Heart, lung & circulation
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Heart, lung & circulation · Sep 2012
Geographic, ethnic and socioeconomic factors influencing access to implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in New Zealand.
We examined equity of access to implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in New Zealand in 2010 by district health board (DHB), ethnicity and socioeconomic status. ⋯ The variance in implantation rate by district health board and by ethnicity suggests that access to ICD therapy is not equitable in New Zealand. Investigation into causes of inequity of access is required.
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Heart, lung & circulation · Aug 2012
Clinical TrialSingle high oral dose amiodarone for cardioversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation.
Selection of a pharmacological agent and mode of administration for cardioversion is a challenging task in recent onset atrial fibrillation. ⋯ Single high dose oral amiodarone is safe and highly effective for patients with recent onset atrial fibrillation eligible for acute chemical cardioversion.
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Heart, lung & circulation · Jun 2012
ReviewRadiofrequency catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia.
The management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) has evolved considerably in recent times. The majority of patients with VT have structural heart disease and often implantable defibrillators. ⋯ Radiofrequency catheter ablation has a definite role as an alternative to anti-arrhythmic therapy in both groups of patients. This review outlines the indications, techniques and outcomes of catheter ablation in the management of patients with ventricular tachycardia.
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Heart, lung & circulation · Jun 2012
ReviewCardiac implantable electronic device therapy for bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias.
Pacemakers originally were developed for patients with profound bradycardia and complete heart block who, without them, usually suffered from syncope, heart failure and an early demise. Since that time, devices have evolved to include pacing and shock therapies for the management of tachyarrhythmias and heart failure with the aim of improving quality, and if possible, length of life. Whether to insert a device depends on a balance between the potential benefits of device therapy and its risks, which are not inconsiderable. We discuss current agreed indications for pacemakers and implantable defibrillators and some current controversies surrounding their use.