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.

Automatic Triage of 12-Lead ECGs Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks.

BACKGROUND The correct interpretation of the ECG is pivotal for the accurate diagnosis of many cardiac abnormalities, and conventional computerized interpretation has not been able to reach physician-level accuracy in detecting (acute) cardiac abnormalities. This study aims to develop and validate a deep neural network for comprehensive automated ECG triage in daily practice. METHODS AND RESULTS We developed a 37-layer convolutional residual deep neural network on a data set of free-text physician-annotated 12-lead ECGs.

Impact of pulmonary vein antrum isolation on left atrial size and function in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Purpose: The success of PVAI in eliminating AF has been proven; however, its impact on the LA remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the impact of pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) on left atrial (LA) size and function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: Consecutive patients with AF were included (n = 206).

Pulmonary vein antrum isolation leads to a significant decrease of left atrial size.

Aims: Pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF); however, its impact on left atrial (LA) size is unknown. This study evaluates the impact of PVAI on LA size, and whether LA size differs between patients with a successful outcome and patients with AF recurrences.

Methods And Results: Seventy-nine patients (76% male, mean age 56 ± 8 years) with symptomatic, drug refractory AF (70% paroxysmal, 30% persistent/permanent) underwent radiofrequency PVAI.

Feasibility of electroporation for the creation of pulmonary vein ostial lesions.

Introduction: There is an obvious need for a better energy source for pulmonary vein (PV) antrum isolation.

Objective: We investigated the feasibility and safety of electroporation for the creation of PV ostial lesions.

Methods: After transseptal puncture, a custom 7F decapolar 20 mm circular ablation catheter was placed in the PV ostia of 10 pigs.

Left atrial volume and function assessment by magnetic resonance imaging.

Unlabelled: Left Atrial Volume and Function Assessment. 

Introduction: In patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can determine left atrial (LA) volume and function before and after ablation. The most accurate, but time consuming, method to determine LA volume is the multiple slice method (MSM), which involves manual tracing of LA area on each slice.