BOSTONClosing the left atrial appendage (LAA) in high-risk atrial fibrillation patients who have an intolerance to warfarin proved safe and effective in a single-center observational trial presented at a late-breaking clinical session May 11 at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society.

BOSTONResults from the ARISTOTLE study showed that apixaban may give warfarin a run for its money, particularly for atrial fibrillation (AF); however, does the drugs benefits differ between the varying types of AF? A secondary analysis of the ARISTOTLE trial, presented May 11 at a late-breaking clinical trial session at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society, showed apixaban to take the cake in all subsets of AF patients when compared with warfarin.

BOSTONLeft ventricular (LV) lead placement at or next to the site of the latest mechanical activation shows a survival benefit over remote placement, and echocardiograph-guided targeting of the site with speckle tracking is superior to routine LV lead positioning during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), according to trial results presented May 11 at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society.

The Sprint Fidelis implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead was recalled in 2007 after a high fracture rate was found, but understanding how to best manage patients who are implanted with these leads remains controversial. Performing device removal during elective surgery for a generator change could prove cost-effective and reduce risk for these patients, according to a study presented during a poster session May 9 at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society.

Concerns that patients might decide against an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) generator change when the elective replacement indicator or end of life is reached may be unfounded. Patients will consent to a generator exchange even if a small percentage has negative views of the device or is concerned about out-of-pocket costs, according to a May 10 poster presentation at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society.

BOSTONAdding to the hoopla surrounding Riata research, a late-breaking study presented May 10 at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society showed that survival for Riata (St. Jude Medical), but not Riata ST leads, was significantly lower than that of the Quattro Secure leads (Medtronic). However, the authors noted that this could be due to the fact that Riata ST leads had a shorter follow-up period.

Source: New England Journal of MedicineBOSTONAdding to the recent positive data from the FDA regarding Cameron Healths subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) system, a study presented May 10 at the late-breaking clinical trial section at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society found the device to be safe and effective.

BOSTONResults from the long term follow-up to the Sudden Cardiac Death Heart Failure Trail have shown that ICD therapy in patients with moderate heart failure significantly reduces mortality for at least 11 years from the time of implantation, according to a study presentation May 10 at the  33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS).