Acute success and short-term follow-up of catheter ablation of isthmus-dependent atrial flutter; a comparison of 8 mm tip radiofrequency and cryothermy catheters.

Objectives: To compare the acute success and short-term follow-up of ablation of atrial flutter using 8 mm tip radiofrequency (RF) and cryocatheters.

Methods: Sixty-two patients with atrial flutter were randomized to RF or cryocatheter (cryo) ablation. Right atrial angiography was performed to assess the isthmus.

Bidirectional superior vena cava: right atrial conduction delay during tachycardia.

The superior vena cava, like all the thoracic veins, has myocardial sleeves and plays a role in initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation. Conduction delay between it and the right atrium has been shown previously. This case study shows delay in both directions during different arrhythmias in the same patient.

Left ventricular lead implantation assisted by magnetic navigation in a patient with a persistent left superior vena cava.

In a woman with a persistent left superior vena cava and a dilated coronary sinus, a right-sided biventricular ICD implantation was performed assisted by remote magnetic navigation. Intra-cardiac echocardiography was helpful in locating the coronary sinus os.

Open lung ventilation does not increase right ventricular outflow impedance: An echo-Doppler study.

Objective: Ventilation according to the open lung concept (OLC) consists of recruitment maneuvers, followed by low tidal volume and elevated positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Elevated PEEP is associated with an increased right ventricular afterload. We investigated the effect of OLC ventilation on right ventricular outflow impedance during inspiration and expiration in patients after cardiac surgery using transesophageal echo-Doppler.