RIPPLE-VT study: Multicenter prospective evaluation of ventricular tachycardia substrate ablation by targeting scar channels to eliminate latest scar potentials without direct ablation.

Background: Recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be treated by substrate modification of the myocardial scar by catheter ablation during sinus rhythm without VT induction. Better defining this arrhythmic substrate could help improve outcome and reduce ablation burden.

Objective: The study aimed to limit ablation within postinfarction scar to conduction channels within the scar to reduce VT recurrence.

Characterization of conduction system activation in the postinfarct ventricle using ripple mapping.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) mapping of the ventricular conduction system is challenging.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to use ripple mapping to distinguish conduction system activation to that of adjacent myocardium in order to characterize the conduction system in the postinfarct left ventricle (LV).

Methods: High-density mapping (PentaRay, CARTO) was performed during normal rhythm in patients undergoing ventricular tachycardia ablation.

Left atrial appendage occlusion for atrial fibrillation and bleeding diathesis.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and likelihood of bleeding can undergo left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) as an alternative method of stroke prophylaxis. Short-term anti-thrombotic drugs are used postprocedure to offset the risk of device-related thrombus, evidence for this practice is limited.

Objectives: To investigate optimal postimplant antithrombotic strategy in high bleeding-risk patients.

Ripple AT Plus - isthmus-guided vs conventional ablation in the treatment of scar-related atrial tachycardia: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Catheter ablation is routinely used to treat scar-related atrial tachycardia (s-AT). Conventional ablation often involves creating anatomical "lines" that transect myocardial tissue supporting reentry. This can be extensive, creating iatrogenic scar as a nidus for future reentry, and may account for arrhythmia recurrence.

Cardiac myosin-binding protein C: a potential early biomarker of myocardial injury.

Cardiac troponins are released and cleared slowly after myocardial injury, complicating the diagnosis of early, and recurrent, acute myocardial infarction. Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyC) is a similarly cardiac-restricted protein that may have different release/clearance kinetics. Using novel antibodies raised against the cardiac-specific N-terminus of cMyC, we used confocal microscopy, immunoblotting and immunoassay to document its location and release.

Coronary and microvascular physiology during intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.

Objectives: This study sought to identify the effect of coronary autoregulation on myocardial perfusion during intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy.

Background: IABP is the most commonly used circulatory support device, although its efficacy in certain scenarios has been questioned. The impact of alterations in microvascular function on IABP efficacy has not previously been evaluated in humans.

SSTR2 is the functionally dominant somatostatin receptor in human pancreatic β- and α-cells.

Somatostatin-14 (SST) inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion by activating G protein-coupled somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), of which five isoforms exist (SSTR1-5). In mice, the effects on pancreatic β-cells are mediated by SSTR5, whereas α-cells express SSTR2. In both cell types, SSTR activation results in membrane hyperpolarization and suppression of exocytosis.