Prospective Assessment of Linox Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Leads for Structural or Electrical Abnormalities.

Introduction: Insulation failure leading to conductor externalization (CE) of a Linox (Biotronik, Berlin, Germany) implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead has recently been reported. The aim of this study was to assess prospectively all Linox family ICD leads implanted at our center for evidence of CE or an electrical abnormality.

Methods: All patients with a Linox family ICD lead implanted at our center, between November 2007 and March 2015, were identified and all living patients were invited to attend for fluoroscopic screening and electrical assessment of the lead.

Dietary Micronutrient Intake and Micronutrient Status in Patients With Chronic Stable Heart Failure: An Observational Study.

Background: Observational studies suggest that patients with heart failure have a tendency to a reduced status of a number of micronutrients and that this may be associated with an adverse prognosis. A small number of studies also suggest that patients with heart failure may have reduced dietary intake of micronutrients, a possible mechanism for reduced status.

Objective: The aims of this study were to assess dietary micronutrient intake and micronutrient status in a group of patients with heart failure.

Insulation Failure of the Linox Defibrillator Lead: A Case Report and Retrospective Review of a Single Center Experience.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead insulation failure and conductor externalization have been increasingly reported. The 7.8F silicon-insulated Linox SD and Linox S ICD leads (Biotronik, Berlin, Germany) were released in 2006 and 2007, respectively, with an estimated 85,000 implantations worldwide.

Fluoroscopic and electrical assessment of implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads: a prospective observational study.

Background: Insulation defects resulting in conductor externalization (CE) have been reported in the Riata family of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA). The aim of this study was to identify, prospectively, the rate of CE and outcomes following this, within a group of patients with a Riata ICD lead.

The effect of multiple micronutrient supplementation on left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with chronic stable heart failure: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Objectives: This study sought to investigate the effect of a multiple micronutrient supplement on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with heart failure.

Background: Observational studies suggest that patients with heart failure have reduced intake and lower concentrations of a number of micronutrients. However, there have been very few intervention studies investigating the effect of micronutrient supplementation in patients with heart failure.

The role of micronutrients in heart failure.

Heart failure is a common condition in the Western world, particularly among elderly persons and with an ever-aging population, the incidence is expected to increase. Diet in the setting of heart failure is important--patients with this condition are advised to consume a low-salt diet and monitor their weight closely. Nutritional status of patients with heart failure also is important--those with poor nutritional status tend to have a poor long-term prognosis.