Randomized placebo controlled blinded study to assess valsartan efficacy in preventing left ventricle remodeling in patients with dual chamber pacemaker--Rationale and design of the trial.

Background: Dual chamber pacing is known to have detrimental effect on cardiac performance and heart failure occurring eventually is associated with increased mortality. Experimental studies of pacing in dogs have shown contractile dyssynchrony leading to diffuse alterations in extracellular matrix. In parallel, studies on experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury have shown efficacy of valsartan to inhibit activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9, to increase the activity of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and preserve global contractility and left ventricle ejection fraction.

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect in children up to 10 kg of body weight with Amplatzer device.

Background: Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in older children and adults is currently considered the first-choice therapeutic option. This approach remains challenging in younger children. The aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility, safety and midterm efficacy of percutaneous ASD closure in symptomatic infants ≤10 kg body weight in our institution.

Evaluation of factors affecting persistence of atrial fibrillation in patients with concomitant atrial flutter treated with percutaneous radiofrequency current ablation of the right atrial cavotricuspid isthmus.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) often coexist. In some patients, AF remission is seen after successful percutaneous radiofrequency current ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI).

Aim: To evaluate factors affecting AF remission in patients with typical AFL and concomitant AF who underwent CTI ablation.