Distributions and number of drivers on real-time phase mapping associated with successful atrial fibrillation termination during catheter ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Background: Real-time phase mapping (ExTRa™) is useful in determining the strategy of catheter ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to investigate the features of drivers of AF associated with its termination during ablation.

Methods: Thirty-six patients who underwent catheter ablation for non-paroxysmal AF using online real-time phase mapping (ExTRa™) were enrolled.

Depolarization and repolarization dynamics after His-bundle pacing: Comparison with right ventricular pacing and native ventricular conduction.

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate changes in electrical depolarization and repolarization parameters after His-bundle pacing (HBP) compared with right ventricular pacing (RVP) and its association with ventricular arrhythmia (VA).

Methods: Forty-one patients (13 with HBP, 14 with RVP, and 14 controls [AAI mode]) were evaluated. After continuous pacing algorithm, QRS duration, QT interval, QTc, JT interval, T-peak to T-end (Tpe), and Tpe/QT ratio were measured on electrocardiography at baseline and 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively.

Coagulation Response and Prothrombotic Effect of Uninterrupted Oral Anticoagulant Administration After Catheter Ablation for VT.

Background: Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) is associated with perioperative thromboembolic risk. However, the strategy for postprocedural management remains unknown.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prothrombotic response after VT ablation in various coagulation biomarkers in patients with and without the administration of oral anticoagulation (OAC).

Spontaneous Dissection of Left Internal Mammary Artery Graft: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Spontaneous left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft dissection is a rare condition, and clinical findings remain to be elucidated. We report a case of LIMA graft dissection diagnosed by a coronary computed tomography and intravascular ultrasound. The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous intervention.

Percutaneous Treatment for Venous Stenosis Caused by a Vascular Closure Device.

Vascular closure devices (VCDs) are widely used as an alternative to manual compression of femoral puncture sites. In this report, we present a 73-year-old man who developed symptomatic venous stenosis related to VCD after pulmonary vein isolation. We performed percutaneous treatment with balloon angioplasty.

Identification of high priority focal activations in persistent atrial fibrillation using a novel mapping strategy.

Focal activation is believed to be an atrial fibrillation (AF) driver; however, little is known about whether all focal activations are necessary for AF persistence. The purpose of this study was to assess the electrical nature of focal activation and identify high-priority focal activations using a novel mapping system (CARTOFINDER). Thirty-five patients with persistent AF who underwent catheter ablation were assessed.

Incidence of Left Atrial Thrombus Development and Imaging Approach in Patients Scheduled for Repeat Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

The risk for developing left atrial (LA) thrombi after initial catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and requirements for imaging evaluation for thrombi screening at repeat ablation is unclear. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of thrombus development and frequency of any imaging study evaluating thrombus formation during repeat ablation for AF. Of 2,066 patients undergoing initial catheter ablation for AF with uninterrupted oral anticoagulation, 615 patients underwent repeat ablation after 258.

Dynamic Changes in Electrocardiogram Parameters After Epicardial Substrate Catheter Ablation of Brugada Syndrome.

Background: Catheter ablation (CA) is effective for recurrent episodes of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in Brugada syndrome (BrS). VF development in BrS is associated with several electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. This study investigated changes in ECG parameters in high-risk BrS patients who underwent epicardial CA.

The mechanism and prognosis of acute and late improvement in mitral regurgitation after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves functional mitral regurgitation (MR); however, the mechanism and differences in acute and late improvement in MR are unclear. We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with the acute and late MR improvements and the prognosis of MR improvement after CRT. This retrospective study included 121 patients who underwent CRT implantation with full echocardiography assessment at baseline, 1 week, and 6 months after implantation.

Coronary Drug-Eluting Stent Infection Complicated by Coronary Artery Aneurysm and Purulent Pericarditis: Complete Resolution Without Surgery.

Coronary stent infection is considered to be a rare but catastrophic complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. In this report, we present a 72-year-old man who developed a coronary stent infection complicated by coronary aneurysm and purulent pericarditis. Coronary artery aneurysm resolved over a period of 8 months following the successful management of infection with intensive antibiotic therapy alone.