Oussama Wazni

Embolic Events and Char Formation During Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Impact of Different Anticoagulation Regimens and Importance of Intracardiac Echo Imaging

Thromboembolic events are important complications of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures, occurring in up to 2.8% of patients. In this study, we report the incidence of char formation and embolic events with different anticoagulation protocols prospectively changed to reduce such complication.

Prevalence, Predictors, and Mortality Significance of the Causative Arrhythmia in Patients with Electrical Storm

Introduction: Electrical storm (ES) is characterized by either refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). However, little is known about the prevalence, predictors, and mortality implications of the causative arrhythmia in ES. We sought to assess the prevalence, predictors, and survival significance of VT and VF as the causative arrhythmia of ES in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients.

Efficacy of Adjuvant Anterior Left Atrial Ablation During Intracardiac Echocardiography‐Guided Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation for Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Recent data have shown that the septum and anterior left atrial (LA) wall may contain “rotor” sites required for AF maintenance. However, whether adding ablation of such sites to standard ICE‐guided PVAI improves outcome is not well known.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy in non-left bundle branch block morphologies.

Introduction: In select patients with systolic heart failure, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown to improve quality of life, exercise capacity, ejection fraction (EF), and survival. Little is known about the response to CRT in patients with right bundle branch block (RBBB) or non‐specific intraventricular conduction delay (IVCD) compared with traditionally studied patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB).

Experience with the Hansen Robotic System for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation—Lessons Learned and Techniques Modified: Hansen in the Real World

Introduction: The Hansen robotic system has only recently been used in the United States for catheter ablation procedures in humans. Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation may be performed utilizing this system. We report our management of complications with early experience of this system.

Clinical Performance of the St. Jude Medical Riata Defibrillation Lead in a Large Patient Population

Clinical Performance of the St. Jude Medical Riata Defibrillation Lead in a Large Patient Population.u2002Objective: The purpose of this large multicenter study was to evaluate the long‐term reliability of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead to determine the incidence of adverse events (AEs).

Cardiac Effects of Electrical Stun Guns: Does Position of Barbs Contact Make a Difference?

Background: The use of electrical stun guns has been rising among law enforcement authorities for subduing violent subjects. Multiple reports have raised concerns over their safety. The cardiovascular safety profile of these devices in relationship to the position of delivery on the torso has not been well studied.

Tricuspid regurgitation and implantable devices

There are limited and conflicting data regarding the prevalence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after cardiac device implantation (implantable cardioverter defibrillator [ICD]; permanent pacemaker [PPM]).

The Impact of Changing Antiseptic Skin Preparation Agent used for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) Procedures on the Risk of Infection

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is a major complication that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Recent data suggested a relationship between the antiseptic agent used for skin preparation at time of CIED procedure and risk for infection.

Focal ablation versus single vein isolation for atrial tachycardia originating from a pulmonary vein.

Background: Rapid, disorganized firing from a pulmonary vein (PV) focus may initiate atrial fibrillation. The natural history of PV atrial tachycardia (AT), resulting in a slower, more organized form of firing, is less clear. Furthermore, the optimal therapeutic approach to a PV AT is poorly defined.