sample of patients enrolled in 13 countries. The data collected following implantation provide information including clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, implantation routines and techniques, adverse experience, in-hospital course, discharge status, and assessment of adherence to guideline recommendations. This report details the information captured following successful implantation and entry into the survey. A single follow-up visit at 1 year (9–15 months) will provide patient information and short-term clinical outcomes.


   Methods
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
Results
 Discussion
 Funding
 Appendix 1
 Appendix 2
 Appendix 3
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
Objectives
The primary objective of this survey is to describe current European practice based on a broad sampling in 13 countries. The information collected will enable practice between centres and countries to be compared and permit benchmarking with national and international practice. The survey provides valuable quality assurance assessment for individual centres, permits limited economic analyses, and broadly evaluates adherence to guideline recommendations.

Design
The rationale and design of the CRT survey has been published recently.12 All centres implanting CRT devices (CRT-P, CRT-D, or an upgrade) in the chosen countries were invited to participate. Centres were asked to enrol consecutive patients after successful implantation between 1st November 2008 and 30th June 2009.

Data collection
Data were collected using online internet entry. An electronic case report form (eCRF) was developed by the Scientific Committee (Appendix 1) to capture demographics and clinical characteristics, selection criteria assessed prior to implantation, implantation procedures and techniques, device programming and optimization, adverse experience, hospitalization data, and pharmacological therapy at discharge. The contents of the eCRF are detailed in Appendix 2.

All centres were asked to complete a one-time site questionnaire describing the type and size of the centre, reference area population, facilities, and number of invasive procedures performed. Germany and Sweden have ongoing device registries which include CRTs and capture most of the information contained in the CRT survey eCRF. With permission from both of the Steering Committees, CRT data collected consecutively in these two registries during the time frame were merged into the CRT survey database.

A central database was created at the data management centre, Institut für Herzinfarktforschung in Ludwigshafen an der Universität Heidelberg, Germany, which also maintained and interrogated the database and performed analyses. A web site www.crt-survey.org supported by the ESC Web department provides all the relevant documents and reports the current status.

Participating countries
The following 13 European countries contributed patients to the survey: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and UK. Two national co-ordinators, one each from the fields of heart failure and electrophysiology, were selected and given the responsibility of facilitating recruitment in their respective countries (Appendix 1).

Survey population
All consecutive patients successfully implanted with a new CRT-P, CRT-D, or upgrades were eligible. The procedure itself identified the patient as a Survey candidate. A successful implantation was defined as a completed procedure. Patients screened but not successfully implanted were not entered into the Survey. Ethics approval and written informed consent were obtained in countries where required.

Statistical methodology
Percentages are shown for categorical variables to describe the patient population, and medians with inter-quartile range or means with standard deviations for continuous variables. Binary variables were compared between subgroups by Pearson {chi}2 test and continuous variables by Mann–Whitney U test. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the available cases. A significance level of 0.05 was assumed for the statistical tests and all P-values are results of two-tailed tests. The calculations were performed using SASã statistical software, version 9.1 (Cary, North Carolina, USA).


   Results
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
Discussion
 Funding
 Appendix 1
 Appendix 2
 Appendix 3
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
Participating centres
A total of 141 centres in Western Europe participated in the survey and recruited a total of 2438 patients during the 8 month enrolment period; of these 1384 patients were recruited by four countries: Italy (571), Sweden (321), Germany (291), and UK (201) (Figure 1).


Figure 1
View larger version (28K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PowerPoint slide]
  		Figure 1 Country distribution of patients included in the CRT Survey.

 
The median number of inhabitants for the hospital catchment area was 400 000 (range: 25 000–700 000) and 86% of the hospitals covered an area with over 100 000 inhabitants. The median annual number of procedures was as follows: 1650 coronary angiographies, 850 PCI procedures, 200 pacemaker implantations, and 95 ICDs. The average number of invasive/electrophysiology laboratories was 2 (range: 1–6). Out of the total, 86% of hospitals had a heart failure management programme and 89% had a specialized CRT clinic available for follow-up.

