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KEPEZ, ALPER

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KEPEZ

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ALPER

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 22
  • Publication
    Positive blood pressure response may predict the recovery of renal function after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
    (2023-09-14) KEPEZ, ALPER; Ince O., Gulsen K., Ozcan S., Tugrul S., Katkat F., Karahan S., Donmez E., Kepez A., Sahin I., Okuyan E.
  • Publication
    Predictors of adequate intraprocedural premature ventricular complex (PVC) frequency during idiopathic PVC ablation
    (URBAN & VOGEL, 2021) KEPEZ, ALPER; Demir, Serdar; Gulsen, Kamil; Kepez, Alper; Uslu, Abdulkadir; Kup, Ayhan; Kanar, Batur Gonenc; Kayan, Fethullah; Yildirim, Cagan; Akgun, Taylan
    Background. The aim of the present study was to determine the predictors of adequate intraprocedural premature ventricular complex (PVC) frequency for successful mapping and ablation of idiopathic PVCs. Methods. A total of 101 consecutive patients (45 men; age: 47.9 +/- 14.2 years) who had undergone idiopathic PVC ablation between 01 November 2018 and 24 June 2020 constituted our study population. Clinical and demographic data, procedural details and 24 h rhythm recordings that had been recorded before the procedure were retrospectively evaluated. Total PVC burden and diurnal variability assessed by the ratio of night time (22:00-06:00) over day time (06:00-22:00) PVC burden was calculated. The relationship between hourly PVC number and heart rate was also evaluated for each patient. Clinical characteristics and Holter parameters were compared between groups with and without adequate intraprocedural frequency of PVCs that permitted activation mapping. Results. In all, 27 patients (26.7%) had infrequent intraprocedural PVCs which necessitated isoproterenol infusion or cancellation of ablation procedure due to inability of activation mapping. PVC burden was significantly higher in the group with frequent intraprocedural PVCs (26.1 +/- 9.4% vs 21.2 +/- 10.3%; p: 0.026). There were no significant differences between groups regarding the relationship between hourly PVC number and heart rate or the ratio of night/day PVC burden. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed the 24 h Holter PVC burden as the sole parameter that is significant predictor of frequent intraprocedural PVCs permitting activation mapping. Conclusion. The 24 h PVC burden was the only predictor of adequate intraprocedural PVC frequency permitting activation mapping during idiopathic PVC ablation.
  • Publication
    Acute effect of outflow tract premature ventricular complex ablation on QT dispersion, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio
    (TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2021) KEPEZ, ALPER; Uslu, Abdulkadir; Kup, Ayhan; Gulsen, Kamil; Demir, Serdar; Kanar, Batur Gonenc; Taylan, Gokay; Sari, Munevver; Akgun, Taylan; Kepez, Alper
    Background: There is limited data regarding the effect of idiopathic premature ventricular complexes (PVC) on myocardial repolarisation. Most of PVC's originate from right and left ventricular outflow tracts (RVOT and LVOT). Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the acute effect of outflow tract PVC ablation on electrocardiographic repolarisation markers. Methods: A total of 180 patients (49.2 +/- 13.6 years, 74 male) without any exclusion criteria who had undergone outflow tract PVC ablation between 1 January 2015 and 1 November 2018 constituted our study population. Electrocardiographic recordings that had been obtained before and after ablation procedure on the same day were retrospectively evaluated for the QTc dispersion, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio and Tp-e/QTc ratio. Significance of difference between pre- and postablation values was tested. Results: There was no significant difference regarding QTc dispersion between pre- and post-ablation state (36.5 +/- 20.9 vs. 35.3 +/- 16.4 ms, p: NS). However, Tp-e and Tp-e/QT values in all lateral precordial derivations were observed to decrease significantly after PVC ablation (in the respective order on derivation V5: 104.0 +/- 21.6 ms vs. 91.1 +/- 14.8 ms, pvs. 0.23 +/- 0.04, p<.001). Conclusions: Based on these observations, it may be suggested that frequent outflow tract PVC's increase transmural dispersion of repolarisation and this effect is attenuated by catheter ablation in the acute phase. Results of further prospective studies are required for evaluation of the long term effects of PVC ablation on myocardial repolarisation.
