AIMS Rhythm follow-up after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF ablation) is mainly based on Holter electrocardiogramm (ECG), tele-ECG or on patients symptoms. However, studies using 7-day Holter or tele-ECG follow-up revealed a significant number of asymptomatic recurrences. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse continuous atrial recordings in pacemaker patients with an incorpora...

A 70-year-old man with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was referred for pulmonary vein isolation. Past medical history included ischemic heart disease and a right hemicolectomy for Duke’s C carcinoma 10 years previously. Presenting ECG showed sinus rhythm with a normal axis and evidence of left atrial enlargement (Figure 1). Preoperative echocardiography demonstrated normal left ventricular stru...

tricuspid isthmus mapping to assess bidirectional block during common atrial flutter radiofrequency ablation. Circulation 1999;100:2507–13. 11. Sacher F, Derval N, Jadidi A, Scherr D, Hocini M, Haissaguerre M et al. Comparison of ventricular radiofrequency lesions in sheep using standard irrigated tip catheter versus catheter ablation enabling direct visualization. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2...

AIMS The aim of the study was to investigate the atrial myocardial deformation properties using ultrasound strain rate (SR) imaging in patients after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) and to compare its prognostic value in maintaining sinus rhythm. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 118 patients with AF (74 paroxysmal AF, 44 persistent AF) underwent transthoracic echocardiography with...

AIM Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a major clinical issue and its occurrence is the main problem after catheter ablation of atrial flutter. The long-term occurrence of AFib after common atrial flutter ablation is still matter of debate as it may influence the therapeutic approach. So, the aim of our study was to analyze the determinants and the time course of AFib after radiofrequency catheter a...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of the review is to provide an update on the safety and efficacy of catheter cryoablation. RECENT FINDINGS Catheter cryoablation is a safe and clinically effective method for ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant supraventricular tachycardia. Although the acute procedural success rate of catheter cryoablation for this arrhythmia may be slightly lower than ...

BACKGROUND A technological platform (MediGuide) has been recently introduced for nonfluoroscopic catheter tracking. No data on the safety of this technology are yet available in a large cohort of patients. METHODS AND RESULTS Data from a prospective ablation registry were analyzed. All patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation procedures supported by nonfluoroscopic catheter visualizat...

Phrenic nerve palsy has been recognized as a complication of catheter ablation with a prevalence of 0.11-0.48% after atrial fibrillation ablation, independent of the type of ablation catheter or energy source, likely due to the anatomical relationship of the nerves. This report describes a case of new onset of shortness of breath (SOB) due to left diaphragm paralysis following transcatheter rad...

Introduction Ebstein’s anomaly (EA) is a congenital malformation of the tricuspid valve that often requires tricuspid valve replacement (TVR). EA patients have a high burden of atrial tachycardia owing to a combination of prior surgical incisions and abnormal atrial hemodynamics. Catheter ablation for atrial tachycardia, especially when the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) is a critical component of...

Guidelines recommend a trial of one or more antiarrhythmic drugs before catheter ablation is considered in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, first-line may be effective maintaining sinus rhythm.