CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score and blood biomarkers to identify patients with atrial high-rate episodes and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
ConclusionTIMP-4, NT-proANP, NT-proBNP were strongest associated with PAF and AHRE. The discriminatory performance of CHADS2-VASc for PAF was increased by addition of selected biomarkers. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - May 11, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Presence of ‘ghosts’ and mortality after transvenous lead extraction
AimsThe number of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices has increased progressively, leading to an increased need for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) due to device infections. Previous studies described ‘ghost’ as a post-removal, new, tubular, mobile mass detected by echocardiography following the lead's intracardiac route in the right-sided heart chambers, associated with diagnosis of cardiac device-related infective endocarditis. We aimed to analyse the association between ‘ghosts’ assessed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and mortality in...
Source: Europace - March 28, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Quantitative analysis of PKP2 and neighbouring genes in a patient with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy caused by heterozygous PKP2 deletion
ConclusionScreening for CNVs in desmosome genes is useful to identify the genetic basis of disease in clinically suspected ARVC patients. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 22, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Battery longevity from cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators: differences between manufacturers and discrepancies with published product performance reports
AimsCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an important treatment for heart failure that requires constant ventricular pacing, placing a high energy burden on CRT defibrillators (CRT-D). Longer battery life reduces the need for device changes and associated complications, thereby affecting patient outcomes and cost of care. We therefore investigated the time to battery depletion of CRT-D from different manufacturers and compared these results with manufacturers' published product performance reports (PPRs).Methods and resultsAll CRT-D recipients at our institution between January 2008 and December 2010 were included in...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The acute effects and follow-up after the visually guided laser balloon ablation for atrial fibrillation treatment
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Kumar, N., Lozekoot, P. Tags: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Source Type: research
Apnoea-associated intrathoracic pressure swings create a dynamic arrhythmogenic atrial substrate during sleep: author's reply
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Schlatzer, C., Kohler, M. Tags: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Source Type: research
Apnoea-associated intrathoracic pressure swings create a dynamic arrhythmogenic atrial substrate during sleep
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Linz, D. Tags: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Source Type: research
Sensitivity and accuracy of Sensitherm/Esotherm oesophageal temperature probe: reply
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Merino, J. L., Arceluz, M., Delgado, R., Falconi, E., Cruz, F., Vasquez, C. C., Ortega, M. Tags: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Source Type: research
Sensitivity and accuracy of Sensitherm/Esotherm oesophageal temperature probe
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Fasano, A. Tags: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Source Type: research
Differences in attitude, education, and knowledge about oral anticoagulation therapy among patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe: result of a self-assessment patient survey conducted by the European Heart Rhythm Association
The purpose of this patient survey was to analyse the knowledge about blood thinning medications relative to gender, age, education, and region of residence in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 1147 patients with AF [mean age 66 ± 13 years, 529 (45%) women] from eight European countries responded to this survey. Most patients understood that the indication for anticoagulation therapy was to ‘thin the blood’, but 8.1% responded that the purpose of the medication was to treat the arrhythmia. Patients with college or university grades reported less frequent deviations from their target INR ...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Hernandez Madrid, A., Potpara, T. S., Dagres, N., Chen, J., Larsen, T. B., Estner, H., Todd, D., Bongiorni, M. G., Sciaraffia, E., Proclemer, A., Cheggour, S., Amara, W., Blomstrom-Lundqvist, C. Tags: EHRA SURVEY Source Type: research
Assessment of a structured management pathway for patients referred to the Emergency Department for syncope: results in a tertiary hospital
Aims
High hospitalization rates (39–58% in the literature) of patients admitted to Emergency Department (ED) for transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC) suspected for syncope are still an unresolved issue. The presence of an Observation Unit has reduced hospital admissions and the duration of hospitalization in controlled studies, and a Syncope Unit (SU) in the hospital may reduce hospitalization and increase the number of diagnoses in patients with T-LOC. We assessed the effect of a structured organization on hospitalization rate and outcome.
