Giornale italiano di cardiologia : organo ufficiale della Federazione italiana di cardiologia : organo ufficiale della Società italiana di chirurgia cardiaca
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G Ital Cardiol (Rome) · Oct 2017
Review[Cardiogenic shock: from early diagnosis to multiparameter monitoring].
Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening condition that occurs in response to reduced cardiac output, in the presence of adequate intravascular volume, and results in tissue hypoxia. CS can occur as a result of several etiologies but the most common is acute myocardial infarction. ⋯ A multidisciplinary technical platform as well as specialized and experienced medical teams are crucial to treat this group of patients. We briefly summarize the main aspects of diagnosis, etiology and pathophysiology with a particular focus on macro- and microhemodynamic parameters that are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of this patient population.
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G Ital Cardiol (Rome) · Apr 2017
Review[The use of mechanical chest compression devices for both out-of-hospital and in-hospital refractory cardiac arrest].
The purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation after sudden cardiac arrest is to restore minimal blood flow to provide oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. Chest compressions and external defibrillation are the first line for circulatory support. Although early defibrillation is the main factor influencing survival, cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be characterized by high-quality external chest compressions. ⋯ Commonly used mechanical chest compression devices in Europe include LUCAS and Autopulse. Routine utilization of mechanical chest compression devices cannot be recommended because randomized controlled trials, such as LINC and PARAMEDIC for LUCAS and CIRC for Autopulse, have not demonstrated their superiority compared with manual chest compressions. The aim of this review is to analyze recent data regarding utilization of mechanical chest compression devices, and to clarify advantages and limitations.
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G Ital Cardiol (Rome) · Apr 2017
Review[Electromagnetic interference in the current era of cardiac implantable electronic devices designed for magnetic resonance environment].
In the last decades we are observing a continuous increase in the number of patients wearing cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). At the same time, we face daily with a domestic and public environment featured more and more by the presence and the utilization of new emitters and finally, more medical procedures are based on electromagnetic fields as well. Therefore, the topic of the interaction of devices with electromagnetic interference (EMI) is increasingly a real and actual problem. ⋯ In the non-medical environment, most studies reported in the literature focused on mobile phones, metal detectors, as well as on headphones or digital players as potential EMI sources, but many other instruments and tools may be intentional or non-intentional sources of electromagnetic fields. CIED manufacturers are more and more focusing on new technological features in order to make implantable devices less susceptible to EMI. However, patients and emitter manufacturers should be aware that limitations exist and that there is not complete immunity to EMI.
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G Ital Cardiol (Rome) · Nov 2016
[Real life clinical management of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: results from the Italian epidemiological survey eXperience on the use of rivaroxaban].
Atrial fibrillation-related stroke prevention with anticoagulant drugs is currently evolving towards the introduction into clinical practice of the new oral anticoagulants, including rivaroxaban. Our aim was to evaluate in a real-life setting the characteristics and management of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation to whom Italian doctors decided to prescribe rivaroxaban. ⋯ In this real-life analysis, patient characteristics were similar to those of patients enrolled in large randomized trials, whereas differences in dose prescriptions were observed.