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Abstract The identification of acute cardioprotective strategies against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury that can be applied in the catheterization room is currently an unmet clinical need and several interventions evaluated in the past at the pre-clinical level have failed in translation. Autonomic imbalance, sustained by an abnormal afferent signalling, is a key component of I/R injury. Accordingly, there is a strong rationale for neuromodulation strategies, aimed at reducing sympathetic activity and/or increasing vagal tone, in this setting. In this review we focus on cervical vagal nerve stimulation (cVNS) and on transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS); the latest has the potential to overcome several of the issues of invasive cVNS, including the possibility of being used in an acute setting, while retaining its beneficial effects. First, we discuss the pathophysiology of I/R injury, that is mostly a consequence of the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Second, we describe the functional anatomy of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system and the most relevant principles of bioelectronic medicine applied to electrical vagal modulation, with a particular focus on taVNS. Then, we provide a detailed and comprehensive summary of the most relevant pre-clinical studies of invasive and non-invasive VNS that support its strong cardioprotective effect whenever there is an acute or chronic cardiac injury and specifically in the setting of myocardial I/R injury. The potential benefit in the emerging field of post cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) is also mentioned. Indeed, electrical cVNS has a strong anti-adrenergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic effect; most of the involved molecular pathways were already directly confirmed to take place at the cardiac level for taVNS. Pre-clinical data clearly show that the sooner VNS is applied, the better the outcome, with the possibility of a marked infarct size reduction and almost complete left ventricular reverse remodelling when VNS is applied immediately before and during reperfusion. Finally, we describe in detail the limited but very promising clinical experience of taVNS in I/R injury available so far.

Background: Heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implementation are effective treatments for advanced heart failure (HF), although their use is limited by organ availability and the high incidence of adverse events. The efficacy of mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) as a bridge to transplantation or as a destination therapy in advanced HF is still debated. Methods: A total of 63 patients with INTERMACS class 3 or 4 with contraindications for LVAD and severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) were evaluated for TEER implantation eligibility. The primary endpoint was a composite of death, urgent heart transplantation and LVAD implantation at 12 months. Results: A total of 36 patients underwent TEER, while 27 patients received optimal medical therapy (MT) alone. In the intervention group, 35 patients (97%) were discharged alive. In the MT group, two in-hospital deaths occurred, two patients underwent urgent heart transplantation, and three patients were discharged on inotropes. At the 12-month follow-up, the incidence of the primary endpoint occurring was lower in the TEER group (25% vs. 70%, HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11–0.60, p < 0.01) and the tolerance to neurohormonal therapy was higher (53% vs. 30%, p = 0.03). Conclusions: In advanced HF patients with INTERMACS profile 3 or 4 and severe FMR, TEER on top of optimal MT was associated with a lower incidence of death, urgent heart transplantation or LVAD implantation at 12 months compared to optimal MT alone.

Background We evaluated the potential benefits of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) in patients with left ventricular assist device support. Methods and Results A total of 165 consecutive patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implant and alive at 6‐month on support were studied. RAASi status after 6‐month visit along with clinical reasons for nonprescription/uptitration were retrospectively assessed. The primary outcome was a composite of heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death between 6 and 24 months after left ventricular assist device implant. Remodeling and hemodynamic outcomes were explored by studying the association of RAASi new prescription/uptitration versus unmodified therapy at 6‐month visit with the change in echocardiographic parameters and hemodynamics between 6 and 18 months. After the 6‐month visit, 76% of patients were on RAASi. Patients' characteristics among those receiving and not receiving RAASi were mostly similar. Of 85 (52%) patients without RAASi new prescription/uptitration at 6‐month visit, 62% had no apparent clinical reason. RAASi were independently associated with the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.16–0.69]). The baseline rates of optimal echocardiographic profile (neutral interventricular septum, mitral regurgitation less than mild, and aortic valve opening) and hemodynamic profile (cardiac index ≥2.2 L/min per m2, wedge pressure

Abstract Aims The present analysis from the multicentre prospective Altshock‐2 registry aims to better define clinical features, in‐hospital course, and management of cardiogenic shock complicating acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF‐CS) as compared with that complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI‐CS). Methods and results All patients with AMI‐CS or ADHF‐CS enrolled in the Altshock‐2 registry between March 2020 and February 2022 were selected. The primary objective was the characterization of ADHF‐CS patients as compared with AMI‐CS. In‐hospital length of stay and mortality were secondary endpoints. One‐hundred‐ninety of the 238 CS patients enrolled in the aforementioned period were considered for the present analysis: 101 AMI‐CS (80% ST‐elevated myocardial infarction and 20% non‐ST‐elevated myocardial infarction) and 89 ADHF‐CS. As compared with AMI‐CS, ADHF‐CS patients were younger [63 (IQR 59–76) vs. 67 (IQR 54–73) years, P = 0.01], but presented with higher creatinine [1.6 (IQR 1.0–2.6) vs. 1.2 (IQR 1.0–1.4) mg/dL, P

