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.

Heart Rhythm Society legislative advocacy group raising funds for electrophysiology
This week, Heart Rhythm Advocates announced its establishment and called on cardiologists and EPs to support its efforts with membership and joining committees to guide efforts.
FDA chooses not to approve new nasal spray for heart rhythm issues
Etripamil's journey toward FDA approval hit a roadblock. The agency requested additional information on the drug, including a new facility inspection, in a response letter sent to Milestone Pharmaceuticals.
Abbott gains CE mark approval for Volt PFA system
The approval, which Abbott said arrived earlier than expected, came after regulators reviewed data from a 2024 clinical trial.
Enabling X-ray-free ablation procedures in the EP lab
Exposure to scatter radiation and orthopedic issues related to years of wearing lead aprons during long EP procedures has led electrophysiologists to seek out new ways to reduce the need for angiographic X-ray.
The evolution of RF technology to reduce complications and improve outcomes
Advancements in radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation technology have been incremental over the past 30 years in efforts to improve safety, procedural efficiency and patient outcomes. While some newer technologies have gained a lot of attention in electrophysiology (EP) over the past several years, RF remains the solid frontline treatment.

The EBR Systems WiSE leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) system. #HRS23

A leadless pacemaker the size of a grain of rice delivers cardiac resynchronization therapy

Results from a pivotal clinical trial presented as a late-breaker at Heart Rhythm 2023 indicate that a new leadless pacemaker technology can deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients who were not able to be treated with conventional CRT and epicardial leads.

Left bundle branch pacing emerges as an alternative to biventricular pacing in two late-breaking trials

The use of left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is growing in electrophysiology implanted devices. Two late-breaking studies at Heart Rhythm 2023 highlight the success of LBBAP as an alternative to the standard of care using biventricular pacing.

Abbott’s new long-term ICM gains FDA approval

The newly approved device is powered by Bluetooth technology and available with a three- or six-year battery.

FDA grants fast track designation to Bayer’s new drug for preventing stroke in AFib patients

The new drug, asundexian, is currently the subject of two multicenter Phase III studies—the OCEANIC-AF trial and OCEANIC-STROKE trial—focused on its safety and efficacy.

AFib ablation in young adults linked to improved quality of life, new Cleveland Clinic study confirms

“These and other data support that young adults do as well as a more traditional patient population when looking at arrhythmia-free survival,” researchers wrote.

Links to all the late-breaking trials for Heart Rhythm 2023

Heart Rhythm 2023, the society's 44th annual meeting, is scheduled for May 19-21.

Samsung galaxy smartwatch showing atrial fibrillation (AFib) alerts

FDA clears AFib alerts for Samsung smartwatches

Samsung's smartwatches, already equipped with ECG technology, will now be able to alert users when signs of an irregular heart rhythm are detected.

The Medtronic Micra leadless pacemaker implanted inside the heart. It is about the size of a large vitamin pill and is implanted using a catheter.

Medtronic’s next-generation leadless pacemakers gain FDA approval

The two new leadless pacemakers, the Micra AV2 and Micra VR2, feature much longer batteries than previous models.

Electrophysiology

Heart Rhythm Society legislative advocacy group raising funds for electrophysiology

FDA chooses not to approve new nasal spray for heart rhythm issues

Abbott gains CE mark approval for Volt PFA system

Enabling X-ray-free ablation procedures in the EP lab

The evolution of RF technology to reduce complications and improve outcomes