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Enriquez AD, Kattel S. Radiofrequency Ablation: Four Decades Later, Still Optimizing Lesion Characterization. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2022; 33:883-884. [PMID: 35262984 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Intracardiac catheter ablation was first introduced in the early 1980s with a direct current shock used as the energy source. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Enriquez
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Sharma Kattel
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Buja LM, Schoen FJ. The pathology of cardiovascular interventions and devices for coronary artery disease, vascular disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Cardiovasc Pathol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822224-9.00024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Li JL, Wang LQ, Zhang N, Su XT, Lin Y, Yang JW, Shi GX, Liu CZ. Acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for arrhythmia: a Delphi expert consensus survey. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2021; 11:1067-1079. [PMID: 34815957 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-21-201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Current evidence suggests that acupuncture is an effective adjunctive therapy that can bring potential benefits to patients with cardiac arrhythmias. However, there are relevant gaps in the optimal therapeutic strategy, which may cause uncertainties on the best practice of acupuncture treatment for arrhythmia. We aim to develop consensus-based recommendations for clinical guidance on acupuncture treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Methods A multidisciplinary panel of specialists was invited to participate in a two-round semi-open clinical issue investigation. Meanwhile, relevant literature reviews were searched in 3 databases to provide evidence. Subsequently, an initial consensus voting list on acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for cardiac arrhythmias was derived from the clinical investigation and literature review. Finally, 30 authoritative experts reached a consensus on the key issues of the voting list by a three-round modified Delphi survey. Consensus was defined when >80% agreement was achieved. Results Following the three-round Delphi survey, there were 32 items (91.43%) finally reaching consensus, including the following 5 domains: (I) the benefits of acupuncture for the appropriate population; (II) the general therapeutic principle; (III) the acupuncture strategy; (IV) the relevant adverse events; (V) others. Conclusions Consensus was achieved on some key elements. Given the lack of guidelines and the substantial heterogeneity of previous studies, these recommendations are of value in providing guidance for clinical practice of acupuncturists and in assisting patients with arrhythmia to obtain standardized acupuncture treatment. It also pointed out some problems that need to be carefully explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ling Li
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Qiong Wang
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhang
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Tong Su
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Lin
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Wen Yang
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Xia Shi
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Wei C, Qian PC, Boeck M, Bredfeldt JS, Blankstein R, Tedrow UB, Mak R, Zei PC. Cardiac stereotactic body radiation therapy for ventricular tachycardia: Current experience and technical gaps. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:2901-2914. [PMID: 34587335 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite advances in drug and catheter ablation therapy, long-term recurrence rates for ventricular tachycardia remain suboptimal. Cardiac stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a novel treatment that has demonstrated reduction of arrhythmia episodes and favorable short-term safety profile in treatment-refractory patients. Nevertheless, the current clinical experience is early and limited. Recent studies have highlighted variable duration of treatment effect and substantial recurrence rates several months postradiation. Contributing to these differential outcomes are disparate approaches groups have taken in planning and delivering radiation, owing to both technical and knowledge gaps limiting optimization and standardization of cardiac SBRT. METHODS AND FINDINGS In this report, we review the historical basis for cardiac SBRT and existing clinical data. We then elucidate the current technical gaps in cardiac radioablation, incorporating the current clinical experience, and summarize the ongoing and needed efforts to resolve them. CONCLUSION Cardiac SBRT is an emerging therapy that holds promise for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia. Technical gaps remain, to be addressed by ongoing research and growing clincial experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wei
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pierre C Qian
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle Boeck
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeremy S Bredfeldt
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ron Blankstein
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Usha B Tedrow
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raymond Mak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul C Zei
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Kautzner J, Albenque JP, Natale A, Maddox W, Cuoco F, Neuzil P, Poty H, Getman MK, Liu S, Starek Z, Dukkipati SR, Colley BJ, Al-Ahmad A, Sidney DS, McElderry HT. A Novel Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation System Used to Treat Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2021; 7:352-363. [PMID: 33516712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES DIAMOND-AF (DiamondTemp™ Ablation System for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation) was a prospective, multicenter, noninferiority, randomized trial that compared the safety and effectiveness of the DTA system versus those of a force-sensing RF ablation system (control) for the treatment of patients with drug-refractory, recurrent, symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND Irrigated radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheters lose tissue temperature acuity, which is vital in assessing lesion formation. DiamondTemp Ablation (DTA) was designed to re-establish accurate tissue temperature measurements during ablation. METHODS A total of 482 patients with paroxysmal AF were randomized (239 DTA, 243 control) to undergo pulmonary vein isolation and were followed up at 23 sites. Patients were screened for disease progression, cardiac characteristics, and prior interventions. Primary endpoints were effectiveness (freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence) and safety (composite of procedure- and device-related serious adverse events). RESULTS The primary safety event rate was 3.3% in the DTA group versus 6.6% in the control group (p < 0.001 vs. 6.5% noninferiority margin). Primary effectiveness was met in 79.1% of DTA subjects and 75.7% of control subjects (p < 0.001 vs. -12.5% noninferiority margin). Secondary endpoint analysis found that off-drug effectiveness favored DTA compared with the control (142 [59.4%] vs. 120 [49.4%], respectively; p = 0.03). Total RF time and individual RF ablation duration were significantly shorter with less saline infused through the DTA catheter (p < 0.001). Both arms saw clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Safety and efficacy of the DTA system proved noninferior to force-sensing RF ablation in a paroxysmal AF population. Efficiencies were observed using DTA with shorter total RF times, individual RF ablation durations, and less saline infusion. (DiamondTemp™ Ablation System for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation; NCT03334630).