Abstract Background and aims Bempedoic Acid (BA) is a novel Lipid-Lowering Therapy (LLT). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of BA in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases were searched for randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and/or safety of BA compared with placebo. Trials investigating dosages other than 180 mg/die were excluded. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were the primary efficacy endpoint. LDL-cholesterol reduction was the primary laboratory endpoint. Pre-specified safety endpoints included muscle-related adverse events, new-onset diabetes, and gout. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (temporary ID:399,867). Results Study search identified 275 deduplicated results. 11 studies, encompassing 18,315 patients (9854 on BA vs 8461 on placebo/no treatment) were included. BA was associated with a reduced risk of MACE (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.95), myocardial infarction (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64–0.88) and unstable angina (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54–0.88) compared to control, over a median follow up of 87 (15–162) weeks. BA was associated with a reduction of LDL-Cholesterol (mean difference [MD]–22.42,95% CI − 24.02% to − 20.82%), total cholesterol (− 16.50%,95% − 19.21% to − 13.79%), Apo-B lipoprotein (− 19.55%, − 22.68% to − 16.42%) and high-sensitivity CRP (− 27.83%, − 31.71% to − 23.96%) at 12 weeks. BA was associated with a higher risk of gout (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.27–1.90) as compared with placebo. Efficacy on laboratory endpoints was confirmed, with a variable extent, across patients on statin or ezetimibe background therapy. Conclusions The improved cholesterol control achieved with BA translates into a reduced risk of MACE, including myocardial infarction and coronary revascularisation. The drug has a satisfactory safety profile except for an increased risk of gout.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare but significant cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), primarily affecting young women, often during pregnancy. Despite its rarity, SCAD poses challenges due to limited evidence on management strategies. This review examines the current state of art of SCAD management, integrating interventional and clinical insights from recent studies. The epidemiology of SCAD is related to its elusive nature, representing only a small fraction of ACS cases, while certainly underestimated. Proposed risk factors include genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences. Angiographic classification may help in SCAD diagnosis, but confirmation often relies on intracoronary imaging. Conservative management constitutes the primary approach, showing efficacy in most cases, although optimal antiplatelet therapy (APT) remains debated due to bleeding risks associated with intramural hematoma. Revascularization is reserved for high-risk cases, guided by angiographic and clinical criteria, with a focus on restoring flow rather than resolving dissection. Interventional strategies emphasize a minimalist approach to reduce complications, utilizing techniques such as balloon dilation and stent placement tailored to individual cases. Long-term outcomes highlight the risk of recurrence, necessitating vigilant follow-up and arrhythmic risk assessment, particularly in patients presenting with ventricular arrhythmias. In conclusion, SCAD management always represents a challenge for the physician, both from a clinical and interventional point of view. Recent clinical evidence and a multidisciplinary approach are vital for optimizing patient outcomes and preventing recurrence. This review offers a concise framework for navigating the complexities of SCAD management in clinical practice and proposes an algorithm for its management.

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) has shown promise in the early detection of various cardiac conditions from a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). However, the ability of AI to identify abnormalities from single-lead recordings across a range of pathological conditions remains to be systematically investigated. This study aims to assess the performance of a convolutional neural network (CNN) using a single-lead (D1) rather than a standard 12-lead setup for accurate identification of ECG abnormalities.MethodsWe designed and trained a lightweight CNN to identify 20 different cardiac abnormalities on ECGs, using data from the PTB-XL dataset. With a relatively simple architecture, the network was designed to accommodate different combinations of leads as input (

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with ventricular systolic dysfunction and dyssynchrony. Biventricular pacing (BVP) has a class IA recommendation for patients with symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, approximately 30% of patients have a poor therapeutic response and do not achieve real clinical benefit. Pre-implant imaging, together with tailored programming and dedicated device algorithms, have been proposed as possible tools to improve success rate but have shown inconsistent results. Over the last few years, conduction system pacing (CSP) is becoming a real and attractive alternative to standard BVP as it can restore narrow QRS in patients with bundle branch block (BBB) by stimulating and recruiting the cardiac conduction system, thus ensuring true resynchronization. It includes His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP). Preliminary data coming from small single-center experiences are very promising and have laid the basis for currently ongoing randomized controlled trials comparing CSP with BVP. The purpose of this review is to delve into the emerging role of CSP as an alternative method of achieving CRT. After framing CSP in a historical perspective, the pathophysiological rationale and available clinical evidence will be examined, and crucial technical aspects will be discussed. Finally, evidence gaps and future perspectives on CSP as a technique of choice to deliver CRT will be summarized.

BackgroundRecognizing etiology is essential for treatment and secondary prevention of cerebral ischemic events. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pattern suggestive of an embolic etiology has been described but, to date, there are no uniformly accepted criteria.AimThe purpose of the study is to describe MRI features of ischemic cerebral lesions occurring after transcatheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of studies performing brain imaging investigations before and after AF transcatheter ablation was performed. The incidence of cerebral ischemic lesions after AF transcatheter ablation was the primary endpoint. The co-primary endpoints were the prevalence of the different neuroimaging features regarding the embolic cerebral ischemic lesions.ResultsA total of 25 studies, encompassing 3,304 patients, were included in the final analysis. The incidence of ischemic cerebral lesions following AF transcatheter ablation was 17.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.2%–23.8%], of which a minimal fraction was symptomatic [0.60% (95% CI 0.09%–3.9%)]. Only 1.6% of the lesions (95% CI 0.9%–3.0%) had a diameter >10 mm, and in 20.5% of the cases the lesions were multiple (95% CI 17.1%–24.4%). Brain lesions were equally distributed across the two hemispheres and the different lobes; cortical location was more frequent [64.0% (95% CI 42.9%–80.8%)] while the middle cerebral artery territory was the most involved 37.0% (95% CI 27.3–48.0).ConclusionsThe prevailing MRI pattern comprises a predominance of small (

