Multidisciplinary network in heart failure management in a community-based population: results and benefits at 2 years.

Objective: To study the effects of a network using simple routine tools, in a community-based population.

Methods: This is a non-randomized controlled study. Cardiosaintonge network set up on January 1st 2004, offered coordinating care involving general practitioners, cardiologists, nurses, physical therapists and dieticians to patients with heart failure.

Catheter ablation using very high frequency current: effects on the atrioventricular junction and ventricular myocardium in sheep.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation is currently used in the treatment of various cardiac arrhythmias. However, this technique is limited by impedance rise, leading to coagulum formation and desiccation of tissue. We developed a new generator, providing very high frequency (27 MHz) current, which is in the intermediate range between radiofrequency and microwave energy.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of drug refractory symptomatic ventricular ectopy: short- and long-term results.

We performed radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in 12 consecutive patients (17-77 years) with daily, symptomatic, monomorphic ventricular ectopy (VE) (12,096 +/- 3,326 on 24-hour Holter) resistant to antiarrhythmic drugs. Nine patients had no apparent structural heart disease, 1 patient had a mild dilated cardiomyopathy, 1 patient had a treated mitral stenosis, and 1 patient had arrhythmogenic ventricular dysplasia. VE morphology was LBBB with inferior axis in 9 patients, RBBB with inferior axis in 2 patients, RBBB with superior axis in 1 patient.

Predictive value of hemostatic factors for sudden death in patients with stable angina pectoris.

To assess hemostatic risk factors for sudden death in patients with stable angina, 323 consecutive patients were recruited prospectively. Patients with clinical heart failure or recent myocardial infarction were excluded. The following clinical variables were recorded: age, gender, smoking habits, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, and severe ventricular arrhythmia.

Characteristics of the ventricular insertion sites of accessory pathways with anterograde decremental conduction properties.

Background: Accessory pathways (APs) with anterograde decremental conduction properties referred to as Mahaim fibers have recently been recognized as originating from the right lateral atrium. Little information is available about their distal insertion. The purpose of this study was to determine the different kinds of APs involved and the characteristics of their distal insertion site.