Total cohort
Demographics
The median age of patients was 70 (IQR 62–76), 31% were >75 years of age (median of 78 and IQR 76–81), and 24% were women (Table 1). It was found that 57% had had an admission to hospital for HF decompensation during the previous year. The aetiology for HF was ischaemic in 51% of patients and non-ischaemic in 40%, while 9% had other aetiology. More men (57%) than women (33%) had ischaemic heart disease (P < 0.0001).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

  		Table 1 Pre-implantation evaluation of the total cohort (n = 2438)

 
Pre-operative evaluation
It was found that 26% of patients had undergone a prior device implantation (pacemaker/ICD) within the last year; 2% of patients were in NYHA functional class I, 20% in II, 70% in III, and 8% in IV (Table 1). Concerning rhythm and conduction disturbance, 23% of patients had atrial fibrillation and 68% of patients had left bundle branch block (LBBB); 62% of patients had a QRS duration >150 ms, 18% <130 ms, and 9% <120 ms. The median ejection fraction was of 25 (IQR 20–30) and the average LV end-diastolic diameter was 65 ± 10 mm. It was found that 71% of patients had some degree of mitral insufficiency and 41% of patients had echocardiographic evidence of intraventricular dyssynchrony. The median BNP and NT-pro BNP values were 428 and 1740 pg/mL, respectively, compatible with clinical HF.

Procedure
Out of the total, 82% of patients had an elective planned admission for device implantation (Table 2). A CRT-D device was implanted in 73% of patients (75% of men and 67% of women; P < 0.001) and CRT-P in 27%. The operator was an electrophysiologist in 76% of cases, invasive cardiologist in 15%, a surgeon in 10%, and an HF physician in 4%. The procedure was performed in EP/catheterization laboratories in 78% of cases; 11% of patients required general anaesthetics; and 94% received prophylactic antibiotics. The median duration of the procedure was 100 min (IQR 66–140) with a median fluoroscopy time of 17 min (IQR 10–28).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

  		Table 2 Procedural details of the total cohort (n = 2438)

 
It was found that 11% of patients had a peri-procedural complication reported; 3% of these were a pocket hematoma, and 2% phrenic nerve pacing. Coronary sinus dissection occurred in 1% of patients and required intervention in only a single patient. Only successful implantations were entered into this survey and therefore no deaths directly related to the procedure were reported.

The right ventricular (RV) lead was placed in an apical position in 74% of patients and the LV lead was placed in a lateral or posterolateral position in 89% of patients. Positioning was reported by the operator.

Discharge status
The median duration of hospitalization was 3 days (IQR 2–7). Out of the total, 10 patients died during their hospitalization following implantation (Table 3). Device-related complications were recorded in 4% of patients. Lead displacement and phrenic nerve stimulation were observed each in 2%. The mean paced QRS duration after optimization was 133 ± 27 ms, and significantly shorter than the pre-implant spontaneous QRS duration.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

  		Table 3 Post-implantation details

 
Substantial improvement in NYHA functional status was reported (P < 0.0001) (Figure 2). Prior to implantation 22% of patients were reported to be in NYHA functional classes I–II and at discharge 52% of patients were considered NYHA classes I–II. It should be emphasized that these data were uncontrolled, subjective, and based on investigator evaluation.


Figure 2
View larger version (44K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PowerPoint slide]
  		Figure 2 Investigator reported NYHA functional class before implantation and at discharge.

 
Selected populations
Device type
Ischaemic heart disease was more frequent in patients receiving a CRT-D (56 vs. 41%, P < 0.001) and previous VF/sustained VT was observed more frequently in the CRT-D group (19 vs. 2%, P < 0.001) (Table 4). Atrial fibrillation was reported less frequently in the CRT-D group (20 vs. 32%, P < 0.0001).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

  		Table 4 Selected variables by device type (CRT-D vs. CRT-P)

 
General anaesthetic was required during the procedure more often in the CRT-D group (12 vs. 7%, P < 0.001). As expected, the duration of the procedure was longer for CRT-D implantation (110 vs. 90 min, P < 0.001). Peri-procedural complication rates were similar. The median duration of hospitalization was longer for patients receiving a CRT-D (4 days (IQR 2–8) vs. 3 days (IQR 1–6), P < 0.001).

Age
Out of the total, 31% of the patients were ≥75 years age (Table 5). The median age of the older cohort was 78 (IQR 76–81) and the younger cohort (<75 years) 66 (IQR 59–70). Older patients were more likely to have ischaemic heart disease (56 vs. 48%, P < 0.001), less likely to have a QRS duration of <130 ms (13 vs. 21%, P < 0.0005), and less likely to receive a CRT-D (55 vs. 81%, P < 0.001), and the duration of procedure was therefore shorter (90 vs. 110 min, P < 0.001). There was no substantial difference between the groups with regard to peri-procedural complications or adverse events during hospitalization.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

  		Table 5 Selected variables by age

 

