Filippo Lamberti - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Filippo Lamberti

Research paper thumbnail of Left Atrial Ablation Versus Biatrial Ablation for Persistent and Permanent Atrial Fibrillation

Journal of The American College of Cardiology, 2006

The aim of this study was to compare-in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillatio... more The aim of this study was to compare-in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF)-the efficacy and safety of left atrial ablation with that of a biatrial approach. BACKGROUND Left atrium-based catheter ablation of AF, although very effective in the paroxysmal form of the arrhythmia, has an insufficient efficacy in patients with persistent and permanent AF.

Research paper thumbnail of Catheter Ablation in a Patient with a Congenital Giant Right Atrial Diverticulum Presented as Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Pace-pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology, 1999

A young woman symptomatic for tachycardia showed right ventricular preexcitation on the surface E... more A young woman symptomatic for tachycardia showed right ventricular preexcitation on the surface ECG with a pattern during induced atrial fibrillation suggestive of multiple APs. Noninvasive imaging techniques performed prior to catheter ablation demonstrated the presence of a giant right atrial diverticulum confirmed by hemodynamic procedure. This structure functioned as an enormous accessory AP. We performed catheter ablation of this pathway using a special 4-mm multipolar catheter inside the diverticulum. This is the first case of such an anomaly being successfully treated with catheter ablation.

Research paper thumbnail of Electrophysiological Characteristics of the Human Atria After Cardioversion of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Research paper thumbnail of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia with Ventriculoatrial Block and Unsuccessful Ablation of the Slow Pathway

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2002

ABSTRACT Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is one of the most common regular n... more ABSTRACT Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is one of the most common regular narrow QRS tachycardias. Although the principal understanding of the physiology of dual atrioventricular conduction as a substrate for the reentry mechanism in AVNRT has not changed during the last 25 years, there is still some uncertainty with regard to the exact circuit delineation. At least four forms of AVNRT have been described and several possible circuits have been proposed. Although the refinement of our knowledge about AVNRT seems to be purely academic since further insight will probably not increase the success rate of treatment by radiofrequency catheter ablation, AVNRT continues to puzzle both clinical and basic electrophysiologists. The authors summarize our present knowledge about AVNRT and stress the unique features of the atrioventricular junction anatomy and the current opinions on the reentrant impulse propagation.

Research paper thumbnail of N-3 Fatty Acids for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Journal of The American College of Cardiology, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Transseptal Activation during Left Atrial Pacing in Humans: Electroanatomic Mapping Using a Noncontact Catheter and the Intracardiac Echocardiography

Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, 2002

Background: A better understanding of transseptal activation may be important for the treatment o... more Background: A better understanding of transseptal activation may be important for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, but little is known about preferential routes of conduction from the left atrium (LA) to the right atrium (RA) in humans. Methods and Results: Twelve patients were studied. A noncontact mapping system was used to map the RA during pacing from several sites of LA at different cycle lengths. The location of the Bachmann's bundle (BB), the fossa ovalis (FO) and the coronary sinus (CS) ostium were determined using intracardiac echocardiography. The BB was the earliest area of right atrial activation during pacing from the atrial appendage, roof and postero-superior wall in 94% of cases. The FO was the area of earliest activation during pacing from the septum and the right superior pulmonary veins (PV) in 95% of cases. The CS ostium (alone or associated with the FO) was the region of transseptal breakthrough in all patients during pacing from the right inferior PV, postero-inferior wall and distal CS. Various patterns of activation with 2 or 3 distinct areas of transseptal breakthrough were observed during pacing from the lateral wall and the left superior PV. The pacing cycle length did not influence the modality of transseptal activation. Conclusions: Different patterns of transseptal activation were found during pacing from LA. The preferential routes of conduction from the LA to the RA were related to the sites of stimulation and were not influenced by the pacing cycle length.

