Patients' Perspectives on the Data Confidentiality, Privacy, and Security of mHealth Apps: Systematic Review.

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) apps have the potential to enhance health care service delivery. However, concerns regarding patients' confidentiality, privacy, and security consistently affect the adoption of mHealth apps. Despite this, no review has comprehensively summarized the findings of studies on this subject matter.

Patients and Stakeholders' Perspectives Regarding the Privacy, Security, and Confidentiality of Data Collected via Mobile Health Apps in Saudi Arabia: Protocol for a Mixed Method Study.

Background: There is data paucity regarding users' awareness of privacy concerns and the resulting impact on the acceptance of mobile health (mHealth) apps, especially in the Saudi context. Such information is pertinent in addressing users' needs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Objective: This article presents a study protocol for a mixed method study to assess the perspectives of patients and stakeholders regarding the privacy, security, and confidentiality of data collected via mHealth apps in the KSA and the factors affecting the adoption of mHealth apps.

Half-Normal Saline vs Normal Saline for Cavotricuspid Isthmus-Dependent Atrial Flutter Ablation.

Background: Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation requires permanent bidirectional block to prevent recurrence of typical atrial flutter (AFL). Catheter irrigation with half-normal saline (HNS) produces larger and deeper lesions in experimental models compared with normal saline (NS). This study was performed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of HNS vs NS irrigation for typical AFL ablation.

Electrocardiographic predictors of atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke.

Background: Empiric anticoagulation is not routinely indicated in patients with cryptogenic stroke without documentation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, identification of patients at increased risk of AF from this vulnerable group is vital.

Objectives: To identify electrocardiographic (ECG) predictors of AF in patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) undergoing insertion of an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM).

Deactivation of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Patients With Terminal Diagnoses.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) prevent sudden cardiac death. However, in patients with terminal illnesses, these devices may disrupt the dying process. This study was undertaken to review our current strategies surrounding device deactivation.

Hybrid ablation under intraoperative 3D voltage mapping guidance.

Long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation remains a significant therapeutic challenge, often proving to be resistant to treatment with antiarrhythmic medications and transcatheter ablation. Hybrid ablation, which combines a minimally invasive surgical and transcatheter approach, is emerging as a promising treatment option. In this video tutorial, we demonstrate our method of hybrid ablation for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation using advanced 3D electro-anatomical voltage mapping to guide the ablation process and thereby improve the ultimate effectiveness of the procedure.

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices and End-of-Life Care: An Australian Perspective.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (pacemakers and defibrillators) are increasingly common in modern cardiology practice, and health professionals from a variety of specialties will encounter patients with such devices on a frequent basis. This article will focus on the subset of patients who may request, or be appropriate for, device deactivation and discuss the issues surrounding end-of-life decisions, along with the ethical and legal implications of device deactivation.

The predictive value of high sensitivity-troponin velocity within the first 6h of presentation for cardiac outcomes regardless of acute coronary syndrome diagnosis.

Background: Low-range troponin elevations without clear coronary manifestations remain a major diagnostic challenge. We sought to determine if troponin velocity could allow for early identification of patients without an obvious cardiac diagnosis and who are at increased risk for cardiac-specific events.

Methods & Results: All patients presenting to South Australian public hospitals between 1 September 2011 and 30 September 2012, with at least two troponin measurements during the first 6h after ED presentation were included.

High sensitivity-troponin elevation secondary to non-coronary diagnoses and death and recurrent myocardial infarction: An examination against criteria of causality.

Background: Myonecrosis provoked by illness unrelated to unstable coronary plaque is common, but uncertainty about a cause-effect relationship with future events challenges the appropriateness of initiating therapies known to be effective in cardiac conditions. We examined the causal relationship between troponin elevation in non-coronary diagnoses and late cardiac events using the Bradford Hills criteria for causality.

Methods And Results: Patients presenting acutely to South Australian public hospitals receiving at least one troponin between September 2011-September 2012 were included.