Current Safety of Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: First Experience of Same Day Discharge.

Introduction: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become the standard treatment of symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Patients remain hospitalized for at least 24 hours to detect potential complications in most centers worldwide. There is still a lack of data about the safety of same-day discharge.

Updated results on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias arising from the papillary muscles of the left ventricle.

Background: Catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from the left ventricle`s (LV) papillary muscles (PM) is challenging. In this study we present results of catheter ablation using multiple energy sources and image-based approaches.

Methods: Fifty-three patients (49 ± 17 years old; 34% females; median LV ejection fraction 53 ± 11%) underwent catheter cryoablation or radiofrequency (RF) ablation with non-contact force sensing (Non-CFS) catheters and cardiac computed tomography integration (CTII) into the electroanatomical mapping system or contact force sensing RF (CFS RF) ablation catheters and intracardiac echo-facilitated 3D electroanatomical mapping.

Results of Cryoenergy and Radiofrequency-Based Catheter Ablation for Treating Ventricular Arrhythmias Arising From the Papillary Muscles of the Left Ventricle, Guided by Intracardiac Echocardiography and Image Integration.

Background: Catheter radiofrequency ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from the left ventricle's papillary muscles has been associated with inconsistent results. The use of cryoenergy versus radiofrequency has not been compared yet. This study compares outcomes and complications of catheter ablation of VA from the papillary muscles of the left ventricle with either cryoenergy or radiofrequency.

The electrocardiogram in Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality, with an incidence of one case in every 650 live births. It is strongly associated with heart disease, which constitutes the main cause of mortality during the first 2 years of life in this population. Most of the cardiac abnormalities in patients with Down syndrome can be suspected by analysing the surface 12-lead ECG.

Flecainide versus vernakalant for conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation.

Background: An oral single dose of flecainide is used worldwide for conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in hemodynamically stable patients without structural heart disease. Vernakalant is a novel, rapid drug, which is used intravenously, with proven effectiveness and safety compared to placebo and amiodarone in randomized clinical trials. The aim of our study was to compare the time taken for conversion of recent onset AF in patients treated with vernakalant or flecainide.