New generation of transvenous left ventricular leads - first experience with implantation of multipolar left ventricular leads.

Background: Aside from unfavourable anatomy, inacceptable pacing thresholds and phrenic nerve stimulation represent major obstacles for successful left ventricular (LV) lead placement for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Objective: To implant, for the first time, a new generation of transvenous multipolar LV leads (a quad-electrode lead) in combination with a CRT-cardioverter defibrillator, and to demonstrate that this combination allows for 10 different pacing vectors to combat the problems cited above.

Methods: Thirty patients were selected for CRT-cardioverter defibrillator implantation.

Evaluation of methods to predict early long-term neurobehavioral outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Postoperative cognitive decrease (POCD) represents the most frequent complication in modern cardiac surgery. The application of easily assessable surrogate parameters that predict long-term POCD at early time points is tempting. The aim of the present study was to analyze the predictive value of cerebral biomarkers, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI), and cognitive bedside testing after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Protecting the brain from gaseous and solid micro-emboli during coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized controlled trial.

Aims: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether intra-operative filter devices protect the brain during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to determine the impact of solid and gaseous micro-emboli on neuropsychological functioning.

Methods And Results: Patients undergoing CABG received either an intra-aortic filter (Embol-X) (n = 43), designed to reduce solid micro-emboli, a dynamic bubble trap (DBT) (n = 50), designed to reduce gaseous micro-emboli, or no additional device (control group) (n = 50). Cognitive functioning was assessed before and 3 months after CABG.