   Discussion
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
Funding
 Appendix 1
 Appendix 2
 Appendix 3
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
This CRT Survey recruited 2438 patients from 141 centres in 13 Western European countries. Important information reflecting current clinical practice included description of demographics and clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, implantation procedures and techniques, adverse experience, and hospital course. The recent ESC guideline recommendations are largely based on two key studies: COMPANION and CARE-HF. A third trial, REVERSE, was published more recently. Table 6 reports the key characteristics of the patient cohorts in comparison with the patients included in this survey.10,13,14 The REVERSE population as well as the population included in the recently concluded MADIT-CRT15 trial differ from the other two RCTs in that patients were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

  		Table 6 Comparison between COMPANION, CARE-HF, REVERSE and CRT Survey cohorts

 
When compared with RCTs, surveys and registries address different types of questions and provide different types of information. Surveys provide a snapshot of current practice, whereas registries entail long-term follow-up. RCTs evaluate new interventions in the populations that are most likely to benefit using a controlled protocol. A positive treatment response should translate into improved outcome, which depends on the primary endpoints of the trial.16 In contrast, if all patients can be included consecutively, the design of surveys and registries should reflect actual clinical practice. The results demonstrate the degree to which physicians implement the results of RCTs and guideline recommendations. This Survey adheres to the suggested criteria for judging the scientific value of a clinical data registry.17

Guidelines recommend CRT for patients in NYHA functional classes III and IV, EF ≤ 35%, and QRS duration ≥120 ms despite optimal medical treatment. Guidelines are by nature conservative and only consider published clinical trials. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines suggest that patients in NYHA functional class I/II may be candidates if they had had recent clinical deterioration.7

No differentiation is made regarding the choice between CRT-P and CRT-D, except in cases where an ICD is recommended for secondary prevention of near lethal ventricular arrhythmias. Decisions regarding device type are based on clinical judgement as well as resource availability.4–6 There are obvious differences in patient characteristics, comparing the populations receiving CRT-D with patients receiving CRT-P. The reason for this is multifactorial, but it is clear that demographic and economical factors are taken into consideration. The data demonstrates that younger patients, men, and patients with ischaemic aetiology are more likely to receive a CRT-D device. The reasons for these differences deserve to be investigated.

The target populations and diagnostic investigations that would best select patients likely to respond favourably from intervention have not been identified.18,19 QRS duration, a measure of electrical dyssynchrony, has formed the basis inclusion criteria in RCTs. Currently, none of the commonly employed echocardiographic measurements appear robust enough to accurately evaluate mechanical dyssynchrony or predict clinical response.20 Based on clinical experience and intuition, clinicians frequently extrapolate the data from RCTs to wider populations, which is appropriate when clinical evidence is lacking and no opportunity to enrol the patient into a relevant RCT exists. Ongoing trials are also addressing populations previously not considered candidates for CRT.15,21 It is evident from the description of the patient characteristics of the population included in this Survey that clinicians are actively exploring wider indications.

NYHA class was improved following CRT implantation most probably reflecting the placebo effect by device implantation,22 but to some extent also the rapid onset of clinical improvement following CRT implantation. Interestingly, the paced QRS duration became significantly shorter after CRT implantation. A shortened paced QRS duration according to some authors has been shown to be related to a clinical benefit to CRT.23

There are several important limitations of this Survey that deserve emphasis and necessitate caution in interpreting the findings. Participation was voluntary and 141 centres were recruited that represent approximately 18% of all potential implantation centres in the 13 countries. Three countries made major contributions (Italy, Sweden, and Germany). Differences in practice between countries, for example regarding choice of device type, can skew the results.11 Based on the variations in the descriptions of the contributing centres, this Survey appears to have recruited a reasonably representative sample. Although the importance of consecutive inclusion is emphasized repeatedly to all investigators, we cannot confirm that all patients were included consecutively. Similarly, the accuracy of the data will not be audited and the potential for investigator selection bias is obvious. There is considerable variation in the sample size for some of the eCRF variables due to unavailable information, incomplete data entry, and incomplete overlap between the variables collected in the two device registries and this survey. Importantly, only successful implantations defined as a completed procedure were entered into the survey. We have no information regarding patients screened and not implanted or unsuccessful attempts. The contents of the eCRF were necessarily abbreviated and only the most important variables were included. The investigators were not compensated financially and data entry into this survey represented an extra effort in addition to busy clinical practice.

