Segmental pulmonary vein isolation in atrial fibrillation: new insights from the high density mesh mapper technique in an electrophysiologically guided approach.

Objective: As opposed to fundamental investigations into the nature of atrial fibrillation (AF) current clinical studies of AF ablation techniques sometimes only contain sparse information about the underlying electrophysiological properties. The purpose of this prospective, pilot study was to evaluate acute therapeutic success and clinical outcome after 6 month of segmental ostial ablation (SOA) using the High Density Mesh Mapper catheter (HDMM, BARD Electrophysiology, Lowell, MA, USA) for an electrophysiological guided approach. The HDMM is a novel, single expandable basket electrode catheter for high resolution recordings at the left atrium/pulmonary vein (PV) junction.

Sustained high quality of life in a 5-year long term follow-up after successful ablation for supra-ventricular tachycardia. results from a large retrospective patient cohort.

Introduction: The ablation of supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) using radiofrequency energy (RF) is a procedure with a high primary success rate. However, there is a scarcity of data regarding the long term outcome, particularly with respect to quality of life (QoL).

Methods And Results: In this retrospective single-center study, 454 patients who underwent ablation of SVT between 2002 and 2007 received a detailed questionnaire addressing matters of QoL.

First experiences for pulmonary vein isolation with the high-density mesh ablator (HDMA): a novel mesh electrode catheter for both mapping and radiofrequency delivery in a single unit.

Background: Interventional therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF) is often associated with long examination and fluoroscopy times. The use of mapping catheters in addition to the ablation catheter requires multiple transseptal sheaths for left atrial access.

Objectives: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using the high-density mesh ablator (HDMA), a novel single, expandable electrode catheter for both mapping and radiofrequency (RF) delivery at the left atrium/PV junctions.

From atherosclerotic coronary ectasia to aneurysm: a case report and literature review.

In contrast to Kawasaki syndrome the formation of coronary aneurysms caused by atherosclerosis has hardly been demonstrated. We report on a 56-year old patient, admitted to our hospital for cardiovascular evaluation before carotid surgery. He had no anginal pain, but a history of coronary artery disease with previous anterior myocardial infarction.