An editorial from an influential source discussing the recent robust results of the CASTLE-AF RCT trial. It is likely that interventions for atrial fibrillation will be boosted by these results, in terms of insurance, industry, and clinical guideline support.
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Electrophysiology - Arrhythmias
December 25, 2017
This review article explores the association between postoperative mediastinal blood and atrial fibrillation.
April 29, 2017
A succinct update relevant to all arrhythmia and heart failure surgeons. The concept of atrial cardiomyopathy is particularly stimulating.
December 5, 2016
In this manuscript, the authors describe their findings in a propensity score matched analysis of a retrospectively acquire data on 9792 patients undergoing CABG or heart valve surgery over a 6-year period.
September 27, 2016
In this single institution retrospective study of postoperative cardiac surgery patients, serum potassium and magnesium levels at times when postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occured were compared with levels in patients who did not experience POAF. The incidence of POAF was 37%, and was associated with increasing magnesium levels.
August 30, 2015
Multicenter trial examining the efficacy of a miniaturized and fully self-contained leadless pacemaker percutaneously implanted into the right ventricle. The leadless pacemaker met prespecified pacing and sensing requirements with 1 in 15 patients experiencing adverse device related events.
July 28, 2015
This article offers a much needed comprehensive overview of temporary pacing strategies specific to cardiac surgical patients.
April 8, 2015
This thought provoking article by Drew et al., utilized state-of-the art monitoring technology to document the problem of "alarm fatigue" by recording an astounding number of alarm events; 2,558,760 unique alarms were triggered for 461 patients over a 31-day period.
March 17, 2015
The study investigated management of atrial fibrillation existing at the time of mitral valve surgery, randomizing 260 pts to ablation or observation. The end point was freedom from afib at both 6 and 12 mos. Ablation yielded success in 63% compared to 29% of controls, but was associated with a higher risk of pacemaker implant (21% vs 8%).
September 7, 2014
The COPPS-2 trial evaluated the efficacy of oral colchicine in reducing a-fib, post-pericardiotomy syndrome, and pericardial/pleural effusion after cardiac surgery in 360 pts randomized to drug or placebo for 1 month postop. Colchicine reduced the incidence of post-pericardiotomy syndrome (20% vs 30%) but had no important effect on effusions or a-fi