Modified energy settings are mandatory to minimize oesophageal injury using the novel multipolar irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter for pulmonary vein isolation.

Aims: The multipolar irrigated radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter (nMARQ™) is a novel tool for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). We investigated the incidence of thermal oesophageal injury (EI) using the nMARQ™ for PVI.

Methods And Results: In the initial six patients (Group 1), RF was delivered at the posterior wall with a maximum duration of 60 s and a maximum power (maxP) of 20 W for unipolar ablation, and a maxP of 10 W for the bipolar ablation.

Increased incidence of esophageal thermal lesions using the second-generation 28-mm cryoballoon.

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation is an established treatment option for atrial fibrillation. To date, the incidence and quality of ablation-induced esophageal thermal lesions (ETLs) using the recently introduced second-generation cryoballoon (CB, ArcticFront Advance, Medtronic) is unknown.

Methods And Results: In patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or short-standing persistent atrial fibrillation, pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was performed using the second-generation CB.

The influence of varying energy settings on efficacy and safety of endoscopic pulmonary vein isolation.

Background: The optimal energy setting for endoscopic pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) has not yet been determined.

Objective: To assess the influence of varying energy settings on the efficacy and safety of endoscopic PVI.

Methods: In the current prospective study, 30 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were consented for PVI using the endoscopic ablation system.

Female international students and sexual health - a qualitative study into knowledge, beliefs and attitudes.

Background: International students make up an increasing proportion of university students in Australia. Research suggests that they have poor sexual health knowledge compared with local students.

Methods: Thematic analysis was undertaken on focus groups carried out at the University of Adelaide (South Australia), with 21 female international students from Malaysia and China.

The relationship between blood lactate and survival following the use of adrenaline in the treatment of septic shock.

This prospective observational study evaluates the relationship between adrenaline, lactate and intensive care unit survival in septic shock. Forty patients requiring adrenaline therapy for a first episode of septic shock acquired > 24 hours after admission to the intensive care unit had blood lactate levels measured two-hourly over a 24-hour period. Adrenaline therapy was escalated until target mean arterial pressure was reached.