Patient selection, ventricular tachycardia substrate delineation and data transfer for stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation. A Clinical Consensus Statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS).

Stereotactic arrythmia radioablation (STAR) is a novel, non-invasive and promising treatment option for ventricular arrythmias (VA). It has been applied in highly selected patients mainly as bail-out procedure, when (multiple) catheter-ablations, together with anti-arrhythmic drugs, were unable to control the VAs. Despite the increasing clinical use there is still limited knowledge of the acute and long-term response of normal and diseased myocardium to STAR.

Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a novel external compression vascular closure device: The LockeT® study.

Introduction: Hemostasis following large-bore femoral vein access remains a challenge. Manual compression has been the standard of care but requires bedside staff, prolonged bed rest, and longer length of stay. The LockeT is an external compression device that attempts to address these issues while achieving venous hemostasis.

Best anticoagulation strategy with and without appendage occlusion for stroke-prophylaxis in postablation atrial fibrillation patients with cardiac amyloidosis.

Introduction: Both atrial fibrillation (AF) and amyloidosis increase stroke risk. We evaluated the best anticoagulation strategy in AF patients with coexistent amyloidosis.

Methods: Consecutive AF patients with concomitant amyloidosis were divided into two groups based on the postablation stroke-prophylaxis approach; group 1: left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in eligible patients and group 2: oral anticoagulation (OAC).

Trends in comorbid chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation-related cardiovascular mortality in the United States.

Background: The impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on atrial fibrillation outcomes (AF) is not well understood.

Methods: We conducted analyses of comorbid AF and CKD related death in the United States from 1999 to 2020 using descriptive epidemiology.

Results: Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 increased from 0.

Acute Kidney Injury Resulting From Hemoglobinuria After Pulsed-Field Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation: Is it Preventable?

Background: High-voltage pulses can cause hemolysis.

Objectives: The authors evaluated the occurrence of hemoglobinuria after pulsed-field ablation (PFA) and its impact on renal function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: A consecutive series of patients with AF undergoing PFA were included in this analysis.

Safety and feasibility of same-day discharge following uncomplicated transvenous lead extraction.

Introduction: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE), while mostly a safe procedure, has risk of serious periprocedural complications. As such, overnight hospitalization remains a routine practice. In our center, we routinely discharge patients on the same day following an uncomplicated TLE.

Bilateral Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation for Refractory Multifocal Premature Ventricular Contractions in Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation (BCSD) for refractory life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias is a neuromodulatory intervention targeting sympathetically driven focal or re-entrant ventricular arrhythmias.

Objectives: This study sought to provide a more complete and successful option for intervention in patients in whom premature ventricular contraction (PVC) ablation is not feasible or has been unsuccessful.

Methods: A total of 43 patients with >5% PVC burden and concomitant nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) who previously failed medical and ablation therapies were referred for BCSD.

EsophAguS Deviation During RadiofrequencY Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: The EASY AF Trial.

Background: Injury to the esophagus has been reported in a high percentage of patients undergoing ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objectives: This study assessed the incidence of esophageal injury in patients undergoing ablation of AF with and without an esophageal deviating device.

Methods: This prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, controlled Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption trial compared the incidence of ablation-related esophageal lesions, as assessed by endoscopy, in patients undergoing AF ablation assigned to a control group (luminal esophageal temperature [LET] monitoring alone) compared with patients randomized to a deviation group (esophagus deviation device + LET).

Comparison of transseptal puncture using a dedicated RF wire versus a mechanical needle with and without electrification in an animal model.

Introduction: Mechanical force to achieve transseptal puncture (TSP) using a standard needle may lead to overshooting and injury, and can potentially be avoided using a radiofrequency (RF)-powered needle or wire. Applying electrocautery to needles and guidewires as an alternative to purpose-built RF systems has been associated with safety risks, such as tissue coring and thermal damage. The commercially available AcQCross needle-dilator system (Medtronic) features a sharp open-ended needle for mechanical puncture, as well as a built-in connector to enable energy delivery for RF puncture.