A comparison of acoustic cardiography and echocardiography for optimizing pacemaker settings in cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is useful in managing patients with refractory heart failure. To increase efficacy, pacemaker settings are optimized, with Doppler echocardiography being the preferred method. Recently, acoustic cardiography, an automated method that records, analyzes, and displays simultaneous ECG and heart sound data, has been developed.

Optimization of cardiac resynchronization devices using acoustic cardiography: a comparison to echocardiography.

Optimization of pacemaker settings for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains challenging and problematic. Several noninvasive methods are offered to customize the programmed parameters for individual patients, but so far only echocardiographic imaging has established itself as an accepted method. The authors examined the value of acoustic cardiography as a fast and more cost-efficient alternative to established echocardiographic imaging techniques for the optimization of CRT devices.

The correlation between presenting ST-segment depression and the final size of acute myocardial infarcts in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

The use of reperfusion therapy in patients with ST elevation acute coronary syndromes had been established. However, reperfusion therapy is usually considered contra-indicated in those with ST depression, despite the knowledge that regional posterior infarction is typically indicated by ST depression maximal in leads V1 to V3 and nonregional subendocardial infarction is typically indicated by marked ST depression maximal in other leads. This study of patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes investigates the quantitative relationship between presenting ST depression and final QRS changes in both of these subgroups.