Novel assessment of temporal variation in fractionated electrograms using histogram analysis of local fractionation interval in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Background: The characteristics of atrial electrograms associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) termination are controversial. We investigated the electrogram characteristics that indicate procedural AF termination during continuous complex fractionated electrogram ablation.

Methods And Results: Fifty-two consecutive patients with persistent AF (47 men; aged 54 ± 9 years), who underwent electrogram-based catheter ablation in the left atrium and coronary sinus after pulmonary vein isolation, were enrolled.

Renal dysfunction and the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation--the potential role beyond the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score.

Background: Renal dysfunction is recognized as an important risk factor for thromboembolic (TE) events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) under medical treatment.

Objective: To investigate whether renal dysfunction is a useful predictor of TE events among patients receiving AF ablation. We also aimed to determine whether the diagnostic accuracy of the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score in predicting TE events could be improved by adding renal dysfunction into the scoring system.

Clinical outcome of catheter ablation in patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation: results of 3-year follow-up.

Background: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) became an effective therapy for patients with drug-refractory AF, and the indications have broadened to include nonparoxysmal AF patients. However, data about the long-term effectiveness of ablation in patients with nonparoxysmal AF are lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with nonparoxysmal AF.

Relationship between the CHADS(2) score and risk of very late recurrences after catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Background: Catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation has been performed for more than 10 years. However, data about the long-term results were limited.

Objectives: To evaluate the long-tem efficacy following paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation and to investigate whether there were different patterns of recurrences in patients with different CHADS(2) scores.

CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores in the prediction of clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores are useful for risk stratification in patients after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Background: AF is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, limited data are available on the predictors of adverse events in patients with AF after catheter ablation.

A novel finding of the atrial substrate properties and long-term results of catheter ablation in chronic atrial fibrillation patients with left atrial spontaneous echo contrast.

Background: The atrial substrate in chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with a left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) has not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the atrial substrate properties and long-term follow-up results in the patients who received catheter ablation of chronic AF.

Methods: Of 36 consecutive patients with chronic AF who received a stepwise ablation approach, 18 patients with an LASEC (group I) were compared with 18 age-gender-left atrial volume matched patients without an LASEC (group II).

Susceptibility genes for coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction.

Coronary heart disease and its main complication, myocardial infarction is leading cause of death worldwide. Over the past years, much progress has been made in the pharmacotherapy of major risk factors like dyslipidemias, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The targeting of coronary risk factors coupled with advances in the management of coronary artery disease has improved patient survival.