Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Basic Cardiac Electrophysiology in Adults; a Descriptive Review and a Prospective Case Study.

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a commonly used sedative agent with no or minimal effects on breathing. DEX may also be beneficial in myocardial protection. Since the mechanisms of cardiac effects are not well known, we carried out a descriptive review and examined the effects of DEX on myocardial electrical conduction in a prospective and controlled manner.

Timing of pacemaker and ICD implantation in mutation carriers.

Aims: cardiomyopathy is often associated with pathology in the cardiac conduction system necessitating device implantations. The aim was to study the timing and types of device implantations and need for re-implantations in mutation carriers.

Methods: We studied the hospital records of 60 mutation carriers concerning device implantations and re-implantations and their indications.

Noninvasive mapping reveals recurrent and suddenly changing patterns in atrial fibrillation-a magnetocardiographic study.

Objective: To study noninvasive magnetocardiographic (MCG) mapping of ongoing atrial fibrillation (AF) and, for the possible mapping patterns observed, to develop simplified but meaningful descriptors or parameters, providing a possible basis for future research and clinical use of the mappings.

Approach: MCG mapping with simultaneous ECG was recorded during arrhythmia in patients representing a range of typical, clinically classical atrial arrhythmias. The recordings were assessed using MCG map animations, and a method to compute magnetic field map orientation (MFO) and its time course was created to facilitate presentation of the findings.

[Update on current care guideline: atrial fibrillation].

The prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) are increasing rapidly. Key recommendations in management of AF include prompt administration of oral anticoagulation to all patients with elevated risk of thromboembolic complications, proper use of antiarrhythmic drugs and invasive therapies in highly symptomatic patients and adequate rate control in patients with permanent AF. The selection between warfarin and the novel oral anticoagulants (apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban) is based on careful evaluation of the benefits and disadvantages of the drugs in a given patient.

[Flatus gone astray and other causes of syncope ].

Loss of consciousness i.e. syncope is a common cause of getting to emergency call service.