Heart Rhythm

Hearts should have normal rhythm to their beats, but when these beats are out of synch, it causes inefficient pumping of blood. Irregular heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats do not work properly. This can cause beats that are too fast (tachycardia), or too slow (bradycardia). Tachycardias include atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Bradycardias include sick sinus syndrome and conduction block. Electrophysiology arrhythmia treatments include medications, life style changes, and the EP lab interventions of catheter ablation, and implantable pacemakers or defibrillators.

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AFib recurrence during the 90-day blanking period after ablation—nothing serious or a sign of trouble?

Asking patients to use smartphone-powered ECG devices following catheter ablation procedures could be incredibly beneficial, according to new findings published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology

Vivek Reddy, MD, director of arrhythmia service and processor of medicine in cardiac electrophysiology, Mt. Sinai, New York, expolains the key takeaways from the ADVENT trial of pulsed field ablation at ESC 2023.

Pulsed field ablation shows potential to replace thermal ablation

Vivek Reddy, MD, explained that pulsed field ablation is associated with many benefits compared to the current standard of care in electrophysiology. 

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EP studies during TAVR are safe and effective, new pilot study confirms

New research in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions explored the potential of performing EP studies before and after valve deployment. TAVR operators handled all catheter manipulations, and EP specialists were on hand to capture the necessary measurements. 

Attune Medical has been granted De Novo marketing authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its ensoETM device to reduce the likelihood of ablation-related esophageal injury resulting from radiofrequency cardiac ablation procedures.

Cooling device now approved by FDA to reduce risk of ablation-related esophageal injuries

Already approved for temperature management, the single-use ensoETM device is now cleared for another use: minimizing the risk of potentially fatal injuries to the patient's esophagus during radiofrequency ablation procedures. 

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NOACs vs. VKAs in TAVR patients with new-onset AFib: New meta-analysis examines key differences

The biggest differences between the two treatment options were major bleeding events and all-cause mortality. There was no significant difference when it came to stroke risk. 

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Low-cost generic programs offer CVD medications at affordable prices—but availability changes from one to the next

Programs managed by H-E-B, Kroger, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company and Walmart appear to offer the most options for CVD patients. When it comes to AFib and heart failure, however, researchers believe the choices could be improved. 

cardiologist preparing to perform radiofrequency ablation

Another long-term benefit of AFib ablation: Improved mental health

A new study published in JAMA suggests catheter ablation can help AFib patients experience fewer feelings of depression and anxiety.

Matthew Latacha, MD, Methodist Health System, cardiologist

Cardiologist killed in bicycle accident remembered as a ‘talented and compassionate’ electrophysiologist

According to a loving tribute from Methodist Health System, Matthew Latacha, MD, was “well respected, admired and loved by patients, colleagues and staff.” The incident is still under investigation. 

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.

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