A strength of this survey is the key findings that in contrast to populations from RCTs, our patients were older and a substantial number had a narrow QRS complex. Importantly, RCTs with one exception24 excluded patients with AF and previous device implantation. In our cohort approximately one-fourth had atrial fibrillation and one-fourth had had a device implanted previously. Non-randomized observational studies, however, indicate a similar benefit from CRT as in sinus rhythm patients provided that patients have undergone AV nodal ablation, and CRT therapy delivery thus can be ensured.25

Generally our cohort is remarkably similar to the cohorts recruited in RCTs. A consistent finding is the low proportion of women receiving CRTs both in RCTs and this survey. Aggressive medical management was confirmed with high percentages of patients treated with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, betablockers, and aldosterone antagonists. Importantly in this real-world population, complication rates were similar to the rates reported in RCTs. On the other hand, the peri-operative complication rate is not negligible and must be weighed against the potential benefits when considering CRT therapy in patients in mild symptoms. A single, follow-up visit at approximately 1 year following implantation will capture relevant clinical information and short-term outcomes.

Clinical implications
This Survey represents a reasonably large sample reflecting current European practice in the use of CRT devices in the management of patients with heart failure. The cohort recruited for this Survey is in many ways remarkably similar to the cohorts included in RCTS. Specifically, there were no substantial differences with regard to QRS width, LVEF, aetiology, gender, NYHA classification, and medical therapy. In contrast, there were major differences with regard to the proportion of elderly patients, patients with atrial fibrillation, or a previous device. Clinicians, researchers, and health care providers should find these data useful in designing future strategies for patient management, trial design, and resource allocation.


   Funding
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Funding
Appendix 1
 Appendix 2
 Appendix 3
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
This work was supported by unrestricted grants from EUCOMED (Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Sorin and St. Jude Medical), Roche Diagnostics Ltd, HFA and EHRA.

Conflict of interest: K.D. has received speaker's honoraria from Medtronic and Biotronik. S.P. is a member of the speaker's bureau for Medtronic and Boston Scientific. A.A. has received speaker fees from Medtronic, Biotronik, and Sorin; is a consultant to Medtronic and Sorin, and has received grants from Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Biotronik. J.G.C. was principal investigator for the CARE-HF study and has received honoraria from Medtronic and Biotronik. C.L. has received a research grant and consulting fees from Medtronic and consulting fees from St. Jude. D.J.V. is the principal investigator of the DOT-HF study and has received consultancy fees from Medtronic. J.B. has received research grants from Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Biotronik, Sorin, and St Jude Medical.


   Appendix 1
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Funding
 Appendix 1
Appendix 2
 Appendix 3
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
Scientific committee
K.D. (HFA Coordinator), S.P. (EHRA Coordinator), A.A., N.B., J.B., J.G.C., Geneviève Derumeaux, A.G., Daniel Gras, Michel Komajda, T.L., C.L., John Morgan, and D.J.V.

National coordinators
(HF, heart failure; EP, electrophysiology).

Austria: Friedrich Fruhwald HF, Bernhard Strohmer EP; Belgium: Marc Goethals HF, Johan Vijgen EP; France: Jean Noel Trochu HF, Daniel Gras EP; Germany: Michael Kindermann HF, Christoph Stellbrink EP; Ireland: Ken McDonald HF, David Keane EP; Israel: Tuvia Ben Gal HF, Michael Glikson EP; Italy: Marco Metra HF, Maurizio Gasparini EP; Netherlands: Alexander Maass HF, Luc Jordaens EP, Marco Alings EP; Norway: Alf Inge Larsen HF, Svein Færestrand EP; Spain: Juan Delgado HF, Lluis Mont EP; Sweden: Hans Persson HF, Fredrik Gadler EP; Switzerland: Hans Peter Brunner-La Rocca HF, Stefan Osswald EP; and UK: Iain Squire HF, John Morgan EP.


   Appendix 2
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Funding
 Appendix 1
 Appendix 2
Appendix 3
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
Contents of electronic case report form
Demographics

{checkmark}Date of admission, age, gender, height, weight, elective admission.

HF aetiology

{checkmark}Ischemic, non-ischaemic, other.

Past history

{checkmark}HF hospitalization during past year, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, previous CABG, previous PCI, previous valvular surgery, history of ablation, previous device implantation, previous VF/sustained VT.

Pre-implant clinical evaluation

{checkmark}NYHA functional class.

Pre-implant ECG

{checkmark}Heart rate, QRS annotation, PR interval, QRS duration.

Basic Echocardiography

{checkmark}LVEF, LV EDD, LV ESD, degree of mitral regurgitation, aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation and intraventricular dyssynchrony.

Extended Echocardiography (optional)

{checkmark}LV end-systolic volume, LV end-diastolic volume, estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, R-R interval, E-velocity, A-velocity, duration of left ventricular ejection, QRS to aortic opening (APET), QRS to pulmonary opening (PPET).

Laboratory measurements

{checkmark}Hb, Na, K, BNP, NT-proBNP, Creatinine.

