Late elimination of challenging idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias originating from left ventricular summit by anatomical ablation.

Ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) originating from left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT)/left ventricular summit (LVS) is challenging with considerable rate of failure. Recently, in a novel approach to ablation of these arrythmias, application of radiofrequency energy to anatomically opposite sites of presumed origin of arrythmia, has been associated with moderate procedure success. Although late elimination of PVCs that are persistent following an ablation procedure has been previously reported, this observation has not been studied sufficiently.

Effect of radiofrequency on epicardial myocardium after ablation of ventricular arrhythmias from within coronary sinus.

Background: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (IVA) from the coronary venous system (CVS) has been increasingly performed, but real effect of ablation lesions from CVS on epicardial myocardium has not been studied.

Objective: To compare effects of RF delivered inside the distal CVS during ablation of IVAs originating from left ventricular summit (LVS) with IVAs ablated from right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI).

Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with IVAs who underwent acutely successful RF ablation at initial appropriate sites, i.

Evaluation of acute infection-induced endothelial dysfunction and its potential mediators.

Objectives: Inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Some studies suggest a link between chronic infections, an inflammatory state, and endothelial dysfunction. However, data related to acute infections are scant.

The association of elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein with endothelial dysfunction in cardiac syndrome X.

Background: The aim of the study is to evaluate the association of inflammatory markers with endothelial function in syndrome X.

Methods: The study population consisted of 59 prospectively enrolled patients (28 women and 31 men; mean age, 50.29 +/- 6.

Defibrillation testing and early neurologic outcome.

During implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation, ventricular defibrillation testing (DFT) is considered a standard procedure. This procedure often requires multiple ventricular fibrillation (VF) inductions. These repeated short episodes of circulatory arrest with global cerebral ischemia may cause neurological damage.

Effect of transvenous cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation on cardiac troponin I release.

Background: Pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation increases cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels which indicates myocardial injury. During implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, balloon inflation for coronary sinus (CS) venogram, cannulation of CS side branch, and electrode advancement may interfere with CS drainage and, hence, may decrease the washout of toxic metabolites from the heart. Thus, CRT implantation may further increase cTnI levels.

The effect of high-dose aspirin pre-treatment on the incidence of myonecrosis following elective coronary stenting.

Background: Inadequate platelet response to aspirin is associated with increased incidence of peri-procedural myonecrosis. Antiplatelet activity of aspirin can be improved by increasing the dose. High-dose aspirin pre-treatment, therefore, may reduce the incidence of myonecrosis post stenting.