Atrial Fibrillation: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Improving Patient Outcomes, provides a current and comprehensive update on path physiology, epidemiology, management strategies of rate control, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to rhythm control, risk stratification for stroke and bleeding, anticoagulant therapy, and left atrial occlusion devices. The contributions by experienced internists, cardiologists, electrophysiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, pharmacists, internists, nurse practitioners, and nurse educators provide a unique perspective. Case studies of paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent atrial provide clinical context incorporating recent evidence and best practices for the multidisciplinary approach to improving patient outcomes. “The physician is inundated with information, and needs all of this to be reduced and summarized in a readable form. This cannot be done simply by technical editing because it involves real expertise to pick the “jewels for the crown.” This has been accomplished so well by the authors who have contributed to this book. The result is a gem — a source of enlightenment for all the many clinicians who care for patients suffering from this ubiquitous arrhythmia. I read it from cover to cover in about three hours, and learned much which is new and useful to my practice. It is the best small book that I know dealing with this big subject.” -From the foreword by A. John Camm, MD

Following the structure and format of the ESC core syllabus, this text introduces key concepts in the field of cardiovascular medicine.

Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Edited by Etienne Aliot, MD, FESC, FACC, FHRS Chief of Cardiology, Hôpital Central, University of Nancy, France Michel Haïssaguerre, MD Chief of Electrophysiology, Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque, France Warren M. Jackman, MD Chief of Electrophysiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, USA In this text, internationally recognized authors explore and explain the advances in basic and clinical electrophysiology that have had the greatest impact on catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Designed to assist in patient care, stimulate research projects, and continue the remarkable advances in catheter ablation of AF, the book covers: the fundamental concepts of AF, origin of signals, computer simulation, and updated reviews of ablation tools the present practical approaches to the ablation of specific targets in the fibrillating atria, including pulmonary veins, atrial neural network, fragmented electrograms, and linear lesions, as well as the strategies in paroxysmal or chronic AF or facing left atrial tachycardias the special challenge of heart failure patients, the impact of ablation on mortality, atrial mechanical function, and lessons from surgical AF ablation Richly illustrated by numerous high-quality images, Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation will help every member of the patient care team.

Part of the highly regarded Braunwald's family of cardiology references, Clinical Arrhythmology and Electrophysiology, 3rd Edition, offers complete coverage of the latest diagnosis and management options for patients with arrhythmias. Expanded clinical content and clear illustrations keep you fully abreast of current technologies, new syndromes and diagnostic procedures, new information on molecular genetics, advances in ablation, and much more. - Key topics such as inherited channelopathies; atrial fibrillation; ventricular tachycardia; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart disease. - Dozens of videos depicting key mapping techniques, and fluoroscopy images illustrating techniques for electrophysiologic catheter positioning, atrial septal puncture, and pericardial access, cryoablation, and left atrial appendage exclusion procedures. - Grounds clinical techniques in basic science for managing complex patients. - Consistent organization, showing every arrhythmia in a similar manner for quick reference. - New management options with increased clinical content. - Expert ConsultTM eBook version included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.

One of the most time-consuming tasks in clinical medicine is seeking the opinions of specialist colleagues. There is a pressure not only to make referrals appropriate but also to summarize the case in the language of the specialist. This book explains basic physiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease in a straightforward manner, gives guidelines as to when referral is appropriate, and, uniquely, explains what the specialist is likely to do. It is ideal for any hospital doctor, generalist, or even senior medical student who may need a cardiology opinion, or for that ma.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been called the arrhythmia of the millennium. Millions of people suffer from lone atrial fibrillation (AF without underlying heart disease), and many don't even know they have it. There is no universally effective pharmacological treatment for lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) and relevant surgical procedures are expensive and not always successful. I experienced my first LAF episode in 1989 and fairly early on in my afib "career" I realized that if anyone was going to help me it would have to be myself. So I embarked on an intensive study to find out everything I could about LAF and to come up with effective ways of dealing with it. I perused several weighty tomes on cardiac arrhythmias, located and read over 600 peer-reviewed medical articles dealing with the subject and gained much valuable insight from the more than 15,000 postings on my web site bulletin board and the responses from hundreds of afibbers who participated in four major LAF surveys. The results of my research are presented in Lone Atrial Fibrillation: Towards a Cure. The book is a useful manual for novice and veteran afibber alike; it debunks the mystery, myths and confusion surrounding LAF by providing the facts about the disorder liberally interspersed with personal "journeys" of fellow afibbers. Lone Atrial Fibrillation: Towards a Cure clearly describes the mechanism and known and potential causes of LAF; it discusses and assesses the various medical treatment options, both drug-based and surgical, and also covers alternative ways of dealing with LAF. It delves into the vital importance of diet in controlling episode severity and provides a detailed 10-step plan for managing LAF. It is my sincere hope that the book will help instill a feeling of hope and solidarity in the reader. You are no longer alone in the battle with "the beast".

It is very likely that you or someone you love is one of the 30 million people worldwide who has the 'irregularly irregular' heartbeat of atrial fibrillation. Or, it is possible that you may be among the people who do not realise they have this highly unpredictable condition, the impact of which can range from inconvenience to blackout, heart failure or stroke. An ageing population and our Western lifestyle are ensuring that the prevalence of atrial fibrillation, often referred to by its initials, AF, is increasing at such a rate that it is predicted to be the next cardiac epidemic. Despite it being so widespread, AF does not allow a one-treatment-for-all approach. While it can be managed, currently AF cannot be cured, so you could have it for a long time. Atrial Fibrillation Explained is a must-read for sufferers and those who care about them, medical practitioners and anyone planning to live into a healthy, old age. Having a better understanding of AF as a disease and learning about its treatment will open up meaningful conversations between patients and their medical practitioners, leading to greater insight into the best way to look after the condition in personal sets of circumstances. This book is a must-read for you.