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Enhanced cardiac device management utilizing the random EGM: A neglected feature of remote monitoring
Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable devices is rapidly becoming the standard of care for implantable cardiac device follow-up.Prevention of phrenic nerve injury during interventional electrophysiologic procedures
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The advent of innovative, potent ablative technologies and the adoption of endo–epicardial approaches to treat various arrhythmias have engendered a need for developing strategies to prevent collateral damage to critical structures such as the phrenic nerve (PN) and the esophagus during percutaneous electrophysiologic interventions. Here we detail phrenic nerve injury (PNI) prevention strategies during atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial tachycardia (AT), and ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. PNI is more common on the right side because of the anatomic course of the nerve and the greater preponderance of AF and AT ablations.Safety and prevention of complications during percutaneous epicardial access for the ablation of cardiac arrhythmias
Since its introduction, percutaneous epicardial access is increasingly being performed to facilitate catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardias (VTs) with epicardial circuits, difficult cases of idiopathic VTs, focal atrial tachycardia, and accessory pathways that cannot be successfully targeted endocardially.1 A thorough understanding of the clinical anatomy and potential complications is vital in order to perform a safe procedure.2 In this article, we present the clinical anatomy related to epicardial access, the technique of performing a subxiphoid epicardial puncture, and various measures to prevent complications.How to perform ventricular tachycardia ablation with a percutaneous left ventricular assist device
A majority of patients with structural heart disease and scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT) have fast, hemodynamically unstable VT.1 In fact, up to one-fifth of the patients have only unstable VT, which precludes detailed activation and entrainment mapping.2 In addition, even in those with well-tolerated VT, procedural success can be complicated by acute heart failure as a consequence of prolonged episodes of induced VT and intravascular volume expansion; and one consequence of this acute decompensated heart failure is a significant increase in the short-term morbidity and mortality of the procedure.Management of hemopericardium related to percutaneous epicardial access, mapping, and ablation
Percutaneous epicardial access (Figs. 1A and 1B) has gained wide acceptance as an interventional technique to access the pericardial space. Since its initial description1 in targeting epicardial circuits of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with Chagasic cardiomyopathy, percutaneous epicardial access and ablation has come to play an important role in interventional electrophysiology. This technique has been recognized as a vital addition to catheter ablation of certain cardiac arrhythmias and for the delivery of newer investigational devices such as epicardial suture ligation of the left atrial appendage.Recording and interpreting unipolar electrograms to guide catheter ablation
Electrophysiology laboratories commonly use closely spaced bipolar recordings for mapping. However, unipolar recordings have some useful features that can provide additional complimentary information, provided the limitations of these recordings and the particular recording techniques are recognized.Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in congenital heart disease: 10 programming tips
Advances in cardiac care of the young have given rise to a growing and aging population of patients with congenital heart disease. Despite remarkable improvements in overall survival, sudden cardiac death remains the most common cause of late mortality. As a result, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are increasingly used in this heterogeneous patient population. Tetralogy of Fallot and transposition of the great arteries are the most prevalent subtypes of congenital heart disease in ICD recipients.How to troubleshoot the electroanatomic map
An electroanatomical mapping system is a useful tool for complex arrhythmia ablation. The system reconstructs the precise 3-dimensional chamber of interest with electrical and anatomical information. There are several technical aspects that physicians should be aware of to maximize its efficacy. This review provides relevant information on troubleshooting of the mapping system.
