Search

A patent has been issued to Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd. for a medical system that uses a catheter with electrodes to measure the proximity of tissue in the heart. The system includes a magnetic sensor and a processor that computes the position coordinates of the electrodes and determines their proximity to the heart tissue. The system can provide visual indications of the proximity on a display, using brightness levels, shading, or color. This technology can be useful in diagnosing and treating cardiac arrhythmias. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application for a defibrillation control device has been made available online. The device includes a power source unit, an abnormality detection unit, and a warning unit. The abnormality detection unit detects abnormal waveforms using electrocardiographic measurements and issues an alert. The device aims to provide useful information for catheter treatment. The patent application was filed in November 2023 and posted in August 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute explores the effectiveness of hybrid surgical ablation and left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF). The study found that concomitant hybrid convergent ablation and LAA exclusion with an atrial clip can provide reasonable long-term freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with LSPAF. However, persistent posterior wall activity was observed in a significant number of patients who experienced recurrent AF following the procedure. This research provides valuable insights into the management of LSPAF and highlights the need for further investigation in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Gregory University Uturu in Nigeria explores the field of cardiac electrophysiology, which involves studying the electrical activity of the heart using catheters placed inside the heart. The study aims to improve the understanding and interpretation of cardiac electrophysiology reports, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where interest in the field is growing. The research provides an introduction to cardiac electrophysiology methods and focuses on assessing sinus node and atrio-ventricular conduction. This study may be of interest to physicians seeking to enhance their knowledge in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester in New York has shed light on Mobitz type II second-degree atrioventricular block (AVB), a commonly misdiagnosed and misunderstood arrhythmia. The researchers found that Mobitz type II AVB is characterized by an all-or-none conduction without visible changes in the AV conduction time or PR intervals before and after a single non-conducted P wave. They emphasized that an unchanged PR interval after the block is a key criterion for diagnosing Mobitz type II AVB. The study concluded that correctly identifying Mobitz type II AVB is crucial as it indicates the need for a pacemaker. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran explored the relationship between air pollution and supraventricular arrhythmias (SVAs) in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). The study found that there was a significant association between air pollution and the incidence of SVAs in these patients. However, the researchers noted that further studies with larger sample sizes and conducted in multiple centers are needed to definitively establish this relationship. This research provides valuable insights into the potential impact of air pollution on heart health. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Yonsei University College of Medicine discusses research on atrial fibrillation (AF) and its implications for diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The study found that increased left atrial pressure (LAP) contributes to dyspnea and heart failure in patients with AF. The researchers investigated the differences in baseline LAP and LAP response to rapid pacing between paroxysmal and persistent AF. They concluded that patients with paroxysmal AF exhibited lower baseline LAP with greater increases during rapid pacing compared to those with persistent AF, suggesting a need to revise the H2FPEF score for distinguishing between the two types of AF. The study emphasizes the importance of rate and rhythm control in paroxysmal AF for symptom management. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by researchers at Ningbo University in China analyzed the safety of Sevoflurane drugs, a widely used anesthetic. The researchers examined data from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System and identified 1126 adverse events related to Sevoflurane. They found a potential correlation between Sevoflurane and atrial fibrillation, a type of cardiac arrhythmia. This study provides valuable information for guiding the use of Sevoflurane in clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Korea University Ansan Hospital discusses the association between the timing of atrial fibrillation (AF) detection and functional outcomes in patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for stroke. The study compared patients with newly diagnosed AF after stroke (AFDAS) to those with known AF (KAF). The researchers found that patients in the AFDAS group had a higher rate of functional independence compared to the KAF group. The study suggests that the timing of AF detection may impact functional outcomes in stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine have conducted a study to explore the shared biomarkers between cardioembolic stroke (CS) and atrial fibrillation (AF). They used bioinformatics analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and machine learning techniques to identify potential biomarkers. The study found that pathways related to the immune response may be significantly involved in both CS and AF. Four key genes, PIK3R1, ITGAM, FOS, and TLR4, were identified as hub genes associated with both conditions. The findings provide insights into the etiological mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for CS and AF. [Extracted from the article]

