One-year outcomes after stereotactic body radiotherapy for refractory ventricular tachycardia.

Background: Cardiac stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as a promising noninvasive treatment for refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the safety and effectiveness of SBRT for VT in refractory to extensive ablation.

Methods: After maximal medical and ablation therapy, patients were enrolled in a prospective registry.

SSRI/SNRI Therapy is Associated With a Higher Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in LVAD Patients.

Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is common in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. Serotonin release from platelets promotes platelet aggregation, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor/serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSRI/SNRI) therapy inhibits the transporter responsible for re-uptake.

Methods: We reviewed the records of LVAD (HeartMateII™, Abbott Medical, Lake Bluff, IL, USA and Heartware™, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) patients at the Medical University of South Carolina and Johns Hopkins Hospital between January 2009 and January 2016.