Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Jan 2018
Multicenter StudyIntracardiac ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia using a 6 mm distal electrode cryoablation catheter: Prospective, multicenter, North American study (ICY-AVNRT STUDY).
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is effective for slow pathway ablation, but carries a risk of inadvertent AV block requiring permanent pacing. By comparison, cryoablation with a 4-mm distal electrode catheter has not been reported to cause permanent AV block but has been shown to be less effective than RF ablation. We sought to define the safety and efficacy of a 6-mm distal electrode cryoablation catheter for slow pathway ablation in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT). ⋯ Cryoablation for AVNRT using a focal 6-mm catheter was safe and effective. It resulted in a low risk of recurrence over 6 months of follow-up with no incidence of AV block requiring permanent pacing.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Dec 2017
Review Meta AnalysisStellate ganglion blockade for the treatment of refractory ventricular arrhythmias: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Treatment refractory ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are often driven and exacerbated by heightened sympathetic tone. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies of a temporary percutaneous stellate ganglion block (SGB) on VA burden and defibrillation episodes in patients with treatment refractory VAs. ⋯ Early experience suggests that SGB is associated with an acute reduction in the VA burden and offers potential promise for a broader use in high-risk populations. Randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of this therapy.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Dec 2017
Comparative Study Pragmatic Clinical TrialReal world MRI experience with nonconditional and conditional cardiac rhythm devices after MagnaSafe.
The recent MagnaSafe Registry demonstrated safety of nonthoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with nonconditional cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). However, independent validation and extension to thoracic MRIs are needed. ⋯ In a real-world MRI experience in patients with CIEDs representing a broad range of models, types, and scan sites (including thoracic scans), no adverse safety signals were noted. This experience validates and extends that of the large but inclusion-restricted MagnaSafe Registry, profiles MRI scanning in CIED patients in general clinical practice, and argues against replacing nonconditional with conditional devices when MRI is performed in a carefully controlled environment.
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Understanding the factors associated with early readmissions following atrial flutter (AFL) ablation is critical to reduce the cost and improving the quality of life in AFL patients. ⋯ Cardiac etiologies remain the most common reason for the readmission after AFL ablation. Identifying high risk patients, careful discharge planning, and close follow-up postdischarge can potentially reduce readmission rates in AFL ablation patients.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Sep 2017
Observational StudyThree-year outcomes and reconnection patterns after initial contact force guided pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Contact force (CF) sensing is a novel technology used for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). We compared the single procedure success of CF-guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with that of non-CF guided PVI during a 3-year (1,095 days) follow up period and analyzed the pattern of pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection. ⋯ A greater propensity for reconnection was noted around the right sided PV segments in both the CF and non-CF groups. The explanation for this finding was related to greater catheter instability around the right sided veins. Further research is needed to explore the utility of a "real-time" composite indicator that includes RF energy, CF and catheter stability in predicting transmural lesion formation during catheter ablation.