AimsDespite the high prevalence rate of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) detected using cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), clinical guidelines and consensus documents have disagreed on a universal AHRE definition and a temporal cut-off related to subsequent thromboembolic events. This diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis aims to derive the optimal temporal threshold of clinically significant AHREs from the available literature.MethodsThe PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were screened for studies on CIED patients reporting the incidence of thromboembolic events related to at least one AHRE temporal cut-off. A total of 23 studies were included: 19 considering the longest single AHRE and four the AHRE burden, respectively. A random-effect diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis with multiple cut-offs was performed. Two analyses were performed according to the AHRE temporal cut-off subtype (longest episode vs. cumulative burden).ResultsThe analysis on the longest single AHRE indicated 0.07 min as the optimal duration to differentiate AHRE associated or not with thromboembolic events [sensitivity 65.4% (95% CI 48.8%–79.0%), specificity 52.7% (95% CI 46.0%–59.4%), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-SROC): 0.62]. The analysis on AHRE burden indicated 1.4 min as the optimal cut-off [sensitivity 58.2% (95% CI 25.6%–85.0%), specificity 57.5% (95% CI 42.0%–71.7%), and AUC-SROC 0.60]. A sensitivity analysis excluding patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and including high-quality studies only yielded similar results.ConclusionThe presence of AHRE, rather than a specific duration, relates to an increased, albeit low, thromboembolic risk in CIED patients. Any AHRE should constitute an additional element in patient-specific thromboembolic risk assessment.

Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF)-induced peripheral microcirculatory alterations have poorly been investigated. The present study aims to expand current knowledge through a beat-to-beat analysis of non-invasive finger photoplethysmography (PPG) in AF patients restoring sinus rhythm by electrical cardioversion (ECV). Continuous non-invasive arterial blood pressure and left middle finger PPG pulse oximetry waveform (POW) signals were continuously recorded before and after elective ECV of consecutive AF or atrial flutter (AFL) patients. The main metrics (mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation), as well as a beat-to-beat analysis of the pulse pressure (PP) and POW beat-averaged value (aPOW), were computed to compare pre- and post-ECV phases. 53 patients (mean age 69 ± 8 years, 79% males) were enrolled; cardioversion was successful in restoring SR in 51 (96%) and signal post-processing was feasible in 46 (87%) patients. In front of a non-significant difference in mean PP (pre-ECV: 51.96 ± 13.25, post-ECV: 49.58 ± 10.41 mmHg; p = 0.45), mean aPOW significantly increased after SR restoration (pre-ECV: 0.39 ± 0.09, post-ECV: 0.44 ± 0.06 a.u.; p 95th percentile) and short (

Abstract Aim The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC)‐derived cardiac power index (CPI) has been found of prognostic value in cardiogenic shock (CS) patients. The original CPI equation included the right atrial pressure (RAP), accounting for heart filling pressure as a determinant of systolic myocardial work, but this term was subsequently omitted. We hypothesized that the original CPI formula (CPIRAP) is superior to current CPI for risk stratification in CS. Methods and results A single‐centre cohort of 80 consecutive Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) B‐D CS patients with available PAC records was included. Overall in‐hospital mortality was 21.3%. Results showed CPIRAP to be the strongest haemodynamic predictor of in‐hospital death (padj = 0.038), outperforming CPI [area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves: 0.726 and 0.673, P‐for‐difference = 0.025]. When the population was stratified according to the identified CPIRAP (0.28 W/m2) and accepted CPI (0.32 W/m2) thresholds, the cohort with discordant indexes (low CPIRAP and high CPI) comprised a group of 13 patients featuring a congested phenotype with frequent right ventricle or biventricular involvement. In this group, in‐hospital mortality was high (30.8%) similar to those with concordant low CPI and CPIRAP. Conclusion Incorporating RAP in CPI calculation (CPIRAP) improves the prognostic yield in patients with CS SCAI B‐D. A cut‐off of 0.28 W/m2 identifies patients at higher risk of in‐hospital mortality. The improved prognostic value of CPIRAP may derive from identification of patients with more intravascular congestion who may experience substantial in‐hospital mortality, uncaptured by the commonly used CPI equation.

Background The impact of complete revascularization (CR) on the development of heart failure (HF) in patients with acute coronary syndrome and multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention remains to be elucidated. Methods and Results Consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome with multivessel coronary artery disease from the CORALYS (Incidence and Predictors of Heart Failure After Acute Coronary Syndrome) registry were included. Incidence of first hospitalization for HF or cardiovascular death was the primary end point. Patients were stratified according to completeness of coronary revascularization. Of 14 699 patients in the CORALYS registry, 5054 presented with multivessel disease. One thousand four hundred seventy‐three (29.2%) underwent CR, while 3581 (70.8%) did not. Over 5 years follow‐up, CR was associated with a reduced incidence of the primary end point (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.66 [95% CI, 0.51–0.85]), first HF hospitalization (adjusted HR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.49–0.90]) along with all‐cause death and cardiovascular death alone (adjusted HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.56–0.97] and HR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.38–0.84], respectively). The results were consistent in the propensity‐score matching population and in inverse probability treatment weighting analysis. The benefit of CR was consistent across acute coronary syndrome presentations (HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.39–0.89] for ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction and HR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.50–0.99] for non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome) and in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction >40% (HR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.37–0.72]), while no benefit was observed in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% (HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.37–1.10], P for interaction 0.04). Conclusions CR after acute coronary syndrome reduced the risk of first hospitalization for HF and cardiovascular death, as well as first HF hospitalization, and cardiovascular and overall death both in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction and non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT 04895176.

