Use of a radiofrequency guidewire to simplify workflow for left atrium access: a case series.

Purpose: Transseptal puncture (TSP) is widely used in catheter-based cardiac procedures to gain left atrial access, but its workflow has remained largely unchanged in the last 50 years. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel, simplified technique for TSP with a radiofrequency (RF)-powered guidewire that eliminates multiple exchanges required with standard needles.

Methods: TSP was performed in 84 patients undergoing left-sided procedures (72 atrial fibrillation ablations [32 RF, 40 cryoballoon], 4 atrial tachycardia ablations, 2 ventricular arrhythmia ablations, 6 left atrial appendage closure) utilizing a stiff, exchange length RF guidewire.

Comparison between radiofrequency with contact force-sensing and second-generation cryoballoon for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: a multicentre European evaluation.

Aims: Whether pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using contact force (CF)-guided radiofrequency (RF) or second-generation cryoballoon (CB) present similar efficacy and safety remains uncertain.

Methods And Results: We performed a multicentre study comparing procedural safety and arrhythmia recurrence after standardized PVI catheter ablation for PAF using CF-guided RF ablation (Thermocool(®) SmartTouch™, Biosense Webster; or Tacticath™, St Jude Medical) (CF group) with second-generation CB ablation (Arctic Front Advance™, Medtronic) (CB group). Overall, 376 patients (mean age 59.

Comparison of a radiofrequency powered flexible needle with a classic rigid Brockenbrough needle for transseptal punctures in terms of safety and efficacy.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of utilising an innovative radiofrequency (RF) powered flexible needle to achieve transseptal puncture (TSP).

Methods And Results: A RF powered flexible needle (Toronto catheter, Baylis Medical Company Inc.) associated with a stiffer dilator (Torflex Superstrong, Baylis Medical Company Inc.

Ventricular pacing through coronary sinus in patients with tricuspid prosthesis.

We report four cases of ventricular pacing through the coronary sinus in patients with tricuspid biological valves for whom recordings of atrioventricular block indicated required pacemaker implantation. To avoid risk of tricuspid damage, endocardial pacemaker implantation is not recommended for patients with prior tricuspid valve replacement. These patients historically undergo epicardial lead implantation on the diaphragmatic surface of the ventricle, requiring a lateral thoracotomy, which remains a challenging technique.

Percutaneous epicardial radiofrequency ablation of ventricular arrhythmias after failure of endocardial approach: a 9-year experience.

Introduction: Management of recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) remains difficult. Neither medical treatments nor conventional endocardial radiofrequency (RF) ablation are efficient to prevent some recurrences. In these cases, a percutaneous pericardial approach may be required.

Electrical storm reversible by isoproterenol infusion in a striking case of early repolarization.

A 40-year-old woman was referred to intensive care unit after recurrent ventricular fibrillation. She was free of cardiac medical history or medications. The resting ECG displayed an extended early repolarization in the inferior leads and all the precordial leads.

Comparison of beta blocker and digoxin alone and in combination for management of patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF), beta blockers and digoxin reduce the ventricular rate, but controversy exists concerning how these drugs affect prognosis in this setting. This study compared the effects of beta blocker and digoxin on mortality in patients with both AF and HF. In a single-center institution, patients with AF and HF seen between January 2000 and January 2004 were identified and followed until September 2007.

Incidence and predictive factors of atrial fibrillation after ablation of typical atrial flutter.

Although cavotricuspid isthmus radiofrequency catheter ablation is considered curative therapy for typical atrial flutter, many patients develop an atrial fibrillation after ablation. The purpose of our study was to determine the incidence and the predictive factors of post-ablation atrial fibrillation. One hundred and forty eight consecutive patients underwent cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for the treatment of typical atrial flutter between January 2004 and December 2005 in our electrophysiological department.

Antiarrhythmic effect of statin therapy and atrial fibrillation a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objectives: To improve the evaluation of the possible antiarrhythmic effect of statins, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized trials with statins on the end point of incidence or recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Background: The use of statins had been suggested to protect against AF in some clinical observational and experimental studies but has remained inadequately explored.

Methods: A systematic review of controlled trials with statins was performed.