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.

Boston Scientific Reliance 4-Front defibrillation leads

Boston Scientific warns that certain defibrillation leads may put patients at risk

The issue, associated with calcification, can make these devices less effective over time. The Heart Rhythm Society shared a detailed analysis of the situation.

ICD patients may experience fear, anxiety or depression due to their devices

Some patients feel anxiety due to the risk of being shocked. Others have device recalls and/or cybersecurity threats on their mind.

Stereotaxis MAGIC SWEEP electrophysiology catheter

FDA clears first robotically guided EP mapping catheter for ablation

Stereotaxis has received FDA clearance for the first mapping catheter of its kind. The company emphasized that this is just the first of many robotically navigated devices it is working to bring to the U.S. market.

New drug candidate for AFib fails in first-in-human trial—in fact, it made matters worse

Researchers had thought 2-HOBA might reduce the risk of AFib recurrence after catheter ablation procedures. What they found, however, was that treatment with the compound was actually harmful for patients instead of helpful.

Philips Healthcare launched the Philips ECG AI Marketplace platform that gives cardiac care teams access to multiple vendor offerings in one central location to more efficiently manage and implement artificial intelligence (AI)-powered diagnostic tools through Philips ECG workstations.

New Philips platform offers AI-powered ECG tools from outside vendors

Philips has launched a new 'AI Marketplace' that expands access to third-party diagnostic tools. The company's goal is to put a variety of offerings into one convenient location for clinicians.

The late-breaking U.S. multicenter admIRE clinical trial at the Heart Rhythm Society 2024 meeting, showed positive data on the long-term safety and effectiveness of the the Biosense Webster Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. #HRS #HRS2024 #PFA

Update to Johnson & Johnson PFA platform gains FDA approval

The Varipulse PFA platform originally gained FDA approval in 2024. According to Johnson & Johnson MedTech, this update was put in place to help the technology provide better patient outcomes going forward.

An example of artificial intelligence automated coronary artery calcium scoring shown by Coreline at ACC23. The AI also identifies and color codes the anatomy so help show the reviewing radiologist or cardiac imager what and where things were calculated. #ACC #ACC23

Cardiology still No. 2 in FDA-cleared clinical AI algorithms, trailing only radiology

Cardiology continues to be one of the most influential healthcare specialties when it comes to utilizing artificial intelligence.

Congress Money washington DC legislation coverage payment

With MPFS proposal on the way, electrophysiology groups outline their priorities

The Heart Rhythm Society and its new advocacy arm plan on pushing CMS to include certain policy improvements in the 2026 MPFS.

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