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).

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.

Best ablation strategy in patients with premature ventricular contractions with multiple morphology: a single-centre experience.

Aims: This study aimed to examine the clinical benefits of targeted ablation of all Premature ventricular complex (PVC) morphologies vs. predominant PVC only.

Methods And Results: A total of 171 consecutive patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and ≥2 PVC morphology with high burden (>10%/day) undergoing their first ablation procedure were included in the analysis.

Impact of digital monitoring on compliance and outcome of lifestyle-change measures in patients with coexistent atrial fibrillation and obesity.

Introduction: Obesity, a known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), is potentially reversible through lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity. However, lack of compliance is a major obstacle in attaining sustained weight loss. We investigated the impact of patient engagement using a digital monitoring system on compliance for lifestyle-change measures and subsequent outcome.

Endocardial Scar-Homogenization With vs Without Epicardial Ablation in VT Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Objectives: In this study, the authors investigated the ablation success of scar homogenization with combined (epicardial + endocardial) vs endocardial-only approach for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) at 5 years of follow-up.

Background: Best ablation approach to achieve long-term success rate in VT patients with ICM is not known yet.

Methods: Consecutive ICM patients undergoing VT ablation at our center were classified into group 1: endocardial + epicardial scar homogenization and group 2: endocardial scar homogenization.

Coronavirus Disease-19 Testing Strategies for Patients and Health Care Workers to Improve Workplace Safety.

Tests to detect active viral infection and related immune response in the staff and patients attending health care facilities effectively identified positive cases presenting with or without symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. Subsequent home isolation of these contagious cases helped curb the chance of the spread of infection at the workplace. Furthermore, serologic tests conducted postvaccination facilitated the detection of individuals with poor immune response following active immunization that would likely require further safety measures to protect themselves from contracting the infection in health care facilities.

Targeting non-pulmonary vein triggers in persistent atrial fibrillation: results from a prospective, multicentre, observational registry.

Aims: We evaluated the efficacy of an ablation strategy empirically targeting pulmonary veins (PVs) and posterior wall (PW) and the prevalence and clinical impact of extrapulmonary trigger inducibility and ablation in a large cohort of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF).

Methods And Results: A total of 1803 PerAF patients were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) extended to the entire PW.

Impact of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy Versus Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Background We compared the cognitive status and quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) or remaining on oral anticoagulation (OAC) after atrial fibrillation ablation. Methods and Results Cognition was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) survey at baseline and follow-up. Consecutive patients receiving LAAO or OAC after atrial fibrillation ablation were screened, and patients with a score of ≤17 were excluded from the study.

Arrhythmia profile and ablation-outcome in elderly women with atrial fibrillation undergoing first catheter ablation.

Background: This study evaluated the arrhythmia profile and ablation outcome in women with atrial fibrillation (AF) aged ≥75 years.

Methods: A total of 573 consecutive female patients undergoing first AF ablation were classified into group 1: ≥75 years (n = 221) and group 2: < 75 years (n = 352). Isolation of PVs, posterior wall and superior vena cava was performed in all.

Predictors of recurrent atrial fibrillation following catheter ablation.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex and multi-factorial rhythm disorder. Catheter ablation is widely used for the management of AF. However, it is limited by relapse of the arrhythmia necessitating repeat procedures.

A simple method to detect leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion with Watchman.

Background: We evaluated the efficacy of a new method in identifying peri-device leak (PDL) using morphology of the thrombus formed inside the left atrial appendage (LAA) as seen on follow-up transesophageal echo (TEE).

Method: A total of 291 consecutive patients undergoing Watchman procedure were included in this analysis. TEE was performed at 45 days postprocedure.