The field of cardiac arrhythmias has been evolving so fast during the last years that scientific meetings are frequently necessary to present technological advances, to communicate results of relevant and innovative researches, to assess the impact of recently developed diagnostic and therapeutical tools, to discuss controversial aspects, and to reach a consensus on the most appropriate evaluation and management of specific problems. This is the main reason why in 1988 we started to organize a biannual International Workshop on Cardiac Arrhythmias. Since then many editions of the workshop have taken place and over the years the fame and popularity of the event have increased continuously. This book contains the Proceedings of the Eighth Edition of the Workshop th th held in Venice at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini from the 5 to the 8 of October 2003. During the meeting all the principal aspects of the different arrhythmias, from epidemiology to physiopathology, electrogenetic mechanisms, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, pshycological implications and economic costs have been discussed among the numerous experts and participants.

Focusing on anatomy and procedural strategy for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, this atlas uses pictures and schematic diagrams to show how to use intracardiac echo (ICE) to assess anatomy, guide ablation, and prevent complications during interventional procedures, pulmonary vein stenosis, and embolic events. The authors review the state of the art and background support in the use of ICE in interventional electrophysiology procedures and the anatomy of both the atrial and ventricular chambers. They discuss innovative indications in the EP laboratory, future technologies such as 3-D echocardiography, and the integration of ICE with other types of imaging technology.

The field of cardiac arrhythmias has been evolving so fast during the last years that scientific meetings are frequently necessary to present technological advances, to communicate results of relevant and innovative researches, to assess the impact of recently developed diagnostic and therapeutical tools, to discuss controversial aspects, and to reach a consensus on the most appropriate evaluation and management of specific problems. This is the main reason why in 1988 we started to organize a biannual International Workshop on Cardiac Arrhythmias. Since then many editions of the workshop have taken place and over the years the fame and popularity of the event have increased continuously. This book contains the Proceedings of the Seventh Edition of the Workshop held in Venice at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini from the 7th to the lOth of October 2001. During the meeting all the principal aspects of the different arrhythmias, from epidemiology to physiopathology, electrogenetic mecha- nisms, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, pshycological implications and econom- ic costs have been discussed among the numerous experts and participants.

This book, consisting of two volumes, contains the Proceedings of the 6th International Workshop on Cardiac Arrythmias held in Venice, Italy at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, on 5-8 October 1999. Over the four days of the meet- ing, practically all aspects of heart rhythm disorders were addressed and dis- cussed by internationally renowned experts and by the numerous participants coming from all around the world. Volume 1 - which will be distributed by the international book trade - comprises the contributions of the structured sym- posia, while Volume 2 contains those of the satellite symposia. This second vol- ume will exclusively be available to the participants of the workshop. On the whole, I believe the book represents the state of our present knowledge about cardiac arrhythmias and antiarrhythmic therapy. The main topics dealt with in the two volumes include: molecular pathology of cardiac arrhythmias; atrial fibrillation with its different pathophysiological, electrophysiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects; atrial flutter and other supraventricular tachyarrhythmias; ventricular arrhythmias, with particular focus on malignant, idiopathic and uncommon forms; non-antiarrhythmic and antiarrhythmic measures for prevention of sudden death; technological advances and clinical aspects of ICD therapy; modern evaluation of patients with syncope; and, finally, cardiac pacing with practical issues, controversial indications, usefulness of different pacing modes and sites of stimulation and, in particular, usefulness of left ventricular or biventricular pacing for treat- ment of heart failure. Many individuals have contributed to the realization of this book.

The subject of cardiac arrhythmias is of practical relevance. Various arrhythmias are found in different clinical situations, such as premature complexes in healthy individuals, supraventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White snydrome, atrioventricular block, and ventricular fibrillation in cardiopathic conditions, especially in patients with ischemic disease. Topics of major interest are discussed in this volume: malignant ventricular arrhythmias, sudden death, automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators, syncope, current indications for pacing therapy, radiofrequency catheter ablation, flutter, and atrial fibrillation.

This issue of Cardiology Clinics devoted to syncope, a disorder that is associated with increased mortality. Internationally recognized experts discuss the many causes of syncope, helping the clinician to distinguish life-threatening etiologies from benign ones.

This issue of Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics devoted to syncope a disorder that is associated with increased mortality. Internationally recognized experts discuss the many causes of syncope, helping the clinician to distinguish life-threatening etiologies from benign ones.