Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Oct 2019
Comparative StudyComparison of high-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation of atrial fibrillation using a contact force-sensing catheter and conventional technique: Initial results.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) ablation is alternative treatment to drugs. Literature suggests that use of contact force (CF) catheter with higher power for short periods is effective and safe. ⋯ HPSD was safe, useful, and efficient compared with CT, and reduced procedural time and total RF time. HPSD may reduce esophageal injury because of lower heating rate and it may reduce the recurrence of atrial tachyarrythmias.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Oct 2019
A prolonged QTc-interval at the emergency department: Should we always be prepared for the worst?
QTc-interval prolongation is associated with ventricular arrhythmias and mortality in a general population. Bazett's correction formula (QTcB) is routinely used despite its overcorrection at high heart rates. Recently, we proposed a patient-specific QT correcting algorithm (QTcA) resulting in improved rate correction and predictive value in a general population. We hypothesize risk stratification at the Emergency Department (ED) could be improved using QTcA. ⋯ QTcA reduced the number of patients considered at risk. Neither QTcB nor QTcA were predictors of in-hospital mortality. A severely prolonged QTcA was associated with cardiovascular events.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Oct 2019
Observational StudyElectrophysiologic testing for diagnostic evaluation and risk stratification in patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis with preserved left and right ventricular systolic function.
While cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) carries a risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and sudden cardiac death (SCD), risk stratification of patients with CS and preserved left ventricular/right ventricular (LV/RV) systolic function remains challenging. We sought to evaluate the role of electrophysiologic testing and programmed electrical stimulation of the ventricle (EPS) in patients with suspected CS with preserved ventricular function. ⋯ EPS is useful in the risk stratification of patients with probable CS with preserved LV and RV function. A positive EPS was associated with VAs. While a negative EPS appeared to confer low risk, close follow-up is needed as EPS cannot predict fatal VAs related to new cardiac involvement or disease progression.