American heart journal
-
American heart journal · Feb 2001
Comparative StudyContrast echocardiography for detection of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) lead to stroke, brain abscess, and hemorrhage in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The current screening approach for PAVMs in HHT patients with chest radiograph (CXR) and oxygen shunt study has not been validated and is thought to be insensitive. We hypothesized that agitated saline contrast echocardiography (ECHO) would be a useful screening test for PAVMs. ⋯ ECHO is a useful screening tool for PAVMs in HHT.
-
American heart journal · Jan 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialLead- and device-related complications in the antiarrhythmics versus implantable defibrillators trial.
Implantation of transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) by use of a nonthoracotomy approach has become routine therapy for survivors of life-threatening tachyarrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to identify and prospectively characterize the frequency of lead- and ICD-related complications from the Antiarrhythmics versus Implantable Defibrillators (AVID) Trial. ⋯ These data suggest that cephalic vein access and pectoral generator site may result in fewer complications. The continued occurrence of lead fractures and the need for premature system revision supports the practice of close routine ICD system surveillance.
-
American heart journal · Jan 2001
Clinical TrialAmiodarone is safe and highly effective therapy for supraventricular tachycardia in infants.
The clinical effectiveness of amiodarone must be weighed against the likelihood of adverse effects. Adverse effects are less common in children than in adults, yet there have been no large studies assessing the efficacy and safety of amiodarone in the first 9 months of life. We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of amiodarone as primary therapy for supraventricular tachycardia in infancy. ⋯ Amiodarone is an effective and safe therapy for tachycardia control in infancy.
-
American heart journal · Dec 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialRate-control versus conversion strategy in postoperative atrial fibrillation: a prospective, randomized pilot study.
Atrial fibrillation remains a frequent complication after heart surgery. The optimal strategy to treat the condition has not been established. Several retrospective studies have suggested that a primary rate-control strategy may be equivalent to a strategy that restores sinus rhythm. ⋯ This pilot study shows little difference between a rate-control strategy and a strategy to restore sinus rhythm. Regardless of strategy, most patients will be in sinus rhythm after 2 months. A larger randomized, controlled study is needed to assess the impact of restoration of sinus rhythm on length of stay.