Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Feb 2015
Efficacy and safety of apixaban in the patients undergoing the ablation of atrial fibrillation.
Apixaban, a factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor, is a new oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little is known about its efficacy and safety as a periprocedural anticoagulant therapy for patients who had undergone catheter ablation (CA) for AF. ⋯ The use of apixaban during the periprocedural period of AF ablation seemed as efficacious and safe as warfarin.
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Feb 2015
Controlled Clinical TrialOptimizing radiofrequency ablation of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation by direct catheter force measurement-a case-matched comparison in 198 patients.
Sufficient electrode-tissue contact is crucial for adequate lesion formation in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). ⋯ The use of contact force sensing technology is able to significantly reduce ablation, procedure, and fluoroscopy times as well as dose in RFCA of AF in a mixed case-matched group of paroxysmal and persistent AF. Energy delivery is substantially reduced by avoiding radiofrequency ablation in positions with insufficient surface contact. Additionally 12-month outcome data showed increased efficacy. Such time saving and equally safe technology may have a relevant impact on laboratory management and increased cost effectiveness.
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Pacing Clin Electrophysiol · Feb 2015
Case ReportsCreation of partial fascicular block: an approach to ablation of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia in the pediatric population.
Catheter ablation of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia in the pediatric population remains challenging. A recent multicenter study reported limited success with 14% not undergoing ablation due to inability to induce ventricular tachycardia (VT) or blood pressure instability during tachycardia. Creating complete or partial fascicular block with radiofrequency catheter ablation is a technique that may eliminate VT. This approach is performed during sinus rhythm, enabling atrioventricular conduction monitoring and maintaining stable hemodynamics. Importantly, induction of VT is not necessary for mapping or assessing efficacy of the procedure. ⋯ The technique of creating partial fascicular block appears to be a safe and effective approach to ablation of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia in children.