Research paper thumbnail of Long-Term Follow-Up of Right Atrial Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2004

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the impact on quality of lif... more Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the impact on quality of life of a new ablative approach to the right atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods and Results: Seventy-four symptomatic patients with paroxysmal (n = 49) or permanent (n = 25) refractory AF underwent radiofrequency ablation. A nonfluoroscopic electroanatomic mapping system was used to perform the following lesions: (1) an isthmus line between the tricuspid annulus and the inferior vena cava; (2) a posterior intercaval line from the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava; (3) a septal line from the superior vena cava to the fossa ovalis, proceeding to the coronary sinus ostium where a circumferential line around the ostium was performed, and then on to the inferior vena cava; and (4) a transversal lesion connecting the posterior intercaval and the septal lesions. In addition, electrical disconnection of the superior vena cava was performed. There were no complications. Postablation remapping showed the absence of discrete electrical activity inside and just around the ablation lines. Electrical disconnection of the superior vena cava was obtained in all patients. After 21 ± 6 months, 49 patients (66%) had stable sinus rhythm with continuation of the previous antiarrhythmic drug therapy, 13 patients (18%) were considered improved, and 12 (16%) received no benefit (unsuccessful procedure). After ablation, quality of life was significantly improved, reaching the levels of the general Italian population. Ejection fraction and the extent of the low-voltage area were found by multivariate analysis to be independent predictors of AF recurrence.Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that this ablative approach in combination with antiarrhythmic drugs is safe and effective in treating AF, leading to a marked increase in quality of life in patients with refractory AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 37-43, January 2004)

Research paper thumbnail of Left atrial ablation versus biatrial ablation for treatment of persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation

Heart Rhythm, 2005

... Create Citation Alert. Advertisement. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | P... more ... Create Citation Alert. Advertisement. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Feedback | About Us | Help | Contact Us The content on this site is intended for health professionals. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Transoesophageal low-energy cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Results with the oesophageal–right atrial lead configuration

European Heart Journal, 2000

Background Low energy internal cardioversion is a safe and effective procedure to restore sinus r... more Background Low energy internal cardioversion is a safe and effective procedure to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation refractory to external cardioversion. However the procedure is invasive and fluoroscopy is mandatory.

Research paper thumbnail of 4.1 Antiarrhythmic actions of flecainide and ibutilide during human atrial fibrillation

Research paper thumbnail of Atrial Mapping and Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Patients With Idiopathic Atrial Fibrillation Electrophysiological Findings and Ablation Results

Research paper thumbnail of Catheter ablation of permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia with radiofrequency current

Journal of The American College of Cardiology, 1995

Objectives. This study evaluated accessory pathway location, its relation to retrograde P wave po... more Objectives. This study evaluated accessory pathway location, its relation to retrograde P wave polarity on the surface electrocardiogram and radiofrequency ablation efficacy and safety in a large group of patients with permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia.

Research paper thumbnail of Postcardioversion Atrial Electrophysiologic Changes Induced by Oral Verapamil in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

The aim of our study was to verify the effect of oral administration of verapamil on atrial elect... more The aim of our study was to verify the effect of oral administration of verapamil on atrial electrophysiologic characteristics after cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in humans. BACKGROUND Discordant findings have been reported regarding the efficacy of verapamil in preventing the electrical remodeling induced by AF.

Research paper thumbnail of Typical Atrial Flutter Ablation: Conduction Across the Posterior Region of the Inferior Vena Cava Orifice May Mimic Unidirectional Isthmus Block

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2000

Atrial Flutter Mapping. Introduction: The aim of this study was to map the low right atrium befor... more Atrial Flutter Mapping. Introduction: The aim of this study was to map the low right atrium before and after radiofrequency ablation of the inferior vena cava-tricuspid annulus (IVC-TA) isthmus in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFI) to better understand the electrophysiologic meaning of incomplete or unidirectional block following the ablation procedure and its relationship with AFI recurrence.Methods and Results: We performed atrial mapping in 12 patients using a “basket” catheter in the IVC orifice, Halo catheter in the right atrium, and multipolar catheters in the coronary sinus (CS) and His region. In patients in sinus rhythm, atrial activation was analyzed during pacing from the CS and low lateral right atrium (KLRA) before and after ablation. Atrial activation propagated across the isthmus and posterior region of the IVC orifice simultaneously before ablation. Mapping during AFI in four patients showed that the crista terminalis was a site of functional block. After ablation, evaluation of Halo catheter recordings in three patients showed apparent unidirectional counterclockwise block, whereas analysis of basket catheter recordings demonstrated complete bidirectional block. The apparent conduction over the isthmus during pacing from proximal CS was due to conduction along the posterior part of the IVC orifice, which activated the LLRA despite complete isthmus block.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that limited endocardial mapping may yield a pattern compatible with unidirectional block in the IVC-TA isthmus, although bidirectional block is present at this anatomic level.