A new study presented at the ESC Congress 2024 reveals that an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm called DeepRhythmAI (DRAI) has a higher sensitivity than human specialists in detecting heart rhythm disorders on long ECG recordings. The study compared the performance of the AI system with traditional ECG analysis conducted by technicians and found that the AI had a significantly lower risk of missing a critical arrhythmia diagnosis. The AI system also reduced false negative findings compared to traditional methods, with a sensitivity of 98.6% and a negative predictive value of 99.9%. The study suggests that AI could become a standard tool in cardiac diagnostics. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Abadan University of Medical Sciences have reported new data on the efficacy of prescribing Inderal for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) in a young patient with a normal QT interval. PVT is a group of life-threatening heart rhythm disorders that require different modes of therapy for effective treatment. The researchers emphasize the importance of accurately diagnosing the type of PVT before initiating treatment to provide the most effective therapy for the patient. In this particular case, standard treatment approaches were ineffective in preventing reversibility, but Inderal proved to be successful in preventing the recurrence of ventricular tachycardia. The researchers believe it is important to document and share this case. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Hannover Medical School in Germany has found that two long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), Gadlor1 and Gadlor2, are upregulated in failing hearts of patients and mice, and their overexpression aggravates myocardial dysfunction and cardiac remodeling. The researchers discovered that these lncRNAs are mainly expressed in endothelial cells in the heart and are secreted within extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs transfer the lncRNAs to cardiomyocytes, where they activate calmodulin-dependent kinase II and impact gene expression and calcium homeostasis. The findings suggest a crucial lncRNA-based mechanism of communication between endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes during heart failure, which could potentially be targeted for therapeutic purposes in the future. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, explores the relationship between endocrine disorders and cardiac arrhythmias. The research highlights that endocrine disorders can lead to rhythm abnormalities in the heart, which can have serious health implications, including sudden cardiac death. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing underlying endocrinopathies in patients with rhythm or conduction abnormalities. The objective of the research is to enhance awareness and improve clinical practices in treating patients with endocrine disorders who may be at risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the "Citta della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital in Turin, Italy have published a report on atrial fibrillation (AF). The study focuses on atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) and subclinical AF, which are often detected in asymptomatic patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs). The researchers discuss the classification and clinical impact of subclinical AF/AHREs and the potential benefits of anticoagulation in this setting. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the optimal management and duration of subclinical episodes to predict stroke risk. The study aims to summarize the current evidence and highlight the unanswered clinical questions in this field. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences discusses research findings on atrial fibrillation (AF). The study aimed to determine if the serum levels of soluble ST2 (sST2) and growth differentiation factor (GDF-15) could predict AF recurrence in the long-term period after primary radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA). The study included 131 patients who were followed up for 18 months after the blanking period. The researchers found that a serum sST2 level of 36 ng/ml or higher could be used as a predictor of AF recurrence in the long-term period after RFA. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom discusses the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with and without embolic stroke of undetermined source. The study found that the use of implantable loop recorders increased the detection of AF episodes among patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. The incidence of AF was significantly higher in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source compared to those without. Further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy for AF episodes in embolic stroke of undetermined source patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden compared the effectiveness of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and advanced echocardiography in evaluating patients with a high burden of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). The study found that while CMR is not always accessible or cost-effective, it may provide additional information that standard echocardiography cannot detect. The researchers evaluated additional echocardiographic parameters in thirty-nine patients with high PVC burden and found that these parameters did not significantly differ between patients with or without CMR findings. However, some patients with normal CMR findings showed signs of ventricular dysfunction when evaluated with the additional echocardiographic parameters, suggesting that they could offer supplementary information in assessing PVC patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Queen Mary University of London explored the association between serum calcium levels and ventricular repolarization time, which is linked to malignant arrhythmia. The study utilized genome-wide interaction analyses to investigate the potential interaction between calcium and genetic variants associated with QT and JT intervals. The findings suggest that while there is limited support for an interaction effect, it is unlikely to explain a significant proportion of the heritability of QT and JT. The study highlights the need to consider other factors, such as rare variation and environmental interactions, in understanding the heritability of these intervals. