Arrhythmias & EP
Conference Coverage
Biomarkers predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Major finding: Cardiac resynchronization therapy device recipients with a preimplantation brain natriuretic peptide level of at least 440 pg/mL...
Conference Coverage
Optim ICD leads show tiny failure rate - so far
Major finding: The 5-year rate of freedom from mechanical failure for St.
News
Novel contact force catheter advances AF ablation
Major finding: Patients undergoing ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using an ablation catheter featuring contact force sensing...
Commentary
Statins for A-fib are ready for prime time
News
Antibacterial envelope may limit cardiac device infections
Major finding: A major device infection – defined as an infection involving the device pocket, deep tissue, or endocarditis – occurred in one...
Conference Coverage
Wearable defibrillator vest useful as bridge to ICD
Major finding: During an average of 81 days using the LifeVest wearable automatic defibrillator, patients experienced appropriate device shocks to...
Conference Coverage
Cardiac implantable device infection rate is falling
Major finding: Annual infection rates following primary pacemaker implantation declined nationally from 0.9% in 1997 to just 0.2% in 2010. The ICD...
News
Leadless cardiac pacemaker draws plaudits
Major finding: A leadless cardiac pacemaker the size of a triple-A battery was successfully implanted in 32 of 33 candidates for permanent single-...
Conference Coverage
Watchman device hits home run in PROTECT AF trial
Major finding: Patients with atrial fibrillation who received the Watchman left atrial appendage closure device had a 40% lower risk of the...
Conference Coverage
Renal dysfunction improved after AF ablation
Major finding: Patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease who underwent catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation showed significant...
Conference Coverage
DECAAF points way to improved AF ablation
Major Finding: Patients undergoing a first ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation had an 86% long-term rate of maintenance of sinus rhythm if...