Orthotropic heart transplantation remains the most effective therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure, with a median survival of ≈13 years. Yet, a number of complications are observed after orthotropic heart transplantation, including atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Several factors contribute to arrhythmias, such as autonomic denervation, effect of the surgical technique, acute and chronic rejection, and transplant vasculopathy among others. To minimize risk of future arrhythmias, the bicaval technique and minimizing ischemic time are current surgical standards. Sinus node dysfunction is the most common indication for early (within 30 days) pacemaker implantation, whereas atrioventricular block incidence increases as time from transplant increases. Atrial fibrillation can occur in the first few weeks following transplantation but is uncommon in the long term unless secondary to a precipitant such as acute rejection. The most common atrial arrhythmias are atrial flutters, which are mainly typical, but atypical circuits can be observed such as those that involve the remnant donor atrium in regions immediately adjacent to the atrioatrial anastomosis suture line. Choosing the appropriate pharmacological therapy requires careful consideration due to the potential interaction with immunosuppressive agents. Despite historical concerns, adenosine is effective and safe at reduced doses if administered under cardiac monitoring. Catheter ablation has emerged as an effective treatment strategy for symptomatic supraventricular tachycardias, including ablation of atypical flutter circuits. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is an important risk factor for sudden cardiac death, yet the role of prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implant for sudden death prevention is unclear. Current indications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation are as in the nontransplant population. A number of questions for future research are posed.

Brief Reports should be submitted online to www.editorialmanager.com/ amsurg. (See details online under ''Instructions for Authors''.) They should be no more than 4 double-spaced pages with no Abstract or sub-headings, with a maximum of four (4) references. If figures are included, they should be limited to two (2). The cost of printing color figures is the responsibility of the author.In general, authors of case reports should use the Brief Report format.

There is considerable variability in practice regarding perfusion strategies for arch repair in neonates and infants. In contemporary practice, RCP is the most prevalent perfusion strategy for these procedures. Use of DHCA is also common. Further investigation is warranted to ascertain possible relative merits of the various perfusion techniques.

Aim: To date, there has been no specific examination of suicide rates and factors associated with suicide in thyroid cancer. The aim of this study is to examine suicide incidence and associated factors in thyroid cancer patients from 1973 to 2013. and Control using the Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and multivariable logistic regression models generated odds ratios (ORs) for the identification of factors associated with suicide. Results:Overall, 154 suicides among 168,339 patients were identified. There was no statistically significant difference in suicide rate with respect to age, marital status, median household income, surgical intervention, stage at diagnosis, or histologic subtype. On multivariable analysis male gender and Caucasian race were associated with increased risk of suicide with ORs of 5.39 and 3.17 respectively. Conclusion:Race and gender appear to influence suicide rates in patients with thyroid cancer. Females and whites were more likely to commit suicide as noted previously. There was no statistically significant relationship between suicide and marital status, income, mode of radiation therapy, and the role of surgical intervention. These results, coupled with further studies and analyses, could be used to formulate a comprehensive suicide risk factor scoring system for screening all cancer patients.Clinical significance: Thyroid cancer is very treatable with excellent long-term survival and outcomes. Improved screening and risk factor stratification in these patients could decrease the incidence of suicide in thyroid cancer patients.

Brief Reports should be submitted online to www.editorialmanager.com/ amsurg. (See details online under ''Instructions for Authors''.) They should be no more than 4 double-spaced pages with no Abstract or sub-headings, with a maximum of four (4) references. If figures are included, they should be limited to two (2). The cost of printing color figures is the responsibility of the author.