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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Amiodarone and dronedarone: An update
Mate Vamos1, Stefan H Hohnloser1
1Division of Clinical Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
Abstract:
This article provides a contemporary review of the current role of amiodarone and dronedarone in patients with atrial fibrillation who need to undergo rhythm control therapy for relief of symptoms. Amiodarone is the most widely prescribed antiarrhythmic drug for this indication. Recent findings show that its use is not associated with increased mortality even in patients with advanced structural heart disease. However, its extracardiac side effect profile may limit its widespread use. Dronedarone appears to be a useful drug in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. However, the compound cannot be used in patients with heart failure. In permanent atrial fibrillation, dronedarone is likewise contraindicated based on findings from the PALLAS trial.
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