Protection from outpatient sudden cardiac death following ICD removal using a wearable cardioverter defibrillator.

Background: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is effective in preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD). Once an ICD is removed and reimplantation is not feasible, a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) may be an alternative option. We determined the effectiveness of WCD for SCD prevention in patients who were discharged after ICD removal.

Arrhythmias and heart failure.

Atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias are frequently seen in patients with heart failure, and complicate the management of such patients. Both types of arrhythmia lead to increased morbidity and mortality, and often prove to be challenging issues to manage. The many randomized studies that have been performed in patients with these conditions and concomitant heart failure have helped in designing optimal treatment strategies.

Clinical utility of intravascular ultrasound in the assessment of coronary allograft vasculopathy: a review.

Coronary artery vasculopathy (CAV) is one of the major factors that limit the long-term survival of heart transplant recipients. It is difficult to diagnose CAV, especially in the early stages. Traditional coronary angiography has been used for the diagnosis of CAV, but this method has limitations.

Renal dysfunction in heart failure patients: what is the evidence?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an increasingly common medical condition and the fastest growing cardiovascular diagnosis in North America. Over one-third of patients with heart failure also have renal insufficiency. It has been shown that renal insufficiency confers worsened outcomes to patients with heart failure.