Publications

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist and synergistically contribute to an increased risk of hospitalization, stroke, and mortality. Objective: To compare the efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) versus medical therapy (MT) in HF patients with AF. Methods: Electronic databases were queried for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CA versus MT of AF in patients with HF. Risk ratios (RRs), mean differences ...

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist and synergistically contribute to an increased risk of hospitalization, stroke, and mortality. Objective: To compare the efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) versus medical therapy (MT) in HF patients with AF. Methods: Electronic databases were queried for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CA versus MT of AF in patients with HF. Risk ratios (RRs), mean differences ...

Introduction: Rhythm control strategy in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) can be performed with antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) or catheter ablation (CA). Nevertheless, a clear overview of the percentage of freedom from AF over time and complications is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CA versus AAD. Methods: We searched databases up to 5 May 2023 for RCTs focusing on CA versus AAD. ...

Secondary cardiac lymphoma is commonly recognised as one of the most frequent metastatic malignancies involving the heart, after lung and breast carcinomas. Most primary and secondary cardiac lymphoma are non-Hodgkin lymphomas.The pericardium is the most frequently involved cardiac structure. However, the myocardium and the endocardium can also be affected. The patient presented in this case report had a secondary cardiac diffuse large B cell ...

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia after cardiac surgery, yet the precise incidence and significance of arrhythmias after discharge home need to be better defined. Photoplethysmography (PPG)-based smartphone apps are promising tools to enable early detection and follow-up of arrhythmias. Objective: By using a PPG-based smartphone app, we aimed to gain more insight into the prevalence of AF and other rhythm-related ...

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyse the collective experience of participating European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association centres in the surgical management of complications resulting from trans-catheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs). METHODS: The records of all (n=56) patients, aged 3-70 years (median 18 years), who underwent surgery for complications of trans-catheter ASD closure in 19 participating institutions over a 10-year ...

Background. As an increasing number of electrophysiology laboratories perform pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for the treatment of drug resistant atrial fibrillation (AF), safety issues are of primary importance. Pericardial effusion (PE) is a well recognized adverse effect of this procedure. Recently, novel balloon catheters such as the Arctic Front cryoballoon (Cryocath, Medtronic, USA) (CB) have proven very effective in achieving PVI. However ...

Background: The multielectrode radiofrequency balloon catheter (RFB) is a novel ablation device for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), which combines “single-shot” ablation technology and 3D-mapping integration. Initial experience demonstrated a favorable safety and mid-term efficacy. Objective: This multicenter study sought to evaluate the efficacy of PVI with the RFB beyond one year and determine predictors of arrhythmia recurrence. Methods: ...