Safety, effectiveness, and quality of life following pulmonary vein isolation with a multi-electrode radiofrequency balloon catheter in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: 1-year outcomes from SHINE.

Aims: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a compliant multi-electrode radiofrequency balloon catheter (RFB) used with a multi-electrode diagnostic catheter for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods And Results: This prospective, multicentre, single-arm study was conducted at six European sites and enrolled patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The primary effectiveness endpoint was entrance block in treated pulmonary veins (PVs) after adenosine/isoproterenol challenge.

Determinants of early retirement intentions among Belgian nurses.

Aim: This paper is a report of a study to gain insight into older nurses' retirement intentions and to establish factors determining early retirement intention in these individuals.

Background: In many developed countries, the working population is ageing. This will lead to a structural labour shortage in the near future.