Transition from WATCHMAN V.2.5 to WATCHMAN FLX for closure of the left atrial appendage: echocardiographic and clinical findings.

Introduction: Interventional closure of the left atrial appendage (LAAC) has been established as an alternative treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and an elevated risk of stroke. The WATCHMAN FLX (WM FLX) as the newest WATCHMAN LAAC device differs in several technical characteristics from its precursor, the WATCHMAN V.2.

Correction to: Fusion Imaging of X-ray and Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves the Procedure of Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

The article "Fusion Imaging of X-ray and Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves the Procedure of Left Atrial Appendage Closure."

Fusion Imaging of X-ray and Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves the Procedure of Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

Background: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an alternative treatment strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation who are at risk for thromboembolic events and considered not suitable for oral anticoagulation (OAC). LAAC is mainly performed under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. The study presented here should analyze whether fusion imaging (FI) of transesophageal echocardiography and X-ray performed during LAAC is feasible and can improve the results of the procedure.

Impact of ultrasound contrast agent on the detection of thrombi during transoesophageal echocardiography.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) carries the risk of thrombus formation in the left atrium and especially in the left atrial appendage (LAA). A transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is routinely performed in these patients to rule out thrombi before cardioversion or structural interventions like LAA closure or pulmonary vein isolation. However, in a certain number of cases, inconclusive results of the TOE may result.

A nasty surprise: cardiogenic shock induced by extensive dissection of the left internal mammary artery graft occurring 3 months after coronary angiography-a case report.

Background: Acute dissection of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft in patients with previous cardiac bypass surgery is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.

Case Summary: A 58-year-old man with history of coronary artery disease and bypass surgery 15 years ago presented with acute coronary syndrome (non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, NSTEMI). Angiography showed severe three-vessel disease with occlusion of a saphenous vein graft (SVG) to the first diagonal branch but patents grafts to left artery descendent (LIMA) and SVG to the right coronary artery.

Renal denervation as a second-line option in a patient with electrical storm resistant to medical treatment and conventional radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Electrical storm (ES) represents a critical state of electrical instability. We describe a patient with coronary artery disease, mechanical aortic valve replacement, and reduced left ventricular function with recurrent ICD shocks. Despite medical treatment with beta-blocker and amiodarone, and after successful ablation of different VT morphologies in combination with substrate modification, ES could not be controlled.

[Acute chest pain and new ECG changes in pacemaker patients : A clinical challenge].

We report the case of a 82-year-old woman who was admitted to our institution with acute chest pain, nausea, and vomiting. Because of atrial fibrillation with intermittent bradycardia, a single-chamber pacemaker was implanted 4 years ago. The initial 12-lead ECG showed atrial fibrillation with a heart rate of 70 bpm, narrow QRS, and T‑wave inversions in the inferolateral leads.

ST-segment Elevation Following Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation in the Emergency Department: Unmasked Myocardial Infarction due to Left Main Coronary Artery Plaque Rupture or Unspecific Finding?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent reason for emergency department visits. According to current guidelines either rate- or rhythm-control are acceptable therapeutic options in such situations. In this report, we present the complicated clinical course of a patient with AF and a rapid ventricular response.