Feasibility of the Figure-of-8-Suture as Venous Closure in Interventional Electrophysiology: One Strategy for All?

: Venous vascular access with higher sheath size is common in interventional electrophysiology. In contrast to arterial vascular access, no dedicated closure devices exist for closure after venous access with higher sheath sizes. The Figure-of-8-Suture, an easy to apply suture, may be as a feasible approach for closure venous puncture.

[Radiation reduction in interventional electrophysiology : Results from operators with different levels of experience].

Background: Radiation exposure in the catherization laboratory is associated with significant health risks. It is unclear whether a reduction of radiation exposure with the use of "near-zero fluoroscopy" protocols is possible when applied by less experienced operators.

Methods: Consecutive ablation procedures with the use of a 3D mapping system were analyzed.

First data on cardiac mapping and outcome of pulmonary vein isolation using a novel ablation catheter with tip mini electrodes.

Aims: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a standard treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). AF recurrence after PVI occurs in a substantial number of cases. A novel ablation catheter equipped with mini-electrodes (ME) may facilitate PVI.

Implementation of a near-zero fluoroscopy approach in interventional electrophysiology: impact of operator experience.

Purpose: Catheter ablation is performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Reduction of radiation dose for patients and staff is emphasized by current recommendations. Previous studies have shown that lower operator experience leads to increased radiation dose.

Cardiac mapping and pulmonary vein isolation using a novel ablation catheter with tip minielectrodes.

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a standard treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Identification of gaps in the ablation line is difficult. Tip-ring electrograms from ablation catheters represent relative large areas of myocardial tissue.

Hypothermia induced alteration of repolarization - impact on acute and long-term outcome: a prospective cohort study.

Background: The effects of target temperature management (TTM) on the heart aren't thoroughly studied yet. Several studies showed the prolongation of various ECG parameters including Tpeak-Tend-time under TTM. Our study's goal is to evaluate the acute and long-term outcome of these prolongations.

Tailored antiplatelet therapy can overcome clopidogrel and aspirin resistance--the BOchum CLopidogrel and Aspirin Plan (BOCLA-Plan) to improve antiplatelet therapy.

Background: Dual antiplatelet therapy using acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin) and clopidogrel is of great importance following coronary stenting. However, the variable platelet inhibitory effectiveness compromises the antithrombotic advantages provided by dual antiplatelet therapy. The aim of this single-center prospective study was to reduce the low response incidence of dual antiplatelet therapy with ASA and clopidogrel according to a prespecified therapy algorithm.

Pantoprazole does not influence the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel-a whole blood aggregometry study after coronary stenting.

Recent attention has been drawn to a potential drug-drug interaction observed between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, this potential interaction may not be a class effect of PPIs. We investigated if pantoprazole, which has a different metabolism than omeprazole, diminishes the effectiveness of clopidogrel.

Comparing the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel hydrogensulfate and clopidogrel besylate: a crossover study.

Background: Clopidogrel hydrogensulfate is a thienopyridine acting as an important antiplatelet agent alone or in combination with acetyl salicylic acid to prevent cardiovascular complications. A different clopidogrel salt, clopidogrel besylate, was approved in Germany as a "new drug" in May 2008. Only one study with 46 healthy men compared the plasma concentrations of both clopidogrel formulas.

How to optimise clopidogrel therapy? Reducing the low-response incidence by aggregometry-guided therapy modification.

The inhibitory platelet effect of clopidogrel is insufficient in approximately 5 to 30% of patients. These low responders (LR) face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular complications. The therapeutic management of LR is still undefined.