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.

Cardiologist makes history with first commercial implant of new pacing lead for LBBAP
The first FDA-approved pacing lead specifically developed for LBBAP is now being implanted throughout the United States.
FDA approves smallest defibrillation lead of its kind for LBBA placement
The OmniaSecure defibrillation lead from Medtronic is already approved for placement in the right ventricle. This latest approval covers the left bundle branch area, opening the door for conduction system pacing and other advanced techniques.
Cardiology now has more than 200 FDA-cleared AI algorithms
Cardiology is No. 2 behind radiology when it comes to FDA-cleared AI algorithms. Neurology, meanwhile, is a distant No. 3.
FDA shares details about reprocessed catheter recall
Back in February, the FDA expanded a recall of several reprocessed EP and ultrasound catheters due to a risk of contamination. The agency is now sharing additional information with the public.
Boston Scientific’s Farapulse PFA system receives expanded approval
The technology first gained CE mark approval for the treatment of paroxysmal AFib in 2021, when PFA was still brand new. Now, thanks to positive results from the ADVANTAGE AF clinical trial, it is approved for persistent AFib as well.

Low BMI increases risk of cardiac tamponade during AFib ablation

Also, researchers noted, cryoballoon ablation was linked to a lower risk of cardiac tamponade than radiofrequency ablation. The study included data from nearly 60,000 hospitalizations.

artificial intelligence AI deep learning

AI model uses DNA to predict AFib, heart failure

Scientists were able to identify a total of 21 genes linked to cardiovascular conditions such as AFib and heart failure.

The increased use of implantable loop recorders (ILRs) is associated with identifying more bradyarrhythmias such as bradycardia, according to new findings published in JAMA Cardiology.

Increased AFib screening improves bradyarrhythmia detection—but is it a mixed blessing?

When long-term continuous monitoring detects bradyarrhythmia in an asymptomatic patient, is it still providing value?

Medtronic EV ICD clinical trial safety endpoints ESC Congress 2022

Medtronic’s new extravascular ICD gains key approval

Unlike other ICDs, the lead for this new-look device is placed under the patient's breastbone, outside of their heart and veins.

a 3D intracardiac echo (ICE) view of a surgical mitral valve using the GE NuVision ICE system.

Can intracardiac echo replace TEE during structural heart procedures?

TEE has been used to guide most transcatheter structural heart cases over the past decade, but 3D ICE is changing how some centers image those patients.

Image courtesy of the University of Missouri Zheng Yan, PhD

Researchers design new material for wearable devices: ‘You cannot feel it, and you will likely forget about it’

The soft, stretchable material creates so little pressure that users will likely not even even be able to feel it.

AI model predicts risk of post-operative AFib

Post-operative atrial fibrillation was once viewed as a fairly insignificant issue, but more recent research suggests it can increase a patient’s risk of multiple adverse events.

Abbott FlexAbility Sensor Enabled Ablation Catheter FDA

Abbott gains new FDA approval for one catheter, CE mark approval for a second catheter

Both devices were approved for treating significant heart rhythm issues.

Electrophysiology

Cardiologist makes history with first commercial implant of new pacing lead for LBBAP

FDA approves smallest defibrillation lead of its kind for LBBA placement

Cardiology now has more than 200 FDA-cleared AI algorithms

FDA shares details about reprocessed catheter recall

Boston Scientific’s Farapulse PFA system receives expanded approval