Bridge over the river Léthé

Jiří Kettner

Interv Akut Kardiol. 2008;7(5):171  

Left atrial volume and voltage changes after complex ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation

Martin Fiala, Jan Gorzolka, Dorota Wojnarová, et al

Interv Akut Kardiol. 2008;7(5):178-183  

The aim of the study was to compare left atrial (LA) volume and voltage changes prior to the first versus first repeat ablation in patients with longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Fifty eight patients (14 females, age 56 ± 9 years) were involved in the study. During the first procedure, complex ablation strategy including circumferential pulmonary vein isolation and linear lesions targeting also the septum and anterior LA wall was employed. LA volumes and voltage characteristics obtained during the electroanatomic voltage mapping were compared. Results: Compared to the baseline parameters, before the first repeat ablation...

Thrombolytic treatment of acute pulmonary embolism. Streptokinase again on scene?

Stanislav Janoušek

Interv Akut Kardiol. 2008;7(5):184-186  

No randomized mortality study has been done comparing the results of the thrombolytic treatment in life threatening acute pulmonary embolism by streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator. Consequently, contemporary guidelines mention both these drugs as practically comparable for thrombolytic therapy of acute pulmonary embolism. But a detailed analysis of characteristics of streptokinase shows that its administration has a number of disadvantages. It includes possible occurrence of allergic reaction to anaphylactic shock, attenuation to full diminishing of lytic response with regard to occurrence of antibodies of streptokinase in remarkable part...

Robotic navigation in catheter ablation

Josef Kautzner, Petr Peichl, Hanka Mlčochová

Interv Akut Kardiol. 2008;7(5):188-191  

The goal of this review is to introduce briefly two modern technologies of remote catheter navigation that are being increasingly used in clinical practice as a support of catheter ablation of different types of cardiac arrhythmias. Magnetic navigation system Niobe consists of two large magnets that generate permanent and uniform magnetic field. The vectors of the field can be changed in various directions. This allows remote manipulation of specialized magnet-equipped catheter inside the patient´s heart. Robotic system Sensei is based on electromechanical navigation principle. Conventional ablation catheter is introduced into the assembly of two...

Novel biomarkers in acute cardiology

Jiří Kettner

Interv Akut Kardiol. 2008;7(5):193-199  

Atherosclerosis is currently regarded as a dynamic process originating from endothelial dysfunction to plaque initiation, plaque progression, and finaly to the developement of plaque. Rupture or erosion of vulnerable plaques with subsequent trombus formativ is responsible for the development of acute ischemic event. Despite a substantial advances in the treatment of a acute coronary syndromes (ACS) over the past several years, the subset of patients developing LV remodelation and dysfunction with high risk for mortality or development of heart failure. The identification of high-risk patients with vulnerable plaques in coronary arteries before an acute...

Thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism: for whom, when and with what?

Tomáš Janota

Interv Akut Kardiol. 2008;7(5):176-177  

TVT 2008 - Transcatheter valve therapies

Miroslav Brtko

Interv Akut Kardiol. 2008;7(5):201