Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology : an international journal of arrhythmias and pacing
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J Interv Card Electrophysiol · Aug 2014
Limiting left-sided catheter dwelling time using 3-D NavX to mark and reaccess the left atrium via prior transseptal puncture site.
Ablations requiring transseptal access to the left heart place patients at increased risk for stroke, bleeding, and post-procedural cognitive dysfunction and other complications. Diminishing left atrial catheter dwelling time may decrease these risks. 3-D NavX can be used to facilitate reaccess of transseptal puncture sites to allow catheter removal from the left atrium immediately after ablation, with reaccess through the prior transseptal site if required. Here, we describe the techniques employed and our experience using 3-D NavX to limit left atrial catheter dwelling time by marking and reaccess of the left atrium via the previously marked transseptal puncture site, a potentially radiation-free technique. ⋯ In our retrospective review, reaccess of transseptal puncture site was reproducible, and early removal of the catheter from the left side was without the need for repeat transseptal punctures. This technique decreases the time the catheter dwells in the left atrium, which could decrease risks such as clotting, bleeding, and cognitive dysfunction.
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J Interv Card Electrophysiol · Aug 2014
Observational StudyElevated brain natriuretic peptide level in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation: is it a predictor of failed ablation or a mere function of atrial rhythm and rate at a point in time?
Pre- and postablation atrial fibrillation (AF) brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were shown to predict increased recurrence of AF following ablation. ⋯ BNP level rises acutely during AF and with rapid ventricular rates. BNP level seems to be a function of atrial rhythm and ventricular rate rather than short- or long-term predictor of AF ablation success.