Kardiol Pol
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The implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is an established method of sudden cardiac death (SCD) prevention. The value of ICD therapy in secondary prevention of SCD is unquestionable. Precise identification of high-risk patients and ICD use for primary prevention of SCD, especially in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), remain controversial. Problems include the high prevalence of complications associated with ICD implantation and optimal selection of ICDs. ⋯ The high rate of appropriate ICD shocks provides proof of high ICD-based SCD prevention efficacy. There is a high rate of complications observed after ICD implantation with inappropriate interventions being the most frequent among them. This indicates that careful programming of the device as well as the use of a programme with T-wave oversensing prevention should be ensured.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Evaluation of cerebral circulation in patients with significant carotid artery stenosis.
A significant proportion of ischaemic stroke episodes are caused by atherosclerotic lesions in extracranial arteries. Assessment of haemodynamical profile of cerebral arteries in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis is of clinical importance. ⋯ Collateral flow in the circle of Willis in subjects with ICA stenosis occurs equally often in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients; however, it is more efficient in patients without symptoms. The rate of development of collateral circulation depends on ICA stenosis severity. The important role in maintaining collaterals within the circle of Willis is played by ACoA, although in some patients MCA may also be supplied by PCoA.
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We report two patients in whom thrombus formation during radiofrequency catheter ablation was detected by echocardiography. Resolution of thrombus after intravenous use of heparin was observed in both patients. Transesophageal and intracardiac echocardiography may be useful in management of this complication.