  • Publication
    What to do with device-detected atrial high-rate episodes: Summary of the evidences
    (2021) KEPEZ, ALPER; Özge, Gurbet; Kepez, Alper; Uğur, Kadir; Görenek, Bülent
    Cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIEDs), that perform atrial sensing via an atrial electrode, commonly detect self-terminating atrial arrhythmias. Nomenclature of these arrhythmias is defined as atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) and subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF). We have provided a comprehensive summation of the trials regarding the incidence and adverse outcomes of AHREs. The reported incidence of AHRE varies considerably (approximately 10% to %70) between studies depending on the definition of AHRE, duration of follow-up and the clinical profile of the population. There is increasing evidence related with the association between AHREs' and stroke and/or systemic embolism. However, risk of stroke and/or systemic embolism seems to be less than the risk associated with clinical AF. There is still lack of sufficient evidence related with oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with AHRE to reduce thromboembolic risk. Although, the strongest association of OAC treatment with reduction in stroke has been reported to be observed among patients with device detected SCAF episodes of >24 hours; it is still questionable whether AHRE is a direct cause of thromboembolic event or just a marker of increased risk. Results of ongoing randomized clinical trials (NOAH-AFNET 6 and ARTESIA) will provide robust evidence on effect of OAC therapy on AHREs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
  • PublicationOpen Access
    The effect of patient characteristics to the acute procedural success and long term outcome of atrial tachycardia and atrial flutter cases undergoing catheter ablation
    (MARMARA UNIV, FAC MEDICINE, 2021-05-26) KEPEZ, ALPER; Gulsen, Kamil; Demir, Serdar; Kup, Ayhan; Uslu, Abdulkadir; Celik, Mehmet; Kanar, Batur Gonenc; Akgun, Taylan; Kepez, Alper
    Objective: In the present study we aimed to demonstrate clinical characteristics, predictors of procedural success and long term recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA). Patients and Methods: Consecutive patients who had undergone CA due to an atrial tachyarrhythmia in a single centre arrhythmia unit between 2012 - 2020 were screened. Predictors of procedural success and recurrence were analysed by logistic regression. Results: Study population consisted of 299 consecutive patients (95 [31.8 %] atrial tachycardia, 204 [68.2 %] atrial flutter cases);163 (54.5 %) were male; median age was 54 (IQR; 42-64). Median follow up was 330 (IQR; 90 - 810) days. Atrial flutter patients were older and had more co-morbidities. Acute procedural success rate was 82.1 % vs. 77.0 % (p= 0.313) and recurrence was 9.3 % vs. 21.6 % (p=0.022) in atrial tachycardia (AT) and atrial flutter (AFL) cases respectively. History of valvular or congenital heart disease surgery, left atrium diameter and age were found to be independent predictors of failed ablation, recurrence and post-procedural atrial fibrillation. Conclusion: Age, left atrium diameter, valvular or congenital heart disease surgery are independent predictors for acute procedural success, recurrence and post-procedural atrial fibrillation in AT and AFL patients who undergo catheter ablation.
  • PublicationOpen Access
    Inflammatory markers as predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence: Exploring the c-reactive protein to albumin ratio in cryoablation patients
    (2023-09-30) KEPEZ, ALPER; Ozkan E., Elcik D., Barutcu S., Kelesoglu S., Alp M. E., Ozan R., Capar G., Turkmen O., Cinier G., Polat V., et al.
    BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac rhythm disorder associated with hemodynamic disruptions and thromboembolic events. While antiarrhythmic drugs are often recommended as the initial treatment, catheter ablation has emerged as a viable alternative. However, the recurrence of AF following ablation remains a challenge, and there is growing interest in exploring inflammatory markers as predictors of recurrence. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional analysis included 249 patients who underwent cryoablation for paroxysmal AF. The relationship between the ‘C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR)’ and AF recurrence was examined. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-nine patients with paroxysmal non-valvular atrial fibrillation were included. They were divided into two groups: those without recurrence (Group 1) and those with recurrence (Group 2). Significant differences were observed in age (57.2 ± 9.9 vs. 62.5 ± 8.4, p = 0.001) and left atrial size (4.0 ± 0.5 vs. 4.2 ± 0.7, p = 0.001) between the two groups. In blood parameters, significant differences were found in CRP (5.2 ± 1.3 vs. 9.4 ± 2.8, p < 0.001) and neutrophil counts (5.1 ± 2.2 vs. 6.7 ± 3.6, p = 0.001). In univariate regression analysis, age (OR: 1.058, CI: 1.024–1.093, p = 0.001), WBC count (OR: 1.201, CI: 1.092–1.322, p < 0.001), neutrophil count (OR: 1.239, CI: 1.114–1.378, p = 0.001), CAR (OR: 1.409, CI: 1.183–1.678, p < 0.001), and left atrial diameter (OR: 0.968, CI: 0.948–0.989, p = 0.002) showed significant associations with AF recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of AF. This study demonstrated that along with age, the CAR can serve as an independent predictor of AF recurrence following cryoablation.
  • Publication
    Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio may be predictive of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia in patients with frequent outflow tract premature ventricular complexes
    (TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2021) KEPEZ, ALPER; Kup, Ayhan; Uslu, Abdulkadir; Demir, Serdar; Gulsen, Kamil; Celik, Mehmet; Bayam, Emrah; Kanar, Batur Gonenc; Kepez, Alper; Akgun, Taylan
    Background:The aim of present study is to evaluate the predictive value of QTc dispersion, Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio for idiopathic monomorphic outflow tract ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurrence in patients with frequent idiopathic outflow tract premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). Methods:A total of 180 patients (49.2 +/- 13.6 years, 74 male) who had undergone outflow tract PVC ablation between 01 January 2015 and 01 November 2018 constituted our study population. Patients with isolated outflow tract PVC without any VT recording on Holter recordings and without any inducible VT at EPS were classified as isolated PVC group. Patients with any episode of VT that has the same morphology with outflow tract PVC were classified as nonsustained or sustained VT groups based on the duration of VT episode. QTc dispersion, Tp-Te and Tp-Te/QT ratio values were calculated and compared between groups. Results:There were 116 patients with isolated PVC, 35 patients with nonsustained VT and 29 patients with sustained VT. QTc dispersion, Tp-Te and Tp-Te/QT ratio values were significantly lower in patients with isolated PVC compared to patients with nonsustained or sustained VT episodes. Tpeak to Tend interval greater than 110.5 msec on derivation V6 predicted VT occurrence with 93.8% sensitivity and 82.8% specificity. Tpeak to Tend/QT interval greater than 0.27 on derivation V6 predicted VT occurrence with 93.8% sensitivity and 0.81% specificity. Conclusion:Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio on derivation V6 may aid in prediction of presence of outflow tract VT in clinical practice.
  • Publication
    THE EFFECT OF GLOBAL LONGITUDINAL STRAIN ON IMPAIRED SIX-MINUTE WALK TEST PERFORMANCE IN PATIENTS WITH SARCOIDOSIS
    (MATTIOLI 1885, 2020) KEPEZ, ALPER; Ozen, Deniz Kaptan; Mutlu, Bulent; Kocakaya, Derya; Turan, Burak; Sekerci, Sena Sert; Ceyhan, Berrin; Kepez, Alper; Erdogan, Okan
    Background: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem and granulomatous disease associated with impaired functional capacity as a result of pulmonary and cardiac involvement. Factors adversely effecting functional capacity in patients with sarcoidosis have not been systematically assessed including myocardial strain imaging on echocardiography which enable to diagnose subclinical cardiac dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate the effect of left and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) on submaximal exercise capacity in patients with sarcoidosis who do not have clinically manifest cardiac involvement. Methods: Extracardiac biopsy proven 56 patients with sarcoidosis and 26 controls were included consecutively. Submaximal exercise capacity of the subjects was assessed with six-minute walk test (6 MWT). Pulmonary function tests and standard transthoracic and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography were performed to the all subjects. Linear regression analysis was performed to find independent predictors of 6 MWT. Results: Fifty-six patients (18% male) with a mean age of 52.5 +/- 10.7 years were included. Patients with sarcoidosis had low 6 MWT performance and higher New York Heart Association classes and NT-proBNP levels. There were no significant differences between controls and patients with sarcoidosis in parameters of pulmonary function test. Biventricular GLS levels and biatrial reservoir and conduit function values were lower and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) was significantly higher in patients with sarcoidosis as compared with controls. Older age and higher SPAP were found as independent predictors of poor 6 MWT performance. Conclusion: Although biventricular GLS levels were lower in the patients with sarcoidosis, only age and SPAP elevations were independent predictors of the submaximal exercise capacity.
