Evaluation of microembolic signals on carotid ultrasound during pulmonary vein isolation with high-power short-duration and cryoballoon ablations: When and where do bubble and solid emboli arise?

Introduction: The underlying risks of asymptomatic embolization during high-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation for atrial fibrillation remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate microembolic signals (MESs) during HPSD ablation with power settings of 50 and 90 W in comparison with those during cryoballoon (CB) ablation using a novel carotid ultrasound-Doppler system that classifies solid and air bubble signals using real-time monitoring.

Methods And Results: Forty-seven patients underwent HPSD ablation using radiofrequency (RF), and 13 underwent CB ablation.

A Preclinical Evaluation towards the Clinical Application of Oxygen Consumption Measurement by CERMs by a Mouse Chimera Model.

We have developed an automated device for the measurement of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) called Chip-sensing Embryo Respiratory Measurement system (CERMs). To verify the safety and the significance of the OCR measurement by CERMs, we conducted comprehensive tests using a mouse model prior to clinical trials in a human in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. Embryo transfer revealed that the OCR measured by CERMs did not compromise the full-term development of mice or their future fertility, and was positively correlated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), thereby indirectly reflecting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activity.

Tunable bandpass filter based on force-induced long-period fiber grating in a double cladding fiber.

We present an all-fiber tunable bandpass filter based on a combination of a force-induced long-period fiber grating and a fiber coil made along a double cladding fiber. The transmission wavelength can be tuned to be in a range of more than 100 nm by changing the grating period mechanically. We can control the transmission amplitude of the bandpass filter by adjusting the periodic force on the double cladding fiber.