Do depressive and anxiety symptoms influence the quality of life of patients with atrial fibrillation after cryoballoon ablation: a comparison study.

Background And Aims: One third of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) suffer from high levels of anxiety and depression, which may significantly impair quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to assess whether depressive and anxiety symptoms before ablation affect the QoL in patients with AF one year after cryoballoon ablation (CBA).

Methods: This single-center retrospective study investigated whether the AF patients with a high Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score (≥ 8) had worse outcomes than patients with a low pre-ablation HADS score (< 8).

Strategies for repeat ablation for atrial fibrillation: A multicentre comparison of nonpulmonary vein versus pulmonary vein target ablation.

Introduction: Approximately 18% of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergo a repeat ablation within 12 months after their index ablation. Despite the high prevalence, comparative studies on nonpulmonary vein (PV) target strategies in repeat AF ablation are scarce. Here, we describe 12 months efficacy of non-PV and PV target ablations as a repeat ablation strategy.

Intermediate-term outcome of cryoballoon ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation and improvements in quality of life of patients.

Background: Clinical outcome of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been predominantly focused on the reoccurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the maintenance of sinus rhythm. However, there has been a limited intermediate follow-up on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) of patients. Given the relatively high recurrence rate of persistent AF after PVI treatment, it is important to follow up with clinical outcomes on symptom improvement as well as health-related quality-of-life.

Long-term follow-up of thoracoscopic ablation in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation.

Objectives: Catheter ablation of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) remains challenging, with suboptimal success rates obtained following multiple procedures. Thoracoscopic ablation has shown effective at creating transmural lesions around the pulmonary veins and box; however, long-term rhythm follow-up data are lacking. This study aims, for the first time, to assess the long-term outcomes of thoracoscopic pulmonary vein and box ablation in LSPAF.

A new approach to determine the results of minimally invasive pulmonary vein isolation using a continuous loop monitor: preliminary results.

Objectives: Surgical ablation is a well-known treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF); however, little is known about the absolute success rate. The aim of this study is to compare the absolute pre- and postoperative incidence of AF after minimally invasive surgical ablation for paroxysmal AF.

Methods: Twenty consecutive patients (mean age 55 ± 8; 55% male) received a continuous loop monitor (CLM) 4 weeks prior to a minimally invasive pulmonary vein isolation (MIPVI).

Circulating white blood cells and platelets amplify oxidative stress in heart failure.

Background: Mitochondria of circulating white blood cells (WBC) and platelets sense oxidative stress during capillary passage and react by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although evidence indicates that congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with oxidative stress, the role of WBC and platelets as mediators in CHF has not been investigated.

Methods: Patients with CHF (n = 15) and healthy volunteers (n = 9) were enrolled between 2006 and 2007 into this observational study.

A bridge to Brugada.

In acute cardiac care, prompt diagnosis and management is mandatory. The electrocardiogram (ECG) remains a crucial investigation in the management of ischemic heart disease and arrhythmias. A case is discussed, where the ECG changes caused by the Brugada syndrome and those caused by ischemia, aggravated by myocardial bridging, intertwine.