Methods and results
Consecutive patients referred to the ED for a T-LOC o...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Ungar, A., Tesi, F., Chisciotti, V. M., Pepe, G., Vanni, S., Grifoni, S., Balzi, D., Rafanelli, M., Marchionni, N., Brignole, M. Tags: Syncope Source Type: research
Prevalence of auricular thrombosis before atrial flutter cardioversion: a 17-year transoesophageal echocardiographic study
Conclusion
Auricular thrombosis is not an infrequent finding in AFL before CV. Our study suggests the use of TEE screening in AFL, as well as in AF, when patients arrive to clinical attention after more than 48 h from arrhythmia onset. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Cresti, A., Garcia-Fernandez, M. A., De Sensi, F., Miracapillo, G., Picchi, A., Scalese, M., Severi, S. Tags: Cardiac electrophysiology Source Type: research
Selective atrial vagal denervation guided by spectral mapping to treat advanced atrioventricular block
Conclusion
Ablation of the endocardial vagal innervation sites seems to be safe and efficient in reducing the frequency and the length of the ventricular pauses. It was possible by identifying certain spectral components of the atrial electrogram, resulting in a conservative approach. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Rivarola, E., Hardy, C., Sosa, E., Hachul, D., Furlan, V., Raimundi, F., Scanavacca, M. Tags: Cardiac electrophysiology Source Type: research
Can we rely on machines? Device-detected atrial high rates correspond well with atrial arrhythmias in cardiac resynchronization recipients
Aims
The aim of the study was to verify in what proportion of patients, device-detected atrial high rate (AHR) episodes are indeed atrial arrhythmias (AAs). We investigated also the reasons for inappropriate arrhythmia classification and assessed if patients with misdiagnosed arrhythmias have distinct characteristics that would help to identify them.
Methods and results
The study population consisted of 304 consecutive patients implanted with cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds) and subsequently monitored via remote monitoring for a median follow-up (FU) of 30.5 months. Intracardiac electrograms of ev...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Jędrzejczyk-Patej, E., Lenarczyk, R., Mazurek, M., Liberska, A., Przybylska-Siedlecka, K., Podolecki, T., Kowalczyk, J., Sokal, A., Leopold-Jadczyk, A., Kowalski, O., Kalarus, Z. Tags: Pacing and resynchronization therapy Source Type: research
The lung impedance monitoring in treatment of chronic heart failure (the LIMIT-CHF study)
Conclusion
In this study, an empirical HF treatment guided by IIM alerts did not reduce emergency treatment of HF. However, it seems to have a positive impact on quality of life.
Clinical Trial Registration—URL
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01320007. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Domenichini, G., Rahneva, T., Diab, I. G., Dhillon, O. S., Campbell, N. G., Finlay, M. C., Baker, V., Hunter, R. J., Earley, M. J., Schilling, R. J. Tags: Pacing and resynchronization therapy Source Type: research
Clinical outcomes in cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator recipients 80 years of age and older
Aims
Very elderly patients have not been well-represented in the randomized trials that established the benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure (HF) patients. We therefore compared clinical outcomes in CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D) recipients ≥80 and
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Adelstein, E. C., Liu, J., Jain, S., Schwartzman, D., Althouse, A. D., Wang, N. C., Gorcsan, J., Saba, S. Tags: Pacing and resynchronization therapy Source Type: research
Adding the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator to cardiac resynchronization therapy is associated with improved long-term survival in ischaemic, but not in non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy
Conclusion
Adding an ICD backup is associated with better survival in CRT recipients. This effect was evident among patients with ICM, but not in patients with NICM. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Witt, C. T., Kronborg, M. B., Nohr, E. A., Mortensen, P. T., Gerdes, C., Jensen, H. K., Nielsen, J. C. Tags: Sudden death and ICDs Source Type: research
Differences in predictors of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapies in patients with ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies
Conclusion
The aetiology of cardiomyopathy should be taken into consideration for the therapy of ICD patients. The protective role of CRT devices should be pointed out in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and a more rigorous antiarrhythmic treatment should be considered for ICM patients with secondary prevention or for dilated cardiomyopathy patients with AF. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Darma, A., Nedios, S., Kosiuk, J., Richter, S., Doering, M., Arya, A., Rolf, S., Sommer, P., Hindricks, G., Bollmann, A. Tags: Sudden death and ICDs Source Type: research
Better management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increases survival rate and improves neurological outcome in the Swiss Canton Ticino
Conclusion
The significant increase in Utstein comparator survival rates and improved neurological outcome in OHCA victims in Canton Ticino are the result of an effective OHCA management programme which includes large-scale public education, a coordinated fast EMS response, high density of external defibrillators, and advances in clinical interventions for OHCAs. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Mauri, R., Burkart, R., Benvenuti, C., Caputo, M. L., Moccetti, T., Del Bufalo, A., Gallino, A., Casso, C., Anselmi, L., Cassina, T., Klersy, C., Auricchio, A. Tags: Sudden death and ICDs Source Type: research
Variable primary phenotypic manifestations in a rare familial form of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Mullertz, K. M., Jensen, H. K. Tags: CASE EXPRESS REPORTS Source Type: research
Predictors of left atrial volume index reduction following cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation
In this study, we aimed to investigate predictors of LAVIR at 12 months in AF patients undergoing cryoballoon-based PVI.
