Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology
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Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol · Jun 2015
Observational StudyAssociation between perioperative dexmedetomidine and arrhythmias after surgery for congenital heart disease.
Dexmedetomidine is commonly used after congenital heart surgery and may be associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative tachyarrhythmias. Using a large cohort of patients undergoing congenital heart surgery, we examined for an association between dexmedetomidine use in the immediate postoperative period and subsequent arrhythmia development. ⋯ Although dexmedetomidine exposure in the immediate postoperative period is not associated with a clinically meaningful difference in the incidence of tachyarrhythmias after congenital heart surgery, it may be associated with increased odds of bradyarrhythmias.
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Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol · Jun 2015
Observational StudyCharacteristics of ventricular tachycardia ablation in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices.
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used as a bridge to cardiac transplantation or as destination therapy. Patients with LVADs are at high risk for ventricular arrhythmias. This study describes ventricular arrhythmia characteristics and ablation in patients implanted with a Heart Mate II device. ⋯ Catheter ablation of VT among LVAD recipients is feasible and reasonably safe even soon after LVAD implantation. Intrinsic myocardial scar, rather than the apical cannula, seems to be the dominant substrate.
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Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol · Apr 2015
Review Meta AnalysisElectrocardiographic monitoring for detecting atrial fibrillation after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of stroke. Although standard investigations after an event include electrocardiographic monitoring, the optimal duration to detect AF is unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether the duration of electrocardiographic monitoring after an ischemic event is related to the detection of AF. ⋯ Longer duration of electrocardiographic monitoring after cryptogenic stroke is associated with a greater detection of AF. Future investigation is needed to determine the optimal duration of long-term monitoring.