Procedure

{checkmark}Date, type of device, device implantation based on (QRS duration, mechanical dyssychrnony, both, neither), operator (electrophysiologist, HF physician, invasive cardiologist, surgeon, other), location of procedure, sedation/anaesthesia, epicardial approach, duration of procedure, prophylactic antibiotics, fluroscopy time, test shock.

Peri-procedural complications

{checkmark}Death, bleeding, pocket haematoma, pneumothorax, pericardial tamponade, haemothorax, coronary sinus dissection, phrenic nerve pacing, lead dislocation or displacement.

Post-implant assessment

{checkmark}Right and left ventricular lead position, paced QRS duration after optimization, CRT programming.

Discharge status and major adverse events

{checkmark}Vital status, date, adverse events after implantation: MI, stroke, infection, decompensation, arrhytmias, other, device related complications: lead displacement, lead malfunction, phrenic nerve stimulation, other, functional class at discharge, centre for of follow-up.

Medical treatment at discharge

{checkmark}Diuretic, ACEi, ARB, beta blocker, aldosterone antagonist, statin, anti-arrhythmic agent, calsium channel blocker, anticoagulant, platelet inhibitor.


   Appendix 3
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Funding
 Appendix 1
 Appendix 2
 Appendix 3
Acknowledgements
 References
 
List of contributing centres
Austria: A. ö. Landeskrankenhaus – Universitätsklinikum Graz; Landeskrankenhaus-Innsbruck-Universitätskliniken, Innsbruck; Krankenhaus der Elisabethinen, Linz; Landesklinikum Thermenregion, Mödling; Landeskliniken Salzburg - Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Salzburg; Landesklinikum St. Pölten; Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum am Rosenhügel, Wien; Wilhelminenspital der Stadt Wien, Wien; A. ö. Krankenhaus Wiener Neustadt; Kaiser Franz Josef Spital, Wien

Belgium: Clinique St Jean, Brussels; Cliniques Universitaires UCL, Mont Godinne/Brussels; University Hospital, Gent; Virga Jesse Ziekenhuis, Hasselt

France: Hôpital du Bocage, Dijon; Chu, Saint Etienne; Nouvelles Cliniques Nantaises, Nantes; Hôpital Louis Pradel, Lyon Cedex; Hôpital Princesse Grace, Monaco

Germany: Städtisches Klinikum Dessau, Dessau; Städtisches Klinikum Brandenburg GmbH, Brandenburg; Krankenhaus Reinbek; Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen; Klinik Rotes Kreuz, Frankfurt am Main; Saarland-Heilstätten GmbH Kliniken Völklingen; Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg; Kreiskliniken Altötting-Burghausen, Altotting; Klinikum St. Marien, Amberg; Hufeland Krankenhaus GmbH, Bad Langensalza; Städtische Kliniken Frankfurt am Main – Höchst, Frankfurt am Main; Städtisches Klinikum München Bogenhausen, Munchen; Krankenhaus St. Franziskus Mönchengladbach; St. Josefs-Krankenhaus Potsdam; Klinikum Lippe-Detmold; Städtisches Klinikum Bielefeld - Klinikum Mitte, Bielefeld; Städtisches Klinikum München Neuperlach, München; Klinikum der Universität München-Großhadern, München; Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg (Innere Med. Klinik III), Heidelberg; Universitätsklinikum Münster (Kardiologie), Münster; Klinikum Coburg Gmbh, Coburg; Herzzentrum Ludwigshafen, Ludwigshafen; Herzzentrum Brandenburg, Bernau; Allgemeines Krankenhaus Celle, Celle; Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann Potsdam; Herzzentrum Coswig, Coswig

Ireland: Mater Misercordea University Hospital, Dublin; South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork; St Vincents University Hospital, Dublin

Israel: Sheba Medical Center, Ramatgan; Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon; Wolfson Medical Center, Holon; Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot; Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva; Haemek Medical Center, Afula

