Clinical Cardiology Alert – November 1, 2007
November 1, 2007
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Off-Pump vs On-Pump CABG
The effectiveness of off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCAB) is controversial. Thus, Hannan and colleagues from New York evaluated the short-term and long-term results of OPCAB with sternotomy vs on-pump CABG in New York State between 2001-2004. -
ECG Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Although ECG is the standard initial screening test for acute coronary syndromes, its value for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (MI) is difficult to determine because of the vagaries of serum biomarkers. -
Reduction of Atrial Fibrillation by Pacing Mode
This paper reports the results of the Search AV Extension and Managed Ventricular Pacing for Promoting Atrioventricular Conduction (SAVE PACe) Trial. This study evaluated the use of pacing algorithms that were designed to minimize the percentage of ventricular pacing in patients with symptomatic sinus-node dysfunction. -
New Drug for Atrial Arrhythmias
This paper gives the results of 2 trials that evaluated the effects of dronedarone, a new antiarrhythmic agent, on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. -
Revascularization for Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Exceptional attention has been paid to the recent publication of the COURAGE Trial (April 2007) regarding the efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in stable coronary disease patients, whereas in acute coronary syndromes, including STEMI and unstable angina, there is reasonable consensus as to an interventional approach in patients with either PCI or CABG as opposed to medical therapy. -
Pharmacology Watch
Are thiazolidinediones safe? New study shows Zometa reduces risk of hip fractures and improves survival; Merck HIV vaccine proven ineffective in clinical trials; no causal association found between exposure to mercury from thimerosal; and FDA approvals. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement