Heart rhythm : the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Systematic electrocardioversion for atrial fibrillation and role of antiarrhythmic drugs: a substudy of the SAFE-T trial.
Energy levels for electrocardioversion in atrial fibrillation (AF) have been empiric, and the influence of antiarrhythmic therapy compared with placebo is largely unknown. ⋯ Amiodarone and sotalol facilitated successful electrocardioversion, which could be achieved in a stepwise fashion. Upon achievement of successful electrocardioversion, amiodarone is superior to placebo, and sotalol has a lesser effect. Antiarrhythmic drugs had no effect on the total number of energy step use in patients who had successful electrocardioversion. Calcium channel blockers had no influence on the success rate in achieving sinus rhythm. Successful electrocardioversion was associated with lower BMI and AF history < or =1 year. Lower energy use was associated with biphasic shocks, lower BMI, and AF duration < or =1 year.
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Multicenter Study
Role of radiofrequency catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in cardiac sarcoidosis: report from a multicenter registry.
Management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is challenging in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. ⋯ Catheter ablation of VT in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis refractory to medical therapy is effective in eliminating VT or markedly reducing the VT burden. The disease process in cardiac sarcoidosis often involves a specific area in the basal right ventricle predisposing to peritricuspid reentry.