Heart rhythm : the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society
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There are no recommendations on the optimal dosing for cryoablation of atrial fibrillation (Cryo-AF). ⋯ A novel Cryo-AF dosing algorithm guided by TT-PVI can help individualize the ablation strategy and yield improved procedural endpoints and efficiency as compared to a conventional, nonstandardized approach.
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A left common pulmonary vein (LCPV) accounts for the most frequent PV variation. Use of the cryoballoon (CB) for isolating these veins is still debatable. To date, no data are available regarding the feasibility, acute PV isolation, and clinical outcome of the second-generation CB (CB-A) in this setting. ⋯ CB-A ablation in LCPV+ patients is effective and showed no difference in clinical outcome compared to LCPV- patients.
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Superior vena cava (SVC) lacerations have been identified as the most lethal complication encountered during cardiac implantable electronic device lead extraction. The case fatality rate of these events approximates 50% due to rapid exsanguination. A novel, compliant balloon specifically designed for use in the SVC may provide hemostasis in the event of endovascular perforation. By temporarily occluding the compromised vessel, the endovascular balloon should delay hemodynamic collapse, provide a more controlled surgical field for repair, and thereby reduce the mortality of SVC tears complicating transvenous lead extraction. ⋯ During the study period, we observed a reduction in mortality in patients who suffered SVC tears while undergoing lead extraction when treatment included an endovascular balloon.