Methods and results
Patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF despite ≥1 antiarrhythmic drug(s), who were scheduled for cryoballoon-based AF ablation procedure per the recent consensus recommendations, were enrolled and followed-up for 12 months in this prospective observational study. Left atrial volume was derived using the biplane area–length method. A total of 160 patients (54.25 ± 7.66 years, 44.40% female) were involved in the study. Reduction in left atrial volume inde...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Yalcin, M. U., Gurses, K. M., Kocyigit, D., Evranos, B., Yorgun, H., Sahiner, L., Kaya, E. B., Oto, M. A., Aytemir, K., Ozer, N. Tags: Ablation for atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
Low P-wave amplitude (
Aims
We hypothesized that P-wave amplitude in lead I is related to left atrial (LA) remodelling and inter-atrial conduction pattern, and has a predictive value for recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) among patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).
Methods and results
A total of 525 consecutive patients with PAF (76% male, 56 ± 12 years old) who underwent RFCA were included. We compared pre-procedural sinus rhythm electrocardiograms without antiarrhythmic drug effect with LA volume (CT), LA voltage (NavX), the earliest activation site (EAS) conduction pattern of LA, and clinical recurr...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Park, J.-K., Park, J., Uhm, J.-S., Joung, B., Lee, M.-H., Pak, H.-N. Tags: Ablation for atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
Mitral isthmus ablation: the importance of epicardial connections between the coronary sinus and Marshall bundle
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Hayashi, T., Mitsuhashi, T., Momomura, S.-i. Tags: CASE EXPRESS REPORTS Source Type: research
Three-dimensional atrial wall thickness maps to inform catheter ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation
Aims
Transmural lesion formation is critical to success in atrial fibrillation ablation and is dependent on left atrial wall thickness (LAWT). Pre- and peri-procedural planning may benefit from LAWT measurements.
Methods and results
To calculate the LAWT, the Laplace equation was solved over a finite element mesh of the left atrium derived from the segmented computed tomographic angiography (CTA) dataset. Local LAWT was then calculated from the length of field lines derived from the Laplace solution that spanned the wall from the endocardium or epicardium. The method was validated on an atrium phantom and retrospectively ...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Bishop, M., Rajani, R., Plank, G., Gaddum, N., Carr-White, G., Wright, M., O'Neill, M., Niederer, S. Tags: Ablation for atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
First-line catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: outcome of radiofrequency vs. cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation
Aims
First-line ablation prior to antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy is an option for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF); however, the optimal ablation technique, radiofrequency (RF), or cryoballoon (CB) has to be determined.
