Decreased Defibrillation Threshold and Minimized Myocardial Damage With Left Axilla Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation.

Background: To reduce myocardial damage caused by implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock, the left axilla was studied as an alternative pulse generator implantation site, and compared with the traditional implantation site, the left anterior chest.

Methods and results: Computer simulation was used to study the defibrillation conduction pattern and estimate the simulated defibrillation threshold (DFT) and myocardial damage when pulse generators were placed in the left axilla and left anterior chest, respectively; pulse generators were also newly implanted in the left axilla (n=30) and anterior chest (n=40) to compare the corresponding DFT. On simulation, when ICD generators were implanted in the left axilla, compared with the left anterior chest, the whole heart may be defibrillated with a lower defibrillation energy (left axilla 6.

Efficacy and Myocardial Injury With Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators - Computer Simulation of Defibrillation Shock Conduction.

Background: Subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillator (S-ICD) systems have a lower invasiveness than traditional ICD systems, and expand the indications of ICD implantations. The S-ICD standard defibrillation shock output energy, however, is approximately 4 times that of the traditional ICD system. This raises concern about the efficacy of the defibrillation and myocardial injury.

Left axillary pacemaker generator implantation with a direct puncture of the left axillary vein.

Background: Pacemaker generators are routinely implanted in the anterior chest. However, where to place the generator may need to be considered from the mental, functional, and cosmetic standpoints.

Methods: In this study, we performed the left axillary pacemaker generator implantation with a direct puncture of the left axillary vein in 40 consecutive patients, and evaluated the late safety and efficacy of this implantation.

Cost effectiveness of radiofrequency catheter ablation vs. medical treatment for atrial fibrillation in Japan. -Cost performance for atrial fibrillation-.

Background: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RF) has recently become widely available for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and has broadened treatment options while confusing the selection of medication therapy or RF.

Methods And Results: Two drugs for the maintenance of sinus rhythm (Ry) and 2 drugs for control of the pulse rate (Ra) were selected and the costs of medication therapy were calculated. RF procedures were grouped into 2 groups each for persistent or paroxysmal AF (RF) and for chronic AF (RFChr), according to the cost of the devices used.

Changes in cardio-ankle vascular index in smoking cessation.

Aim: To investigate the effect of smoking and smoking cessation on cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).

Methods: The subjects were 82 smokers (77 men, 64+/-10 years) and 20 non-smokers (18 men, 61+/-7 years). CAVI was measured every 3 months and CAVI severity was classified into 3 levels.

[Angina pectoris presenting with unusual form of coronary spasm: a case report].

A 46-year-old male with asthma bronchiale and eosinophilia was admitted to our hospital because of continuous severe chest pain. Electrocardiography showed ST segment elevation in leads II, III and aVF during chest pain. Emergency coronary angiography showed a series of coronary arterial narrowings in segments 1 and 2.

[A relationship between insulin resistance and reduction in oxidative stress in vivo by atorvastatin].

Objectives: To examine the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and the reduction of oxidative stress in vivo by the statin atorvastatin.

Methods: This study included 40 patients with hypercholesterolemia without a history of diabetes mellitus (21 males, 19 females, mean age 62 +/- 11 years). Homeostasis assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used as a marker for insulin resistance.