Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyCryoballoon versus radiofrequency for pulmonary vein re-isolation after a failed initial ablation procedure in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is associated with an important risk of early and late recurrence, necessitating repeat ablation procedures. The aim of this prospective randomized patient-blind study was to compare the efficacy and safety of cryoballoon (Cryo) versus radiofrequency (RF) ablation of PAF after failed initial RF ablation procedure. ⋯ When patients require a redo pulmonary vein isolation ablation procedure for recurrent PAF, RF appears to be the preferred energy source relative to Cryo.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Mar 2013
ReviewUltrasound-guided venous access for pacemakers and defibrillators.
Ultrasound guidance is widely recommended to reduce the risk of complications during central venous catheter placement. However, ultrasound guidance is not commonly utilized for implanting leads for cardiac rhythm management devices. ⋯ Ultrasound guidance provides a safe and rapid technique for extrathoracic subclavian or axillary venous lead placement.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Mar 2013
Comparative StudyEffect of catheter tip-tissue surface contact on three-dimensional left atrial and pulmonary vein geometries: potential anatomic distortion of 3D ultrasound, fast anatomical mapping, and merged 3D CT-derived images.
Anatomic Distortion of 3D Mapping. ⋯ Different mapping methods yield different 3D geometries. When AF ablation is guided by 3D US-derived images, ablation points fall beyond the 3D US surface but below the FAM- or merged 3D US-CT-derived surface. Our data reveal anatomic distortion of 3D images, providing important information for improving the safety and efficacy of 3D mapping-guided AF ablation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 259-266, March 2013).