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.

device implantation during left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures

Mitigating risk: How the depth of device implantation impacts LAAO outcomes

Researchers examined data from more than 1,300 procedures, presenting their findings in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

A complete list of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2023 Congress late-breaking Hot Line sessions. #ESCCongress

ESC Congress 2023 to feature 30 late-breaking clinical trials

The European Society of Cardiology's annual meeting is scheduled for Aug. 25-28, 2023, in Amsterdam.

FDA clears 2 new AI models that help with the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias

The two algorithms are now commercially available on a price-per-use basis.

FDA highlights importance of including heart rhythm risks on drug labels

The agency has shared a new draft guidance focused on the inclusion of information related to QTc interval prolongation. 

Boston Scientific’s POLARx Cryoablation System for atrial fibrillation gained FDA approval in August 2023.

FDA approves Boston Scientific’s new cryoablation system for AFib

The system includes an expandable cryoablation balloon catheter compatible with multiple balloon sizes. 

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NFL player feeling thankful after AFib diagnosis: ‘I think it’s just the good Lord looking after me’

Tyler Shatley, a veteran offensive lineman with the Jacksonville Jaguars, said he experienced symptoms for years before finally seeking a diagnosis. 

The ThermoCool SmartTouch SF catheter from Biosense Webster

FDA approves several Biosense Webster devices for fluoroscopy-free ablation procedures

Using these devices as part of a zero-fluoroscopy workflow, which replaces X-rays with an alternative modality such as ultrasound, limits radiation exposure and the use of burdensome protective equipment.

The 25 best U.S. cardiology hospitals ranked

U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings of heart hospitals named Cleveland Clinic No. 1, once again, but there were many changes among the other top 25 hospitals. 

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

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