Posterior Wall Isolation for Atrial Fibrillation: Effects on Echocardiographic Parameters of cardiac function.

Background: Posterior wall isolation (PWI) in addition to circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVA) requires more ablation of left atrial tissue. We compared the effect of PWI versus non-PWI methods (CPVA + linear lesions) on echocardiographic parameters of left atrial and left ventricular function.

Methods: We selected patients who had pre and post ablation echocardiogram at our institution.

Comparison of Cryoballoon and Hybrid surgical Posterior Wall Isolation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation to conventional ablation.

Background: Optimalablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear;PWI of the left atrium may improve outcome.Our aim was to compare outcomes of posterior wall isolation (PWI) ablation for persistent AF achieved by cryoballoon ablation (CRYO) or hybrid surgical ablation (HABL) to matched patients undergoing conventional radiofrequency ablation (CRA).

Methods: In our single center retrospective study,patients underwent HABL and CRYO withcircumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA),roof and floor lines to complete PW box lesion.

CAABL-AF (California Study of Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation): Mortality and Stroke, 2005 to 2013.

Background: Ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is superior to medical therapy for rhythm control. We compared stroke and mortality among patients undergoing ablation for AF to matched controls in a large multiethnic population.

Methods: Using discharge and surgical records from California nonfederal hospitals, we identified patients who had ablation and principal diagnosis of AF with at least 1 prior hospitalization for AF.

Brief exposure to secondhand smoke reversibly impairs endothelial vasodilatory function.

Introduction: We sought to determine the effects of brief exposures to low concentrations of tobacco secondhand smoke (SHS) on arterial flow-mediated dilation (FMD, a nitric oxide-dependent measure of vascular endothelial function), in a controlled animal model never before exposed to smoke. In humans, SHS exposure for 30 min impairs FMD. It is important to gain a better understanding of the acute effects of exposure to SHS at low concentrations and for brief periods of time.

Evidence for an additional locus for split hand/foot malformation in chromosome region 8q21.11-q22.3.

We identified a family where five members had nonsyndromic ectrodactyly. There were three known instances of nonpenetrance. Although four individuals had unilateral cleft hand, one individual had more severe, bilateral and asymmetric absence of the digits.