BackgroundComputational fluid dynamics (CFD) is emerging as an effective technology able to improve procedural outcomes and enhance clinical decision-making in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study aims to assess the state of knowledge, use and clinical acceptability of CFD in the diagnosis and treatment of CAD.MethodsWe realized a 20-questions international, anonymous, cross-sectional survey to cardiologists to test their knowledge and confidence on CFD as a technology applied to patients suffering from CAD. Responses were recorded between May 18, 2022, and June 12, 2022.ResultsA total of 466 interventional cardiologists (mean age 48.4 ± 8.3 years, males 362), from 42 different countries completed the survey, for a response rate of 45.9%. Of these, 66.6% declared to be familiar with the term CFD, especially for optimization of existing interventional techniques (16.1%) and assessment of hemodynamic quantities related with CAD (13.7%). About 30% of respondents correctly answered to the questions exploring their knowledge on the pathophysiological role of some CFD-derived quantities such as wall shear stress and helical flow in coronary arteries. Among respondents, 85.9% would consider patient-specific CFD-based analysis in daily interventional practice while 94.2% declared to be interested in receiving a brief foundation course on the basic CFD principles. Finally, 87.7% of respondents declared to be interested in a cath-lab software able to conduct affordable CFD-based analyses at the point-of-care.ConclusionsInterventional cardiologists reported to be profoundly interested in adopting CFD simulations as a technology supporting decision making in the treatment of CAD in daily practice.

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has gained interest in recent years. The previous literature on the topic presents great heterogeneity, focusing especially on computed tomography imaging. The aim of the present study is to determine whether an increased volume of left atrial (LA) EAT evaluated at routine pre-procedural cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relates to AF recurrences after catheter ablation. A total of 50 patients undergoing AF cryoballoon ablation and pre-procedural cardiac MRI allowing quantification of LA EAT were enrolled. In one patient, the segmentation of LA EAT could not be achieved. After a median follow-up of 16.0 months, AF recurrences occurred in 17 patients (34%). The absolute volume of EAT was not different in patients with and without AF recurrences (10.35 mL vs. 10.29 mL; p-value = 0.963), whereas the volume of EAT indexed on the LA volume (EATi) was lower, albeit non-statistically significant, in patients free from arrhythmias (12.77% vs. 14.06%; p-value = 0.467). The receiver operating characteristic curve testing the ability of LA EATi to predict AF recurrence after catheter ablation showed sub-optimal performance (AUC: 0.588). The finest identified cut-off of LA EATi was 10.65%, achieving a sensitivity of 0.5, a specificity of 0.82, a positive predictive value of 0.59 and a negative predictive value of 0.76. Patients with values of LA EATi lower than 10.65% showed greater survival, free from arrhythmias, than patients with values above this cut-off (84% vs. 48%; p-value = 0.04). In conclusion, EAT volume indexed on the LA volume evaluated at cardiac MRI emerges as a possible independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence after AF cryoballoon ablation. Nevertheless, prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding and eventually sustain routine EAT evaluation in the management of patients undergoing AF catheter ablation.

Background and Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) results in systemic hemodynamic perturbations which impact cerebral circulation, possibly contributing to the development of dementia. However, evidence documenting effects in cerebral perfusion is scarce. The aim of this study is to provide a quantitative characterization of the magnitude and time course of the cerebral hemodynamic response to the short hypotensive events associated with long R-R intervals, as detected by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Materials and Methods: Cerebral NIRS signals and arterial blood pressure were continuously recorded along with an electrocardiogram in twelve patients with AF undergoing elective electrical cardioversion (ECV). The top 0.5–2.5% longest R-R intervals during AF were identified in each patient and used as triggers to carry out the triggered averaging of hemodynamic signals. The average curves were then characterized in terms of the latency, magnitude, and duration of the observed effects, and the possible occurrence of an overshoot was also investigated. Results: The triggered averages revealed that long R-R intervals produced a significant drop in diastolic blood pressure (−13.7 ± 6.1 mmHg) associated with an immediate drop in cerebral blood volume (THI: −0.92 ± 0.46%, lasting 1.9 ± 0.8 s), followed by a longer-lasting decrease in cerebral oxygenation (TOI: −0.79 ± 0.37%, lasting 5.2 ± 0.9 s, p < 0.01). The recovery of the TOI was generally followed by an overshoot (+1.06 ± 0.12%). These effects were progressively attenuated in response to R-R intervals of a shorter duration. Conclusions: Long R-R intervals cause a detectable and consistent cerebral hemodynamic response which concerns both cerebral blood volume and oxygenation and outlasts the duration of the systemic perturbation. These effects are compatible with the activation of dynamic autoregulatory mechanisms in response to the hypotensive stimulus.

The cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) plays a pivotal role in cardiac homeostasis as well as in cardiac pathology. The first level of cardiac autonomic control, the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS), is located within the epicardial fat pads and is physically organized in ganglionated plexi (GPs). The ICNS system does not only contain parasympathetic cardiac efferent neurons, as long believed, but also afferent neurons and local circuit neurons. Thanks to its high degree of connectivity, combined with neuronal plasticity and memory capacity, the ICNS allows for a beat-to-beat control of all cardiac functions and responses as well as integration with extracardiac and higher centers for longer-term cardiovascular reflexes. The present review provides a detailed overview of the current knowledge of the bidirectional connection between the ICNS and the most studied cardiac pathologies/conditions (myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias and heart transplant) and the potential therapeutic implications. Indeed, GP modulation with efferent activity inhibition, differently achieved, has been studied for atrial fibrillation and functional bradyarrhythmias, while GP modulation with efferent activity stimulation has been evaluated for myocardial infarction, heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. Electrical therapy has the unique potential to allow for both kinds of ICNS modulation while preserving the anatomical integrity of the system.

