CardioExchange Archive

August 26th, 2013

New Subcutaneous ICD Said to Pose ‘Existential Crisis’ for Older ICDs

Larry Husten, PHD

Last year the FDA approved Boston Scientific’s subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD), the first ICD that doesn’t use transvenous leads. Those leads are the source of many sophisticated pacing features in today’s ICDs, but they are also the main source of ICD-related complications. FDA approval of the S-ICD was based on a pivotal trial designed to assess the […]

---

August 13th, 2013

Observational Study Lends Support to CRT Guidelines

Larry Husten, PHD

A large observational study published in JAMA suggests that patients with left bundle-branch block (LBBB) and longer QRS duration derive the most benefit from a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). The findings appear to support current, but often criticized, guidelines from the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and the Heart Rhythm Society, in which a class I […]

---

July 17th, 2013

A Surprising ICD Revision

Westby G Fisher, MD, James Fang, MD and Edward J. Schloss, MD

An ICD removed from a 70-year-old man has a startling appearance. Explain what you think happened, and offer your approach for how to care for this patient.

---

June 13th, 2013

Too Much, Too Fast? Cross-Country Skiing and Heart Arrhythmias

Larry Husten, PHD

When it comes to exercise, it may be true that you can do too much or go too fast. It might seem counterintuitive, but a new study finds that among cross-country skiers, the risk for having a cardiac arrhythmia is highest in those who race the fastest or most often. Although lack of exercise is almost […]

---

June 11th, 2013

People with Sleep Apnea at Increased Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

Larry Husten, PHD

Although people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have an increased risk for death and cardiovascular disease, the relationship between OSA and sudden cardiac death (SCD) has not been clear. Now a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology provides evidence that OSA is in fact associated with an increase in the risk […]

---

May 23rd, 2013

When Are Dual-Chamber ICDs Necessary for Primary Prevention?

Pam Peterson, MD, MSPH, Frederick Masoudi, MD, MSPH and Nihar Desai, MD, MPH

Pamela Peterson and Frederick Masoudi discuss findings from their research group’s registry study comparing outcomes with dual- versus single-chamber ICDs among primary-prevention patients who have no pacing indication.

---

May 21st, 2013

Athletes with ICDs Don’t Need to Quit Sports

Larry Husten, PHD

Although the American College of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology now advise people with ICDs not to participate in vigorous sports, a new study offers strong support for people with ICDs who want to take part in sports. Now findings from the ICD Sports Safety Registry, published in Circulation, provide vital new information about this important topic. […]

---

May 14th, 2013

Presenting at HRS — Benefits Before the Session, During, and Afterwards

Amit Mehrotra, MD, MBA

This is why we hold conferences — to share in the value of research and to promote enthusiasm to continue with new endeavors.

---

May 14th, 2013

Study Questions Role of Dual-Chamber ICDs for Primary Prevention

Larry Husten, PHD

The majority of patients who receive an ICD for primary prevention without a pacing indication have a dual-chamber ICD implanted. Although there are a number of theoretical advantages with dual-chamber devices, they are more likely to cause complications than single-chamber devices. Although CMS requires providers to justify the medical necessity of dual-chamber devices, current guidelines […]

---

May 13th, 2013

Novel Leadless Pacemaker Makes Debut at HRS 2013

Larry Husten, PHD

First results in human patients of a novel leadless pacemaker were presented last week at the HRS meeting in Denver by Vivek Reddy.  Pacemaker leads are the most common source of complications associated with pacemakers today. The self-contained device is delivered via catheter to the right ventricle, to which it is attached with a fixation mechanism.  The device […]

---