title: Preferred tools and techniques for implantation of cardiac electronic devices in Europe: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey.
abstract: The aim of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to assess clinical practice in relation to the tools and techniques used for cardiac implantable electronic devices procedures in the European countries. Responses to the questionnaire were received from 62 members of the EHRA research network. The survey involved high-, medium-, and low-volume implanting centres, performing, respectively, more than 200, 100-199 and under 100 implants per year. The following topics were explored: the side approach for implantation, surgical techniques for pocket incision, first venous access for lead implantation, preference of lead fixation, preferred coil number for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads, right ventricular pacing site, generator placement site, subcutaneous ICD implantation, specific tools and techniques for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), lead implantation sequence in CRT, coronary sinus cannulation technique, target site for left ventricular lead placement, strategy in left ventricular lead implant failure, mean CRT implantation time, optimization of the atrioventricular (AV) and ventriculo-ventricular intervals, CRT implants in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, AV node ablation in patients with permanent AF. This panoramic view allows us to find out the operator preferences regarding the techniques and tools for device implantation in Europe. The results showed different practices in all the fields we investigated, nevertheless the survey also outlines a good adherence to the common standards and recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Second Cardiology Department, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Bongiorni
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Proclemer
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dobreanu
authors.forename: Germanas
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marinskis
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pison
authors.forename: Carina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Blomstrom-Lundqvist
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D058406:Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D058409:Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Cardiac implantable electronic devices; Cardiac resynchronization therapy; EHRA survey; EP wire; Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; Techniques; Tools