This case of an 87-year-old woman with a significant history of coronary artery disease illustrates the challenge associated with intractable ventricular tachycardias, and demonstrates the various options available for terminating and controlling the potentially fatal arrhythmia. A favorable outcome was obtained using advanced cardiac life support guidelines, current pharmacological regimens, ventricular burst pacing with overdrive suppression, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, coronary revascularization and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator insertion. These modalities, as well as other therapeutic alternatives, are discussed in the management of incessant ventricular tachycardia.

Delayed left ventricular activation has been shown to result in significant deleterious effects on cardiac function and output.

This author offers her expertise on treatment options for atrial arrhythmias. She notes that recent studies have shown that implantable atrial defibrillators provide an effective way to treat AF with overall patient satisfaction.

I am very happy to provide a forum for Gale Wilson-Steele, CEO of MedSeek in Solvang, California, in this issue of EP Lab Digest, to discuss her work in digital healthcare advancements. She recently published an article in The Wall Street Journal entitled “Healthcare Goes Digital.” The article explained in length the need for doctors and hospitals to “get wired”.

The Minerva and Fred Braemer Heart Center was opened in 1999, which is equipped with some of the most advanced cardiac care technology available. Their staff includes some of the Delaware Valley’s top cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, many with special niches of expertise such as beating heart bypass and all-arterial bypass surgery.