Successful left ventricular lead placement by way of an azygos vein for a patient performing cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation with an occluded left subclavian vein: A case report.

Central venous obstruction following pacemaker implantation is not uncommon and can prove challenging in the case of a system upgrade to a cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (CRT-P). We describe the case of a patient who underwent a successful upgrading procedure of a pacemaker to a CRT-P in the presence of an occluded left subclavian vein and superior vena cava, using collateral veins that drained into right atrium.

Successful implantation of left ventricular lead for a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator through a persistent left superior vena cava using the anchor balloon technique.

A 69-year-old woman was referred for upgrading implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) because of symptomatic heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. Her electrocardiogram showed left bundle branch block and echocardiography showed severe left ventricular dysfunction. Venography confirmed the presence of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), and occlusion of innominate vein and the coronary sinus (CS) ostium.

Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Vasospastic Angina Diagnosed by a Provocation Test with Secondary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.

This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and prognosis of patients with vasospastic angina (VSA) diagnosed by a provocation test with a secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), compared with patients with organic coronary stenosis. We retrospectively evaluated 309 consecutive patients who received an ICD implantation between January 2010 and March 2018 in our institutions. Of these patients, 206 were implanted with an ICD for secondary prevention.

A case report of pulmonary vein isolation with radiofrequency catheter using superior vena cava approach in patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and inferior vena cava filter.

Background: Transseptal puncture and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are generally performed via the inferior vena cava (IVC). However, in cases where the IVC is inaccessible, a specific strategy may be needed.

Case Summary: An 86-year-old woman with paroxysmal AF and an IVC filter was referred to our hospital for ablation therapy.

Significance of Ventricular Arrhythmia Based on Stored Electrogram Analysis in a Pacemaker Population.

The incidence of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with an implanted pacemaker is not yet known. The aim of this study was to analyze non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) episodes based on stored electrograms (EGM) and determine the occurrence rate and risk factors for NSVT in a pacemaker population.This study included 302 consecutive patients with a dual-chamber pacemaker.

Randomized controlled trial of landiolol, a short-acting beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker, illustrating changes in high-molecular weight adiponectin levels after elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

Adiponectin (APN) has cardioprotective properties and bisoprolol has been reported to increase myocardial APN expression and reduce myocardial damage. Administration of landiolol, which has a higher cardio-selectivity and shorter half-life than bisoprolol, during the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may increase serum APN and high-molecular weight (HMW)-APN, an active form of APN, in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP). We recruited 70 patients with SAP and randomized them to intravenous landiolol during PCI (N = 35) or control group (N = 35).

Relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and renal dysfunction in acute coronary syndrome.

Background: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with cardiovascular complications. However, the effect of SDB on renal function in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear.

Methods: We enrolled 154 consecutive ACS patients without heart failure.

The AB Portable Driver Generates Higher Drive-Line Pressures Possibly Leading to Accelerated Hemolysis.

The AB5000 Circulatory Support System is paracorporeal pulsatile ventricular assist device. The AB Portable Driver is a portable console for this system. We experienced two cases with accelerated hemolysis while receiving support by the AB Portable Driver.

Beneficial effect of early infusion of landiolol, a very short-acting beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker, on reperfusion status in acute myocardial infarction.

Background: An early IV beta blocker during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to reduce infarct size in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), although the underlying mechanism is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of early infusion of landiolol, the short-acting beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker, on the reperfusion status in a STEMI.

Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-group trial of landiolol during the primary PCI for a STEMI.

Combined impact of chronic kidney disease and contrast-induced nephropathy on long-term outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with poor outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, its combined prognostic significance remains unclear. We enrolled 577 patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI within 12 h after symptom onset and measured serum creatinine on admission and the next 3 days. CKD was defined as admission estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.

Association between gait speed as a measure of frailty and risk of cardiovascular events after myocardial infarction.

Objectives: This study sought to determine the additional clinical value of gait speed to Framingham risk score (FRS), cardiac function, and comorbid conditions in predicting cardiovascular events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: There is growing evidence that gait speed is inversely associated with all-cause mortality, particularly cardiovascular mortality, among the elderly.

Methods: We undertook a single-center prospective observational study of gait speed in 472 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in Japan, between 2001 and 2008.

Early, accurate, non-invasive predictors of left main or 3-vessel disease in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Background: In patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS), identification of left main and/or 3-vessel disease (LM/3VD) is crucial for deciding whether to initiate early treatment with clopidogrel, which can increase the risk of surgical bleeding.

Methods And Results: On admission, the clinical factors of 501 patients with NSTE-ACS, who underwent coronary angiography, were evaluated. ST-segment shifts and the widest QRS duration were measured on an admission 12-lead electrocardiogram.

Effects of pretreatment with statins on infarct size in patients with acute myocardial infarction who receive fibrinolytic therapy.

Background: Experimental studies suggest that statins promote vascular fibrinolysis, so statin treatment before the onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may result in a smaller infarct size.

Methods And Results: The study group comprised 310 patients with AMI who received fibrinolysis within 12 h after symptom onset: 39 had received statin pretreatment (statin group) and 271 had not (non-statin group). Initial Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade did not differ between groups.

ST-segment elevation resolution in lead aVR: a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Background: The impact of ST-segment elevation resolution in lead aVR on outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) is unclear.

Methods And Results: Electrocardigrams (ECGs) were recorded on admission and 6 h later in 367 patients with NSTE-ACS. ST-segment deviation >or=0.