  • PublicationOpen Access
    Ventricular tachycardia ablation in patients with structural heart disease: single centre experience
    (MARMARA UNIV, FAC MEDICINE, 2020-01-31) KEPEZ, ALPER; Uslu, Abdulkadir; Kup, Ayhan; Demir, Serdar; Gulsen, Kamil; Kayan, Fethullah; Kepez, Alper; Akgun, Taylan
    Objective: The aim of this study is to report our institutional experience with ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation in patients with structural heart disease. Patients and Methods: A total of 36 consecutive patients (31 male, age: 62.8 +/- 13.2 years) who had undergone VT ablation in our institution between 01.01.2017 and 01.05.2019 were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 27 patients with the diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy and 9 patients with the diagnosis of nonischemic cardiomyopathy had undergone VT ablation. VT ablation was successful in 32 (88.9%) patients. There were no major procedural complications; however, one patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy died 48 hours after the procedure because of post-ablation cardiogenic shock. Another patient with unsuccessful V'I' ablation died during hospitalization due to electrical storm. Endocardial ablation was performed in 23 (63.9%) patients and epicardial or combined endocardial and epicardial ablation was performed in 13 (36.1%) patients. Substrate ablation was the dominant strategy in 29 (80.6%) patients whereas activation snapping and isthmus ablation was performed in 7 (19.4%) patients. Conclusion: Our experience confirms the effectiveness and safety of VT ablation in patients with structural heart disease who are resistant to medical therapy and/or who receive recurrent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks.
  • Publication
    Fluoroscopy time and scattered radiation during electrophysiology procedures: analysis of one-year data of a laboratory providing electrophysiology training
    (TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2021) KEPEZ, ALPER; Gulsen, Kamil; Akgun, Taylan; Kup, Ayhan; Uslu, Abdulkadir; Kanar, Batur Gonenc; Taylan, Gokay; Kayan, Fethullah; Barutcu, Suleyman; Kepez, Alper; Demir, Serdar
    Objectives Patients and medical staff expose to significant radiation during electro-physiological (EP) procedures. There are few data regarding the leading factors of longer fluoroscopy time and higher scattered radiation in a laboratory giving EP training during those interventions. Material and methods The patients' recordings that underwent EP procedure in a single centre arrhythmia unit from February 2019 to January 2020 were examined. Prospectively collected data regarding procedure duration, fluoroscopy time and total air kerma, demographic characteristics of the patients, type of procedure, success of ablation and the use of electro anatomic mapping were retrospectively evaluated. Predictors of total air kerma were analysed with linear regression analysis. Results Study population consisted of 437 patients with a median age of 47 (39-56); 184 (42.1%) were male. Median fluoroscopy time was 768 (420-1320) seconds and median cumulative air kerma was 369 (191-750) mGy. Fluoroscopy time and cumulative air kerma were significantly lower in diagnostic EP studies compared to other procedures. There was no difference in terms of total air kerma between the procedures other than the diagnostic EP study. In multivariable linear regression analysis; body surface area, fluoroscopy time, not using the electro-anatomical mapping, unsuccessful ablation and atrial flutter ablation were predictors of total air kerma in EP studies performed by trainees. Conclusion Scattered radiation during EP procedures performed by in-training operators is related with some factors. Awareness about those may help to effort reducing the harmful effect of ionising radiation.