Targeting non-pulmonary vein triggers in persistent atrial fibrillation: results from a prospective, multicentre, observational registry.

Aims: We evaluated the efficacy of an ablation strategy empirically targeting pulmonary veins (PVs) and posterior wall (PW) and the prevalence and clinical impact of extrapulmonary trigger inducibility and ablation in a large cohort of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF).

Methods And Results: A total of 1803 PerAF patients were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) extended to the entire PW.

Incidence and causes of in-hospital outcomes and 30-day readmissions after percutaneous left atrial appendage closure: A US nationwide retrospective cohort study using claims data.

Background: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (pLAAC) emerged as an option for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation ineligible for long-term anticoagulation. Real-world data on pLAAC's in-hospital and 30-day readmission measures are limited.

Objective: We sought to report the nationwide incidence of the above outcomes using 2016 claims data.

Radiographic signs of hook of hamate fracture: evaluation of diagnostic utility.

Objective: Hook of hamate fracture, the most common swing-related wrist fracture, is commonly seen in high-level athletes. The fracture is rarely diagnosed on routine wrist radiographs, thus generally requiring CT or MR for diagnosis. Surgical excision has a high success rate, however diagnostic delay contributes to a high complication rate.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma presenting with diffusely increased pulmonary fluorodeoxyglucose uptake without corresponding CT abnormality.

A 60-year-old male presented with complaints of dyspnea, intermittent fever, and 40 pounds of weight loss over the previous 9 months and was admitted for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Labs demonstrated elevated inflammatory markers, mild anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scan demonstrated diffusely increased pulmonary fluorodeoxyglucose uptake without corresponding abnormality on CT images.

Endovascular Thrombectomy for Mild Strokes: How Low Should We Go?

Background and Purpose- Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is effective for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥6. However, EVT benefit for mild deficits large vessel occlusions (NIHSS, <6) is uncertain. We evaluated EVT efficacy and safety in mild strokes with large vessel occlusion.

Prophylactic catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in ischemic cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Catheter ablation is proven to be an effective strategy for drug refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) in ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, the appropriate timing of VT ablation and identifying the group of patients that may receive the greatest benefit remains uncertain. There is limited data on the effect on prophylactic catheter ablation (PCA) in the prevention of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy, electrical storm, and mortality.

Safety and Efficacy of Inpatient Initiation of Dofetilide versus Sotalol for atrial fibrillation.

Background: We sought to investigate and compare the safety and efficacy of two commonly used antiarrhythmic drugs, Dofetilide (DF) and Sotalol (SL), during inpatient drug initiation in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: We performed a single center retrospective study of consecutive patients, admitted for initiation of either DF or SL, for AF between 2012 and 2015. Rates of successful cardioversion, QT interval prolongation, adverse events and drug discontinuations were calculated and compared.

Analysis of Successful Versus Failed Radiographic Outcomes After Cervical Deformity Surgery.

Study Design: Prospective multicenter cohort study with consecutive enrollment.

Objective: To evaluate preoperative alignment and surgical factors associated with suboptimal early postoperative radiographic outcomes after surgery for cervical deformity.

Summary Of Background Data: Recent studies have demonstrated correlation between cervical sagittal alignment and patient-reported outcomes.

Treatment of Angio-Seal® Vascular Closure Device-Induced Acute Femoral Artery Occlusion with SilverHawk® Directional Atherectomy.

Vascular closure devices provide a safe and cost-effective method to achieve rapid hemostasis and early ambulation after angiographic procedures. Rarely, they can result in arterial injury with resultant stenosis or acute arterial closure requiring open surgical intervention. We report an Angio-Seal® vascular closure device-induced acute arterial closure successfully treated percutaneously with the SilverHawk® plaque excision system.

Ventricular tachycardia storm--an atypical presentation of sarcoidosis exacerbation.

Management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) storm in a patient with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a challenging medical emergency. We describe a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and an ICD who is admitted with VT storm. Management of VT was difficult due to resistance to multiple antiarrhythmic drugs.

New lipid lowering drugs and new effects of old drugs.

Old lipid acting drugs (fibrates, resins and niacin) continue to demonstrate morbidity and mortality benefits with variable efficacy and safety. Controlled trials have provided efficacy and safety data that support the use of statins as the first choice in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. Knowledge of old and new mechanisms of action, optimal doses, pharmacokinetic behavior and drug interactions improve the safety and effectiveness of these hypolipidemic agents.