Research paper thumbnail of Postcardioversion atrial electrophysiologic changes induced by oral verapamil in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

Journal of The American College of Cardiology, 2000

The aim of our study was to verify the effect of oral administration of verapamil on atrial elect... more The aim of our study was to verify the effect of oral administration of verapamil on atrial electrophysiologic characteristics after cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in humans. BACKGROUND Discordant findings have been reported regarding the efficacy of verapamil in preventing the electrical remodeling induced by AF.

Research paper thumbnail of N-3 Fatty Acids for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Research paper thumbnail of Preoperative administration of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevents postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery

Heart Rhythm, 2005

Heart Rhythm, Volume 2, Issue 5, Pages S115-S116, May 2005, Authors:Leonardo Calo', MD; ... more Heart Rhythm, Volume 2, Issue 5, Pages S115-S116, May 2005, Authors:Leonardo Calo', MD; Leopoldo Bianconi, BS; Furio Colivicchi; Filippo Lamberti; Maria Luisa Loricchio, MD; Ermenegildo De Ruvo; Antonella Meo; Claudio Pandozi; Mario Staibano; Massimo Santini, MD. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Change in Atrial Activation During Orthodromic Atrioventricular Tachycardia: What is the Mechanism

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of Relation of C-Reactive Protein to Long-Term Risk of Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Electrical Cardioversion

American Journal of Cardiology, 2007

The aim of this study is to assess the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting long-term r... more The aim of this study is to assess the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting long-term risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after electrical cardioversion. CRP levels are associated with the presence of AF and failure of electrical or pharmacologic cardioversion, but no previous study has assessed their predictive role in long-term follow-up after successful electrical cardioversion. One hundred two consecutive patients (age 67 ؎ 11 years; 58 men) with nonvalvular persistent AF who underwent successful biphasic electrical cardioversion were studied. High-sensitivity CRP was measured immediately before cardioversion. Follow-up was performed up to 1 year in all cases. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to CRP quartiles. Patients in the lowest CRP quartile (<1.9 mg/L) had significantly lower rates of AF recurrence (4% vs 33% at 3 months in the other 3 groups combined, p ‫؍‬ 0.007, and 28% vs 60% at 1 year, p ‫؍‬ 0.01). The 4 groups were similar in age, gender, ejection fraction, and left atrial size. Survival analysis confirmed that patients in the lowest CRP quartile had a lower recurrence rate (p ‫؍‬ 0.02). Cox regression analyses using age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, use of antiarrhythmic drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II antagonists, and statins, and CRP quartiles as covariates showed that only CRP was independently associated with AF recurrence during follow-up (hazard ratio 4.98, 95% confidence interval 1.75 to 14.26, p ‫؍‬ 0.003). In conclusion, low CRP is associated with long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion for nonvalvular AF.

Research paper thumbnail of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Idiopathic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia: Utility of Intracardiac Echocardiography

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2001

Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VA) consist of various subtypes of VA that occur in the absen... more Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VA) consist of various subtypes of VA that occur in the absence of clinically apparent structural heart disease. Affected patients account for approximately 10% of all patients referred for evaluation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). Arrhythmias arising from the outflow tract (OT) are the most common subtype of idiopathic VA and more than 70-80% of idiopathic VTs or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originate from the right ventricular (RV) OT. Idiopathic OT arrhythmias are thought to be caused by adenosine-sensitive, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mediated triggered activity and, in general, manifest at a relatively early age. Usually they present as salvos of paroxysmal ventricular ectopic beats and are rarely life-threatening. When highly symptomatic and refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy or causative for ventricular dysfunction, ablation is a recommended treatment with a high success rate and a low risk of complications.

