Pulmonary vein stenosis after catheter ablation: electroporation versus radiofrequency.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation inside pulmonary vein (PV) ostia can cause PV stenosis. A novel alternative method of ablation is irreversible electroporation, but the long-term response of PVs to electroporation ablation is unknown.

Methods And Results: In ten 6-month-old pigs (60-75 kg), the response of PVs to circular electroporation and radiofrequency ablation was compared.

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).

Myocardial lesion depth with circular electroporation ablation.

Background: Recently, we demonstrated the feasibility and safety of circular electroporation ablation in porcine pulmonary vein ostia, but the relationship between the magnitude of the application and lesion dimensions is still unknown.

Methods And Results: An in vivo porcine study was performed on left ventricular epicardium submerged under 10 mm of blood, using devices that mimic a 20-mm-diameter 7F circular ablation catheter. Model D contained 10 separate electrodes, whereas model M consisted of 1 circular electrode.

Late left ventricular pseudoaneurysm formation following subacute myocardial infarction.

We describe a patient with a subacute inferior myocardial infarction who developed a pseudo-aneurysm more than 18 days after the acute event. This is an unusual case with three different complications of a myocardial infarction: Firstly, ventricular rupture is usually the result following transmural myocardial infarction without reperfusion. However, coronary angiography confirmed reperfusion after late thrombolysis in this patient.

Acute blindness as the presenting symptom of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

This case report shows acute blindness as the first symptom of a silent anterior wall myocardial infarction. Although uncommon, all patients with a ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and a simultaneous neurological defect need additional assessment.