Feasibility of repeated on-demand smartphone app-based approximation of time spent with atrial fibrillation and symptoms in patients after catheter ablation: Data from the ISOLATION study.

Background: The preferred outcome after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is reducing AF burden, reflected by time spent with AF. Digital tools provide novel strategies to approximate time spent with AF.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of repeated on-demand heart rhythm and symptom monitoring and analyze time spent with AF and symptoms over 12 months after AF ablation.

Atrial fibrillation-specific refinement of the STOP-Bang sleep apnoea screening questionnaire: insights from the Virtual-SAFARI study.

Background: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent in up to 50% of patients referred for atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation (CA). Currently, it remains unclear how to improve pre-selection for SDB screening in patients with AF.

Aim: We aimed to (1) assess the accuracy of the STOP-Bang screening questionnaire for detection of SDB within an AF population referred for CA; (2) derive a refined, AF-specific SDB score to improve pre-selection.

A new efficient and integrated pathway for patient evaluation prior to atrial fibrillation ablation.

Aims: In this quality improvement project, a care pathway for patients considered for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation was optimized with the goals to improve the patient journey and simultaneously integrate prospective data collection into the clinical process.

Methods And Results: The Lean Six Sigma approach was used to map the pre-existing process, identify constraints, and formulate countermeasures. The percentage of patients going through the full pre-ablation preparation that eventually underwent AF ablation, number of hospital visits and consultations, pathway compliance, and completeness of scientific data were measured before and after pathway optimization.

Rationale and Design of the ISOLATION Study: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study Identifying Predictors for Successful Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in an Integrated Clinical Care and Research Pathway.

Introduction: Continuous progress in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation techniques has led to an increasing number of procedures with improved outcome. However, about 30-50% of patients still experience recurrences within 1 year after their ablation. Comprehensive translational research approaches integrated in clinical care pathways may improve our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of AF and improve patient selection for AF ablation.

Extended ECG Improves Classification of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Based on P- and f-Waves.

Background: The standard 12-lead ECG has been shown to be of value in characterizing atrial conduction properties. The added value of extended ECG recordings (longer recordings from more sites) has not been systematically explored yet.

Objective: The aim of this study is to employ an extended ECG to identify characteristics of atrial electrical activity related to paroxysmal vs.