Raimondo Pittorru

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This study looked at people with non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NDLVC) to find out which patients were most likely to experience a serious heart rhythm problem over five years. Out of 337 patients analyzed, 15% (51 patients) had a major arrhythmic event, and several factors raised the risk: being male, having certain heart test results, and showing signs of inflammation in the heart. This research is important because it helps doctors identify high-risk patients who may need closer monitoring or treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with NDLVC and their doctors by providing clearer risk assessments.

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This study looked at the use of one versus two local anesthetics during a specific treatment called percutaneous stellate ganglion block (PSGB) for people experiencing severe heart rhythm problems known as electrical storm. Researchers examined 422 PSGB procedures and found that using two types of anesthetics led to better results, with 85% of patients having their heart rhythm fully controlled after one hour, compared to 70% for those who only received one anesthetic. Although using two anesthetics resulted in slightly more minor complications (8% compared to 2%), it didn't significantly increase serious risks. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe heart rhythm issues.

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This study looked at a specific heart imaging pattern called ring-like late gadolinium enhancement (RL-LGE) in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart's ability to pump effectively. Researchers found that among 149 patients, 49% showed this pattern, especially in those with a specific genetic background. RL-LGE was linked to a higher risk of serious heart events: 24 patients experienced life-threatening issues, and 67% of those had the RL-LGE pattern, making it a significant predictor for risk. Who this helps: This research helps patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and their doctors by identifying those at higher risk for dangerous heart events.

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This study looked at how to evaluate the risk of dangerous heart rhythms in people with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a heart condition that can lead to serious issues. Researchers found that using a combination of clinical exams, genetic testing, and online risk calculators can help identify patients at higher risk for complications, but doctors' expertise is still crucial in making treatment decisions. Regularly updating risk assessments is also important since ACM can change over time. Who this helps: This benefits patients with ACM and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether being physically active or playing sports affects the safety of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) devices in younger patients. Out of 602 participants, only 3.8% experienced issues related to the device, and being active did not lead to more complications or shocks from the device. This finding is important because it shows that young patients with S-ICDs can safely maintain an active lifestyle without increasing their risk of problems related to their heart devices. Who this helps: This helps patients with S-ICDs and their doctors understand that staying active is safe for their health.

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This study looked at the long-term effectiveness of a special heart device called the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) in patients with Brugada syndrome, a condition that can lead to serious heart issues. Researchers followed 450 patients for an average of about 4.5 years and found that only 3% required electric shocks from the device to correct heart rhythms, with a 90% success rate on the first shock. With a low complication rate of 4%, the S-ICD is shown to be a safe and effective option for these patients, offering a better alternative to other devices that can cause more problems over time. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Brugada syndrome who are at risk of sudden cardiac death.

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This study looked at how using a special type of CT scan before a procedure called transvenous lead extraction (TLE) can help predict difficulties and complications during the procedure. Researchers found that complicated procedures happened in about 21% of patients, and those with fibrosis (scarring) longer than 40 mm on the CT scan were more likely to face complications. Additionally, 37% of procedures were deemed complex, with longer fibrosis lengths and lead calcifications making these procedures more challenging. The findings demonstrate that CT scans can help doctors assess risks and plan better for TLE procedures. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients undergoing TLE by improving safety and outcomes.

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This study looked at patients who received a new type of defibrillator called a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) after their previous one (transvenous ICD, or TV-ICD) was removed due to problems like infection (64%) or lead malfunction (36%). Out of 36 patients followed for about 31 months, 8 people (22%) died, mainly from heart failure, and 7 others (19%) faced complications related to the new device. The findings show that the S-ICD is a good option for patients who need a replacement after lead extraction, with deaths primarily linked to existing health conditions rather than the new device itself. Who this helps: This helps patients requiring a defibrillator after complications from their previous device.

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This study looked at the results of 105 patients who received a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) using a specific two-incision technique over three years. The researchers found that 9.5% of patients had device-related complications and 8.5% experienced inappropriate shocks, with lead-related issues being the most frequent problems. This is important because it shows that this technique leads to few complications and effectively manages heart issues without impacting overall survival. Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart conditions who need defibrillators, as well as doctors who are implanting the devices.

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This study examined how to safely remove a specific type of heart pacing lead, known as the Medtronic 3830, from patients who had them implanted. Out of six patients, 94% of the leads were successfully extracted, and there were no major complications reported, even when special tools were required for the removal. This is important because it shows that experienced medical centers can effectively handle the removal of these leads, which may become increasingly necessary as more patients receive them. Who this helps: This helps patients with implantable heart leads, along with their doctors.

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This study looked at a 74-year-old man who experienced sudden chest pain after getting a pacemaker. The doctors discovered that the pacemaker had caused serious injuries, including damage to his heart and a major artery, leading to significant bleeding. They treated him successfully, and he had a good recovery over the next two years, which emphasizes the need for doctors to consider possible complications like this when patients have chest pain soon after pacemaker surgery. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by highlighting the risks associated with pacemaker implantation.