Italy: Ospedale Moriggia-Pelascini, Gravedona; Osped. Fatebenefratelli Sgc, Roma; Osp. S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Napoli; P.O. Frosinone Ceccano, Frosinone; Osped. S. Maria Misericordia-Perugia, Perugia; Presidio Ospedaliero di Rivoli, Rivoli; Ospedale S. Andrea, Verceli; P.O. Genova-Ponente P.A. Micone, Genova-Sestri Ponente; A.O. Osped. S. Gerardo, Monza; Policlinico Di Monza, Monza; Humanitas Mirasole Spa, Rozzano; IRLCS Multimedica, Sesto San Giovani; A.O.Osp.Treviglio Caravaggio Trev, Treviglio; A.O. Desenzano Del Garda, Desenzano Garda; Spedali Civili Di Brescia, Brescia; Fond.ne Poliambulanza Ist. Osp., Brescia; A.O. Maggiore Della Caritá Novara, Novana; Pres.Osped. Di Montebelluna, Montebelluna; Az.Osped.S.Maria Miseric Udine, Udine; Presidio Osp. Di Camposampiero, Camposampiero; Presidio Ospedaliero Di Cittadella, Cittadella; Azienda Ospedaliera Di Padova, Padova; Presidio Ospedaliero Di Vicenza, Vicenza; Osp.Civile Destra Secchia, Pieve di Coriano; Osp.Le S.M. Annunziata Bagno A Rip, Bagno A Ripoli; Stabilimento Di Cisanello, Pisa; Istituto Fisiologia Clinica, Pisa; Pia Fondazione, Tricase; Ospedale S.Maria Di Loreto Mare, Napoli; Az.Osped.S.Giovanni Di Dio, Salerno; Clinica Sant;Anna, Catanzaro; Ospedale "Umberto I", Nocera Inferiore; Clinica Mediterranea, Napoli

The Netherlands: Academisch Medisch Centrum, Amsterdam; Amphia Ziekenhuis, Breda; Catharina Ziekenhuis, Eindhoven; Isala Klinieken Zwolle, Zwolle; Medisch Centrum Alkmaar, Alkmar; Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede; Erasmus MC, Rotterdam; Kennemer Gasthuis, Haarlem; Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Groningen

Norway: Ålesund Hospital, Ålesund; Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen; Kristiansand Hospital, Kristiansand; Oslo Univesity Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo; Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger; St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim; Oslo Univesity Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo

Spain: Hospital De Cruces, Barakaldo; Hospital Gregorio Maranon, Madrid; Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Malaga; Hospital Universitario De Tenerife, Tenerife; Hospital Dr. Peset - Valencia; Centro Medico Salus Baleares S.l. - Benidorm - Alicante; Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona; Hospital Sta. Creu Y St. Pau, Barcelona; Hospital General Universitario, De Alicante, Alicante

Sweden: Danderyds Sjukhus AB, Danderyd; Länssjukhuset, Kalmar; Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Solna, Stockholm; Akademiska Sjukhuset; Blekingesjukhuset; Centrallasarettet Västerås; Falu lasarett; Hudiksvalls Sjukhus; Kärnsjukhuset Skövde; Lässjukhuset Gävle; Länssjukhuset Kalmar; Norrlands Universitetssjukhus; Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset; St Görans Sjukhus; Sundsvalls Sjukhus; Universitetssjukhuset Örebro; Universitetssjukhuset Lund; Varbergs Sjukhus

Switzerland: Cardiocentro Ticino, Lugano; HCF Hopital Cantonal, Fribourg; Hopitaux Universitaires de Geneve, Chêne-Bourg; Universitatsspital Basel, Basel

UK: Southampton General Hospital, Southampton; Kings College Hospital, London; Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham; Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds; Hull Royal Infirmary, Kingston Upon Hull; Papworth Hospital, Papworth Everad; University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff


   Acknowledgements
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Funding
 Appendix 1
 Appendix 2
 Appendix 3
 Acknowledgements
References
 
We thank EUCOMED, Roche Diagnostics Ltd., HFA, and EHRA for financial support. We are grateful to Tessa Baak for her expert assistance in assuring adequate patient recruitment.


   References
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Funding
 Appendix 1
 Appendix 2
 Appendix 3
 Acknowledgements
 References
 

