Patients' perceptions with dabigatran in patients with atrial fibrillation previously treated with vitamin K antagonists.

To analyze the perception of anticoagulation with dabigatran in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation previously treated with vitamin K antagonists over a 6-month period.  This is a prospective, noninterventional, noncontrolled, multicenter study. To assess patients' perceptions, PACT-Q2 questionnaire was completed.

Impact of dual-chamber pacing with closed loop stimulation on quality of life in patients with recurrent reflex vasovagal syncope: results of the SPAIN study.

Aims: Reflex vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of syncope and patients with recurrent episodes may severely impair quality of life (QoL). This pre-specified analysis evaluated whether the clinically significant reduction in syncope burden demonstrated by dual-chamber pacing with closed loop stimulation (DDD-CLS) reported in the SPAIN trial translates into improved QoL.

Methods And Results: Patients aged ≥40 years with ≥5 VVS episodes and cardioinhibitory response induced by head-up tilt testing were included.

Dual-Chamber Pacing With Closed Loop Stimulation in Recurrent Reflex Vasovagal Syncope: The SPAIN Study.

Background: Pacing in vasovagal syncope remains controversial.

Objectives: The authors evaluated dual-chamber pacing with closed loop stimulation (DDD-CLS) in patients with cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, controlled study included Canadian and Spanish patients age ≥40 years, with high burden syncope (≥5 episodes, ≥2 episodes in the past year), and a cardioinhibitory head-up tilt test (bradycardia <40 beats/min for 10 s or asystole >3 s).

EuroEco (European Health Economic Trial on Home Monitoring in ICD Patients): a provider perspective in five European countries on costs and net financial impact of follow-up with or without remote monitoring.

Aim: Remote follow-up (FU) of implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) allows for fewer in-office visits in combination with earlier detection of relevant findings. Its implementation requires investment and reorganization of care. Providers (physicians or hospitals) are unsure about the financial impact.