Efficiency of the RADPAD Surgical Cap in Reducing Brain Exposure During Pacemaker and Defibrillator Implantation.

Objectives: This study sought to investigate the RADPAD No Brainer (Worldwide Innovation and Technologies, Overland Park, Kansas) efficiency in reducing brain exposure to scattered radiation.

Background: Cranial radioprotective caps such as the RADPAD No Brainer are being marketed as devices that significantly reduce operator's brain exposure to scattered radiation. However, the efficiency of the RADPAD No Brainer in reducing brain exposure in clinical practice remains unknown to date.

The impact of body mass index on the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Background: Obesity is a well established risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) development. Our purpose was to determine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF.

Methods: Two hundred and twenty-six consecutive patients with symptomatic, drug-refractory paroxysmal (59.

Electrocardiographic differentiation of common type atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia from atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia via a concealed accessory pathway.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of specific ECG markers in the differentiation of common type atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) via a concealed accessory pathway.

Methods: One hundred and ten ECGs with paroxysmal narrow QRS complex, short RP tachycardia were evaluated. Subjects with overt ventricular pre-excitation during sinus rhythm were excluded from the study.

Pressure-guided cryoballoon isolation of the pulmonary veins for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Background: Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using a balloon-mounted cryoablation system is a new technology for the percutaneous treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Complete PV occlusion during balloon ablation has been shown to predict successful electrical isolation. The aim of this study was to correlate mechanical PV occlusion with changes in a pressure curve recorded at the distal tip of the cryoballoon catheter.