Left atrial appendage occlusion simulation based on three-dimensional printing: new insights into outcome and technique.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of simulation based on 3D-printed models before left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for peri-device leaks (PDL) and the impact on procedural outcomes compared to conventional imaging.

Methods And Results: Seventy-six patients referred for LAAO with double disc device underwent construction of a 3D-printed LA model using flexible photopolymer resin. An implant simulation was performed retrospectively in Group 1 (55 patients), blinded to implanted device size, and prospectively in Group 2 (21 patients).

Modification of the Unipolar Atrial Electrogram as a Local Endpoint During Common Atrial Flutter Ablation.

Introduction: Complete elimination of the negative component of the unipolar atrial electrogram recently proved predictive of lesions transmurality. We prospectively assessed its relevance as a real-time local ablative endpoint for each individual lesion created across the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in order to constitute a line of bidirectionnal block during common atrial flutter (AFL) ablation.

Methods And Results: Sixty-two consecutive patients underwent common AFL ablation following an electrophysiological approach guided by real-time electrogram modification analysis.

Predictive value for paravalvular regurgitation of 3-dimensional anatomic aortic annulus shape assessed by multidetector computed tomography post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Aims: Paravalvular regurgitation (PAR) remains a serious complication after trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)-based measurements of the aortic basal virtual ring (BVR) are considered the gold standard for trans-catheter heart valve (THV) sizing. However, the real anatomic aortic annulus is a 3-dimensional structure.

Unipolar signal modification as a guide for lesion creation during radiofrequency application in the left atrium: prospective study in humans in the setting of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

Background: In patients treated for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, the pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection rate is substantial and may be related to the lack of transmurality achievement while performing PV isolation (PVI). It has been experimentally demonstrated that positive unipolar atrial electrogram completion, when applying radiofrequency energy, was associated with transmural lesions. In this regard, we seek to determine whether the unipolar signal modification may be an appropriate end point for point-by-point radiofrequency application and find out whether it could improve the paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation results in humans.

Catheter ablation in selected patients with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction and persistent atrial fibrillation unresponsive to current cardioversion.

Aims: In congestive heart failure (CHF) patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), direct current cardioversion (DCC) may reveal participation of tachycardiamediated process to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction by restoring sinus rhythm (SR). However, if DCC fails to restore SR, patients' management remains challenging. The aim of the study was to assess the AF catheter ablation benefit in a selected group of CHF patients with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% and persistent AF unresponsive to DCC, in whom a tachycardia-mediated process is thought to be predominant.

Sinus rhythm restoration by catheter ablation in patients with long-lasting atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure: impact of the left ventricular ejection fraction improvement on the implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion indication.

Aims: In the setting of congestive heart failure (CHF), atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation can improve clinical status and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) value. However, the impact of AF ablation on the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) indication has never been specifically addressed.

Methods And Results: Study subject were six CHF (mean age 61.