OBJECTIVES This study sought to determine clinical, procedural, and treatment factors associated with acute stent thrombosis (AST) in the EUROMAX (European Ambulance Acute Coronary Syndrome Angiography) trial. BACKGROUND Bivalirudin started during transport for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction significantly reduced major bleeding ...

BACKGROUND Biventricular (Biv) pacemaker echo optimization has been shown to improve cardiac output however is not routinely used due to its complexity. We investigated the role of a simple method involving computerized pre-ejection time (PEP) assessment by radial artery tonometry in guiding Biv pacemaker optimization. METHODS Blinded echo and radial artery tonometry were performed simultaneo...

OBJECTIVES This study sought to test a novel echocardiographic method based on contrast variability imaging (CVI), to quantify cardiac dyssynchrony and magnitude of resynchronization achieved by left ventricular (LV) and biventricular (BiV) pacing therapy. BACKGROUND Left ventricular or BiV pacing is a promising new therapy for patients with heart failure and intraventricular conduction delay...

The interval from the pacemaker stimulus to the onset of the earliest paced QRS complex (latency) may be prolonged during left ventricular (LV) pacing. Marked latency is more common with LV than right ventricular (RV) pacing because of indirect stimulation through a coronary vein and higher incidence of LV pathology including scars. During simultaneous biventricular (BiV) pacing a prolonged lat...

Here, we present the first report of a novel rearranged porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) strain named BIV, isolated from both in vitro and in vivo sources. The complete circular genome of BIV is 896 nucleotides in length. The data will help us to update current knowledge of the replication of PCV2 viruses in cell culture and of their molecular evolution, as well as their diagnosis.

The detrimental effects of chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing were first demonstrated 10 years ago when the DAVID trial clearly demonstrated the hazards of unnecessary RV pacing including worsening left ventricular (LV) function, increased heart failure hospitalization and increased mortality. This finding was confirmed in other studies, prompting the development of various device algorithms...

BACKGROUND We investigated the benefits of the more physiological activation achieved by left ventricular (LV) endocardial pacing (ENDO) as compared with conventional epicardial (EPI) LV pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS In 8 anesthetized dogs with experimental left bundle-branch block, pacing leads were positioned in the right atrium, right ventricle, and at 8 ...

OBJECTIVES Optimized temporary bi-ventricular (BiV) pacing may benefit heart failure patients after on-pump cardiac surgery compared with conventional dual-chamber right ventricular (RV) pacing. An improvement in haemodynamic function with BiV pacing may reduce the duration of 'Level 3' intensive care. METHODS Thirty-eight patients in sinus rhythm, ejection fraction ≤35%, undergoing on-pump s...