Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology : an international journal of arrhythmias and pacing
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J Interv Card Electrophysiol · Nov 2011
Feasibility of multiple short, 40-s, intra-procedural ECG recordings to detect immediate changes in heart rate variability during catheter ablation for arrhythmias.
This study aims to evaluate a method to detect heart rate variability (HRV) changes using short ECG segments during ablation for arrhythmias. ⋯ Averaging multiple 40-s windows give valid HF and LF HRV measurements that enable detection of intra-procedural changes. Left atrial ablation around the right-sided pulmonary veins is unique in producing reductions in HRV. This method has the potential for use as an endpoint marker for adjunctive autonomic ablation procedures.
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J Interv Card Electrophysiol · Oct 2011
ReviewThe efficacy of intraoperative atrial radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation during concomitant cardiac surgery-the Surgical Atrial Fibrillation Suppression (SAFS) Study.
Studies assessing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) performed at the time of concomitant cardiac surgery have reported high success rates. The efficacy of this treatment has primarily been determined by a single electrocardiogram (ECG) or 24-h Holter monitor at follow-up. We sought to assess the true efficacy of this procedure using prolonged cardiac rhythm monitoring. ⋯ Surgical RFA for the treatment of AF, during concomitant cardiac surgery, is a successful procedure and significantly reduces AF burden. However, 13% of patients have asymptomatic AF episodes only identified with continuous monitoring. This has important implications for post-operative anti-arrhythmic and anticoagulant management and for the definition of surgical AF ablation success.
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J Interv Card Electrophysiol · Sep 2011
Comparative StudyProspective comparison between conventional transseptal puncture and transseptal needle puncture with radiofrequency energy.
Patients undergoing left atrial ablation require transseptal puncture, which can be challenging, even for experienced physicians. This study compared the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) energy transseptal punctures to conventional approach. ⋯ Transseptal needle puncture using RF energy can be performed safely and quickly under imaging guidance.
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J Interv Card Electrophysiol · Sep 2011
Left atrial reservoir function predicts atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation: a two-dimensional speckle strain study.
Predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation (CA) are not fully defined. We hypothesized that 2D left atrial (LA) regional strain maps would help identify abnormal atrial substrate that increases susceptibility to AF recurrence post-CA. ⋯ Regional LA lateral wall LS is a pre-procedural determinant of AFR in patients undergoing CA, independent of LA enlargement. Characterization of atrial myocardial tissue properties by speckle tracking echo may aid the appropriate selection of adjunctive strategies and prognostication of patients undergoing CA.
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J Interv Card Electrophysiol · Sep 2011
Analysis of the left atrial appendage morphology by intracardiac echocardiography in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Detailed information regarding the structure and dimensions of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is required to guide implantation of LAA occlusion devices in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, this procedure is guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). ⋯ Imaging of LAA using an ICE probe positioned in the LA results in accurate measurements of LAA dimensions. This imaging modality could potentially be used during implantation of LAA occlusion devices as an alternative to TEE.