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, examined the association between sex, postoperative atrial fibrillation (poAF), and long-term mortality after cardiac surgery. The study found that women were less likely to develop poAF than men, but women who did develop poAF had a higher risk of long-term mortality compared to men with poAF. The researchers concluded that this elevated risk highlights the need for a tailored approach to perioperative care for women undergoing cardiac surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in China highlights the role of left pulmonary vein (PV) trunk length as a predictor of long-term success in atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. The study included 369 AF patients undergoing catheter ablation, and the left trunk length (LTL) of the PV was measured using computed tomography. The results showed that a longer LTL was associated with a higher risk of recurrence of AF after ablation. This finding suggests that LTL could be a useful prognostic indicator for AF patients receiving catheter ablation. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted at Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Israel has found that atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent predictor of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) progression, especially in patients with normal systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP). The study followed 21,502 patients over a decade and found that patients with baseline AF were more likely to develop significant TR compared to those without AF. The risk of TR progression was higher in patients with permanent AF and those treated with rate control strategy. TR progression was also linked to a higher risk of mortality. The researchers suggest that further research is needed to develop strategies to prevent TR progression in patients with AF. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic has found that catheter ablation (CA) can improve clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study evaluated the impact of CA on clinical and quality-of-life outcomes across different HF subtypes. The results showed that AF recurrence rates after CA were higher in patients with HF compared to those without HF, with patients with HFpEF being at the highest risk of recurrence. However, CA was associated with a significant reduction in AF symptoms, AF-related hospitalization, and HF symptoms in most patients regardless of HF subtype. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine have conducted a study on idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, a condition where sudden cardiac death occurs without known structural or electrical abnormalities. The study highlights that this condition is a common cause of sudden death in young adults and often only a partial investigation is performed. The researchers aim to present a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation algorithm with a focus on assessing inherited arrhythmic syndromes and genetic background. This research provides valuable insights into the diagnosis and understanding of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences discusses the burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) in Iran. The study aimed to estimate the incidence, prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with AF/AFL from 1990 to 2019. The research found that in 2019, there were 339.1 thousand AF/AFL patients in Iran, with a higher burden in females and 50-69-year-old patients. The study projected that by 2050, the number of AF/AFL patients will increase to 1.1 million people. The researchers concluded that AF/AFL remains a major public health problem in Iran and called for more cost-effective strategies to target modifiable risk factors. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University in Jiaxing, China have presented new data on atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cardiac arrhythmia. The study focuses on the role of a protein called DACT2 in the signaling pathways involved in cardiac fibrosis, which promotes the onset and progression of AF. The researchers suggest that understanding the effects of DACT2 on these pathways could be helpful in the treatment of AF. The study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by the Department of Neurology and Stroke Center has found that atrial fibrillation (AF) and high burden of ectopic atrial activity (HBEA) are common in patients with cryptogenic stroke. The study analyzed the frequency of AF and HBEA in patients with cryptogenic stroke and assessed their atrial function and 1-year outcomes. The results showed that AF is strongly related to left atrial (LA) volume, LA function, and LA reservoir and contraction strain, while HBEA showed milder structural changes. The study suggests that advanced LA echocardiography could help in selecting patients for long-term ECG monitoring in suspected cardiac sources. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by researchers at Universidad Santiago de Cali in Colombia explores the risk factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery (MRV). The study, which involved 90 cases and 360 controls, found that age over 60 years, urgent/emergency surgery, cardiogenic shock, blood transfusion, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, orotracheal reintubation, and mechanical ventilation time were all associated with an increased risk of AF. The researchers suggest that strategies should be developed to identify these risk factors and prevent postoperative complications related to AF in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Louisville discusses the topic of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a condition that affects nearly 40% of patients and is associated with longer hospital stays, increased mortality, heart failure, stroke, and healthcare costs. The report highlights the factors that contribute to POAF, such as surgical stress, anesthetic effects, and underlying cardiovascular conditions. It also explores areas of controversy in the management of POAF, including the use of anticoagulation and preventive drug therapy. The research aims to provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of POAF and strategies to reduce its occurrence. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Berlin, Germany discusses the challenges of treating recurring atrial flutter due to anatomical obstacles. The report describes a case of a 54-year-old patient with recurring peri-mitral flutter who was successfully treated with bipolar ablation of an anteroseptal line to achieve complete conduction block. The researchers suggest that alternatives to conventional ablation may be necessary to create deeper lesions in cases where complete conduction block cannot be achieved. This information may be useful for individuals researching atrial flutter and cardiac arrhythmias. [Extracted from the article]

