Tag: sudden cardiac death

Changing the Way We “See” Scar: How Multimodality Imaging Fits in the Electrophysiology Laboratory

Changing the Way We “See” Scar: How Multimodality Imaging Fits in the Electrophysiology Laboratory

Author: Wokhlu, Anita

Substrate characterization is the mainstay of ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT). Although the use of electroanatomic voltage mapping (EAVM) in the electrophysiology (EP) laboratory has enabled real-time approximation of myocardial scar, it has limitations. This is related to the subjective and tedious nature of voltage mapping and the challenges of defining the transmurality of scar. Various noninvasive methods of scar assessment have emerged, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being the most accurate. Integrated MRI and electroanatomic voltage mapping studies demonstrate good correlation. Nonetheless, MRI has advantages. These include (1) preprocedure identification of epicardial and intramural scar, (2) assessment of ablative lesion formation after unsuccessful ablations, (3) identification of heterogeneous regions of scar, where critical conducting channels are likely to occur, and (4) predictive value in the assessment of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Integration of scar imaging in ventricular tachycardia ablation and risk stratification has great potential to advance the practice of arrhythmia management.

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Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

The Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: A Practical Review and Real-World Use and Application

Authors: Panna, Mark E.; Miles, William M.

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a novel technology using a subcutaneous (extrathoracic) system for treatment of potential lethal ventricular arrhythmias. It avoids many of the risks of transvenous ICD implantation. It may be considered in patients having an ICD indication who do not have a pacing and/or cardiac resynchronization therapy indication, and who are unlikely to benefit from antitachycardia pacing therapy. We review patient selection, system components, the implantation technique, and screening considerations for subcutaneous ICD implantation. Its uses in specific patient populations, including children, patients with congenital heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or end-stage renal disease, and patients with preexisting pacemakers, are highlighted. Areas of future investigation are reviewed, including potential use with leadless pacing and magnetic resonance imaging.

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Athletes and Arrhythmias

Athletes and Arrhythmias

Authors: Jansen, Michael J.; Burke, Floyd W.

Sudden cardiac death related to athletic competition is a rare but tragic event. The victims are typically young with no previous cardiovascular symptoms or limitations. The majority of sudden cardiac death events in athletes are due to ventricular arrhythmias as a result of underlying molecular and/or structural level pathologic substrate. In this article, we will review the physiologic cardiac adaptations to exercise along with arrhythmias seen in athletes with a focus on those commonly associated with sudden cardiac death.

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