American heart journal
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American heart journal · Aug 2009
Comparative StudyUse of preoperative natriuretic peptides and echocardiographic parameters in predicting new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting: a prospective comparative study.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We prospectively compared the ability of echocardiographic parameters and the cardiac neurohormones, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to predict AF in this setting. ⋯ Levels of BNP and NT-proBNP are independent, though modestly effective, predictors of AF after isolated CABG. In contrast, none of the echocardiographic parameters assessed, including measures of LV systolic function and filling pressure, were independently predictive.
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American heart journal · Aug 2009
Comparative StudyImplantation of cardiac rhythm devices without interruption of oral anticoagulation compared with perioperative bridging with low-molecular weight heparin.
Increasing numbers of patients requiring arrhythmia device implantation are taking warfarin. The common practice of warfarin interruption and perioperative bridging with heparin is associated with a high rate of postoperative hemorrhagic complications. We assessed the safety of device implantation without interruption of warfarin therapy. ⋯ Arrhythmia devices can be implanted safely in patients with high thromboembolic risk without interruption of warfarin. This strategy may be associated with reduced risk of significant pocket hematoma compared with dalteparin bridging.
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American heart journal · Aug 2009
Intima media thickness of the common carotid artery in vascular surgery patients: a predictor of postoperative cardiovascular events.
Cardiovascular (CV) complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in vascular surgery patients. The Revised Cardiac Risk (RCR) index, identifying cardiac risk factors, is commonly used for preoperative risk stratification. However, a more direct marker of the underlying atherosclerotic disease, such as the common carotid artery intimamedia thickness (CCA-IMT) may be of predictive value as well. The current study evaluated the prognostic value of the CCA-IMT for postoperative CV outcome. ⋯ This study shows that an increased CCA-IMT has prognostic value in vascular surgery patients to predict 30-day CV events and long-term CV mortality, incremental to the RCR index.