Gallagher JJ, Selle JG, Svenson RH, Fedor JM, Zimmern SH, Sealy WC, Robicsek FR. Surgical treatment of arrhythmias.
Am J Cardiol 1988;
61:27A-44A. [PMID:
3276124 DOI:
10.1016/0002-9149(88)90738-2]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Surgical treatment of arrhythmias is often more expeditious and more cost-effective in the long run than pharmacologic therapy. In the past, surgical treatment of arrhythmias has been reserved for patients with disabling paroxysmal or incessant tachycardia refractory to medical management, severe life-threatening arrhythmia or aborted episodes of sudden death. However, tachyarrhythmias that are refractory to pharmacologic therapy because of drug inefficacy, noncompliance or limiting side effects are not uncommon. Although nonpharmacologic treatment of arrhythmias carries with it a one-time period of higher risk (i.e., when the patient undergoes surgery), it is curative and often preferable to the uncertainty and possibly higher cumulative risk associated with medical management.
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