Perioperative aspirin and coronary artery bypass graft surgery: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The decision to continue aspirin before elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery remains contentious because of competing thrombotic and bleeding risks. We performed a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis to compare outcomes between patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting who stopped and continued aspirin before surgery.

Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to 4 October 2023 for randomized controlled trials comparing patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting who continued preoperative aspirin with those who discontinued before surgery.

Environmental impact of large language models in medicine.

The environmental impact of large language models (LLMs) in medicine spans carbon emission, water consumption and rare mineral usage. Prior-generation LLMs, such as GPT-3, already have concerning environmental impacts. Next-generation LLMs, such as GPT-4, are more energy intensive and used frequently, posing potentially significant environmental harms.

Iso-lating optimal automated external defibrillator signage: An international survey.

Introduction: This study investigated the public's preference to a recognisable and meaningful signage for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in alignment with ISO 7010 standards, aiming to identify improvements for better public awareness and response during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA).

Methods: A survey was administered via SurveyMonkey® and Heart of the Nation's social media. The survey evaluated recognition of ISO signage colors and AED symbols, and preferences for alternative AED signs.

To be or not to be on: aspirin and coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Aspirin's role in secondary prevention for patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD) is well established, validated by numerous landmark trials over the past several decades. However, its perioperative use in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains contentious due to the delicate balance between the risks of thrombosis and bleeding. While continuation of aspirin in patients undergoing CABG following acute coronary syndrome is widely supported due to the high risk of re-infarction, the evidence is less definitive for elective CABG procedures.

Listen to your heart: a critical analysis of popular cardiology podcasts.

Purpose: Podcasts are an increasingly popular medium for medical education in the field of cardiology. However, evidence suggests that the quality of the information presented can be variable. The aim of our study was to assess the quality of the most popular cardiology podcasts on existing podcast streaming services, using tools designed to grade online medical education.

Near-death experiences after cardiac arrest: a scoping review.

Background: This scoping review aimed to characterise near-death experiences in the setting of cardiac arrest, a phenomenon that is poorly understood and may have clinical consequences.

Method: PubMed/MEDLINE was searched to 23 July 2023 for prospective studies describing near-death experiences in cardiac arrest. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were adhered to.

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation differences by sex - The role of arrest recognition.

Purpose: To assess whether bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) differed by patient sex among bystander-witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA).

Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of paramedic-attended OHCA in New South Wales (NSW) between January 2017 to December 2019 (restricted to bystander-witnessed cases). Exclusions included OHCA in aged care, medical facilities, with advance care directives, from non-medical causes.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Transcatheter Microwave and Radiofrequency Denervation in a Chronic Ovine Model.

Background: Transcatheter renal denervation (RDN) has had inconsistent efficacy and concerns for durability of denervation. We aimed to investigate long-term safety and efficacy of transcatheter microwave RDN in vivo in normotensive sheep in comparison to conventional radiofrequency ablation.

Methods And Results: Sheep underwent bilateral RDN, receiving 1 to 2 microwave ablations (maximum power of 80-120 W for 240 s-480 s) and 12 to 16 radiofrequency ablations (180 s-240 s) in the main renal artery in a paired fashion, alternating the side of treatment, euthanized at 2 weeks (acute N=15) or 5.

Intra-cardiac motion detection catheter for the early identification of acute pericardial tamponade during invasive cardiac procedures.

Objectives: To develop and test an intra-cardiac catheter fitted with accelerometers to detect acute pericardial effusion prior to the onset of hemodynamic compromise.

Background: Early detection of an evolving pericardial effusion is critical in ensuring timely treatment. We hypothesized that the reduction in movement of the lateral heart border present in developing pericardial effusions could be quantified by positioning an accelerometer in a lateral cardiac structure.

Clinician-Created Video Education for Patients With AF: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Patient education is a critical aspect of atrial fibrillation (AF) management. However, there is limited time to provide effective patient education during routine care, and resources available online are of variable quality.

Objective: To determine whether clinician-led creation of video-based AF education is feasible and improves knowledge of AF.

Pre-stroke anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation in primary English speakers and non-primary English speakers: a multicentre retrospective cohort study.

Background: Anticoagulation can prevent most strokes in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, many people presenting with stroke and known AF are not anticoagulated. Language barriers and poor health literacy have previously been associated with decreased patient medication adherence. The association between language barriers and initiation of anticoagulation therapy for AF is uncertain.

Examining training and attitudes to basic life support in multi-ethnic communities residing in New South Wales, Australia: A mixed-methods investigation.

Background: Bystander response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is critical to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival. Nearly 30% of Australian residents were born overseas, and little is known about their preparedness to perform CPR. In this mixed-methods study, we examined rates of training and willingness and barriers to performing CPR among immigrants in Australia.

Optimizing electrophysiology studies to prevent sudden cardiac death after myocardial infarction.

Aims: This study assessed associations of minimum final extrastimulus coupling interval utilized within electrophysiology study (EPS) after myocardial infarction (MI) and possible site of origin of induced ventricular tachycardia (VT) with long-term occurrence of spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmia and long-term survival.

Methods And Results: This prospective study recruited consecutive patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40% who underwent EPS days 3-5 after MI between 2004 and 2017. Positive EPS was defined as sustained monomorphic VT cycle length ≥200 ms for ≥10 s or shorter duration if haemodynamic compromise occurred.

Public attitudes towards automated external defibrillators: results of a survey in the Australian general population.

Background: Swift defibrillation by lay responders using automated external defibrillators (AEDs) increases survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This study evaluated newly designed yellow-red vs. commonly used green-white signage for AEDs and cabinets and assessed public attitudes to using AEDs during OHCA.