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This study looked at patients with advanced heart failure who used both a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD). Out of 30 patients, 21 experienced some degree of electromagnetic interference, but 90% remained eligible for the S-ICD. This is important because it shows that most patients can safely use both devices together, although doctors need to be cautious about potential issues related to electromagnetic interference that could affect how the devices work. Who this helps: Patients with advanced heart failure who require mechanical support for their hearts.

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The study focused on patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a heart condition that can sometimes lead to irregular heartbeats called ventricular arrhythmias (VA), even without significant valve leakage. Among 108 patients with MVP, 62 (57%) experienced VA, and those patients had more severe heart tissue and structural changes, including a longer mitral annulus disjunction (average of 6.0 mm vs. 3.2 mm) and a higher prevalence of heart tissue scarring (79% vs. 52%). This research is important because it helps identify which patients with MVP are at greater risk for serious heart issues, guiding better monitoring and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with mitral valve prolapse and their doctors in managing their health.

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This study explored new methods of pacing the heart to improve treatment for patients with conduction system problems. Researchers found that conduction system pacing (CSP) can reduce heart rhythm disruptions better than traditional methods, with a significant decrease in the duration of QRS waves—an electrical signal indicating heart activity. Many doctors in Italy are now choosing CSP techniques, especially left bundle branch pacing, because it's easier to perform and works effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart rhythm issues and doctors providing cardiac care.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of removing special heart leads used for pacing in patients, involving data from 341 individuals at 10 different hospitals worldwide. The results were impressive, with 99% of the extraction procedures successful and only a 2.1% complication rate. This is important because it shows that removing these pacing leads is generally safe and that reimplanting them afterward is very successful, helping to improve treatment options for patients with heart rhythm issues. Who this helps: Patients with heart rhythm disorders needing lead removal and replacement.

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This study looked at how often patients experienced worsening of tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) after a procedure called transvenous lead extraction (TLE), which is used to remove implanted heart leads. Out of 158 patients, 5.7% had a significant increase in TR severity, especially those with longer lead implant durations and certain types of leads. This is important because severe worsening of TR can significantly raise the risk of dying, highlighting the need for doctors to be careful when performing this procedure. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing lead extraction and their doctors by improving awareness of potential complications.

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This study examined a rare heart condition called left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), which affects the structure of the heart muscle. It was found that the traditional way of diagnosing LVNC might not be specific enough, as the traits used to identify it can appear in other heart issues too. New insights suggest that the problem might actually be related to the underdevelopment of a specific part of the heart wall, which affects how well the heart pumps blood. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients with heart conditions, especially those dealing with LVNC.

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This study looked at infections related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (like pacemakers) and how different factors affect patient survival. Researchers tracked 157 patients over ten years and found that infection from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was present in 32.5% of cases, leading to worse outcomes, especially in patients with "cold closed pocket" infection patterns. They also created a scoring system to better predict mortality risk, which could help identify patients who need more aggressive treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with cardiac device infections and their doctors in tailoring treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how effective modern subcutaneous implantable defibrillators (S-ICDs) are for patients with heart conditions like cardiomyopathies and channelopathies. Out of 628 patients who received an S-ICD, 4.6% experienced inappropriate shocks within a year, and there were very few device-related complications, with a complication rate of just 0.9%. These findings show that modern S-ICDs are a safe and effective option for reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death in these patients, allowing them to maintain a nearly normal life expectancy. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies.

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This study looked at patients with a heart condition called arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) who received a special heart device known as the third-generation subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD), implanted using a new two-incision technique. Over a follow-up period of about 3.8 years, only 17.4% of the patients received at least one inappropriate shock from the device, mainly due to muscle movement during physical activity, and there was just one case of device malfunction. The findings suggest that this new implantation method is effective with a low overall complication risk, although doctors need to be aware of the potential for the device to mistakenly deliver shocks during exercise. Who this helps: This benefits patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy who need heart rhythm monitoring and treatment.

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This study examined the success and safety of removing old heart leads using special tools in patients whose leads had been in place for more than 10 years. Out of 441 leads from 189 patients, 94.8% were completely removed successfully, with only 1.8% failing to be extracted and a low complication rate of 2%. These results are important because they show that lead extraction can be done safely and effectively in older patients who need it, which can improve their health and reduce complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients with old heart leads and their doctors.

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This study looked at the outcomes of a procedure called transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in patients aged 80 and older, specifically using advanced tools to help with the process. Out of 83 patients, the procedure was successful in 93.9% of cases, with a 30-day mortality rate of 6%. The findings show that, although older patients have higher risks of complications, the extraction can be done safely and effectively using specialized methods, helping doctors make better decisions about heart device removals for this age group. Who this helps: This research benefits elderly patients with heart devices, as well as their healthcare providers.