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.
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Electrophysiology/arrhythmia
September 27, 2016
August 2, 2016
This randomized trial evaluated the efficacy of postoperative metoprolol or losartan in preventing atrial fibrillation in patients with elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide who were undergoing lung resection for cancer. Among candidates, 29% (320) of patients had elevated NT-proBNP and were randomized. Both metoprolol and losartan redu
July 14, 2016
In this matched cohort study the authors evaluate the age-associated risk of bleeding and thrombosis in 3313 patients ≥70 years attending a single thrombosis service and treated with vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Patients were matched 1:1:1 by decade (70-79, 80-89, 90-99 years) and duration of treatment.
December 24, 2015
Patients undergoing surgical ablation for afib were evaluated for recurrence using either intermittent monitoring using traditional methods or continuous monitoring using an implantable loop recorder (ILR). Compliance with ILR use was higher than with traditional monitoring methods (93% vs about 80%). Detection of afib was similar between ILR and t
November 16, 2015
The report of FDA-mandated prospective evaluation of outcomes after Cox Maze-IV for atrial fibrillation during cardiac surgery for other problems. It utilized the Synergy ablation system and focused on absence of AF off antiarrhythmics at 6 months and the absence of major adverse events at 30 days. 76% were AF free, and 9.1% experienced major compl
November 11, 2015
Results of a multicenter trial of a leadless transcatheter pacing system were reviewed in 300 pts at 6 mos. Implantation was successful in 99%. Safety was assessed as freedom from system-related or procedure related complications, and was 96%. Efficacy was assessed as stable pacing capture at low voltage and was 98%. 25 pts suffered major complic
October 14, 2015
The authors retrospectively reviewed the postoperative TEEs on patients undergoing DCCV within 30 days after cardiac surgery that included LAA closure (n=93 patients). The presence of a residual communication between the LAA and the left atrium was 37% overall.
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.
July 23, 2015
Authors describe a technique allowing excellent exposure of the mitral valve while more safely performing cut-and-sew Cox-Maze III.