CardioExchange Archive

August 9th, 2012

Overview of the New HRS/ACCF Pacemaker Guidelines

Edward J. Schloss, MD

A pithy primer on the 2012 supplement to the 2008 guidelines

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September 12th, 2011

Study Finds Risks and Costs Associated with Infection After Device Implantation

Larry Husten, PHD

A large new study has found significant risks and costs associated with infections following the implantation of CIEDs (cardiovascular implantable electronic devices), including ICDs, CRT-Ds, and pacemakers. In a paper published in Archives of Internal Medicine, Muhammad Sohail and colleagues analyzed Medicare data from more than 200,000 patients admitted for CIED implantation, replacement, or revision in 2007, including  5817 admissions with infection. Infection […]

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February 23rd, 2011

High Pacemaker Insertion Rate Observed After CoreValve TAVI Implantation

Larry Husten, PHD

One-third of patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the CoreValve device required a permanent pacemaker within 30 days, according to a report published online in Circulation. Researchers in the UK examined data from 243 patients who received the CoreValve device. The incidence of LBBB was 13% prior to the procedure and 61% afterward. Patients who […]

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February 8th, 2011

FDA Approves First Pacemaker Designed For Use with MRI

Larry Husten, PHD

The FDA has approved Medtronic’s Revo MRI SureScan Pacing System, the first pacemaker designed for safe use during MRI exams. Here is Medtronic’s description in a press release of how the pacemaker differs from traditional pacemakers: “The pacemaker system includes hardware modifications to the device and leads that are designed to reduce or eliminate several hazards […]

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August 18th, 2010

Nay Fellow Way?

Westby G Fisher, MD

It was to be a routine pacemaker.

The parties assembled. The room prepped. IV started. Chest scrubbed. Antibiotics given. His nervous eyes raised when he saw me before the procedure, relieved at the sight of at least one familiar face.

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