The identification of heart failure (HF) patients at risk for arrhythmic sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a major challenge in the cardiovascular field. In addition to optimal medical treatment for HF, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is currently recommended to prevent SCA in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The indication for an ICD implantation, in addition to HF etiology, New York Health Association (NYHA) class and life expectancy, mainly depends on LVEF value at echocardiography. However, the actual role of LVEF in the prediction of SCA has recently been debated, while newer multimodality imaging techniques with increased prognostic accuracy have been developed. Speckle tracking imaging allows the quantification of mechanical dispersion, a marker of electrophysiological heterogeneity predisposing to malignant arrhythmias, while advanced cardiac magnetic resonance techniques such as myocardial T1-mapping and extracellular volume fraction assessment allow the evaluation of interstitial diffuse fibrosis. Nuclear imaging is helpful for the appraisal of sympathetic nervous system dysfunction, while newer computed tomography techniques assessing myocardial delayed enhancement allow the identification of focal myocardial scar.This review will focus on the most modern advances in the field of cardiovascular imaging along with its applications for the prediction of SCA in patients with HF. Modern artificial intelligence applications in cardiovascular imaging will also be discussed.

BackgroundOlder patients who treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at a higher risk of adverse cardiac outcomes. We sought to investigate the clinical impact of bifurcation PCI in older patients from Korea and Italy.MethodsWe selected 5,537 patients who underwent bifurcation PCI from the BIFURCAT (comBined Insights from the Unified RAIN and COBIS bifurcAtion regisTries) database. The primary outcome was a composite of target vessel myocardial infarction, clinically driven target lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis at two years.ResultsIn patients aged ≥75 years, the mean age was 80.1 ± 4.0 years, 65.2% were men, and 33.7% had diabetes. Older patients more frequently presented with chronic kidney disease (CKD), severe coronary calcification, and left main coronary artery disease (LMCA). During a median follow-up of 2.1 years, older patients showed similar adverse clinical outcomes compared to younger patients (the primary outcome, 5.7% vs. 4.5%; p = 0.21). Advanced age was not an independent predictor of the primary outcome (p = 0.93) in overall patients. Both CKD and LMCA were independent predictors regardless of age group.ConclusionsOlder patients (≥75 years) showed similar clinical outcomes to those of younger patients after bifurcation PCI. Advanced age alone should not deter physicians from performing complex PCIs for bifurcation disease.

Abstract Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may present ischemic chest pain in the absence of classical obstructive coronary disease. Among the possible causes, the direct hemodynamic effect exerted by the irregular arrhythmia has not been studied in detail. We performed a computational fluid dynamics analysis by means of a 1D-0D multiscale model of the entire human cardiovascular system, enriched by a detailed mathematical modeling of the coronary arteries and their downstream distal microcirculatory districts (subepicardial, midwall and subendocardial layers). Three mean ventricular rates were simulated (75, 100, 125 bpm) in both sinus rhythm (SR) and atrial fibrillation, and an inter-layer and inter-frequency analysis was conducted focusing on the ratio between mean beat-to-beat blood flow in AF compared to SR. Our results show that AF exerts direct hemodynamic consequences on the coronary microcirculation, causing a reduction in microvascular coronary flow particularly at higher ventricular rates; the most prominent reduction was seen in the subendocardial layers perfused by left coronary arteries (left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries).

Background and Objectives. Recent guidelines have downgraded the routine use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) due to ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Despite this, its use in clinical practice remains high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of the IABP in patients with STEMI complicated by CS undergoing primary PCI (pPCI), focusing on patients with anterior MI in whom a major benefit has been previously hypothesized. Materials and Methods. We enrolled 2958 consecutive patients undergoing pPCI for STEMI in our department from 2005 to 2018. Propensity score matching and mortality analysis were performed. Results. CS occurred in 246 patients (8.3%); among these patients, 145 (60%) had anterior AMI. In the propensity-matched analysis, the use of the IABP was associated with a lower 30-day mortality (39.3% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.032) in the subgroup of patients with anterior STEMI. Conversely, in the whole group of CS patients and in the subgroup of patients with non-anterior STEMI, IABP use did not have a significant impact on mortality. Conclusions. The use of the IABP in cases of STEMI complicated by CS was found to improve survival in patients with anterior infarction. Prospective studies are needed before abandoning or markedly limiting the use of the IABP in this clinical setting.

Current guidelines recommend the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the widespread use of cardiac MRI in clinical practice is difficult to achieve. The aim of the present study is to assess whether cardiac MRI can be adopted to identify ablation-induced fibrosis, and its relationship with AF recurrences. Fifty patients undergoing AF cryoballoon ablation were prospectively enrolled. Cardiac MRI was performed before and 30 days after the index ablation. Commercially available software and a specifically designed image processing workflow were used to quantify left atrium (LA) fibroses. Thirty-six patients were finally included in the analysis; twenty-eight were analyzed with the dedicated workflow. Acute electrical isolation was achieved in 98% of the treated pulmonary veins (PVs). After a median follow-up of 16 months, AF recurrences occurred in 12 patients (33%). In both analyses, no differences were found between the subgroups of patients with and without recurrence in the variation of either LA fibrosis or fibrosis at the ostium of the PV, before and after ablation. The ability to predict arrhythmic recurrences evaluated via the ROC curve of the variations in both LA fibrosis (AUC 0.566) and PV fibrosis (AUC 0.600) was low. Cardiac MRI holds the potential to provide clinically significant information on LA disease and AF progression; however, LA fibrosis cannot be easily identified, either by currently available commercial programs or custom tools.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with increased mortality. However, it is controversial whether AKI affects prognosis per se, being linked to baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD) and bleeding complications. The aim of this study was to disentangle, applying mediation analysis, the association between AKI and clinical outcome, considering CKD and bleedings. Methods and Results Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR were prospectively enrolled at 5 high‐volume centers in Italy. AKI was defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium‐3 consensus, whereas bleeding with Bleeding Academic Research Consortium. Primary outcome was all‐cause mortality after 1‐year follow‐up. Among 2621 patients undergoing TAVR, AKI occurrence was associated with 1‐year mortality. This association of AKI with the primary end points remained significant after adjusting for baseline risk estimators, either Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (hazard ratio [HR], 2.78 [95% CI, 1.95–3.80], P

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinical tachyarrhythmia, posing a significant burden to patients, physicians, and healthcare systems worldwide. With the advent of more effective rhythm control strategies, such as AF catheter ablation, an early rhythm control strategy is progressively demonstrating its superiority not only in symptoms control but also in prognostic terms, over a standard strategy (rate control, with rhythm control reserved only to patients with refractory symptoms). This review summarizes the different impacts exerted by AF on heart mechanics and systemic circulation, as well as on cerebral and coronary vascular beds, providing computational modeling-based hemodynamic insights in favor of pursuing sinus rhythm maintenance in AF patients.

