A negative relationship between first-pass pulmonary vein isolation and body mass index in ablation index-guided pulmonary vein isolation.

Background: We previously reported the relationship between first-pass pulmonary vein isolation (FPI) and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) durability in ablation index-guided atrial fibrillation ablation. Obesity is a worsening factor for atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) recurrence. However, the impact of obesity on FPI has been scarcely reported.

Predictors of pulmonary vein non-reconnection in the second procedure after ablation index-guided pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation and its impact on the outcome.

Introduction: Although first-pass isolation (FPI) of the pulmonary vein (PV) has been suggested as a marker for PV isolation (PVI) durability, it has not been confirmed. Non-PV atrial fibrillation (AF) triggers were the main target in patients without PV reconnection in the second ablation procedure, but the outcome was unclear. We aimed to validate FPI as a marker of PVI durability and evaluate the outcome after the second procedure in patients without PV reconnection by comparing it to those with reconnection.

Posterior wall thickness of the confluent inferior pulmonary veins measured by left atrial intracardiac echocardiography: implications for catheter ablation.

Background: Confluent inferior pulmonary veins (CIPV) is a rare anatomical variant. There is few evidence in the literature regarding anatomic landmarks consideration to guide radiofrequency application in avoiding complications in the esophagus in CIPV cases.

Methods: Of 986 consecutive patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation from July 2020 to June 2022, seven (0.

Safety and efficacy of ablation index-guided atrial fibrillation ablation in octogenarians.

Background: Limited data on the efficacy and safety of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using an ablation index (AI) for octogenarians is available. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of AI-guided AF ablation between AF patients aged ≥80 years (Group 1) and <80 (Group 2).

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that AI-guided AF ablation could complete the procedure with comparable efficiency and safety in patients aged ≥80 years and <80.

Real-time visualization of the esophagus and left atrial posterior wall by intra-left atrial echocardiography.

Purpose: Localization of the esophagus and the left atrium (LA) posterior wall thickness (LAPWT) should be taken into account when delivering radiofrequency energy. To validate the visualization of the esophagus and analyze LAPWT by ICE advanced into the LA in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing ablation index (AI)-guided pulmonary vein (PV) isolation.

Methods: In 73 patients (mean age, 68 ± 12; paroxysmal AF in 45), a 3-dimensional (3D) esophagus image was created with CARTO Soundstar and its location was compared with contrast esophagography saved in Carto UNIVU™.

Ablation Index-Guided High-Power Radiofrequency Application Shortens the Procedure Time With Similar Outcomes to Conventional Power Application in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

The impact of high-power radiofrequency (RF) application in ablation index (AI)-guided atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation has not been elucidated. We investigated 1,333 patients undergoing first AF ablation (median age 68 years; interquartile range [IQR] 61-73 years). The first 301 patients underwent AI-guided conventional power RF application (CP group), whereas the following 1,032 patients underwent high-power RF application (HP group).

Comparison of Neutralizing Antibody Titers against Japanese Encephalitis Virus Genotype V Strain with Those against Genotype I and III Strains in the Sera of Japanese Encephalitis Patients in Japan in 2016.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an acute viral disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). JEV strains are classified into 5 genotypes (I-V). JEV genotype V strains have never been detected in Japan to date, but they were recently detected in South Korea.