Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation with a novel temperature-controlled CF-sensing catheter: Q-FFICIENCY clinical and healthcare utilization benefits.

Introduction: The prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter Q-FFICIENCY study demonstrated the safety and 12-month efficacy of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation with the novel QDOT MICRO temperature-controlled, contact force-sensing, radiofrequency (RF) catheter. Participants underwent pulmonary vein isolation with very high-power short-duration (vHPSD) mode (90 W, ≤4 s) alone or combined with conventional-power temperature-controlled (CPTC) mode (25-50 W). This study aimed to assess quality-of-life (QOL) and healthcare utilization (HCU) benefits experienced by Q-FFICIENCY study participants.

Very High-Power Short-Duration, Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: The Prospective Multicenter Q-FFICIENCY Trial.

Background: QDOT MICRO (QDM) is a novel contact force-sensing catheter optimized for temperature-controlled radiofrequency (RF) ablation. The very high-power short-duration (vHPSD) algorithm modulates power, maintaining target temperature during 90 W ablations for ≤4 seconds.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate safety and 12-month effectiveness of the QDM catheter in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using the vHPSD mode combined with conventional-power temperature-controlled (CPTC) mode.

Long-term safety and effectiveness of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation using a porous tip contact force-sensing catheter from the SMART SF trial.

Purpose: The prospective, multicenter SMART SF trial demonstrated the acute safety and effectiveness of the 56-hole porous tip irrigated contact force (CF) catheter for drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) ablation with a low primary adverse event rate (2.5%), leading to FDA approval of the catheter. Here, we are reporting the long-term effectiveness and safety results that have not yet been reported.

A Heart Rhythm Society Electrophysiology Workforce study: current survey analysis of physician workforce trends.

Background: Recent economic trends influenced by healthcare reform, an aging population, changes in physician reimbursement, and increasing competition will have a significant impact on the electrophysiology workforce. Therefore, there is an important need to obtain information about the EP workforce to assess training of arrhythmic healthcare providers in order the meet the requisite societal need. This report summarizes the data collected by the HRS Workforce Study Task Force in relation to physician workforce issues.

Disruption of Rho signaling results in progressive atrioventricular conduction defects while ventricular function remains preserved.

Recent studies suggest that RhoA and Rac1 mediate hypertrophic signals in cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. However, effects on cardiac function caused by inhibition of their activity in the heart have yet to be evaluated. Cardiac-specific inhibition of Rho family protein activities was achieved by expressing Rho GDIalpha, an endogenous specific GDP dissociation inhibitor for Rho family proteins, using the alpha-myosin heavy-chain promoter.