IntroductionCatheter ablation (CA) is the current standard of care for patients suffering drug-refractory monomorphic ventricular tachycardias (MMVTs). Yet, despite significant technological improvements, recurrences remain common, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is increasingly being adopted to overcome the limitations of conventional CA, but its safety and efficacy are still under evaluation.Case presentationWe hereby present the case of a 73-year-old patient implanted with a mitral valve prosthesis, a cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator, and a cardiac contractility modulation device, who was successfully treated with STAR for recurrent drug and CA-resistant MMVT in the setting of advanced heart failure and a giant left atrium. We report a 2-year follow-up and a detailed dosimetric analysis.ConclusionOur case report supports the early as well as the long-term efficacy of 25 Gy single-session STAR. Despite the concomitant severe heart failure, with an overall heart minus planned target volume mean dosage below 5 Gy, no major detrimental cardiac side effects were detected. To the best of our knowledge, our dosimetric analysis is the most accurate reported so far in the setting of STAR, particularly for what concerns cardiac substructures and coronary arteries. A shared dosimetric planning among centers performing STAR will be crucial in the next future to fully disclose its safety profile.

Background: Data regarding the best treatment for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are limited. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes of conservative versus invasive treatment in SCAD patients. Methods: We systematically searched the literature for studies evaluating the comparative efficacy and safety of invasive revascularization versus medical therapy for the treatment of SCAD from 1990 to 2020. The study endpoints were all-cause death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, heart failure, SCAD recurrence and target vessel revascularization (TVR) rates. Random effect meta-analysis was performed by comparing the clinical outcomes between the two groups. A univariate meta-regression analysis was also performed. Results: Twenty-four observational studies with 1720 patients were included. After 28 ± 14 months, a conservative approach was associated with lower TVR rate compared with invasive treatment (OR = 0.50; 95%CI 0.28–0.90; P = 0.02). No statistical difference was found regarding all-cause death (OR = 0.81; 95%CI 0.31–2.08; P = 0.66), cardiovascular death (OR = 0.89; 95%CI 0.15–5.40; P = 0.89), myocardial infarction (OR = 0.95; 95%CI 0.50–1.81; P = 0.87), heart failure (OR 0.96; 95%CI 0.41–2.22; P = 0.92) and SCAD recurrence (OR = 0.94; 95%CI 0.52–1.72; P = 0.85). The meta-regression analysis suggested that male gender, diabetes mellitus, smoking habit, prior coronary artery disease, left main coronary artery involvement, lower ejection fraction and low TIMI flow at admission were related with high overall mortality, whereas SCAD recurrence was higher among patients with fibromuscular dysplasia. Conclusions: A conservative approach was associated with similar clinical outcomes and lower TVR rates compared with an invasive strategy in SCAD patients; future prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. Despite the frequent coexistence with coronary artery disease (CAD), the prognostic independent implication of AF in patients with stable CAD remains controversial. Our aim was to perform a pairwise meta-analysis of adjusted observational studies comparing cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable CAD with and without concomitant AF, in search of AF-specific prognostic implications. We performed random effect meta-analysis of binary outcome events in studies comparing stable CAD patients with versus without AF providing risk estimates adjusted for confounding variables. Literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar. Death was the primary endpoint of the analysis, while myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization and stroke secondary endpoints. 5 studies were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing a total of 30230 stable CAD patients (2844 with AF, 27386 without AF). Stable CAD patients with AF presented an independent increased risk of death (HR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.17–1.66) and stroke (HR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.45–2.45) compared to those without AF. Instead, risk of myocardial infarction (HR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.66–1.22) and coronary revascularization (HR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.79–1.16) did not differ in stable CAD patients with and without the arrhythmia. In patients with stable CAD, AF exerts an independent negative prognostic effect, increasing the risk of death and stroke. However, the small number of eligible studies included in this analysis highlights the astonishing lack of data regarding prognostic implications of concomitant AF in patients with stable CAD.

Abstract Background One out of seven patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be affected by transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA), mostly presenting with low-flow low-gradient AS with mildly reduced ejection fraction. The complex interaction of these two pathologies poses specific diagnostic and management challenges. The prognostic implications of this clinical intersection are not defined yet. Moreover, whether TAVR may have a prognostic benefit in ATTR-CA patients with symptomatic severe AS remains unclear, posing doubts on the best management strategy in this increasingly recognized subset of patients. Clinical case We present a case of an 87-year old man with low-flow low-gradient severe AS, for whom a diagnosis of ATTR-CA was suspected based on clinical and echocardiographic criteria specific to coexisting AS and ATTR-CA. The diagnosis was eventually confirmed by positive bone tracer scintigraphy imaging. Following in-depth Heart team discussion, integrating frailty and prognostic information from combined cardiomyopathy states, a decision was made to manage the patient’s severe AS conservatively. Conclusion In the presented case, we deemed the natural history of ATTR-CA amyloidosis to negatively affect both the patient’ prognosis and procedural risk, adversing TAVR indication despite symptomatic severe AS. No clear evidence is currently available to guide decision making in this setting, advocating for prospective studies to clarify if TAVR may have a prognostic benefit in ATTR-CA - and which ATTR-CA - patients.

