Electrophysiology

The cardiac subspecialty of electrophysiology (EP) diagnoses and treats arrhythmias. This includes use of pacemakers to treat bradycardia, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for tachycardia, heart failure and patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and cardiac ablation treatments to treat heart rhythm disorders.

Abbott’s Aveir DR leadless pacemaker, the world’s very first dual-chamber pacing solution of its kind, is associated with a “reliable” performance after six months, according to new data published in Heart Rhythm.[1]

World’s first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker still going strong after 6 months

Abbott’s Aveir DR leadless pacemaker, the first pacing offering of its kind to gain FDA approval, is linked to a consistent electrical performance six months after implant. Researchers tracked data from nearly 400 patients and presented their full findings in Heart Rhythm.

May 10, 2024
Bradly Knight, MD, Northwestern, presenting a case study on the main stage at HRS 2023. Photo by Dave Fornell

HRS 2024: Late-breaking clinical trials will highlight key trends in electrophysiology

A total of 21 late-breaking science presentations are scheduled for Heart Rhythm 2024 in Boston. 

May 9, 2024
The Carto 3 System Version 8, includes new modules designed to improve efficiency in addition to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. The new modules included in this update are CartoSound FAM, which automatically generates a model of patient’s left atrial anatomy before users insert a catheter into their left atrium, and Carto Elevate, which helps electrophysiologists by making the activation maps more accurate and tracking atrial fibrillation (AFib) burden before and after ablation.

Biosense Webster updates 3D heart mapping software with advanced AI models

The update includes multiple new algorithms designed to improve efficiency during cardiac ablation procedures.

May 8, 2024
When Apple previewed its watchOS 9 update in early June, one of the key features the company highlighted was a new tracking option for atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients. The AFib History feature, approved for patients 22 years and older who have been diagnosed with AFib, was designed to help users gain a better understanding of their symptoms and easily share data with healthcare providers.

Apple Watch AFib feature becomes first-ever digital tool approved by FDA to evaluate medical devices

Healthcare technology companies can now use AFib findings recorded by an Apple Watch to help demonstrate the effectiveness of their devices to the FDA.

May 2, 2024
IVUS guidance during DES implantation boosts long-term outcomes in new study

Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF

Researchers explored data from nearly 2,500 AFib ablation patients, sharing their findings in JAMA Cardiology.

April 26, 2024
pharmaceutical drug approval process

American Heart Association thinks pharmacists can play a bigger role in AFib care

Pharmacists interact with patients on a regular basis and are seen as a trusted source of health information. Can they help cardiologists improve care for AFib patients? 

April 24, 2024
Even patients who were never hospitalized for COVID-19 face a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues. #longcovid

2 out of 5 AFib patients develop heart failure later in life

Stroke is typically seen as the biggest danger for patients after they receive an AFib diagnosis. This study, however, suggests heart failure could be an even bigger threat.

April 18, 2024
pharmaceutical drug approval process

FDA grants fast track designation to new drug for Friedreich's ataxia cardiomyopathy

The new gene therapy candidate is now one step closer to being approved by the FDA. 

April 17, 2024

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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