Research paper thumbnail of Left Atrial Ablation Versus Biatrial Ablation for Persistent and Permanent Atrial Fibrillation

Journal of The American College of Cardiology, 2006

The aim of this study was to compare-in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillatio... more The aim of this study was to compare-in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF)-the efficacy and safety of left atrial ablation with that of a biatrial approach. BACKGROUND Left atrium-based catheter ablation of AF, although very effective in the paroxysmal form of the arrhythmia, has an insufficient efficacy in patients with persistent and permanent AF.

Research paper thumbnail of Catheter Ablation in a Patient with a Congenital Giant Right Atrial Diverticulum Presented as Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Pace-pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology, 1999

A young woman symptomatic for tachycardia showed right ventricular preexcitation on the surface E... more A young woman symptomatic for tachycardia showed right ventricular preexcitation on the surface ECG with a pattern during induced atrial fibrillation suggestive of multiple APs. Noninvasive imaging techniques performed prior to catheter ablation demonstrated the presence of a giant right atrial diverticulum confirmed by hemodynamic procedure. This structure functioned as an enormous accessory AP. We performed catheter ablation of this pathway using a special 4-mm multipolar catheter inside the diverticulum. This is the first case of such an anomaly being successfully treated with catheter ablation.

Research paper thumbnail of Electrophysiological Characteristics of the Human Atria After Cardioversion of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Research paper thumbnail of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia with Ventriculoatrial Block and Unsuccessful Ablation of the Slow Pathway

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2002

ABSTRACT Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is one of the most common regular n... more ABSTRACT Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is one of the most common regular narrow QRS tachycardias. Although the principal understanding of the physiology of dual atrioventricular conduction as a substrate for the reentry mechanism in AVNRT has not changed during the last 25 years, there is still some uncertainty with regard to the exact circuit delineation. At least four forms of AVNRT have been described and several possible circuits have been proposed. Although the refinement of our knowledge about AVNRT seems to be purely academic since further insight will probably not increase the success rate of treatment by radiofrequency catheter ablation, AVNRT continues to puzzle both clinical and basic electrophysiologists. The authors summarize our present knowledge about AVNRT and stress the unique features of the atrioventricular junction anatomy and the current opinions on the reentrant impulse propagation.

Research paper thumbnail of N-3 Fatty Acids for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Journal of The American College of Cardiology, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Transseptal Activation during Left Atrial Pacing in Humans: Electroanatomic Mapping Using a Noncontact Catheter and the Intracardiac Echocardiography

Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, 2002

Background: A better understanding of transseptal activation may be important for the treatment o... more Background: A better understanding of transseptal activation may be important for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, but little is known about preferential routes of conduction from the left atrium (LA) to the right atrium (RA) in humans. Methods and Results: Twelve patients were studied. A noncontact mapping system was used to map the RA during pacing from several sites of LA at different cycle lengths. The location of the Bachmann's bundle (BB), the fossa ovalis (FO) and the coronary sinus (CS) ostium were determined using intracardiac echocardiography. The BB was the earliest area of right atrial activation during pacing from the atrial appendage, roof and postero-superior wall in 94% of cases. The FO was the area of earliest activation during pacing from the septum and the right superior pulmonary veins (PV) in 95% of cases. The CS ostium (alone or associated with the FO) was the region of transseptal breakthrough in all patients during pacing from the right inferior PV, postero-inferior wall and distal CS. Various patterns of activation with 2 or 3 distinct areas of transseptal breakthrough were observed during pacing from the lateral wall and the left superior PV. The pacing cycle length did not influence the modality of transseptal activation. Conclusions: Different patterns of transseptal activation were found during pacing from LA. The preferential routes of conduction from the LA to the RA were related to the sites of stimulation and were not influenced by the pacing cycle length.