A new study on arrhythmia, a type of heart disease, has been published by researchers at the Department of Information Technology. The study focuses on the development of a deep learning-based network called SID-NASNet, which is designed to categorize arrhythmia into different classes using electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The network achieved an accuracy of 98.22% in categorizing ECG signals, outperforming other existing methods. This research highlights the importance of cardiovascular health monitoring for accurate analysis and treatment of heart disease, which is a leading cause of death globally. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria in Trieste, Italy, aimed to analyze the risk profile and identify factors associated with an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias in individuals with truncating variants in Filamin C (FLNCtv), a rare cause of cardiomyopathy. The study included 326 FLNCtv carriers from 19 international tertiary care centers. The results showed that male sex, previous syncope, and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia were associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) or major ventricular arrhythmias (MVA). Surprisingly, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was not significantly associated with the risk of SCD/MVA. The study highlights the importance of considering these factors when making decisions about implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation and calls for further investigation into the influence of sex-related factors on genetic cardiomyopathies. [Extracted from the article]

A meta-analysis conducted at Taizhou Municipal Hospital in Zhejiang, China compared different anesthesia strategies for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The study found that there was no significant difference in procedural time between general anesthesia and conscious sedation. However, deep sedation was associated with longer procedural time and a higher rate of serious intraprocedural complications. Conscious sedation had a higher risk of perioperative complications compared to general anesthesia. The researchers concluded that further randomized trials are needed to determine the optimal anesthesia strategy for AF ablation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Minnesota explores the role of mitochondria in ischemic arrhythmic risk. The researchers found that after a myocardial infarction (heart attack), the proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (c-Src) and its active form (p-Src Y416) were increased. This increase in c-Src was associated with diastolic calcium sparks, prolonged action potential duration, and arrhythmia. The study suggests that c-Src or the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) may represent novel antiarrhythmic targets for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from National Cheng Kung University explores the effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to warfarin in elderly atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with dementia. The study, conducted using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, found that the DOAC group had a lower risk of composite outcomes, including hospitalizations due to stroke, myocardial infarction, intracranial hemorrhage, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality, compared to the warfarin group. The individual DOACs, apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban, were also associated with a reduced risk of composite outcomes. This research provides valuable insights into stroke prevention strategies for elderly AF patients with dementia. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in Cardiovascular Week suggests that supplementing potassium only when serum potassium concentration falls below 3.6 mEq/L is just as effective in preventing atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery as the current practice of maintaining a serum potassium concentration of greater than or equal to 4.5 mEq/L. The study found that the lower threshold of supplementation did not lead to an increase in dysrhythmias or adverse clinical outcomes. This information may be useful for individuals researching atrial fibrillation prevention strategies after cardiac surgery. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports that St. Jude Medical has been granted patent number 12064214 for a new medical probe and its application, filed on December 18, 2018, and published on August 20, 2024. Topics discussed include the use of catheter or electrophysiology ablation procedures, the application of RF energy or cryoablation, and the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.

The article reports that a patent application for a "Catheter With High Density Electrode Spine Array" was filed by several inventors on May 3, 2024, and became publicly available on August 22, 2024. Topics discussed include cardiac arrhythmia treatment, mapping of electrical properties in the heart, and selective ablation of cardiac tissue.

The article reports that ZOLL Medical Corp. has been awarded patent number 12064640 for new response mechanisms in wearable medical devices designed for continuous heart monitoring. Topics discussed include the monitoring and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, the use of electronic and mechanical devices, and the critical importance of timely intervention in cases of ventricular fibrillation.

The article reports that St. Jude Medical has been awarded patent number 12064252 for a new cardiac mapping system and method. Topics discussed include the use of a high-density grid catheter, the development of electrophysiology maps, and advancements in cardiac diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

The article reports that a patent was granted for a catheter featuring an irrigated tip electrode with a porous substrate and high-density surface micro-electrodes. Topics discussed include the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, the role of electrical signal mapping and ablation, and the innovative design of the catheter for enhanced signal disruption.

The article reports that a new patent has been issued for a pacing therapy method designed to enhance heart failure treatment. Topics discussed include methods for selecting pacing therapy based on patient parameters, the use of implantable medical devices, and the distinction between heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

The article reports on a patent application for a device designed to address blood stagnation in the left atrial appendage, submitted by inventors from Boston Scientific Scimed Inc. Topics discussed include the potential for reducing thrombi formation, various designs for the device such as oscillating piston pumps or propellers, and the ongoing need for improved medical devices in treating atrial fibrillation.