Debates and controversies about how to treat difficult problems or conditions abound in cardiac electrophysiology. This issue attempts to bring together a variety of controversial subjects and to present differing views on how to resolve these questions so clinicians will have a handy guide to the most current thinking about these difficult subjects.

Cardiac electrophysiologists face many challenging situations in which there is no clear-cut answer about the best way to handle a particular clinical problem. This issue brings together articles on many such situations, presents arguments on both sides, and lets the reader conclude which is the best way to manage a particular patient. Among the controversial and debatable topics included are how to handle device recalls, optimal timing for assessment of ICD efficacy, extraction o f broken leads, and anticoagulation therapy in device patients.

Controversies in Cardiac Electrophysiology are examined in this issue of Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics. Difficult cases are presented and esteemed leaders in the field debate the pros and cons of various forms of management and treatment.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are electronic devices installed in the chest to prevent sudden death caused by abnormally fast heart rhythms. Cardiac electrophysiologists are the physicians usually responsible for implanting and maintaining these devices. The technology for ICDs is rapidly evolving, and the articles in this issue will help electrophysiologists to keep up to date with the current generation of ICDs, including selection of patients who are appropriate for the device, monitoring patients after the device is implanted, and troubleshooting problems with the device.

Long QT syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder that can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats. In some cases, long QT syndrome can cause sudden death. Long QT syndrome may result from a genetic mutation or be caused by certain medications and medical conditions. The condition is treatable with medication, surgery, or an implantable device. Because it may have serious consequences, it’s important for electrophysiologists to know about long QT syndrome.

This issue of Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics covers arrhythmias in athletes, which can be a cause of morbidity and mortality. Expert authors review the most current information available about management of ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, bradyarrhythmias, syncope and other conditions. Preparticipation screening, defibrillator use, and prevention are also discussed. Keep up-to-the-minute with the latest developments in this important aspect of cardiac electrophysiology practice.

This issue consists of 17 case studies, each involving a difficult decision that has to be made in the catheterization laboratory. Reading about the cases and seeing the ECGs will help cardiac electrophysiologists sharpen their clinical skills. The cases are also useful reading for those studying for board certification.

This issue of Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics, edited by Drs. Mohammad Shenasa, N. A. Mark Estes III, and Gordon F. Tomaselli, will cover Contemporary Challenges in Sudden Cardiac Death. Topics covered in this issue include Pathophysiology; Basic electrophysiological mechanism; Channelopathy and Myopathy as causes of sudden cardiac death; Public access to defibrillation; Sudden cardiac death in children adolescence; Sudden cardiac death in specific cardiomyopathies; Ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death; lessons learned from cardiac implantable rhythm devices; future directions, and more.

In this issue of Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics, guest editors Drs. Emily Zeitler and Luigi Di Biase bring their considerable expertise to the topic of Case-Based Studies in Cardiac Electrophysiology. Top experts discuss various real-world cases in the field, including SVC tear; ICD extraction in LVAD patient; extraction and lead management in myotonic dystrophy; complex lead management decision making; extraction in patient with psLSVC; and more. - Contains 18 relevant, practice-oriented topics including multiple AF ablation cases; multiple pediatric/genetics EP cases; considerations for elective open extraction including debulking; lead management around structural heart interventions; and more. - Provides in-depth clinical reviews on case-based studies in cardiac electrophysiology, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. - Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.

Cardiac CT obtains information about coronary arteries, great arteries and veins, and heart valves. It shows the location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries and helps detect coronary artery disease at an early stage, which neither traditional imaging techniques nor cardiac testing can do. Over the last decade technologic advances in CT angiography have been made at a rapid rate, and the new applications and refinements of existing technology continue to be made. This issue will help practicing cardiologists to keep up with the latest technology in this important and swiftly moving field.