Telemedical cardiac risk assessment by implantable cardiac monitors in patients after myocardial infarction with autonomic dysfunction (SMART-MI-DZHK9): a prospective investigator-initiated, randomised, multicentre, open-label, diagnostic trial.

Background: Cardiac autonomic dysfunction after myocardial infarction identifies patients at high risk despite only moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. We aimed to show that telemedical monitoring with implantable cardiac monitors in these patients can improve early detection of subclinical but prognostically relevant arrhythmic events.

Methods: We did a prospective investigator-initiated, randomised, multicentre, open-label, diagnostic trial at 33 centres in Germany and Austria.

[Is the determination of the defibrillation threshold in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator still required?].

Background: Intraoperative testing of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) is time consuming and associated with risks. In the present study, we elucidated whether the initial implantation of an ICD with high energy output makes intraoperative defibrillation threshold testing (DFTT) unnecessary even though antiarrhythmic (AA) therapy is needed in the future.

Methods: A total of 111 patients (94 men, 17 women) receiving an ICD with subsequent AA therapy (mexiletine, amiodarone, sotalol, flecainide) were analyzed retrospectively.

Cost savings and safety of ICD remote control by telephone: a prospective, observational study.

We examined the costs and safety of follow-up of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). In a prospective study, a remote monitoring system was used to interrogate ICD devices via telephone. Twenty patients with an ICD were followed up conventionally (clinic visits) or remotely at 1, 3 and 6 months after implantation of the ICD.

Biophysical characterization of KCNQ1 P320 mutations linked to long QT syndrome 1.

Hereditary long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a cardiovascular disorder characterized by prolongation of the QT interval on the surface ECG and a high risk for arrhythmia-related sudden death. Mutations in a cardiac voltage-gated potassium channel, KCNQ1, account for the most common form of LQTS, LQTS1. The objective of this study was the characterization of a novel KCNQ1 mutation linked to LQTS.

Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy predict occurrence of arrhythmic events.

Background: Patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (DCM) are at high risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, the predictive value of prophylactic implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) in this patient cohort is yet unclear.

Methods And Results: Whether NT pro BNP levels and/or reproducible non sustained ventricular tachycardias (NSVTs) are predictive for SCD was prospectively tested in 30 patients with DCM and LVEF View Article and Find Full Text PDF