An easy-to-use, operator-independent, clinical model to predict the left vs. right ventricular outflow tract origin of ventricular arrhythmias.

Aims: To identify clinical characteristics able to predict a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) origin in outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OTVAs).

Methods And Results: We included 117 consecutive patients (training sample) with successful radiofrequency ablation of OTVA in one centre. A predictive model for LVOT origin was obtained using clinical data.

Scar dechanneling: new method for scar-related left ventricular tachycardia substrate ablation.

Background: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) substrate ablation usually requires extensive ablation. Scar dechanneling technique may limit the extent of ablation needed.

Methods And Results: The study included 101 consecutive patients with left ventricular scar-related VT (75 ischemic patients; left ventricular ejection fraction, 36 ± 13%).

Impact of earliest activation site location in the septal right ventricular outflow tract for identification of left vs right outflow tract origin of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias.

Background: The earliest activation site (EAS) location in the septal right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) could be an additional mapping data predictor of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) vs RVOT origin of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of EAS location in predicting LVOT vs RVOT origin.

Methods: Macroscopic and histologic study was performed in 12 postmortem hearts.

Mapping data predictors of a left ventricular outflow tract origin of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia with V3 transition and septal earliest activation.

Background: The proximity of the outflow tracts (OTs) frequently results in an overlap in surface electrocardiographic features of ventricular arrhythmias originating from this anatomic region, particularly when the transition occurs in lead V3. In addition, no reliable criteria to discriminate between a right ventricular OT (RVOT) and a left ventricular OT (LVOT) site of origin (SOO) are derived from intracardiac mapping.

Methods And Results: A series of 15 patients underwent ablation because of OT ventricular arrhythmias having a V3 transition, and a septal earliest activation on the RVOT was included in the study.

Displacement of the target ablation site and ventricles during premature ventricular contractions: relevance for radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Background: During premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), a spatial displacement of the ventricles and the target ablation site with respect to the sinus rhythm (SR) position is observed during mapping and ablation.

Objectives: To analyze this displacement and its relevance for image integration and PVC ablation.

Methods: The electroanatomical activation maps (EAMs) of 55 consecutive patients who underwent PVC ablation were analyzed.

Combined endocardial and epicardial catheter ablation in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia incorporating scar dechanneling technique.

Background: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) has a low success rate. A more extensive epicardial (Epi) arrhythmogenic substrate could explain the low efficacy. We report the results of combined endocardial (Endo) and Epi VT ablation and conducting channel (CC) elimination.

Long-term arrhythmia variability after monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Background:  Arrhythmia burden in patients receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) after monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (mVT) is higher than in patients with other indications. We investigated the long-term arrhythmia profile in this subset of patients.

Methods:  Fifty-two patients with an ICD implanted after mVT were followed up for at least 3 months.

[Cryoballon isolation of the pulmonary veins in atrial fibrillation: mid-term results after the first 55 patients].

Unlabelled: Several transcatheter techniques based on radiofrequency energy were elaborated for the treatment of atrial fibrillation through the last decade. Recently, similar success rates with a better safety profile concerning life threatening complications were reported with the novel methode of cryoballon isolation of the pulmonary veins. This paper summarizes our initial experience with cryoballon ablation after the first 55 patients.

[Multiple obliterative vascular disease. Challenge in diagnosis and in treatment].

Unlabelled: Currently, peripheral arterial disease is an underdiagnosed disorder. Several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors have role in its development and progression. As system disorder it might be a part and an important predictor of fatal cardio- and cerebrovascular events.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes improved left ventricular function in a non-responder to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) have been demonstrated to cause tachycardiomyopathy in some individuals with a structurally normal heart. We report a patient with severe congestive cardiomyopathy which did not respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Ambulatory monitoring and interrogation of the device memory revealed frequent monomorphic PVCs that were considered a potential cause of the failure of CRT.