Methods and results
The FREEZE Cohort Study compares RF and CB ablation. Treatment-naïve patients were documented in the FREEZEplus Registry. Periprocedural data and outcome were analysed. From 2011 to 2014, a total of 373/4184 (8.9%) patients with PAF naïve to AAD were identified. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was performed with RF (n = 180) or CB (n = 193). In the RF group, ...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Straube, F., Dorwarth, U., Ammar-Busch, S., Peter, T., Noelker, G., Massa, T., Kuniss, M., Ewertsen, N. C., Chun, K. R. J., Tebbenjohanns, J., Tilz, R., Kuck, K. H., Ouarrak, T., Senges, J., Hoffmann, E., for the FREEZE Cohort Investigators Tags: Ablation for atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
The impact of adjunctive complex fractionated atrial electrogram ablation and linear lesions on outcomes in persistent atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis
Aims
In persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF), success rates for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone are limited and additional substrate modification is often performed. The two most widely used substrate-based strategies are the ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) and left atrial linear ablation (LALA) at the roof and mitral isthmus. However, it is unclear whether adjunctive CFAE ablation or LALA add significant benefit to PVI alone. We performed a meta-analysis to better gauge the benefit of adjunctive CFAE ablation and LALA in PsAF.
Methods and results
Electronic databases were systematically ...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Scott, P. A., Silberbauer, J., Murgatroyd, F. D. Tags: Ablation for atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
The risk of atrial fibrillation during right ventricular pacing
Conclusions
HA pacing compared with RVA or RVS pacing seems to be associated with a lower risk of persistent/permanent AF occurrence. The risk of persistent/permanent AF was similar in the RVA vs. RVS groups. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Pastore, G., Zanon, F., Baracca, E., Aggio, S., Corbucci, G., Boaretto, G., Roncon, L., Noventa, F., Barold, S. S. Tags: Atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
Personalized and automated remote monitoring of atrial fibrillation
Conclusion
This work demonstrates the ability of a pilot system to classify alerts and improves personalized remote monitoring of patients. In particular, our method allows integration of patient medical history with device alert notifications, which is useful both from medical and resource-management perspectives. The system was able to automatically classify the importance of 1783 AF alerts in 60 patients, which resulted in an 84% reduction in notification workload, while preserving patient safety. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Rosier, A., Mabo, P., Temal, L., Van Hille, P., Dameron, O., Deleger, L., Grouin, C., Zweigenbaum, P., Jacques, J., Chazard, E., Laporte, L., Henry, C., Burgun, A. Tags: Atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
First clinical trial of specific IKACh blocker shows no reduction in atrial fibrillation burden in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: pacemaker assessment of BMS 914392 in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Conclusion
BMS 914932 has not been shown to reduce AF burden in patients with PAF and pacemakers using beat-to-beat pacemaker monitoring throughout the study. BMS 914392 was well tolerated and did not affect QTc or reduce heart rate.
Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01356914. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Podd, S. J., Freemantle, N., Furniss, S. S., Sulke, N. Tags: Atrial fibrillation Source Type: research
Catheter ablation of multiple accessory pathways in Ebstein anomaly guided by intracardiac echocardiography
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Vukmirović, M., Peichl, P., Kautzner, J. Tags: CASE EXPRESS REPORTS Source Type: research
Dual atrioventricular nodal non-re-entrant tachycardia
(DAVNNT), also known as ‘double fire’, has recently received more attention since it was demonstrated to mimic more common arrhythmias such as atrial premature beats, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. This is important, since mistaken differential diagnoses and the resulting therapeutic decisions have severe consequences for affected patients. DAVNNT is characterized by conduction characteristics of the atrioventricular (AV) node that leads to a double antegrade conduction of one sinoatrial nodal activity via the slow and fast AV nodal pathways. As a result, the most significant hint from an el...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Peiker, C., Pott, C., Eckardt, L., Kelm, M., Shin, D.-I., Willems, S., Meyer, C. Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research
Geometrical considerations in cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis
The rate of repolarization (RRepol) and so the duration of the cardiac action potential are determined by the balance of inward and outward currents across the cardiac membrane (net ionic current). Plotting action potential duration (APD) as a function of the RRepol reveals an inverse non-linear relationship, arising from the geometric association between these two factors. From the RRepol–APD relationship, it can be observed that a longer action potential will exhibit a greater propensity to shorten, or prolong, for a given change in the RRepol (i.e. net ionic current), when compared with one that is initially short...
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Winter, J., Shattock, M. J. Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research
Can resuscitation run like a fine Swiss timepiece?
