Heart rhythm : the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society
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Early repolarization (ER) with a horizontal ST segment (ST-h) and high-amplitude J waves in the inferior leads is associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmic death. The effect of ethnicity and athletic status on this increased-risk ER pattern has not been established. Aboriginal Australian/Torres Strait Islander and Pacific Islander/Maori (non-Caucasian [non-C]) subjects are well represented in Australian sport; however, the patterns and prevalence of ER in these populations are unknown. ⋯ ER patterns associated with increased arrhythmic risk are more common in young non-C than C subjects and were not influenced by athletic status. The long-term clinical significance of ER in these populations is yet to be determined.
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Prevention of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) after removal of an infected implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a challenging clinical dilemma. The cost-effectiveness of the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) in this setting remains uncertain. ⋯ The WCD likely is cost-effective in protecting patients against SCA after infected ICD removal while waiting for ICD reimplantation compared to keeping patients in the hospital or discharging them home or to a skilled nursing facility.
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Comparative Study
Outcomes of Sprint Fidelis and Riata lead extraction: Data from 2 high-volume centers.
The Sprint Fidelis (SF) and the Riata (RT) implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads have been recalled for premature failure. ⋯ Our data from 2 high-volume centers suggest that extraction of SF and RT leads is associated with excellent clinical success and a similar rate of major procedural complications.
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Periprocedural anticoagulation management with uninterrupted warfarin and a "therapeutic" international normalized ratio is the best approach for reducing both thromboembolic and bleeding complications in the setting of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). ⋯ Uninterrupted apixaban administration in patients undergoing AF ablation seems to be feasible and effective in preventing clinical and silent thromboembolic events without increasing the risk of major bleeding.
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Multicenter Study
Clinical safety of the ProMRI pacemaker system in patients subjected to head and lower lumbar 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging scanning conditions.
Permanent cardiac pacemakers have historically been considered a contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ⋯ The results of the ProMRI/ProMRI AFFIRM studies demonstrate the clinical safety and efficacy of the ProMRI pacemaker system in patients subjected to head and lower lumbar MRI conditions.