Ripple Frequency Determined via a Novel Algorithm Is Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Termination and Freedom From Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex arrhythmia, and attaining freedom from AF with ablation has been challenging.

Objectives: This study evaluated a novel CARTO software algorithm based on the CARTO Ripple map for AF termination and 18-month freedom from AF.

Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent first-time ablation for persistent AF were included.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) Substrate Characteristics: Insights from Multimodality Structural and Functional Imaging of the VT Substrate Using Cardiac MRI Scar, I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine SPECT Innervation, and Bipolar Voltage.

Postischemic adaptation results in characteristic myocardial structural and functional changes in the ventricular tachycardia (VT) substrate. The aim of this study was to compare myocardial structural and functional adaptations (late gadolinium enhancement/abnormal innervation) with detailed VT mapping data to identify regional heterogeneities in postischemic changes. Fifteen patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and drug-refractory VT underwent late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MRI (CMR), I-metaiodobenzylguanidine SPECT, and high-resolution bipolar voltage mapping to assess fibrosis (>3 SDs), abnormal innervation (<50% tracer uptake), and low-voltage area (<1.

Validation of a novel CARTOSEG™ segmentation module software for contrast-enhanced computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: Visualization of left atrial (LA) anatomy using image integration modules has been associated with decreased radiation exposure and improved procedural outcome when used for guidance of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We evaluated the CARTOSEG™ CT Segmentation Module (Biosense Webster, Inc.) that offers a new CT-specific semiautomatic reconstruction of the atrial endocardium.

Impact of conversion on short and long-term outcome in laparoscopic resection of curable colorectal cancer.

Introduction: Long-term outcome of patients following conversion during laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is not often reported. Recent data suggest a negative impact of conversion on long-term survival. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of conversion on the perioperative outcome and on long-term survival in patients who underwent laparoscopic resection for curable colorectal cancer.

Current changes in the management and outcome of patients with curable colorectal cancer.

Background: Major changes in the evaluation and treatment of curable colorectal cancer (CRC) have emerged in the last two decades. These changes have led to better patient outcome overtime.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of these changes as reflected in the difference in long-term outcome of a consecutive group of recently laparoscopically operated curable CRC patients and a consecutive group of patients operated 20 years earlier in the same department.