Medscape Conference Coverage, based on selected sessions at the:
Heart Rhythm 2006: The 27th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society
May 17 - 20, 2006, Boston, Massachusetts

This activity is not sanctioned by, nor a part of, the Heart Rhythm Society.


Also On This Page:Topic OverviewsFeatured CoverageConference News
Topic Overviews
Highlights of Heart Rhythm 2006 -- 27th Annual Scientific Sessions CME
Physicians - up to 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™
•Success With Failure: A State-of-the-Art Perspective on Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Bruce Stambler, MD
•From Recalls to Ablation: The 2006 Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Sessions
Eric N. Prystowsky, MD
Featured Coverage
SWEDMAF: Adding Epicardial Cryoablation to Mitral Valve Surgery Improves Chances of Sinus Rhythm Restoration in Patients With Permanent AF
Cryoablation offers a simpler alternative to traditional Cox-Maze surgical ablation, and the technique can be recommended for patients with permanent AF who are undergoing mitral valve surgery.
Catheter Ablation of VT Effectively Prevents Subsequent ICD Shocks in Post-MI Secondary Prevention Patients: Results of the SMASH VT Trial
Ablation therapy in post-MI patients who are at high risk for life-threatening arrhythmias prevents further episodes of VT/VF, decreases subsequent ICD therapies, and may reduce mortality.
INTRINSIC RV: Outcomes of Dual-Chamber Pacing With Algorithm to Reduce RV Pacing Are Similar to Single-Chamber Pacing
Should dual-chamber pacing used with an algorithm to suppress right ventricular pacing be considered strongly for appropriate patients, or is it too early to make any definitive conclusions?
Do Statins Reduce Ventricular Arrhythmias and Improve Survival in ICD Patients? The Results of the CLARIDI and DEFINITE Trials
Investigators of both trials noted that the exact mechanism of drug action behind their findings is not yet known, and they call for further study to assess routine statin use in these patient groups.
Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Best Course After Failed Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy: The Results of the A4 Trial
In patients with symptomatic, paroxysmal AF who have already failed at least 1 attempt at antiarrhythmic drug, catheter ablation may be a better treatment choice than switching to another drug.
PABA CHF: Pulmonary Vein Isolation Proves Superior to AV Node Ablation and Biventricular Pacing in Terms of AF Progression
The use of PV antrum isolation to treat symptomatic, drug-refractory AF in HF patients not only reduces AF burden and HF symptoms, but may also halt or reverse the progression of AF severity.
Primary Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: Current Status and Future Directions -- An Expert Interview With Grant Simons, MD
Dr. Simons discusses the emergence of primary prevention, its use today in clinical practice, and where this field is headed in the future.
Microvolt T-Wave Alternans (TWA) Testing: Can It Identify Athletes at High Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death?
Identifying which athletes are at risk for serious ventricular arrhythmias is especially difficult. The authors of this study contend use of TWA may be a helpful screening tool for at-risk athletes.
Conference News
Heart Failure Symptoms May Be Poor Guide to Long-term Benefits of CRT 5/22/06
[Medscape Medical News]
Findings suggest that cardiac resynchronization therapy is a disease-modifying intervention whose benefits extend beyond symptomatic improvement.
Ethical Concerns Identified Regarding Deactivating Pacemakers, ICDs in Terminally Ill Patients 5/22/06
[Medscape Medical News]
Patient care providers are more uneasy about deactivating pacemakers than implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
Higher BMI Predicts Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation 5/19/06
[Medscape Medical News]
Body mass index greater than 27 is associated with at least a 2-fold risk in arrhythmia recurrence.

 
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