Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2004
A new approach for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: mapping of the electrophysiologic substrate.
We sought to test the hypothesis that complex fractionated electrograms (CFAEs) recorded during atrial fibrillation (AF) could be used as target sites for catheter ablation of AF. ⋯ Areas with CFAEs represent a defined electrophysiologic substrate and are ideal target sites for ablations to eliminate AF and maintain normal sinus rhythm.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2004
Sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation in the cardiac catheterization laboratory among patients receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention: incidence, predictors, and outcomes.
We sought to evaluate the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of ventricular tachycardia and/or ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) in the cardiac catheterization laboratory among patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ⋯ Our findings suggest that the incidence of VT/VF during primary PCI is low, indicating that these arrhythmias do not influence PCI success or in-hospital or one-year outcomes. Our data further help identify patients at risk of VT/VF during primary PCI and suggest that pretreatment with beta-blockers should be strongly considered to reduce these arrhythmias.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2004
Utility of B-type natriuretic peptide in predicting postoperative complications and outcomes in patients undergoing heart surgery.
The purpose of the present study was to assess whether preoperative and postoperative B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels could be used as predictors of postoperative complications and outcomes in patients after open-heart surgery. ⋯ Preoperative BNP levels >385 pg/ml predict the postoperative complications and one-year mortality after heart surgery. Postoperatively, elevated peak BNP levels and elevated change to peak BNP levels were associated with prolonged hospital stay and mortality within one year.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2004
Endocardial and epicardial radiofrequency ablation of ventricular tachycardia associated with dilated cardiomyopathy: the importance of low-voltage scars.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence, locations, and relationship of ventricular tachycardia (VT) to low-voltage areas in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). ⋯ The VTs in DCM are most commonly the result of myocardial re-entry associated with scar. Scars are often adjacent to a valve annulus, deep in the endocardium, and can be greater in extent on the epicardium than on the endocardium. The use of epicardial mapping and radiofrequency is likely to improve success.