Thrombocytopenia, dual antiplatelet therapy, and heparin bridging strategy increase pocket hematoma complications in patients undergoing cardiac rhythm device implantation.

Background: Pocket hematoma is a troublesome complication associated with the implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This study aims to determinate the risk factors of pocket hematoma complications in relation to different antithrombotic strategies and severity of thrombocytopenia in Chinese patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 1093 consecutive patients undergoing implantation of CIEDs and divided them into 3 groups: no antithrombotic group (n = 512), continuing antiplatelet group (n = 477), and temporarily discontinuing warfarin with or without heparin bridging strategy (n = 104).

Right ventricular outflow tract pacing causes intraventricular dyssynchrony in patients with sick sinus syndrome: a real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic study.

Background: The optimal right ventricular pacing site remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess how acute right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) pacing affects global left ventricular function and intraventricular dyssynchrony of the left ventricle.

Methods: Thirty-six patients with sick sinus syndrome and intact intrinsic atrioventricular conduction were enrolled.

Right ventricular apical pacing acutely impairs left ventricular function and induces mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with sick sinus syndrome: a real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic study.

Background: Chronic right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing can lead to an increased risk of heart failure. However, assessment of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony in the whole left ventricle simultaneously with acute RVA pacing has never been investigated.

Methods And Results: This study included 35 patients with sick sinus syndrome and intact intrinsic atrioventricular conduction.

Direct stenting of a transradial left internal mammary artery graft.

Taking the transfemoral approach when performing a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft intervention is generally recognized as posing significant technical challenges. However, little has been reported on alternative transradial approaches to LIMA. In this report, we present our experience in a patient who had anastomosis-site LIMA graft stenosis and was successfully treated with direct stenting.