On the design and development of a handheld electrocardiogram device in a clinical setting.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a global burden that requires attention. For the detection and diagnosis of CVDs, the 12-lead ECG is a key tool. With technological advancements, ECG devices are becoming smaller and available for home use.

High-frequency irreversible electroporation for cardiac ablation using an asymmetrical waveform.

Background: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) using direct current (DC) is an effective method for the ablation of cardiac tissue. A major drawback of the use of DC-IRE, however, are two problems: requirement of general anesthesia due to severe muscle contractions and the formation of bubbles containing gaseous products from electrolysis. The use of high-frequency alternating current (HF-IRE) is expected to solve both problems, because HF-IRE produces little to no muscle spasms and does not cause electrolysis.

Painful Recall in Elective Electrical Cardioversion with Propofol and the Need for Additional Analgesia.

Introduction: Electrical cardioversion (ECV) is a short but painful procedure for treating cardiac dysrhythmias. There is a wide variation regarding the medication strategy to facilitate this procedure. Many different sedative techniques for ECV are described.

To stop or not to stop: dissent and undue burden as reasons to stop participation in paediatric research.

Children participating in clinical research may show signs of discomfort, discontent, dissent and so on, that cannot be solved by comforting the child. When, and on what ground, should such signs lead to the decision to withdraw the child from the trial? In order to adequately protect children participating in clinical research, it is important to know how to determine during the course of a trial whether participation is still justified. Yet to date, legislation, ethical guidelines and medical ethical literature do not provide sufficient guidance.

Ambiguous articles in new EU Regulation may lead to exploitation of vulnerable research subjects.

Research involving minors or other incompetent subjects is ethically complex, particularly if the research does not directly benefit the subjects. Thus, many guidelines and regulations state that incompetent research subjects must not be included in such research unless it entails minimal risk and minimal burden. The new EU Clinical Trials Regulation adds the following to this well-known requirement: 'in comparison with the standard treatment of the subjects' condition'.