Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jul 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialUse of metoprolol CR/XL to maintain sinus rhythm after conversion from persistent atrial fibrillation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
The primary objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of metoprolol CR/XL to reduce the risk of relapse after cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. ⋯ The results of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients after cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation showed that metoprolol CR/XL was effective in preventing relapse into atrial fibrillation or flutter.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jul 2000
Comparative StudyLimited posterior left atrial cryoablation in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation undergoing valvular heart sugery.
We sought to evaluate whether a limited surgical cryoablation of the posterior region of the left atrium was safe and effective in the cure of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with associated valvular heart disease. ⋯ Linear cryoablation with lesions connecting the four pulmonary veins and the mitral annulus is effective in restoration and maintenance of SR in patients with heart valve disease and chronic AF. Limited left atrial cryoablation may represent a valid alternative to the maze procedure, reducing myocardial ischemic time and risk of bleeding.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jul 2000
Comparative StudyEnd-tidal CO2 pressure decreases during exercise in cardiac patients: association with severity of heart failure and cardiac output reserve.
We measured end-tidal CO2 pressure (PETCO2) during exercise and investigated the relationship between PETCO2 and exercise capacity, ventilatory parameters and cardiac output to determine the mechanism(s) of changes in this parameter. ⋯ PETCO2 was below normal in cardiac patients at rest and during exercise. PETCO2 was correlated with exercise capacity and cardiac output during exercise, and the sensitivity and specificity of PETCO2 regarding decreased cardiac output were good. PETCO2 may be a new ventilatory abnormality marker that reflects impaired cardiac output response to exercise in cardiac patients diagnosed with heart failure.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialCatheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease using cooled radiofrequency energy: results of a prospective multicenter study. Cooled RF Multi Center Investigators Group.
The purpose of this multicenter study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation system with internal saline irrigation. ⋯ The results of this study demonstrate that catheter ablation of all mappable forms of sustained VT can be performed with high initial success and a moderate incidence of major complications (8%).
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA randomized trial comparing heparin initiation 6 h or 24 h after pacemaker or defibrillator implantation.
The purpose of this randomized study was to evaluate the prevalence of pocket hematomas in patients treated with heparin 6 h or 24 h after pacemaker or defibrillator implantation. ⋯ Intravenous heparin initiation 6 h or 24 h after pacemaker or defibrillator implantation is associated with a 20% prevalence of pocket hematoma formation. Warfarin therapy or no anticoagulation is associated with only a 2% to 4% risk of pocket hematoma formation.