Impact of atrial remodeling on heart rhythm after radiofrequency ablation and mitral valve operations.

Background: This study was conducted to determine the effect of left atrial structural remodeling on heart rhythm after radiofrequency ablation concomitant to mitral valve operation.

Methods: Sixty-six consecutive patients with of atrial fibrillation (AF) and mitral valve disease underwent radiofrequency ablation and mitral valve operation. Heart rhythm was evaluated before and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Indications, results of therapy and factors which influence survival in patients treated with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.

Background And Aim: During nearly 40 years of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) application in advanced medical therapy more and more indications for this treatment have been proposed. Despite increasing experience with IABP, the clinical effects of IABP use are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine results of IABP use and factors which influence survival in cardiogenic shock (CS) caused by different clinical disorders when treated with IABP.

QT interval dispersion as a new marker of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of isolated single-vessel coronary artery stenosis.

Background: There are no reliable non-invasive markers of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The aim of our study was to measure changes in QT interval dispersion after PTCA and to determine whether restenosis subsequently affects QT interval dispersion.

Methods And Results: Fifty-six consecutive patients - 41 men and 15 women (mean age: 56.