Fibroblasts activation by embryonic signal switching: A novel mechanism of placental growth factor-induced cardiac remodeling.

Introduction: Cardiac remodeling is defined as cellular interstitial changes that lead dysfunction of the heart after injury. Placental growth factor (PlGF), a member of the VEGF family, has been reported to regulate cardiac hypertrophy in hemodynamic state. We therefore analyze the function of PlGF during cardiac remodeling using cardiac cells and fibroblasts, under Angiotensin II (AngII) stimulation.

"Honey pot"-like lesion formation: Impact of catheter contact angle on lesion formation by novel diamond-embedded temperature-controlled ablation catheter in a porcine experimental model.

Background: Novel diamond-embedded catheter enables precise temperature-controlled ablation. However, the effects of contact angle on lesion formation of this catheter are poorly understood.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate lesion formation using the temperature-controlled ablation catheter embedded with diamond at different angles in a porcine experimental model.

Prognostic impact of oral anticoagulation therapy and atrial fibrillation in patients with type B acute aortic dissection.

Background: The prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) and oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy in patients with type B acute aortic dissection (AAD) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic impact of AF and OAC therapy in patients with type B AAD.

Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with AAD were included in this single-center, retrospective study.

Steerable esophageal thermometer for atrial fibrillation ablation in a patient with esophageal achalasia: a case report.

Esophageal injury is a major concern during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Operators avoid radiofrequency applications on the esophagus by changing ablation line; however, it is unavoidable in patients with a dilated esophagus, such as esophageal achalasia. Steerable esophageal thermometer is useful for evaluating precise temperatures to prevent esophageal injury.