Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology
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Observational Study
Ivabradine in treatment of sinus tachycardia mediated vasovagal syncope.
Ivabradine, an I(f) current blocker, has shown promising results in treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). There is a subgroup of vasovagal syncope (VVS) patients, who demonstrate sinus tachycardia before collapse on tilt testing mimicking some features of POTS. These patients may also respond to ivabradine therapy. University Hospital Syncope Clinic where ivabradine was prescribed in a prospective fashion on humanitarian grounds between October 2008 and December 2011. ⋯ In this pilot study of ivabradine, in patients with VVS, of patients who demonstrated sinus tachycardia before collapse on tilt, 72% reported a marked benefit or complete resolution of symptoms. The drug was well tolerated. A randomized controlled trial against placebo is justified.
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Case Reports
A unique access for the ablation catheter to treat electrical storm in a patient with extracorporeal life support.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a very effective bridging therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock. To perform coronary angiography in these patients our group developed an unique system to get urgent vascular access with minimal additional vascular complication risk. The 6 Fr coronary catheters are introduced through a standard Y-connector, which is inserted into the arterial cannula of the ECMO-line close to the patient, the blind end of which is then equipped with a haemostatic valve (Check-Flo Performer accessory adapter, Cook Medical, USA). To the best of our knowledge, we here present the first patient, in whom this system had been used to insert an 8 Fr radiofrequency ablation catheter to treat incessant ventricular fibrillation. ⋯ Ablation of ventricular arrhythmias using a Y-connector to insert the ablation catheter into the arterial cannula is feasible in patients with a V-A ECMO system avoiding additional arterial puncture with potentially major vascular complications in critically ill patients. Manipulation of the catheter is not as easy as using a standard sheath but can well be performed after a short habituation.
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Reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) have been associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. However, whether reduced lung function is also a risk factor for incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is still unclear. We aimed to determine whether lung function predicted AF in the Malmö Preventive Project, a large population-based cohort with a long follow-up. ⋯ Impaired lung function is an independent predictor of AF. This may explain some risk of AF that is currently unaccounted for.
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Comparative Study
CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores as predictors of left atrial ablation outcomes for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
The selection of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) that will benefit most by left atrial ablation remains suboptimal. CHADS2 score has been shown to be associated with post-ablation AF recurrences. However, data regarding the CHA2DS2-VASc score are lacking. In addition, there is paucity of data regarding the exact predictive value, in terms of sensitivity and specificity, of each of these scores as to AF recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the merit of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in predicting arrhythmia recurrence after a single ablation procedure for paroxysmal AF. ⋯ CHA2DS2-VASc score is an independent predictor of left atrial ablation outcomes for paroxysmal AF, with a similar predictive value to CHADS2. However, the predictive accuracy of both is mediocre.
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Cerebral and microvascular perfusion is reduced in atrial fibrillation (AF). Maintenance of brain perfusion is important in acute disease and long-term course. Assessment of brain perfusion and oxygenation is difficult in clinical practice. Our study aimed to determine changes in cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) with bedside near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). ⋯ Cerebral tissue oxygen saturation increases significantly after restoration of sinus rhythm. Near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring can identify changes of SctO2 after successful CV of AF independent from standard monitoring parameters (MAP, SaO2). Near-infrared spectroscopy can be used to detect cerebral oxygen saturation deficits in AF patients or patients at high risk for AF. Clinical applications may include monitoring during ablation procedures and in critical care.