Research paper thumbnail of Long-Term Follow-Up of Right Atrial Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2004

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the impact on quality of lif... more Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the impact on quality of life of a new ablative approach to the right atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods and Results: Seventy-four symptomatic patients with paroxysmal (n = 49) or permanent (n = 25) refractory AF underwent radiofrequency ablation. A nonfluoroscopic electroanatomic mapping system was used to perform the following lesions: (1) an isthmus line between the tricuspid annulus and the inferior vena cava; (2) a posterior intercaval line from the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava; (3) a septal line from the superior vena cava to the fossa ovalis, proceeding to the coronary sinus ostium where a circumferential line around the ostium was performed, and then on to the inferior vena cava; and (4) a transversal lesion connecting the posterior intercaval and the septal lesions. In addition, electrical disconnection of the superior vena cava was performed. There were no complications. Postablation remapping showed the absence of discrete electrical activity inside and just around the ablation lines. Electrical disconnection of the superior vena cava was obtained in all patients. After 21 ± 6 months, 49 patients (66%) had stable sinus rhythm with continuation of the previous antiarrhythmic drug therapy, 13 patients (18%) were considered improved, and 12 (16%) received no benefit (unsuccessful procedure). After ablation, quality of life was significantly improved, reaching the levels of the general Italian population. Ejection fraction and the extent of the low-voltage area were found by multivariate analysis to be independent predictors of AF recurrence.Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that this ablative approach in combination with antiarrhythmic drugs is safe and effective in treating AF, leading to a marked increase in quality of life in patients with refractory AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 37-43, January 2004)

Research paper thumbnail of Left atrial ablation versus biatrial ablation for treatment of persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation

Heart Rhythm, 2005

... Create Citation Alert. Advertisement. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | P... more ... Create Citation Alert. Advertisement. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms &amp; Conditions | Feedback | About Us | Help | Contact Us The content on this site is intended for health professionals. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Transoesophageal low-energy cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Results with the oesophageal–right atrial lead configuration

European Heart Journal, 2000

Background Low energy internal cardioversion is a safe and effective procedure to restore sinus r... more Background Low energy internal cardioversion is a safe and effective procedure to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation refractory to external cardioversion. However the procedure is invasive and fluoroscopy is mandatory.

Research paper thumbnail of 4.1 Antiarrhythmic actions of flecainide and ibutilide during human atrial fibrillation

Research paper thumbnail of Atrial Mapping and Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Patients With Idiopathic Atrial Fibrillation Electrophysiological Findings and Ablation Results

Research paper thumbnail of Catheter ablation of permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia with radiofrequency current

Journal of The American College of Cardiology, 1995

Objectives. This study evaluated accessory pathway location, its relation to retrograde P wave po... more Objectives. This study evaluated accessory pathway location, its relation to retrograde P wave polarity on the surface electrocardiogram and radiofrequency ablation efficacy and safety in a large group of patients with permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia.

Research paper thumbnail of Postcardioversion Atrial Electrophysiologic Changes Induced by Oral Verapamil in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

The aim of our study was to verify the effect of oral administration of verapamil on atrial elect... more The aim of our study was to verify the effect of oral administration of verapamil on atrial electrophysiologic characteristics after cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in humans. BACKGROUND Discordant findings have been reported regarding the efficacy of verapamil in preventing the electrical remodeling induced by AF.

Research paper thumbnail of Typical Atrial Flutter Ablation: Conduction Across the Posterior Region of the Inferior Vena Cava Orifice May Mimic Unidirectional Isthmus Block

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2000

Atrial Flutter Mapping. Introduction: The aim of this study was to map the low right atrium befor... more Atrial Flutter Mapping. Introduction: The aim of this study was to map the low right atrium before and after radiofrequency ablation of the inferior vena cava-tricuspid annulus (IVC-TA) isthmus in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFI) to better understand the electrophysiologic meaning of incomplete or unidirectional block following the ablation procedure and its relationship with AFI recurrence.Methods and Results: We performed atrial mapping in 12 patients using a “basket” catheter in the IVC orifice, Halo catheter in the right atrium, and multipolar catheters in the coronary sinus (CS) and His region. In patients in sinus rhythm, atrial activation was analyzed during pacing from the CS and low lateral right atrium (KLRA) before and after ablation. Atrial activation propagated across the isthmus and posterior region of the IVC orifice simultaneously before ablation. Mapping during AFI in four patients showed that the crista terminalis was a site of functional block. After ablation, evaluation of Halo catheter recordings in three patients showed apparent unidirectional counterclockwise block, whereas analysis of basket catheter recordings demonstrated complete bidirectional block. The apparent conduction over the isthmus during pacing from proximal CS was due to conduction along the posterior part of the IVC orifice, which activated the LLRA despite complete isthmus block.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that limited endocardial mapping may yield a pattern compatible with unidirectional block in the IVC-TA isthmus, although bidirectional block is present at this anatomic level.

