We aimed to investigate differences in tissue temperature characteristics during radiofrequency ablation using three catheters, commonly employed in the 50 W high-power short-duration (HPSD) setting and a 90 W/4 s very HPSD setting catheter. We identified temperature variations across the four ablation settings and their association with collateral damage, including injuries to the esophagus and phrenic nerve. These findings provide valuable insights into the safety and effectiveness of RF ablation across various settings.

Graphical abstract depicting cardiac arrest mortality disparities in the young, temporal trends, and its correlation with the social vulnerability index.

In this meta-analysis, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance resulted in a similar procedural safety and efficacy as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. ICE-guidance resulted in shorter in-room time, without significant differences in procedural and fluoroscopy time. During follow-up, there was no difference in peri-device leaks, with a significantly higher risk of residual interatrial septal defects in the ICE-guided group.

During pulsed field ablation a small but significant esophageal temperature (TESO) rise by less than 1°C can be observed. TESO rise over 40°C is rare. Clinically, this was not accompanied by short- and midterm symptoms related to esophageal thermal injury or atrio-esophageal fistula.

A total of 38% of patients who did not exhibit an echocardiographic response 1 year after CRT implantation experienced a positive response after 3 years. Delayed responders had a similar prognosis of all-cause death and HF hospitalization rates as early responders. Predictors of delayed response compared with early response were a longer duration from initial HF hospitalization to CRT, the non-exact concordant LV lead location to the latest mechanical activation site, and shorter pre-QRS duration.

During LBBAP, a strategy aiming to obtain LBB capture in every patient compared to a strategy accepting LVSP as a primary endpoint resulted in comparable implant parameters but higher rates of septal perforation. Patients with proven LBB capture showed a significantly narrow paced QRS but comparable LVEF changes to LVSP.

In this large substudy of the AWARE Trial, a high-power short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency ablation strategy was found to be similarly effective as a low-power long-duration strategy with no difference in time to first recurrence of any AF lasting ≥30 s. Procedural were substantially reduced with HPSD ablation with no significant difference in overall complication rates.

This study included 1188 patients who underwent initial ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients were divided into four groups by low-voltage area (LVA)-presence and left atrial volume index (LAVI). The distribution of LVA size and LAVI, and clinical characteristics of each group are shown. AF recurrence rates and clinical outcomes are compared between groups.