  1. Dickstein K, Cohen-Solal A, Filippatos G, McMurray JJ, Ponikowski P, Poole-Wilson PA, Stromberg A, van Veldhuisen DJ, Atar D, Hoes AW, Keren A, Mebazaa A, Nieminen M, Priori SG, Swedberg K, Vahanian A, Camm J, De Caterina R, Dean V, Dickstein K, Filippatos G, Funck-Brentano C, Hellemans I, Kristensen SD, McGregor K, Sechtem U, Silber S, Tendera M, Widimsky P, Zamorano JL. ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure 2008: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure 2008 of the European Society of Cardiology. Developed in collaboration with the Heart Failure Association of the ESC (HFA) and endorsed by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). Eur Heart J (2008) 29:2388–2442.[Free Full Text]
  2. Vardas PE, Auricchio A, Blanc JJ, Daubert JC, Drexler H, Ector H, Gasparini M, Linde C, Morgado FB, Oto A, Sutton R, Trusz-Gluza M, Vahanian A, Camm J, De Caterina R, Dean V, Dickstein K, Funck-Brentano C, Filippatos G, Hellemans I, Kristensen SD, McGregor K, Sechtem U, Silber S, Tendera M, Widimsky P, Zamorano JL, Priori SG, Blomstrom-Lundqvist C, Brignole M, Terradellas JB, Castellano P, Cleland J, Farre J, Fromer M, Le Heuzey JY, Lip GY, Merino JL, Montenero AS, Ritter P, Schalij MJ, Stellbrink C. Guidelines for cardiac pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy: The Task Force for Cardiac Pacing and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy of the European Society of Cardiology. Developed in Collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association. Eur Heart J (2007) 28:2256–2295.[Free Full Text]
  3. Epstein AE, DiMarco JP, Ellenbogen KA, Estes NA 3rd, Freedman RA, Gettes LS, Gillinov AM, Gregoratos G, Hammill SC, Hayes DL, Hlatky MA, Newby LK, Page RL, Schoenfeld MH, Silka MJ, Stevenson LW, Sweeney MO, Smith SC Jr, Jacobs AK, Adams CD, Anderson JL, Buller CE, Creager MA, Ettinger SM, Faxon DP, Halperin JL, Hiratzka LF, Hunt SA, Krumholz HM, Kushner FG, Lytle BW, Nishimura RA, Ornato JP, Page RL, Riegel B, Tarkington LG, Yancy CW. ACC/AHA/HRS 2008 Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the ACC/AHA/NASPE 2002 Guideline Update for Implantation of Cardiac Pacemakers and Antiarrhythmia Devices): developed in collaboration with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Circulation (2008) 117:e350–e408.[Free Full Text]
  4. Daubert JC, Leclercq C, Mabo P. There is plenty of room for cardiac resynchronization therapy devices without back-up defibrillators in the electrical treatment of heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol (2005) 46:2204–2207.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  5. Lam SK, Owen A. Combined resynchronisation and implantable defibrillator therapy in left ventricular dysfunction: Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br Med J (2007) 335:925.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  6. McAlister FA, Ezekowitz J, Hooton N, Vandermeer B, Spooner C, Dryden DM, Page RL, Hlatky MA, Rowe BH. Cardiac resynchronization therapy for patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a systematic review. JAMA (2007) 297:2502–2514.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  7. Braunschweig F, Mortensen PT, Gras D, Reiser W, Lawo T, Mansour H, Sogaard P, Stegemann B, Bruns HJ, Linde C. Monitoring of physical activity and heart rate variability in patients with chronic heart failure using cardiac resynchronization devices. Am J Cardiol (2005) 95:1104–1107.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]
  8. Piccini JP, Hernandez AF, Dai D, Thomas KL, Lewis WR, Yancy CW, Peterson ED, Fonarow GC. Use of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients hospitalized with heart failure. Circulation (2008) 118:926–933.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  9. Cleland JG, Freemantle N, Daubert JC, Toff WD, Leisch F, Tavazzi L. Long-term effect of cardiac resynchronisation in patients reporting mild symptoms of heart failure: a report from the CARE-HF study. Heart (2008) 94:278–283.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  10. Linde C, Abraham WT, Gold MR, St John Sutton M, Ghio S, Daubert C. Randomized trial of cardiac resynchronization in mildly symptomatic heart failure patients and in asymptomatic patients with left ventricular dysfunction and previous heart failure symptoms. J Am Coll Cardiol (2008) 52:1834–1843.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  11. Swedberg K, Cleland J, Cowie MR, Nieminen M, Priori SG, Tavazzi L, van Veldhuisen DJ, Alonso-Pulpon L, Camm J, Dickstein K, Drexler H, Filippatos G, Linde C, Lopez-Sendon J, Santini M, Zannad F. Successful treatment of heart failure with devices requires collaboration. Eur J Heart Fail (2008) 10:1229–1235.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  12. The CRT Survey Scientific Committee. European cardiac resynchronization therapy survey: rationale and design. Eur J Heart Fail (2009) 11:326–330.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  13. Bristow MR, Saxon LA, Boehmer J, Krueger S, Kass DA, De Marco T, Carson P, DiCarlo L, DeMets D, White BG, DeVries DW, Feldman AM. Cardiac-resynchronization therapy with or without an implantable defibrillator in advanced chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med (2004) 350:2140–2150.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  14. Cleland JG, Daubert JC, Erdmann E, Freemantle N, Gras D, Kappenberger L, Tavazzi L. The effect of cardiac resynchronization on morbidity and mortality in heart failure. N Engl J Med (2005) 352:1539–1549.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  15. Moss AJ, Brown MW, Cannom DS, Daubert JP, Estes M, Foster E, Greenberg HM, Hall WJ, Higgins SL, Klein H, Pfeffer M, Wilber D, Zareba W. Multicenter automatic defibrillator implantation trial-cardiac resynchronization therapy (MADIT-CRT): design and clinical protocol. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol (2005) 10:34–43.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]
  16. Cleland JG, Tavazzi L, Daubert JC, Tageldien A, Freemantle N. Cardiac resynchronization therapy: are modern myths preventing appropriate use? J Am Coll Cardiol (2009) 53:608–611.[Free Full Text]
  17. Alpert JS. Are data from clinical registries of any value? Eur Heart J (2000) 21:1399–1401.[Free Full Text]
  18. Nagueh SF. Mechanical dyssynchrony in congestive heart failure: diagnostic and therapeutic implications. J Am Coll Cardiol (2008) 51:18–22.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  19. Peraldo C, Achilli A, Orazi S, Bianchi S, Sassara M, Laurenzi F, Cesario A, Fratianni G, Lombardo E, Valsecchi S, Denaro A, Puglisi A. Results of the SCART study: selection of candidates for cardiac resynchronisation therapy. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) (2007) 8:889–895.[Medline]
  20. Chung ES, Leon AR, Tavazzi L, Sun JP, Nihoyannopoulos P, Merlino J, Abraham WT, Ghio S, Leclercq C, Bax JJ, Yu CM, Gorcsan J 3rd, St John Sutton M, De Sutter J, Murillo J. Results of the Predictors of Response to CRT (PROSPECT) trial. Circulation (2008) 117:2608–2616.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  21. Fox M, Mealing S, Anderson R, Dean J, Stein K, Price A, Taylor RS. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cardiac resynchronisation (biventricular pacing) for heart failure: systematic review and economic model. Health Technol Assess (2007) 11:1–248.[Web of Science][Medline]
  22. Linde C, Gadler F, Kappenberger L, Ryden L. Placebo effect of pacemaker implantation in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. PIC Study Group. Pacing In Cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol (1999) 83:903–907.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]
  23. Lecoq G, Leclercq C, Leray E, Crocq C, Alonso C, de Place C, Mabo P, Daubert C. Clinical and electrocardiographic predictors of a positive response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in advanced heart failure. Eur Heart J (2005) 26:1094–1100.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  24. Leclercq C, Walker S, Linde C, Clementy J, Marshall AJ, Ritter P, Djiane P, Mabo P, Levy T, Gadler F, Bailleul C, Daubert JC. Comparative effects of permanent biventricular and right-univentricular pacing in heart failure patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J (2002) 23:1780–1787.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  25. Gasparini M, Auricchio A, Metra M, Regoli F, Fantoni C, Lamp B, Curnis A, Vogt J, Klersy C. Long-term survival in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy: the importance of performing atrio-ventricular junction ablation in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J (2008) 29:1644–1652.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Add to CiteULike CiteULike   Add to Connotea Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us Del.icio.us    What's this?

