Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a novel external compression vascular closure device: The LockeT® study.

Introduction: Hemostasis following large-bore femoral vein access remains a challenge. Manual compression has been the standard of care but requires bedside staff, prolonged bed rest, and longer length of stay. The LockeT is an external compression device that attempts to address these issues while achieving venous hemostasis.

Bilateral Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation for Refractory Multifocal Premature Ventricular Contractions in Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation (BCSD) for refractory life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias is a neuromodulatory intervention targeting sympathetically driven focal or re-entrant ventricular arrhythmias.

Objectives: This study sought to provide a more complete and successful option for intervention in patients in whom premature ventricular contraction (PVC) ablation is not feasible or has been unsuccessful.

Methods: A total of 43 patients with >5% PVC burden and concomitant nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) who previously failed medical and ablation therapies were referred for BCSD.

In-vivo evaluation of catheter integrity with the use of a novel catheter torque tool.

Introduction: Electrophysiology studies and ablation procedures require strength, steadiness, and dexterity to manipulate catheters. We have previously described a novel catheter torque tool (Peritorq) that improves torqueability and stability and decreases user muscle fatigue. The objective was to evaluate measures of catheter integrity with and without the torque tool in place using multiple diagnostic and ablation catheters in an adult porcine model.

Emerging role of artificial intelligence in cardiac electrophysiology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have significantly impacted the field of cardiovascular medicine, especially cardiac electrophysiology (EP), on multiple fronts. The goal of this review is to familiarize readers with the field of AI and ML and their emerging role in EP. The current review is divided into 3 sections.

Muscle usage and workload assessment of cardiac ablation procedure with the use of a novel catheter torque tool in a pediatric simulator.

Background: Cardiac ablation catheters are small in diameter and pose ergonomic challenges that can affect catheter stability. Significant finger dexterity and strength are necessary to maneuver them safely. We evaluated a novel torque tool to reduce muscle activation when manipulating catheters and improve perceived workload of ablation tasks.

Exclusion of electrical and mechanical function of the left atrial appendage in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: differences in efficacy and safety between endocardial ablation vs epicardial LARIAT ligation (the EXCLUDE LAA study).

Background: Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) may provide incremental benefits for arrhythmia management in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of endocardial ablation and LAA exclusion with LARIAT device for electrical and mechanical exclusion of LAA.

Methods: We compared patients who underwent endocardial LAA isolation during index RFA for persistent AF and underwent a repeat RFA to patients who underwent LAA exclusion with LARIAT device followed by RFA for AF in this multicenter registry.

Temporal relationships between esophageal injury type and progression in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

Background: Currently, little is known about the onset, natural progression, and management of esophageal injuries after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.

Objectives: We sought to provide a systematic review on esophageal injury after AF ablation and identify temporal relationships between various types of esophageal lesions, their progression, and clinical outcomes.

Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted until September 21, 2017.

Colchicine for prevention of post-cardiac procedure atrial fibrillation: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Development of atrial fibrillation after certain cardiac procedures is a common medical problem. The inflammatory process plays an important role in the pathogenesis of post-cardiac procedure atrial fibrillation (PCP-AF). Colchicine, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, has been used in several studies to reduce the risk of PCP-AF.

Differences in complication rates between large bore needle and a long micropuncture needle during epicardial access: time to change clinical practice?

Background: A dry epicardial access (EA) is increasingly used for advanced cardiovascular procedures. Conventionally used large bore needles (Tuohy or Pajunk needle; LBN) have been associated with low but definite incidence of major complications with EA. Use of micropuncture needle (MPN) may decrease the risk of complications.

Initial real world experience with a novel insertable (Reveal LinQ(@Medtronic)) compared to the conventional (Reveal XT(@Medtronic)) implantable loop recorder at a tertiary care center - Points to ponder!

Introduction: Limited data is available regarding the novel Reveal LinQ (LinQ) which is a new generation implantable loop recorders (ILRs).

Methods: We performed a prospective, observational study of all consecutive patients undergoing conventional (Reveal XT; XT) and LinQ devices at our institution between January 2012 and December 2014.

Results: A total of 217 patients underwent ILR implantation.

Role of yoga as an adjunctive therapy in patients with neurocardiogenic syncope: a pilot study.

Background: Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) is a common clinical condition characterized by abrupt cardiovascular autonomic changes resulting in syncope. This is a recurring condition with mixed results from current strategies of treatment.

Methods: Subjects with a diagnosis of NCS were screened and enrolled.

Impact of left atrial appendage exclusion using an epicardial ligation system (LARIAT) on atrial fibrillation burden in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Background: The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a well-known source of atrial arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether LAA exclusion using the LARIAT device would decrease AF burden.

Methods: A total of 50 patients with AF and cardiac implantable electronic devices who underwent successful LAA exclusion were enrolled in this prospective observational study.

Elevated brain natriuretic peptide level in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation: is it a predictor of failed ablation or a mere function of atrial rhythm and rate at a point in time?

Background: Pre- and postablation atrial fibrillation (AF) brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were shown to predict increased recurrence of AF following ablation.

Objective: Our objective was to assess whether elevated BNP levels merely represent the presence of AF at the time of measurement or indeed the true recurrence of AF.

Methods And Results: In a prospective study of 88 patients undergoing AF ablation, BNP levels were measured immediately before, after, 24 h, and 4-6 months postablation.