AAIR versus DDDR pacing in the bradycardia tachycardia syndrome: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial.

In 19 patients paced and medicated for bradycardia tachycardia syndrome (BTS), AAIR and DDDR pacing were compared with regard to quality of life (QoL), atrial tachyarrhythmia (AFib), exercise tolerance, and left ventricular (LV)function. Patients had a PQ interval < or = 240 ms during sinus rhythm, no second or third degree AV block, no bundle branch block, or bifascicular block. In DDDR mode, AV delay was optimized using the aortic time velocity integral.

Advantages of short-lived positron-emitting radioisotopes for intracoronary radiation therapy with liquid-filled balloons to prevent restenosis.

Unlabelled: Balloon catheters filled with liquid radioisotopes provide excellent dose homogeneity for intracoronary radiation therapy but are associated with risk for rupture or leakage. We hypothesized that the safety of liquid-filled balloons may be improved once positron emitters with half-lives below 2 h are used instead of the high-energy beta-emitters 166Ho, 186Re, or 188Re, all of which have a longer half-life of at least 17 h.

Methods: To support this concept, the suitability of 18F (half-life, 109.

Septal lead implantation for the reduction of paced QRS duration using passive-fixation leads.

In 120 consecutive patients with standard pacing indications, we tested the feasibility of RV septal lead implantation technique guided by surface ECG and the degree to which this technique reduces paced QRS duration compared to RV apical stimulation when passive-fixation leads are used. During implantation, an ECG was recorded with a paper speed of 100 mm/s using the orthogonal Frank leads, and QRS was measured from the earliest to the latest deflection in any of the Frank leads. Pace-mapping of the septum was performed until QRS was minimal.

Acute and subacute stent occlusion; risk-reduction by ionic contrast media.

Aims: Current data concerning the influence of X-ray contrast media on the incidence of thrombotic complications in interventional cardiology are controversial. The effect of ionic contrast media on acute (< or =72 h) and subacute (< or =30 days) stent thrombosis has not been investigated.

Methods: Three thousand, nine hundred and ninety consecutive patients underwent coronary stent placement.