Research paper thumbnail of Postcardioversion atrial electrophysiologic changes induced by oral verapamil in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

Journal of The American College of Cardiology, 2000

The aim of our study was to verify the effect of oral administration of verapamil on atrial elect... more The aim of our study was to verify the effect of oral administration of verapamil on atrial electrophysiologic characteristics after cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in humans. BACKGROUND Discordant findings have been reported regarding the efficacy of verapamil in preventing the electrical remodeling induced by AF.

Research paper thumbnail of N-3 Fatty Acids for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Research paper thumbnail of Preoperative administration of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevents postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery

Heart Rhythm, 2005

Heart Rhythm, Volume 2, Issue 5, Pages S115-S116, May 2005, Authors:Leonardo Calo&#x27;, MD; ... more Heart Rhythm, Volume 2, Issue 5, Pages S115-S116, May 2005, Authors:Leonardo Calo&#x27;, MD; Leopoldo Bianconi, BS; Furio Colivicchi; Filippo Lamberti; Maria Luisa Loricchio, MD; Ermenegildo De Ruvo; Antonella Meo; Claudio Pandozi; Mario Staibano; Massimo Santini, MD. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Change in Atrial Activation During Orthodromic Atrioventricular Tachycardia: What is the Mechanism

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of Relation of C-Reactive Protein to Long-Term Risk of Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Electrical Cardioversion

American Journal of Cardiology, 2007

The aim of this study is to assess the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting long-term r... more The aim of this study is to assess the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting long-term risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after electrical cardioversion. CRP levels are associated with the presence of AF and failure of electrical or pharmacologic cardioversion, but no previous study has assessed their predictive role in long-term follow-up after successful electrical cardioversion. One hundred two consecutive patients (age 67 ؎ 11 years; 58 men) with nonvalvular persistent AF who underwent successful biphasic electrical cardioversion were studied. High-sensitivity CRP was measured immediately before cardioversion. Follow-up was performed up to 1 year in all cases. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to CRP quartiles. Patients in the lowest CRP quartile (<1.9 mg/L) had significantly lower rates of AF recurrence (4% vs 33% at 3 months in the other 3 groups combined, p ‫؍‬ 0.007, and 28% vs 60% at 1 year, p ‫؍‬ 0.01). The 4 groups were similar in age, gender, ejection fraction, and left atrial size. Survival analysis confirmed that patients in the lowest CRP quartile had a lower recurrence rate (p ‫؍‬ 0.02). Cox regression analyses using age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, use of antiarrhythmic drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II antagonists, and statins, and CRP quartiles as covariates showed that only CRP was independently associated with AF recurrence during follow-up (hazard ratio 4.98, 95% confidence interval 1.75 to 14.26, p ‫؍‬ 0.003). In conclusion, low CRP is associated with long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion for nonvalvular AF.

Research paper thumbnail of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Idiopathic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia: Utility of Intracardiac Echocardiography

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2001

Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VA) consist of various subtypes of VA that occur in the absen... more Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VA) consist of various subtypes of VA that occur in the absence of clinically apparent structural heart disease. Affected patients account for approximately 10% of all patients referred for evaluation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). Arrhythmias arising from the outflow tract (OT) are the most common subtype of idiopathic VA and more than 70-80% of idiopathic VTs or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originate from the right ventricular (RV) OT. Idiopathic OT arrhythmias are thought to be caused by adenosine-sensitive, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mediated triggered activity and, in general, manifest at a relatively early age. Usually they present as salvos of paroxysmal ventricular ectopic beats and are rarely life-threatening. When highly symptomatic and refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy or causative for ventricular dysfunction, ablation is a recommended treatment with a high success rate and a low risk of complications.