Investigation into causes of abnormal cerebral MRI findings following PVAC duty-cycled, phased RF ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: Left atrial catheter ablation of the pulmonary veins (PVs) is an established option for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Asymptomatic cerebral emboli (ACE) detected by diffusion weighted MRI (DW-MRI) following AF ablation has been reported at varying rates. This variability may be linked to procedural variables and demographic risk factors.

Pulmonary vein re-isolation for atrial fibrillation using duty-cycled phased radiofrequency ablation: safety and efficacy of a primary 2:1 bipolar/unipolar ablation mode.

Purpose: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using phased radiofrequency (RF) energy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). We characterize pulmonary vein (PV) conduction at repeat ablation in patients with AF after an initial successful PVI using phased RF technology and analyze the effects of a primary 2:1 ablation mode.

Methods And Results: A primary 4:1 bipolar/unipolar mode in group A patients (n = 22) was compared with a primary 2:1 mode in group B (n = 22) acutely and during follow-up.

Retrograde rotational thrombectomy with the Rotarex catheter system: treatment option for an acute thrombotic occlusion of a subclavian artery.

Purpose: The Rotarex catheter system is an effective tool for endovascular therapy of acute occluded arteries of the lower extremities, especially for the femoral artery. The authors report the use of the Rotarex catheter system for retrograde percutaneous thrombectomy of an occluded subclavian artery.

Case Presentation: A 79-year-old male patient was referred because of acute pain and paleness of his left arm.