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.

Abbott PFA system gains FDA approval
The Volt Pulsed Field Ablation System from Abbott has been approved by the FDA. The technology, which gained CE mark approval in March, features a one-of-a-kind catheter design and allows patients to be treated under conscious sedation.
New PFA registry will use AI, EHR integration to gather real-world data
PFA has emerged as the preferred ablation strategy for many electrophysiologists, but some questions do remain about its long-term impact. HRS is developing this new registry to be as user-friendly for clinicians as possible.
Success in treating congenital heart disease prompted need for new adult guidelines
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have issued new guidelines for the management of congenital heart disease in adults. The document outlines how to manage these patients, the challenges they face and much more.
FDA approves new nasal spray for patients with abnormal heart rhythms
Milestone Pharmaceuticals will be selling etripamil under the brand name Cardamyst. It is expected to hit the U.S. market in early 2026.
FDA clears next-generation cardiac mapping software
San Diego-based Vektor Medical first secured FDA clearance for the AI-powered technology back in 2021. This updated announcement covers the latest version, which includes atrial flutter mapping and several other new features.

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.

COVID-19 linked to elevated risk of life-threatening arrhythmia

Patients with severe COVID-19 cases that required ventilation were 16 times more likely to develop ventricular tachycardia within six months, researchers found.

Leadless pacemakers appear to be safe, effective in children with bradycardia

“Leadless pacemaker technology is the wave of the future,” one researcher said. “This is an excellent technology that may be offered to a wider pediatric population."

PHOTO GALLERY: Behind the scenes at a cardiac ambulatory surgical center

A look inside a Banner Health cardiology ambulatory surgical center (ASC) in Sun City, Arizona.

Medtronic just launched its MRI Care Pathway, a new system that can streamline the process of completing MRI scans for patients with Medtronic MRI compatible cardiac devices.

Medtronic streamlines MRI screening, scanning for patients with implanted cardiac devices

Medtronic launched its MRI Care Pathway, a new system that can streamline the process of completing MRI scans for patients with compatible cardiac devices.

Images from the consensus document showing the proper left atrial appendage (LAA) sizing assessment for a transcatheter occluder device using transesophageal echo (TEE). Sizing and evaluation for pre-existing thrombus in the LAA also can be performed using cardiac CT.

SCAI and HRS release expert consensus on transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion

One of the new recommendations is to conduct baseline imaging with TEE or cardiac CT.

Atul Verma explains thne results of the PULSE-AF trial at ACC23.

Pulsed-field ablation could be the next big EP technology trend

Atul Verma, MD, director of cardiology at McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, explained why the late-breaking PULSED-AF trial data on Medtronic’s pulsed-field ablation technology is so important for cardiologists.

Electrophysiology

Abbott PFA system gains FDA approval

New PFA registry will use AI, EHR integration to gather real-world data

Success in treating congenital heart disease prompted need for new adult guidelines

FDA approves new nasal spray for patients with abnormal heart rhythms

FDA clears next-generation cardiac mapping software