Abstract Background The protective role of high HDL cholesterol levels against cardiovascular diseases has been recently questioned. Limited data are available on this specific topic in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to evaluate the association of HDL cholesterol concentrations with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a historical cohort of T2DM patients with 14 years of follow-up. Methods This is a retrospective population-based cohort study involving 2113 T2DM patients attending the Diabetic Clinic of Asti. Survival analyses were performed to assess hazard ratios for overall and specific-cause mortality by HDL cholesterol tertiles, using the middle HDL cholesterol tertile as a reference. Results The mean age was 66 ± 11 years; 51.4% of patients had low HDL-cholesterol levels. After a 14-year follow-up, 973/2112 patients had died (46.1%). The HDL cholesterol tertile cut-off points were 37.5 and 47.5 mg/dL (males) and 41.5 and 52.0 mg/dL (females). No associations between lower and upper HDL cholesterol tertiles respectively and all-cause (HR = 1.12; 95% CI 0.96–1.32; HR = 1.11; 0.95–1.30), cardiovascular (HR = 0.97; 0.77–1.23; HR = 0.94; 0.75–1.18) or cancer (HR = 0.92; 0.67–1.25; HR = 0.89; 0.66–1.21) mortality were found. A significantly increased risk for infectious disease death was found both in the lower (HR = 2.62; 1.44–4.74) and the upper HDL-cholesterol tertiles (HR = 2.05; 1.09–3.85) when compared to the reference. Individuals in the upper tertile showed an increased risk for mortality due to diabetes-related causes (HR = 1.87; 1.10–3.15). Conclusions Our results corroborate the hypothesis that HDL cholesterol levels are nonprotective in T2DM patients. The U-shaped association between HDL-cholesterol levels and mortality associated with infectious diseases should be verified by further studies.

Cardiogenic shock represents one of the most dramatic scenarios to deal with in intensive cardiology care and is burdened by substantial short-term mortality. An integrated approach, including timely diagnosis and phenotyping, along with a well-established shock team and management protocol, may improve survival. The use of the Swan-Ganz catheter could play a pivotal role in various phases of cardiogenic shock management, encompassing diagnosis and haemodynamic characterisation to treatment selection, titration and weaning. Moreover, it is essential in the evaluation of patients who might be candidates for long-term heart-replacement strategies. This review provides a historical background on the use of the Swan-Ganz catheter in the intensive care unit and an analysis of the available evidence in terms of potential prognostic implications in this setting.

Hemodynamics interacts with the cellular components of human vessels, influencing function and healthy status. Locally acting hemodynamic forces have been associated—by a steadily increasing amount of scientific evidence—with nucleation and evolution of atherosclerotic plaques in several vascular regions, resulting in the formulation of the ‘hemodynamic risk hypothesis’ of the atherogenesis. At the level of coronary arteries, however, the complexity of both anatomy and physiology made the study of this vascular region particularly difficult for researchers. Developments in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have recently allowed an accurate modelling of the intracoronary hemodynamics, thus offering physicians a unique tool for the investigation of this crucial human system by means of advanced mathematical simulations. The present review of CFD applications in coronary artery disease was set to concisely offer the medical reader the theoretical foundations of quantitative intravascular hemodynamics—reasoned schematically in the text in its basic (i.e., pressure and velocity) and derived quantities (e.g., fractional flow reserve, wall shear stress and helicity)—along with its current implications in clinical research. Moreover, attention was paid in classifying computational modelling derived from invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities with unbiased remarks on the advantages and limitations of each procedure. Finally, an extensive description—aided by explanatory figures and cross references to recent clinical findings—was presented on the role of near-wall hemodynamics, in terms of shear stress, and of intravascular flow complexity, in terms of helical flow.

Abstract Background Evidence-based recommendations about anticoagulation in acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) are completely missing, but there is a diffuse conviction that it could prevent the healing process of the dissected aorta’s false lumen. However, several clinical conditions may lead to the necessity to start anticoagulant therapy among patients with acute type B aortic dissection, ranging from atrial fibrillation to more complicated clinical scenarios and the correct management in this kind of patients is still an open issue. Case presentation We are presenting a 51-years-old man with multi-infarct encephalopathy referred to us for an acute TBAD and a first diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy complicated by left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation. Coronary angiography revealed a critical stenosis of left anterior descending artery (LAD) treated with drug-eluting stent deployment. The patient was addressed to triple antithrombotic therapy with acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel and warfarin with target INR 2.0–2.5. After 6 months, computed tomography angiography revealed the stability of the dissection flap. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, however, confirmed the persistence of a small thrombotic formation in LV apex, thus double antithrombotic therapy with warfarin and clopidogrel was instituted. The patient remained asymptomatic during the follow-up period but was advised to suspend his job and physical activities. Conclusion Current guidelines do not discuss anticoagulant therapy in the setting of TBAD and large randomized trials are lacking. Despite it is generally considered unsafe to administer anticoagulants in patients with TBAD, we present a case in which triple antithrombotic therapy was well tolerated and did not lead to progression of the intimal flap after 6 months.

Background: Catheter ablation has become a well-established indication for long-term rhythm control in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients refractory to anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs). Efficacy and safety of AF catheter ablation (AFCA) before AADs failure are, instead, questioned.Objective: The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing first-line AFCA with AADs in symptomatic patients with paroxysmal AF.Methods: We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of binary outcome events comparing AFCA with AADs in rhythm control-naïve patients. The primary outcomes, also stratified by the type of ablation energy (radiofrequency or cryoenergy), were (1) recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias and (2) recurrence of symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmias. The secondary outcomes included adverse events.Results: Six RCTs were included in the analysis. AFCA was associated with lower recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias [relative risk (RR) 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.72], consistent across the two types of ablation energy (radiofrequency, RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.89; cryoenergy, RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.50–0.72; p-value for subgroup differences: 0.55). Similarly, AFCA was related to less symptomatic arrhythmic recurrences (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27–0.79). Overall, adverse events did not differ. A trend toward increased periprocedural cardiac tamponade or phrenic nerve palsy was observed in the AFCA group, while more atrial flutter episodes with 1:1 atrioventricular conduction and syncopal events were reported in the AAD group.Conclusions: First-line rhythm control therapy with AFCA, independent from the adopted energy source (radiofrequency or cryoenergy), reduces long-term arrhythmic recurrences in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF compared with AADs.

Aim: Several studies reported a lower proportion of laypeople cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in female victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We aimed to verify how sixteen-years of state-wide initiatives impacted on gender-differences in OHCA treatment and survival. Methods: All the 2481 consecutive OHCAs of presumed cardiac origin occurred between 2002 and 2018 in the Swiss Ticino Canton and in which a resuscitation was attempted, were included. Emergency medical system (EMS)-witnessed OHCAs were excluded. Results: Time from call to CPR decreased from 9-min in 2002–2006 to 5-min in 2015–2018 (p

In the last decades, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) revolutionized the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. The efficacy and safety of TAVR were first proven in inoperable and high-risk patients. Then, subsequent randomized clinical trials showed non-inferiority of TAVR as compared to surgical aortic valve replacement also in intermediate- and low-risk populations. As TAVR was progressively studied and clinically used in lower-risk patients, issues were raised questioning its opportunity in a younger population with a longer life-expectancy. As long-term follow-up data mainly derive from old studies with early generation devices on high or intermediate surgical risk patients, results can hardly be extended to most of currently treated patients who often show a low surgical risk and are treated with newer generation prostheses. Thus, in this low-risk younger population, decision making is difficult due to the lack of supporting data. The aim of the present review is to revise current literature regarding TAVR in younger patients.

Introduction Despite the availability of diverse evidence-based diagnostic and treatment options, many patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) still fail to receive effective, safe and timely diagnoses and therapies. The Association of Acute CardioVascular Care of the European Society of Cardiology has proposed and retrospectively validated a set of ACS-specific quality indicators. Combining these indicators with the principles of clinical governance—a holistic, patient-centred approach intended to promote continuous quality improvement—we designed the clinical governance programme in patients with ACS.Methods and analysis This is a multicentre quality improvement initiative exploring multiple dimensions of care, including diagnosis, therapy, patient satisfaction, centre organisation and efficiency in all comers patients with ACS.The study will enrol ≈ 5000 patients prospectively (ie, at the time of the first objective qualifying ACS criterion) with a 1-year follow-up. Consecutive inclusion will be promoted by a simplified informed consent process and quantified by the concordance with corresponding hospital administrative records using diagnosis-related group codes of ACS.Coprimary outcome measures are (1) timely reperfusion in patients with ST-elevation ACS and (2) optimal medical therapy at discharge in patients with confirmed acute myocardial infarction. Secondary outcomes broadly include multiple indicators of the process of care. Clinical endpoints (ie, death, myocardial infarction, stroke and bleeding) will be adjudicated by a clinical event committee according to predefined criteria.Ethics and dissemination The study has been approved by local ethics committee of all study sites. As a quality improvement initiative and to promote consecutive inclusion of the population of interest, a written informed consent will be requested only to patients who are discharged alive. Dissemination will be actively promoted by (1) the registration site (ClinicalTrials.Gov ID NCT04255537), (2) collaborations with investigators through open data access and sharing.

Background Evidence regarding the relationships among high plasma triglycerides (TG), all‐cause mortality, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events in low‐to‐moderate risk individuals is limited. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of high TG levels influences the risk of all‐cause mortality and ASCVD events in a population cohort followed in the real‐world clinical setting. Methods and Results A retrospective longitudinal cohort analysis using administrative databases of 3 Italian Local Health Units was performed. All individuals with at least one TG measurement between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015 were followed through December 2016. Outcome measures included incident ASCVD events and all‐cause mortality. Individuals with normal TG levels (500 mg/dL). 158 042 individuals (142 289 with normal, 15 558 with high, and 195 with very high TG) were considered. In the whole cohort, the overall incidence rates of ASCVD and all‐cause mortality were 7.2 and 17.1 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. After multivariate adjustment for potential confounders, individuals with high and very high TG showed a significantly increased risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=1.49 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36–1.63], P

In the last three decades the Cardiac Rhythmology field has experienced tremendous change and evolution. Our understanding of the underlying mechanism of arrhythmic diseases has dramatically improved, starting from the genetic and molecular mechanisms. Innovative pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options have been introduced, and arrhythmias previously considered “untreatable” are now successfully managed in most referral centers. The increasing awareness of the detrimental effects of arrhythmias on any underlying cardiac substrate, targeted as a potentially modifiable cause, has therefore led to an increasingly stronger effort in developing novel methods and approaches to treat arrhythmia and improve patients' health and quality of life. Of all potentially significant developments in the field, we have decided to focus on the approaches generally applicable to multiple arrhythmic cardiac disorders and related to the advancement of technology. More specifically, we will deal with electroanatomical mapping and lesion creation during interventional procedures.