Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology
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Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) occurs when a person suffers a sudden, unexpected death, with no cause found at postmortem examination. We aimed to describe the cardiac screening outcomes in a population of relatives of SADS victims ⋯ In keeping with international estimates, 30% of families of SADS victims were found to have a potentially inherited cardiac disease. The most common positive finding was LQTS. Advances in postmortem standards and genetic studies may assist in achieving more diagnoses in these families.
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Cryoballoon ablation (CBA; Arctic Front, Medtronic) has proven very effective in achieving pulmonary vein isolation. Real-time three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (RT 3D TEE) is a novel technology, which permits detailed visualization of cardiac structures in a 3D perspective. The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility, advantages, and safety of RT 3D TEE in guiding CBA in a series of patients affected by paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. ⋯ Cryoballoon ablation is safe and feasible under RT 3D TEE guidance. This imaging tool permits perfect visualization of all PV ostia and neighbouring LA structures. Most importantly, it proved very efficient in guiding the operator to achieve complete occlusion and successful isolation in all veins.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effects of deep sedation on cardiac electrophysiology in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation of supraventricular tachycardia: impact of propofol and ketamine.
Propofol is commonly used as an anaesthetic during catheter ablation. Bradycardia and termination of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) under propofol are reported. Ketamine is used for cardiac catheterization procedures and increases heart rate and blood pressure. Our study aimed to determine the effects of propopfol and ketamine on atrial electrophysiology. ⋯ Our results show stimulatory effects of ketamine on heart rate, atrial conduction, and blood pressure. Ketamine, therefore, may be beneficial in patients with pre-existing hypotension and bradycardia.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Effectiveness of remote monitoring of CIEDs in detection and treatment of clinical and device-related cardiovascular events in daily practice: the HomeGuide Registry.
The HomeGuide Registry was a prospective study (NCT01459874), implementing a model for remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in daily clinical practice, to estimate effectiveness in major cardiovascular event detection and management. ⋯ Home Monitoring was highly effective in detecting and managing clinical events in CIED patients in daily practice with remarkably low manpower and resource consumption.
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The indications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have been expanding, especially for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator saves lives; however, in near end-of-life situations linked to incurable diseases, the question arises as to whether or not to turn off the ICD to avoid excessive numbers of shocks as the heart begins to fail. This study examined the wishes of a cohort of ICD recipients. ⋯ Most ICD recipients felt safer following ICD implantation and most wanted more information regarding ICD deactivation. However, a significant number of patients (especially, secondary prevention patients) had no interest in receiving additional information about this topic.