Related articles in EHJ:

Current practice of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in the real world: insights from the European CRT survey
Jan Steffel and David Hürlimann
EHJ 2009 30: 2433-2435. [Extract] [FREE Full Text]  



This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Eur J Heart FailHome page
D. J. van Veldhuisen, A. H. Maass, S. G. Priori, P. Stolt, I. C. van Gelder, K. Dickstein, and K. Swedberg
Implementation of device therapy (cardiac resynchronization therapy and implantable cardioverter defibrillator) for patients with heart failure in Europe: changes from 2004 to 2008
Eur J Heart Fail, December 1, 2009; 11(12): 1143 - 1151.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Eur J Heart FailHome page
J. G.F. Cleland, A. P. Coletta, A. Yassin, L. Buga, A. Torabi, and A. L. Clark
Clinical trials update from the European Society of Cardiology Meeting 2009: AAA, RELY, PROTECT, ACTIVE-I, European CRT survey, German pre-SCD II registry, and MADIT-CRT
Eur J Heart Fail, December 1, 2009; 11(12): 1214 - 1219.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Eur Heart JHome page
J. Steffel and D. Hurlimann
Current practice of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in the real world: insights from the European CRT survey
Eur. Heart J., October 2, 2009; 30(20): 2433 - 2435.
[Full Text] [PDF]

This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow FREE Full Text (PDF) Freely available
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
30/20/2450    most recent
ehp359v1
Right arrow E-letters: Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when E-letters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Related articles in EHJ
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My Personal Archive
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Right arrow Disclaimer
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Dickstein, K.
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Dickstein, K.
Social Bookmarking
Add to CiteULike   Add to Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us  
What's this?