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.

P‐waves can help identify Black patients prone to developing AFib
Research that followed patients for more than 13 years suggests increases in ECG PR interval, P‐wave duration and PTFV1 are associated with increased AFib risk in this cohort.
New-onset AFib is common after CABG—but typically not persistent or symptomatic
The study's authors questioned if these patients should even be given oral anticoagulation as currently recommended.
Field Medical’s PFA system for ventricular tachycardia shows early potential
More research is still required, but Field Medical's FieldForce Ablation System may represent a significant step forward in the treatment of scar-related ventricular tachycardia.
Medtech companies working together on robotic PFA system
Stereotaxis and CardioFocus are collaborating on a new robotic pulsed field ablation system. After completing some initial research, the companies are now working toward the launch of a clinical trial.
Q&A: What cardiologists know and don’t know about pulsed field ablation
Peter Weiss, MD, a veteran electrophysiologist, sat down with Cardiovascular Business to discuss the ongoing rise of pulsed field ablation. While he's impressed with the technology, he says many questions remain about its long-term value.

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

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

First look at data on Biosense Webster Dual Energy THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH SF platform for atrial fibrillation presented at EHRA Congress

The Dual Energy THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH SF Catheter is the first dual energy pulsed field (PF) ablation / radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter integrated with a PF and RF ablation index.

Osso VR, a San Francisco-based virtual reality (VR) company, has developed a new VR training simulation focused on left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures. The simulation is designed to offer clinicians a new way to practice LAAO procedures in a “repeatable, risk-free virtual environment.”

Cardiologist-approved VR for interventional procedures headed to ACC.24

San Francisco-based Osso VR and the American College of Cardiology have collaborated on advanced LAAO simulations. The two groups first started working together back in 2022.

Biosense Webster gained CE mark approval for its Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system in Europe

Biosense Webster takes key step toward FDA approval for Varipulse PFA system

The company already received CE mark approval for its new PFA offering and hopes it will soon be approved for sale in the United States.

Going green in the cath lab makes economic sense

New research explored the potential savings of turning off angiography systems at night and on weekends.

Hoping to improve care for these patients, Hermann et al. turned to the ŌNŌ retrieval system, a catheter-delivered device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022. The device was developed by Ōnōcor, a U.S. healthcare startup with roots in the Penn Center for Innovation.

Cardiologists are first in world to remove unstable Watchman devices with FDA-cleared retrieval system

A team of specialists in Houston made history, using the new-look device to treat three patients over the age of 80. The group shared its experience in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

Heart issues more common in adults who drink soda, other sweetened beverages

Diet sodas made with artificial sweeteners are associated with an even higher risk of issues than sugar-sweetened sodas.

Permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR increases healthcare costs by $24,000 per patient

Researchers say their new analysis, based on five years of U.S. data, highlights just how important it is to keep post-TAVR PPMI rates to a minimum.

Electrophysiology

P‐waves can help identify Black patients prone to developing AFib

New-onset AFib is common after CABG—but typically not persistent or symptomatic

Field Medical’s PFA system for ventricular tachycardia shows early potential

Medtech companies working together on robotic PFA system

Q&A: What cardiologists know and don’t know about pulsed field ablation