Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Jan 2002
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator utilization based on discharge diagnoses from Medicare and managed care patients.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have become an accepted therapy for patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death. To assess the current utilization of this therapy, we estimated the number of patients at risk of sudden death using an historical claims-based study and compared these results to current ICD usage volumes. ⋯ This study suggests that, based on discharge diagnoses, many patients who could benefit from ICDs are not receiving this therapy. Diverse reasons for this underutilization should be addressed to improve access to, and appropriate use of, this therapy.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Nov 2001
Case Reports Comparative StudyEvidence for a single nucleotide polymorphism in the KCNQ1 potassium channel that underlies susceptibility to life-threatening arrhythmias.
Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a genetically heterogeneous arrhythmogenic disorder caused by mutations in at least five different genes encoding cardiac ion channels. It was suggested recently that common polymorphisms of LQTS-associated genes might modify arrhythmia susceptibility in potential gene carriers. ⋯ We demonstrate that a common polymorphism in the KCNQ1 potassium channel could be a molecular basis for mild I(Ks) dysfunction that, in the presence of appropriate precipitating factors, might predispose potential gene carriers to life-threatening arrhythmias in a specific population.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Oct 2001
Comparative StudySupraventricular arrhythmias in children and young adults with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
Rapidly conducted supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) can lead to inappropriate device therapy in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients. We sought to determine the incidence of SVTs and the occurrence of inappropriate ICD therapy due to SVT in a pediatric and young adult population. ⋯ SVT in children and young adults with ICDs is common. Inappropriate shocks due to SVT can be curtailed even without dual-chamber devices or specific SVT discrimination algorithms.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Aug 2001
Comparative StudyAcquired pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Elimination of the initiating focus within the pulmonary vein (PV) using radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is a new treatment modality for treatment of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation. However, information on the long-term safety of RF ablation within the PV is limited. ⋯ Focal PV stenosis is observed frequently after RF catheter ablation applied within the vein, but usually is without clinical significance. However, ablation within multiple PVs might cause pulmonary hypertension and should be considered a limiting factor in this procedure.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Jul 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialVERDICT: the Verapamil versus Digoxin Cardioversion Trial: A randomized study on the role of calcium lowering for maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.
Many relapses of atrial fibrillation (AF) occur, especially during the first week(s) after electrical cardioversion (ECV). The aim of the present study was to compare in a randomized design the efficacy of verapamil (intracellular calcium lowering) versus digoxin (calcium increasing) for maintenance of sinus rhythm after ECV. ⋯ Stand-alone intracellular calcium lowering by verapamil around ECV does not enhance cardioversion outcome.