RR interval variability in the evaluation of ventricular tachycardia and effects of implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy.

Background: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the most reliable therapeutic device for preventing sudden cardiac death in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). Regarding its effectiveness, targeted VT is defined based on the tachyarrhythmia cycle length. However, variations in RR interval variability of VTs may occur.

Superior Rhythm Discrimination With the SmartShock Technology Algorithm - Results of the Implantable Defibrillator With Enhanced Features and Settings for Reduction of Inaccurate Detection (DEFENSE) Trial.

Background: Shocks delivered by implanted anti-tachyarrhythmia devices, even when appropriate, lower the quality of life and survival. The new SmartShock Technology(SST) discrimination algorithm was developed to prevent the delivery of inappropriate shock. This prospective, multicenter, observational study compared the rate of inaccurate detection of ventricular tachyarrhythmia using the SST vs.

Seizures and syncope due to complete atrioventricular block in a patient with acute myocarditis with a normal left ventricular systolic function.

A 43-year-old man was admitted to our hospital presenting with seizures and syncope. He had a history of a cold with a fever of 39°C occurring three days earlier. Electrocardiography (ECG) showed complete atrioventricular block (AV block) with a maximum pause of 32 seconds, for which temporary pacing was performed.