Single-Center Experience of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Using Multi-Electrode Mapping and Ablation Catheters
- Thu, 10/27/11 - 2:00pm
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- 1327 reads
Abstract: Purpose. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an established therapy for the treatment of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Many techniques have been reported to achieve RFA. We report a single-center experience of RFA using three multi-electrode catheters. Methods. We collected data of the patients who had RFA for AF using custom-designed multi-electrode mapping and ablation catheters between May 2007 and November 2009 at this center.
Balancing Risk Versus Benefit: Lessons from the REPLACE Registry
- Wed, 4/27/11 - 11:58am
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- 2101 reads
The relatively high complication rates identified in the REPLACE Registry highlight the need to carefully consider the risk associated with more complex devices. In this article, the authors present the data relevant to this and include data from recent studies for comparative discussion.
Utility of Post-Operative Defibrillation Testing: Interview with William Sauer, MD
- Thu, 3/24/11 - 10:17pm
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In this interview, we speak with Dr. William Sauer, Director of the Electrophysiology Laboratories at the University of Colorado Hospital, about his recent research on the utility of postoperative testing of ICDs.1
What was the purpose of this study? Tell us about the study population and time frame.
The study was meant to evaluate the potential role of post-operative defibrillation threshold testing by looking at the results of this procedure at the University of Colorado Hospital over the past 14 years. Everyone who received an implanted defibrillator (ICD) who was subsequently tested more than 3 months after implantation over this time frame was included in our analysis.
Music and the Cardiovascular Response
- Fri, 11/6/09 - 12:23pm
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- 1851 reads
In this feature, Dr. Luciano Bernardi discusses his recent research on the effect of music on cardiovascular rhythms. His research was published in Circulation.1
Tell us about your previous research in this area. How is this current study different?
The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Interview with Dr. Carl Lavie
- Wed, 9/23/09 - 3:33pm
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- 2045 reads
Carl J. Lavie, MD, FACC, FACP, FCCP is the Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention and the Director of the Stress Testing Laboratory at Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana. In this interview he speaks with EP Lab Digest about the potential benefits of omega-3 therapy on cardiovascular diseases, including its possible use for atrial fibrillation.
Explain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). What are the differences between the two? Is one more beneficial than the other?
EPA and DHA are the two main omega-3 fatty acids. Both are important, but DHA may be preferable to EPA as it has more beneficial effects on arrhythmias as well as more beneficial effects on vascular relaxation, blood pressure lowering, and triglycerides.
How do long-chain fatty acids work in the body?
These get incorporated into cell membranes as well as used for energy.
Can Depression Raise the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Women? Interview with William Whang, MD, MS
- Thu, 5/28/09 - 11:30am
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- 2098 reads
Dr. Whang is located at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. In this interview, he describes the results of the Nurses’ Health Study.
Tell us about the Nurses’ Health Study. When and why was it started? How many patients does it involve? What is the age range?
The main Nurses’ Health Study began in 1976 with approximately 121,701 female registered nurses aged 30-55 years. These women have been followed up every 2 to 4 years with extensive questionnaires about their medical history, coronary heart disease risk factors, and lifestyle factors. A large amount of research has been generated from the members of this cohort by investigators at Harvard Medical School, where the study was conceived with funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Is the Nurses’ Health Study ongoing?
New Paradigm in Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Stratification
- Mon, 1/5/09 - 11:48am
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New findings promise to have an impact on a range of areas in medicine, including sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification. In this article we learn about PD2i technology, which uses a special algorithm to analyze 15 minutes of ECG data to predict SCD.
Tell us about the PD2i technology (including the differences between the PD2i Analyzer, PD2i VS, and PD2i CA).
PD2i is a measure of the degrees of freedom of one’s heart rate variability. This analysis can be used for different applications: measuring autonomic activity (PD2i Analyzer), assessing the need for an immediate life-saving intervention in trauma (PD2i Vital Sign, or PD2i VS), and predicting one’s risk of cardiac arrest/sudden cardiac death (PD2i CA).
Describe some of the research that has been done so far.
New Research on ICDs with Regards to Sports Participation, High Altitudes, and Driving: Interview with Richard Kobza, MD
- Tue, 10/7/08 - 2:43pm
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- 2050 reads
A recent survey in Switzerland shows that ICD patients can be encouraged to continue leisure-time physical activities at a low-to-moderate intensity level. In addition, the same research shows that high altitudes and driving are not often associated with ICD shocks. Lead author Dr. Richard Kobza from the Division of Cardiology, Cantonal Hospital in Luzern, Switzerland, discusses his research.
What made you decide to study this population of ICD patients and these specific lifestyle factors?