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Kudenchuk, P. J. Tags: EDITORIALS Source Type: research
Electrophysiology meets geometry
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 21, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Zaza, A. Tags: EDITORIALS Source Type: research
Incidence and management of inadvertent puncture and sheath placement in the aorta during attempted transseptal puncture
ConclusionInadvertent aortic puncture and sheath placement are rare complications in patients undergoing TSP for interventional procedures. Leaving a guidewire in place during the observation period may allow introduction of sheaths or other tools in order to control haemodynamic deterioration. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 20, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Cardiac structural and functional profile of patients with delayed QRS transition zone and sudden cardiac death
AimsDelayed QRS transition zone in the precordial leads of the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been recently associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We correlated echocardiographic findings with ECG and clinical characteristics to investigate how alterations in cardiac structure and function contribute to this risk marker.Methods and ResultsFrom the ongoing population-based Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study (catchment population ∼1 million), SCD cases with prior ECG available (n = 627) were compared with controls (n = 801). Subjects with delayed tr...
Source: Europace - March 19, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Additional electrodes on the Quartet ™ LV lead provide more programmable pacing options than bipolar and tripolar equivalents
AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate any benefits to the number of viable pacing vectors and maximal spatial coverage with quadripolar left ventricular (LV) leads when compared with tripolar and bipolar equivalents in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).Methods and ResultsA meta-analysis of five previously published clinical trials involving the Quartet ™ LV lead (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA) was performed to evaluate the number of viable pacing vectors defined as capture thresholds ≤2.5 V and no phrenic nerve stimulation and maximal spatial coverage of viable vectors in CRT patie...
Source: Europace - March 19, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Clinical predictors of cardiac magnetic resonance late gadolinium enhancement in patients with atrial fibrillation
ConclusionIn a cohort of patients presenting for initial AF ablation, the presence of pre-ablation LA LGE extent was weakly, but positively associated with increasing LA volume. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 9, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
South Asian ethnicity is associated with a lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation despite greater prevalence of established risk factors: a population-based study in Bradford Metropolitan District
ConclusionThis study, in a multi-ethnic population, presents ethnicity as a predictor of AF in which prevalence is significantly lower in SAs when compared with Whites. This is despite SAs having a higher frequency of established risk factors for the development of AF, such as ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. These findings are consistent with previous literature and add weight to the need for further investigation, although this is the first study to investigate the differential associations of individual risk factors with development of AF. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - March 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Effect of fixed-rate vs. rate-RESPONSIve pacing on exercise capacity in patients with permanent, refractory atrial fibrillation and left ventricular dysfunction treated with atrioventricular junction aBLation and bivEntricular pacing (RESPONSIBLE): a prospective, multicentre, randomized, single-blind study
AimsAtrioventricular junction (AVJ) ablation followed by biventricular pacing is an established strategy for improving symptoms and morbidity in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and uncontrolled ventricular rate. There is no clear evidence that such patients benefit from rate-responsive (RR) pacing.Methods and resultsThis prospective, randomized, single-blind, multicentre study was designed as an intra-patient comparison and enrolled 60 patients (age 69.5 ± 11.8 years, males 63.3%, NYHA 3.0 ± 0.6) with refractory AF and reduced LVEF (mean 32....
Source: Europace - March 2, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Non-documented but induced supraventricular tachycardia: a new challenge or a new light?--author's reply
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - February 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Lauschke, J., Schneider, R., Bänsch, D. Tags: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Source Type: research
Non-documented but induced supraventricular tachycardia: a new challenge or a new light?
(Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - February 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Yetkin, E., Tandogan, I. Tags: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Source Type: research
Automatic QRS Selvester scoring system in patients with left bundle branch block
Conclusion
We propose an efficient computerized method for the automatic measurement of the Selvester score in patients with the strict LBBB. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - February 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Xia, X., Wieslander, B., Strauss, D. G., Wagner, G. S., Zareba, W., Moss, A. J., Couderc, J.-P. Tags: TECHNICAL ISSUES Source Type: research
Permanent trans-venous pacing in an extra-cardiac Fontan circulation
Conclusion
This novel technique is an alternative to epicardial pacing in patients with an extra-cardiac Fontan circulation, thus avoiding the need for surgical intervention. It may also be applied to gain access to the atrial mass for arrhythmia ablation therapy. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - February 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Arif, S., Clift, P. F., De Giovanni, J. V. Tags: TECHNICAL ISSUES Source Type: research
The novel active fixation coronary sinus lead: efficacy and safety of transvenous extraction procedure
Conclusion
In our case, to our knowledge the first reported in humans, the extraction of this new model of active fixation lead was proved to be a safe and effective procedure at 8 months after implantation. Indeed, under angiographic and fluoroscopic check, there was no documented dissection or damage to the CS during and after removal of the lead. The rotation manoeuvre was effective when combined with moderate traction of the lead itself. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - February 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Bontempi, L., Vassanelli, F., Ashofair, N., Inama, L., Mariggio, D., Cerini, M., Curnis, A. Tags: TECHNICAL ISSUES Source Type: research
Electrical superior vena cava isolation using photodynamic therapy in a canine model
Conclusion
The electrical SVC isolation was successfully and instantly achieved using the PDT laser–ring catheter without any complications. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - February 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Kimura, T., Takatsuki, S., Miyoshi, S., Takahashi, M., Ogawa, E., Nakajima, K., Kashimura, S., Katsumata, Y., Nishiyama, T., Nishiyama, N., Tanimoto, Y., Aizawa, Y., Arai, T., Fukuda, K. Tags: BASIC SCIENCE Source Type: research
Malfunction of cardiac devices after radiotherapy without direct exposure to ionizing radiation: mechanisms and experimental data
Conclusion
High-energy radiation can cause different malfunctions on CIED, particularly ICD, even without direct exposure to ionizing radiation due to scattered radiation of neutrons produced by the linear accelerator. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - February 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Zecchin, M., Morea, G., Severgnini, M., Sergi, E., Baratto Roldan, A., Bianco, E., Magnani, S., De Luca, A., Zorzin Fantasia, A., Salvatore, L., Milan, V., Giannini, G., Sinagra, G. Tags: BASIC SCIENCE Source Type: research
Non-contact mapping-guided ablation of ventricular arrhythmias originating from the pulmonary artery
Aims
To identify unique electrophysiological characteristics of pulmonary artery (PA) ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and determine long-term clinical outcomes following non-contact mapping (NCM)-guided ablation.
Methods and results
The NCM array was deployed in consecutive patients undergoing clinically indicated ablation of outflow tract (OT) VA with left bundle branch block morphology, inferior axis and the precordial lead transition zone ≥V3. Activation, pace and NCM mapping parameters, and electrocardiogram analysis of PA VA patients were compared with 50 patients with right ventricular OT (RVOT) or aortic coronary c...
Source: Europace - February 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Zhang, F., Yang, B., Chen, H., Ju, W., Kojodjojo, P., Li, M., Gu, K., Yang, G., Cao, K., Chen, M. Tags: Cardiac electrophysiology Source Type: research
Electroanatomic characteristics of the mitral isthmus associated with successful mitral isthmus ablation
Conclusion
Smaller MI thickness is associated with acute success in PMF ablation. Mitral isthmus electroanatomical characteristics might be used for decision-making on strategy during persistent AF ablation and for selecting the best location for interrupting PMF. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - February 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Latcu, D. G., Squara, F., Massaad, Y., Bun, S.-S., Saoudi, N., Marchlinski, F. E. Tags: Cardiac electrophysiology Source Type: research
Epicardial only mapping and ablation of ventricular tachycardia: a case series
Conclusion
Epicardial only ablation seems feasible and effective and useful in a limited subset of patients with incessant VT. However, endpoints are more difficult to evaluate and long-term follow-up is needed. (Source: Europace)
Source: Europace - February 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Berte, B., Yamashita, S., Sacher, F., Cochet, H., Hooks, D., Aljefairi, N., Amraoui, S., Denis, A., Derval, N., Hocini, M., Haïssaguerre, M., Jaïs, P. Tags: Cardiac electrophysiology Source Type: research
