Developments in the electrical treatment of arrhythmias have been so fast over the last few years that access to available, state-of-the-art knowledge has become a major challenge. The proceedings of scientific meetings are therefore most helpful in this regard. This volume provides highlights of many of the recent and most important technological advances and concepts in cardiac electrotherapy, written by the most prominent figures in the field, for the internists, clinical cardiologists and cardiologists who are practising in arrhythmias and antiarrhythmic therapy. The book is divided into five parts, each focusing on an exciting group of topics. Part One is a highlight of some of the hit points in arrhythmology. Part Two is a quick reference to the current concepts in non-invasive electrocardiology. Part Three, cardiac pacing, is enhanced by the introductory chapter of S. Furman, which gives the state-of-the-art in electrical cardiac stimulation for 1995. This part also reviews the technical advances, new perspectives in the indications of cardiac pacing, as well as the management of complications. Radiofrequency ablation as a challenging antiarrhythmic therapeutic strategy is thoroughly reviewed and the hottest topics are highlighted in Part Four. Part Five is dedicated to implantable cardioverter-defibrillators with several exciting topics, including driving with implantable devices.

Europace '97 was held in Athens, Greece, on 8-11 June Leads were, as usual, an important topic, with the earl 1997 in the city of classical civilisation and learning. iest mention of the then-new polyurethane leads. Future Though now held in modem surroundings and meeting conferences elaborated on these basic topics while pro facilities, the influence of the ancient city-state was un gressively adding sensors and sensor function, dual mistakable, with the architecture and learning of antiquity chamber pacing, and recognising the development of looming over the city, by its influence over the intellectual clinical cardiac electrophysiology. activities of the symposium. The ancient magnificence of Clinical cardiac electrophysiology and compre the site was matched by the novelty of modem art and hension of arrhythmias has been largely a development science, Europace is a European symposium, begun in of the twentieth century. With the description and 1979, and has occurred every second year since. Con recording of the bundle of His depolarisation, by direct sistent with its importance and continental reach the actual access and by catheter, modem clinical investigation of symposium has moved to different cities throughout arrhythmias and cardiac electrophysiology began. The Western Europe. The first symposium was held in London disciplines of cardiac stimulation and of investigation of and subsequent symposia have been held in Torremolinos, arrhythmias, impulse formation and A V conduction Ostend, Florence, Istanbul and other cities. Because of the were essentially separate for many years.

Teleologically, the hemostatic mechanism is among The of Coronary Thrombosis and the most fundamental yet complex physiologic pro- in essence, represents a heartfelt gift of cesses in humans. Early scientists and physicians were knowledge from a dedicated group of scientists and fascinated by the blood's ability to remain in a liquid clinicians, who collectively have set out on a mission state only to clot in response to vascular injury. The to minimize the societal impact of"hemostasis in the cellular and noncellular components of normal wrong place. " The book is divided into four distinct hemostasis took centuries to discover, and the intrica- sections: Part 1, Scientific Principles, lays down the cies of their delicate interactions are still being unrav- supporting foundation; Part 2, Clinical Application eled today. As is so often the case, an in-depth of Scientific Principles, places the knowledge base in appreciation of physiologic hemostasis, representing a a working perspective, directly applying science to basic life-sustaining sequence of events, paved the patient care; Part 3, New Dimensions, provides a way for understanding abnormal hemostasis or glimpse of tomorrow. Steering the field clear of se- pathologic thrombosis. Aristotle, Malpighi, and proclaimed victory and the dangers of complacency as Osier, representing but a few of the founding fathers we move into the 21st century, Part 4, Evolution of in the field, would undoubtedly be honored to see Thrombocardiology, focuses on laboratory standards, their observations form the template for lifesaving clinical trials, and drugs in development.

Non-Invasive Imaging of Atherosclerosis is a primer, reference and review of some of the key features of current activities in the field of atherosclerosis. The Editors' goal is to provide material and stimulating ideas to basic scientists and clinical researchers in order to extend the application of vascular imaging and to further develop methods suitable for investigation of the arterial wall. The first section presents current knowledge about pathology, vascular mechanics and compensatory mechanisms active during atherogenesis. It explores the early lesion, complications of plaques and early detection of plaques. Section II reviews several key methodological issues of B-mode ultrasound imaging and some of the most current data. Quantitative B-mode ultrasound is an established non-invasive tool widely used in large epidemiologic studies and interventional clinical trials of atherosclerosis. The last section addresses the most promising areas of development in vascular imaging. This involves new techniques to evaluate the atherosclerotic bed, to follow atheroma progression/regression and to evaluate vascular mechanics in atherosclerotic arteries. The last chapter places the application of non-invasive imaging in perspective.

Different artificial tools, such as heart-pacing devices, wearable and implantable monitors, engineered heart valves and stents, and many other cardiac devices, are in use in medical practice. Recent developments in the methods of cardiac pacing along with appropriate selection of equipment are the purpose of this book. Implantable heart rate management devices and wearable cardiac monitors are discussed. Indications for using specific types of cardiac pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are of interest and their contraindications are considered. Special attention is paid to using leadless devices. The subcutaneous ICD obviates the need for transvenous leads and leadless pacemakers are entirely implantable into the right ventricle. Finally, applications of user-friendly wearable devices for the detection of atrial arrhythmia are debated.

With a growing population of young patients with congenital heart disease reaching adulthood, this unique new book offers an in-depth guide to managing the challenges and issues related to device therapy in this patient group. The only book resource dedicated to pacing, cardiac resynchronization therapy and ICD therapy for the pediatric and congenital heart disease patient Contains practical advice for pacemaker and ICD implantation, programming, trouble-shooting, managing complications and follow up Up-to-date with the latest in device technology Contains multiple graphics, device electrogram tracings, and radiographic images for clarity Includes video clips and over 150 multiple choice questions with extended answers on companion website, ideal for self test An invaluable resource for both the specialist pediatric cardiologist and the general cardiologist responsible for children with heart disease and pacing devices

Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of non-traumatic mortality in young (