Breakthrough Hypersensitivity Reactions to Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents and Strategies to Decrease Subsequent Reaction Rates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Hypersensitivity reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) that occur despite corticosteroid premedication (breakthrough reactions) are not well understood. Purpose To determine the GBCA breakthrough reaction rate overall and according to GBCA class and to determine the effect of using an alternative GBCA or allergy skin testing on the risk of a breakthrough reaction. Materials and Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, MEDLINE (from 1946 to 2019), Embase (from 1947 to 2019), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2019 only) were searched for patients with a breakthrough reaction to a GBCA who were undergoing repeat GBCA administration.

Long term outcomes from catheter ablation of very longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: Success rates for catheter ablation of longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) are significantly poorer than for recently persistent or paroxysmal forms. We report on single centre long term outcomes from ablation of very longstanding (> 2years) persistent AF.

Material And Methods: A retrospective analysis of outcomes for patients undergoing catheter ablation for symptomatic very longstanding persistent AF between 2008 and 2013 was performed.

Combined catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and Watchman® left atrial appendage occlusion procedures: Five-year experience.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may benefit from undergoing concomitant interventions of left atrial catheter ablation and device occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) as a two-pronged strategy for rhythm control and stroke prevention. We report on the outcome of combined procedures in a single center case series over a 5-year timeframe.

Methods: Ninety-eight patients with non-valvular AF and a mean CHA2DS2-VASc score 2.

Left atrial catheter ablation subsequent to Watchman® left atrial appendage device implantation: a single centre experience.

Aims: Left atrial appendage device occlusion is an increasingly accepted therapy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. The feasibility and safety of left atrial catheter ablation procedures in the presence of a left atrial appendage device implant is unclear. We report on 10 cases of successful left atrial catheter ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation in patients with an implanted Watchman® device.

Observations Of Electrical Coupling Index Using the Contact™ System During Pulmonary Vein Electrical Isolation Procedures.

The Contact (St Jude Medical) System uses a novel impedance- based measure of Electrical Coupling Index (ECI) to assess the quality of catheter tip to endocardium contact. We sought to establish average ECI measurements and behaviour during pulmonary vein (PV) isolation procedures. Forty-five patients undergoing PV isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF) were studied.

Combined Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation and Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Procedures: A Single Centre Experience.

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may be interested in undergoing concomitant interventions of left atrial catheter ablation and device occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA). We report on the feasibility and outcome of combined procedures in a single centre case series. Twenty-six patients underwent either first time or redo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures followed by successful implant of a Watchman device.

Anatomical analysis of the left atrial appendage using segmented, three-dimensional cardiac CT: a comparison of patients with paroxysmal and persistent forms of atrial fibrillation.

Purpose: Successful implantation of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices requires an accurate understanding of LAA anatomy and orifice dimensions. We sought to quantitatively compare LAA anatomy in patients with paroxysmal and persistent patterns of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF underwent pre-procedural multislice cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans.