Nonpharmacologic rate control of postoperative atrial fibrillation in the canine sterile pericarditis model.

Introduction: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common following open heart surgery, and is associated with significant morbidity. Medications used for ventricular rate control of POAF may not be effective in controlling rapid ventricular rates during the postoperative period because of increased sympathetic tone. The purpose of this study was to develop nonpharmacologic rate control of POAF by atrioventricular node (AVN) fat pad stimulation using clinically available temporary pacing wires in the canine sterile pericarditis model.

Validation of a new species for studying postoperative atrial fibrillation: Swine sterile pericarditis model.

Background: The canine sterile pericarditis model associated with atrial inflammation is an experimental counterpart of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). However, the use of canines for research is restricted by ethics committees in many countries, and social acceptance is declining.

Objective: To validate the feasibility of the swine sterile pericarditis model as an experimental counterpart to study POAF.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy plus coupled pacing improves acutely myocardial function in heart failure patients.

Background: Coupled pacing (CP), which consists of an additional beat delivered after ventricular refractory period, has been proposed to reduce ventricular rate and increase ventricular contractility. We hypothesized that CP may be added to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) to improve CRT effect in heart failure (HF) patients.

Methods: The study included 20 consecutive HF patients in sinus rhythm referred for CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation (baseline left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 27 ± 6%, baseline QRS duration 149 ± 33 ms, age = 63 ± 11 years).

Reviewing the use of ethylcellulose, methylcellulose and hypromellose in microencapsulation. Part 3: Applications for microcapsules.

This three-part review has been developed following the evaluation of literature where ethylcellulose, methylcellulose, or hypromellose was used to make microcapsules. Parts 1 and 2 of the review are published in separate papers. Part 1 covers the various materials used to formulate microcapsules, and Part 2 covers the various techniques used to make microcapsules.

Reviewing the use of ethylcellulose, methylcellulose and hypromellose in microencapsulation. Part 1: materials used to formulate microcapsules.

This review highlights references where ethylcellulose, methylcellulose and hypromellose were used to make microcapsules. The review has been divided into three parts. This first part discusses various materials used to formulate microcapsules, such as the three encapsulating polymers as well as protective colloids, plasticizers and surfactants.