S. Serge Barold - Böcker

The last of an ongoing series of Cardiostim monographs all devoted to cardiac pacing, was published four years ago. Since then, cardiac res- chronization for the treatment of heart failure has undergone spectacular progress and has revolutionized device therapy. Many patients have benefited from ventricular resynchronization often combined with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. More implantations are likely in the future as the indications continue to evolve with more attention being paid to the primary prevention of heart failure in selected patients and the treatment of earlier stages of left ventricular dysfunction. Thus, we felt it was time for the current Cardiostim monograph to focus exclusively on cardiac resynchronization so as to review the remarkable technologic and clinical advances in the field. We are grateful to the contributors who worked so hard to complete their manuscripts on time and their diligence in presenting new concepts and technical details in an easily understandable fashion. Working with the Springer publishers, especially Melissa Ramondetta, Executive Editor, Dianne Wuori, Editorial Assistant, and Candace Rosa, Production Editor, was a real pleasure. Their patience, courtesy and efficiency are very much appreciated.

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia, difficult to treat pharmacologically and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although traditionally prescribed when pharmacologic therapy is not effective, not tolerated, or contraindicated, electrical therapy should no longer be considered as a treatment of last resort. Implantable devices such as cardiac pacemakers and internal defibrillators capable of monitoring atrial tachyarrhythmias have enhanced understanding of the mechanisms and natural history of atrial tachyarrhythmias. This knowledge allows electrical therapy to alter the natural course of atrial tachyarrhythmias early after onset or create an unfavorable electrophysiological environment in circumstances predisposing to their initiation. Thus, electrical therapies are playing an increasingly important role in the overall management of atrial fibrillation and tachyarrhythmias, often in combination with antiarrhythmic drugs and sometimes with other strategies. New dual-chamber ICDs can safely and effectively differentiate atrial from ventricular tachyarrhythmias and treat atrial tachyarrhythmias without compromising detection and treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Technological advances in standard electrical cardioversion including the use of prior pharmacotherapy have facilitated the success of the procedure and maintenance of sinus rhythm. This is the first book devoted solely to the rapidly expanding options to treat atrial tachyarrhythmias electrically.Electrical devices offer the promise of prevention and control of atrial tachyarrhythmias, with significant improvements in all health care professionals dealing with atrial fibrillation and other atrial tachyarrhythmias.

This brand new guide assists students, interns and residents in developing a functional understanding of the set-up, workings and interpretation of ECGs Step-by-step graphics and short, bite-sized explanationsCovers all major cardiac abnormalities including hypertrophy, arrhythmias, conduction blocks, and pre-excitation syndromesBegins with a section on physiology of the heart and the basic set up of ECG recordingFeatures top tips on what to look for, complete with illustrated examplesSupported by a companion website featuring additional practice tracings

While bringing into focus the major advances in cardiac pacing over the last 5-6 years this book places particular emphasis on new techniques for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Other topics include new and unusual indications for pacemakers, the clinical aspects of expanding pacemaker memory and stored electrograms in the diagnosis of arrhythmias, automatic mode switching, the pacemaker/ICD interface, complex pacemaker electrocardiography and advances in pacemaker follow-up. This book will be a valuable resource for those involved in the care of patients with implanted devices.

This new edition of the bestselling step-by-step introduction to cardiac pacemakers now includes additional material on CRT and an accompanying website. It retains the effective use of full-page illustrations and short explanations that gained the book such enormous popularity and now provides information on recent advances in cardiac pacing, including biventricular pacing for the treatment of heart failure.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators Step by Step: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE Health care professionals now have a clear and concise overview of all relevant aspects of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. In the successful fomat established by Cardiac Pacemakers Step by Step, this handy paperback demystifies the devices that have revolutionized cardiac care.Authored – not edited – for a smooth, easy-to-read presentation, the book uses: full-page illustrations in full coloraccompanying textrepresentative ICD tracingsto explain important aspects of ICD therapy. Progressing from basic to more sophisticated topics, the authors concentrate on clinically useful material. All members of the patient care team will welcome this timely guide.COMPANION WEBSITEWith this book you are given free access to a companion resources site.www.wiley.com/go/icdstepbystep The website includes over 150 images taken from this bookYou are free to download these images and use them in your own presentations; details insideBY THE SAME AUTHORSCardiac Pacemakers Step by Step: An Illustrated Guide