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.

Extracorporeal CPR refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Extracorporeal CPR for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: New research fails to provide answers

While a previous study had found that extracorporeal CPR outperformed conventional CPR among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, a newer analysis suggests the two treatment options result in similar outcomes. 

An example if an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD and its leads connected to the heart. As the leads or deveice wears out, there are recommendations to remove the leads and put in new ones. Image courtesy of RSNA

Infection, heart failure the most common reasons for early mortality after transvenous lead removal

Early mortality specifically related to complications during the TLR procedure was quite rare. 

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Elevated uric acid levels linked to new-onset AFib

According to new data published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, atrial fibrillation can be added to the list of cardiovascular conditions associated with above-average uric acid levels. 

The Shimadzu Trinias SCORE Opera Angiography system at RSNA 2022. It offers dose lowering technologies and workflow efficiencies. #RSNA #RSNA22

VIDEO: Shimadzu lowers dose and speeds workflow with new Trinias SCORE Opera angiography system

Sponsored by Shimadzu

Shimadzu Medical Systems USA released the latest version of its Trinias angiography system at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2022 meeting to address radiation concerns and to help improve workflow.
 

Hamlin Buffalo Bills cardiac arrest NFL

Damar Hamlin update: Buffalo Bills safety now communicating with doctors after cardiac arrest

“This marks a turning point in his ongoing care,” one doctor said in a statement. 

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into sudden cardiac arrest after a tackle during the first quarter of the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati Jan 2, 2023. The incident has instantly raised awareness and brought sudden cardiac arrest to the forefront on news reports today. Image from Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin incident brings sudden cardiac arrest into national headlines

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after a tackle during the first quarter of a game with the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan 2.

Most devices implanted during LAAO procedures are oversized—and patients benefit

Oversized devices are becoming more common as time goes on, which suggests operators are growing increasingly comfortable with this treatment choice.

Sphere-9 mapping and ablation catheter

Medtronic reaches milestone in study of pulsed-field ablation and mapping catheter for AFib

A randomized study of more than 450 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation is now underway. All patients have been treated, and their outcomes will be tracked for 12 months.