by Ziyad M. Hijazi, MD; Ted Feldman, MD; Mustafa H. Abdullah Al-Qbandi, MD; Horst Sievert, MD

This volume covers everything you need to know about atrial communications; the pathology, anatomy, physiology, and natural history of treated and untreated patients; indications for intervention; surgical techniques currently used to close such defects; and transcatheter closure of these defects using approved and investigational devices. It also presents imaging techniques for guiding such procedures--including transthoracic echo, transesophageal echo, intracardiac echo, and 2-D and 3-D technology--and using MRI to evaluate patients. Every device currently available, both approved and nonapproved, is discussed in detail along with technical analyses of how to close defects. In addition to addressing the association between PFOs and strokes and migraines, the contributors examine the status of all trials addressing transcatheter closure of ASDs and PFOs. [more...]

by Amin Al-Ahmad, MD; Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD; Andrea Natale, MD; Paul J. Wang, MD

In the rapidly evolving field of treating cardiac arrhythmias, the importance of direct management of patients with implantable cardiac devices is growing. The devices have become increasingly complex, and understanding their algorithms and growing programming options is essential for physicians who implant and manage them. Written by experts and world authorities in the field, Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: An Expert's Manual provides electrophysiologists, fellows in training, nurses, and cardiovascular technicians involved in day-to-day management of device patients with detailed information about the many device algorithms and interactions. [more...]