The Kora Pacemaker is Safe and Effective for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Background: The impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on pacemakers is potentially hazardous. We present clinical results from a novel MRI conditional pacing system with the capability to switch automatically to asynchronous mode in the presence of a strong magnetic field.

Aims: The IKONE (Assessment of the MRI solution: KORA 100™ and Beflex™ pacing leads system) study is an open-label, prospective, multicenter study aimed at confirming the safety and effectiveness of the system, when used in patients undergoing MRI of anatomical regions excluding the chest.

Endocardial acceleration (sonR) vs. ultrasound-derived time intervals in recipients of cardiac resynchronization therapy systems.

Aims: Optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) requires the gathering of cardiac functional information. An accurate timing of the phases of the cardiac cycle is key in the optimization process.

Methods And Results: We compared Doppler echocardiography to an automated system, based on the recording of sonR (formerly endocardial acceleration), in the detection of mitral and aortic valves closures and measurements of the duration of systole and diastole.

Does the pretransplant UNOS status modify the short- and long-term cardiac transplant prognosis?

Background: We compared the morbidity and mortality rates of patients who had urgent heart transplantation or transplantation after bridging with a ventricular assist device, with the rates of patients whose clinical stability allowed them to wait at home.

Methods: From March 1985 to December 2000, 404 patients underwent heart transplantation in a single center. There were 273 patients with UNOS status 2 (US 2), 103 patients with UNOS Status 1A (US 1A), and 28 patients with UNOS Status 1B (US 1B).

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: distribution of disease genes, spectrum of mutations, and implications for a molecular diagnosis strategy.

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an autosomal-dominant disorder in which 10 genes and numerous mutations have been reported. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic screening of these genes in a large population, to evaluate the distribution of the disease genes, and to determine the best molecular strategy in clinical practice.

Methods And Results: The entire coding sequences of 9 genes (MYH7, MYBPC3, TNNI3, TNNT2, MYL2, MYL3, TPM1, ACTC, andTNNC1) were analyzed in 197 unrelated index cases with familial or sporadic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.