Dupont M, Rickard J, Baranowski B, et al. Differential echocardiographic response to cardiac resynchronization therapy and clinical outcomes according to QRS morphology and QRS duration. J Am Coll Cardiol 2012; DOI:10.1016/j.jacc.2012.03.059. Available at: http://content.onlinejacc.org.
How can we choose who gets a CRT biventricular (3 lead) pacemaker? In this publication the importance of left bundle branch block (LBBB, a typical pattern that can be easily recognised on the surface ECG) predicted improvement in symptoms even when it was quite subtle.
This CRT therapy has benefits if you have heart failure. Contact is if you would like more information.
Saczynski JS, Marcantonio ER, Quach L, et al. Cognitive trajectories after postoperative delirium. N Engl J Med2012; 367:30-39.
Being confused after cardiac surgery is common whilst in hospital, but usually improves by 1 year. Most trials focusing on the differences between cardiac surgery (CABG) and angioplasty (PCI) focus on death rates and rates of needing repeat procedures. What may be more important to some patients is how quickly you get back to work! This study of I over 200 patients having cardiac surgery showed that 43% got delirium ( confusion) in hospital. The recovery to normal took 6-12 months to level out. If you are worried about your choice of treatment for coronary disease, please get in touch.