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Kautzner
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - William Maddox
- University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Frank Cuoco
- Trident Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Herve Poty
- Clinique du Tonkin, Valleurbanne, France
| | | | - Shufeng Liu
- Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Zdenek Starek
- St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Amin Al-Ahmad
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA
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Abstract
This article represents an overview of the basic concepts of cardiac electrophysiology. This relatively new field became a subspecialty of cardiology in the mid-1990s due to the rapid development of equipment that allowed the study and cure of cardiac arrhythmias percutaneously. Simultaneously, technology provided the field with percutaneous cardiac implantable electronic devices designed to protect patients from life-threatening bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias. Recently, the field has focused on the ablative treatment of atrial fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia facing an aging population, and the diagnosis and management of many inherited arrhythmias through advances in understanding of their genetic cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Costantini
- Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, Summa Health Heart and Vascular Institute, Summa Health System, 95 Arch Street, Suite 350, Akron, OH 44304, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Amiodarone and acupuncture (AA) are commonly used to treat cardiac arrhythmia (CA). The objective of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy and safety of AA for patients with CA. METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of AA for CC will be searched from 9 databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Information, and Wanfang Data from inception to February 1, 2019 without any limitations. Two reviewers will independently screen the relevant papers, extract data, and evaluate the risk of bias for each included study. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for meta-analysis. The primary outcome includes arrhythmic episodes (including time and frequency domain parameters). The secondary outcomes consist of health-related quality of life, oxygen saturation, and safety. RESULTS The protocol of this proposed study will provide evidence to judge whether AA is an effective treatment for patients with CA. CONCLUSION The findings of this proposed study will summarize the up-to-date evidence of AA for CA. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42019120962.
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Zhao X, Fu X, Blumenthal C, Wang YT, Jenkins MW, Snyder C, Arruda M, Rollins AM. Integrated RFA/PSOCT catheter for real-time guidance of cardiac radio-frequency ablation. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 9:6400-6411. [PMID: 31065438 PMCID: PMC6490984 DOI: 10.1364/boe.9.006400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an important standard therapy for cardiac arrhythmias, but direct monitoring of tissue treatment is currently lacking. We demonstrate an RFA catheter integrated with polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) for directly monitoring the RFA process in real time. The integrated RFA/OCT catheter was modified from a standard clinical RFA catheter and includes a miniature forward-viewing cone-scanning OCT probe. The PSOCT system was validated with a quarter-wave plate while the RFA function of the integrated catheter was validated by comparing lesion sizes with those made with an unmodified RFA catheter. Additionally, the integrated catheter guided catheter-tissue apposition and monitored RFA lesion formation in cardiac tissue in real time. The results show that catheter-tissue contact can be characterized by observing the features of the blood and tissue in the acquired OCT images and that RFA lesion formation can be confirmed by monitoring the change in phase retardance in the acquired PSOCT images. This system demonstrates the feasibility of an integrated RFA/OCT catheter to deliver RF energy and image the cardiac wall simultaneously and justifies further research into use of this technology to aid RFA therapy for cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- authors contributed equally
| | - Xiaoyong Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- authors contributed equally
| | - Colin Blumenthal
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Yves T. Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Michael W. Jenkins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Christopher Snyder
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Mauricio Arruda
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA
| | - Andrew M. Rollins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Chen G, Sun G, Xu R, Chen X, Yang L, Bai Y, Yang S, Guo P, Zhang Y, Zhao C, Wang DW, Wang Y. Zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation of severe drug-resistant arrhythmia guided by Ensite NavX system during pregnancy: Two case reports and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e4487. [PMID: 27512864 PMCID: PMC4985319 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000004487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac arrhythmias can occur during pregnancy. Owing to radiation exposure and other uncertain risks for the mother and fetus, catheter ablation has rarely been performed and is often delayed until the postpartum period. We reported 2 pregnant women who were experiencing severe arrhythmias and were successfully ablated without fluoroscopic guidance. We also carried out a literature review of cases of pregnant women who underwent zero-fluoroscopy ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS One woman had drug-resistant and poorly tolerated frequent premature ventricular contraction (PVC) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). The other one had persistent and hardly terminated supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) via a right accessory pathway. The 2 patients were successfully underwent zero-fluoroscopy ablation guided by Ensite NavX system. The procedure time was 42 and 71 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSION Catheter ablation of SVT or PVC/VT in pregnant patients can be safely and effectively performed with a completely zero-fluoroscopy approach guided by the Ensite NavX system. In the case of a drug refractory, life-threatening arrhythmia during pregnancy, catheter ablation may be considered.
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Buja L, Schoen F. The Pathology of Cardiovascular Interventions and Devices for Coronary Artery Disease, Vascular Disease, Heart Failure, and Arrhythmias. Cardiovasc Pathol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420219-1.00032-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Holmes JW, Laksman Z, Gepstein L. Making better scar: Emerging approaches for modifying mechanical and electrical properties following infarction and ablation. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 120:134-48. [PMID: 26615948 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Following myocardial infarction (MI), damaged myocytes are replaced by collagenous scar tissue, which serves an important mechanical function - maintaining integrity of the heart wall against enormous mechanical forces - but also disrupts electrical function as structural and electrical remodeling in the infarct and borderzone predispose to re-entry and ventricular tachycardia. Novel emerging regenerative approaches aim to replace this scar tissue with viable myocytes. Yet an alternative strategy of therapeutically modifying selected scar properties may also prove important, and in some cases may offer similar benefits with lower risk or regulatory complexity. Here, we review potential goals for such modifications as well as recent proof-of-concept studies employing specific modifications, including gene therapy to locally increase conduction velocity or prolong the refractory period in and around the infarct scar, and modification of scar anisotropy to improve regional mechanics and pump function. Another advantage of scar modification techniques is that they have applications well beyond MI. In particular, ablation treats electrical abnormalities of the heart by intentionally generating scar to block aberrant conduction pathways. Yet in diseases such as atrial fibrillation (AF) where ablation can be extensive, treating the electrical disorder can significantly impair mechanical function. Creating smaller, denser scars that more effectively block conduction, and choosing the location of those lesions by balancing their electrical and mechanical impacts, could significantly improve outcomes for AF patients. We review some recent advances in this area, including the use of computational models to predict the mechanical effects of specific lesion sets and gene therapy for functional ablation. Overall, emerging techniques for modifying scar properties represents a potentially important set of tools for improving patient outcomes across a range of heart diseases, whether used in place of or as an adjunct to regenerative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Holmes
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Medicine, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.
| | - Zachary Laksman
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lior Gepstein
- Departments of Cardiology (Ramban Health Care Campus) and Physiology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Nattel S, Talajic M, Tardif JC. A look into the future of cardiology: perspectives from the Montreal Heart Institute. Can J Cardiol 2014; 30:S399-400. [PMID: 25530087 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Nattel
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Mario Talajic
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Nattel S, Andrade J, Macle L, Rivard L, Dyrda K, Mondesert B, Khairy P. New directions in cardiac arrhythmia management: present challenges and future solutions. Can J Cardiol 2014; 30:S420-30. [PMID: 25432137 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2014.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are a major contributor to population morbidity and mortality. Enormous advances in arrhythmia management have occurred over the 60 years since the founding of the Montreal Heart Institute, but important challenges remain. The purpose of this article is to identify the areas of cardiac arrhythmia therapy that need improvement and to discuss the evolving approaches that promise solutions. Challenges in diagnosis, detection, and risk-stratification include difficulties in separating benign from high-risk syncope and pinpointing the underlying causes, the detection of silent atrial fibrillation in patients at risk of stroke, and inadequate identification of sudden-death risk. Implantable devices are limited by the need for battery and device replacements, device complications like infection and dysfunction, and lead complications like fracture, infection, or displacement. Antiarrhythmic drug therapy, although widely used, is plagued by a very limited range of available agents, supply issues, insufficient efficacy, and significant adverse effect risk. Health economic concerns include the high cost of new technologies, challenges in establishing cost effectiveness, and restrictive practices of government or third-party payers. Major improvements in arrhythmia management can be expected from new discoveries and technological developments in genetics, innovative diagnostic tools for arrhythmia monitoring, imaging and analysis, new approaches to antiarrhythmic drug development, biological therapies, and continuing improvement in implantable device technology like further miniaturization, leadless technology, and use of novel energy sources. As exciting as the developments in arrhythmia management have been in the past, we can look forward to exponential improvement in our ability to manage arrhythmia patients in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Nattel
- Research Center and Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Jason Andrade
- Research Center and Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laurent Macle
- Research Center and Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lena Rivard
- Research Center and Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Katia Dyrda
- Research Center and Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Blandine Mondesert
- Research Center and Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Khairy
- Research Center and Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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