Extraction of the Sprint Fidelis lead can be performed safely by experienced operators at high-volume centers with a complication rate lower than that reported for older generation leads, based on study results published online June 30 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. However, the authors noted that leads with longer implant durations are associated with the use of countertraction sheath assistance.

CTC training and testing, provided as part of the National CT Colonography Trial, improved radiologists performance and resulted in high sensitivity among inexperienced and experienced readers, according to a study published in this month's American Journal of Roentgenology.

Although my experience may not mirror the majority of practicing heart rhythm experts, I have noticed a significant decrease in the number of conventional implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers in my practice. There are several possible explanations.

Interoperability remains a goal and challenge for many healthcare organizations, our recent CMIO 2010 Top Trends Survey shows. Its a necessity for Chicago Alliance of Community Health Services, which was founded by four safety net health centersHeartland Health, Erie Family Health Center, Howard Brown Health Center and Near North Health Servicesand is engaged with 24 additional healthcare centers in 10 states.

At the Opensource.com Open Your World Forum on May 27, John D. Halamka, MD, CIO of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and CIO of Harvard Medical School, described where open source and open standards fit into the ARRA expectations for healthcare IT. The short answer is, everywhere.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Pfizer are stopping the Phase 3 AVERROES clinical trial of apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study will be stopped early because a predefined interim analysis by the independent Data Monitoring Committee revealed evidence of a clinically important reduction in stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation considered intolerant of or unsuitable for vitamin K antagonist therapy who received apixaban as compared to aspirin.

Onsite automated external defibrillator (AED) use was associated with higher survival rates and lower total costs, according to a study in the June issue of Resuscitation.

Diagnosis of cardiac arrest in children by pulse palpation alone is unreliable. At least 30 seconds are required, but accuracy and speed are related to clinical experience, according to a study in the June issue of Resuscitation.