Volume 11 - Issue 7 - July 2011
EPI Congress 2011 Preview: Advancing Device Technologies and Techniques in Rhythm Management
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The second-annual EPI Congress, taking place September 9–11, 2011 in Washington, DC, is the key scientific event for what’s new in cardiac device therapy. Learn more about the 2011 program here from Course Co-Directors Seth J. Worley, MD, FHRS, FACC and Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD, FACC, FHRS.
Pacemaker Syndrome in a Patient with Heart Block after Accessory Pathway Ablation
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Pacemakers are in common use nowadays for a variety of reasons. These devices have been very successful in the treatment of various bradyarrhythmias and have even proven lifesaving in patients with Stokes–Adams Syndrome. However, normal pacemaker function can produce some unusual responses in patients with accessory pathways. In this article we present a case illustrating one such interaction at our institution.
Spotlight Interview: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
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What is the size of your EP lab facility and number of staff members? What is the mix of credentials at your lab?
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center currently has one dedicated, leading-edge EP lab. Funds have been approved for the renovation of a current cath lab to accommodate both cath and EP procedures. We also staff an outpatient device clinic three days a week. We have seven dedicated nurses, ranging from full time to registry, and one full-time radiologic technologist. All staff members are ACLS certified.
Blog Highlight: Effect of Biventricular Pacing on Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation
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So finally, what is the effect of biventricular (BiV) pacing on VT and VF?
Most electrophysiologists can remember a case or two in which biventricular pacing significantly reduced the amount of ventricular tachycardia. However, while several studies suggested an antiarrhythmic effect, other reports questioned if the dispersion of repolarization and the prolongation of the QT interval associated with BiV pacing may actually have proarrhythmic effects.
Early Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Program at Methodist Medical Center of Illinois
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ABSTRACT: Purpose. Our objective was to evaluate the early efficacy of a new atrial fibrillation (AF) program in Peoria, Illinois. Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone AF ablation at the Methodist Medical Center of Illinois between February 19, 2010 and February 25, 2011. Information was obtained through patient medical records from hospital procedures as well as from office visits.
The IMPACT Registry: Improving Care and Tracking Outcomes for Patients with CHD
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In this article EP Lab Digest speaks with Gerard R. Martin, MD, FACC, Chair of the NCDR® IMPACT Registry Steering Committee. The IMPACT Registry™ is the first national registry designed to track outcomes for pediatric and adult patients undergoing a cardiac catheterization procedure for congenital heart disease. Dr. Martin is executive director of the Center for Heart, Lung and Kidney Disease at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC.
Alternatives in Treatments for Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion and Atrial Fibrillation: Interview with Gorav Ailawadi, MD
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In this feature interview we speak with investigator and lead author of the EXCLUDE clinical trial, Gorav Ailawadi, MD, about the use of the AtriClip™ (AtriCure, Inc., West Chester, OH) for left atrial appendage exclusion. Dr. Gorav Ailawadi is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Ailawadi recently presented initial results from the EXCLUDE trial at the 2011 American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) meeting.
Looking into the Crystal Ball…Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and the Future
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Our December 2009 Cath Lab Digest article entitled “State of the Union: What is Keeping You Up at Night?” made some predictions about the future of healthcare. One prediction was that a new focus on prevention and chronic disease management would surface through the emergence of substantial programs aimed at changing the existing acute care paradigm. Do not call me Carnak the Magnificent yet, but such a trend has already begun to happen.
Staying on Your Toes in the EP Lab
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Dear Readers,
The field of cardiac electrophysiology has evolved rapidly over the past 10 to 15 years as implantable devices and ablation procedures have become more complex, and as interventional electrophysiologists have had to continuously learn new techniques and adopt new technology. Therefore, it is critical that electrophysiologists maintain their skills.
News
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Cardiovascular Credentialing International to Sunset On-the-Job Training as Qualification Pathway for Invasive Registry Examination
Effective July 1, 2013, Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) will officially remove the RCIS1 Qualification (also referred to as the On-the-Job Training qualification) that allows applicants who only have two years (full-time or full-time equivalent) working in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, at the time of application, to qualify for CCI's Invasive Registry examination. The Invasive Registry examination is the required examination for the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) credential.
