Stephan Willems

Pattern of Isthmus Conduction Recovery Using Open Cooled and Solid Large‐Tip Catheters for Radiofrequency Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutter

Introduction: Open cooled‐tip and solid 8‐mm‐tip catheters have demonstrated safety and effectiveness for radiofrequency current (RFC) ablation of typical atrial flutter (AFL). However, data from prospective and randomized studies in this setting are lacking.

Mapping of the Coronary Sinus and Great Cardiac Vein Using a 2-French Electrode Catheter and a Right Femoral Approach

Coronary Sinus Mapping. Introduction: Local electrogranis recorded from the coronary sinus and great cardiac vein provide important information for the diagnosis of various arrhythmias and identification of target sites for ablation of left‐sided accessory pathways. One limitation of present techniques is the inability, in many cases, to probe the great cardiac vein at the anterior mitral annulus. We tested the feasibility of a new technique for catheterization of the coronary sinus and great cardiac vein by means of a small‐diameter electrode catheter advanced via a right femoral approach through an angiography catheter.

Predicting Recurrence of Vasovagal Syncope: A Simple Risk Score for the Clinical Routine

Background: Predictors for recurrence of syncope are lacking in patients with vasovagal syncope. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for recurrence of syncope and develop a simple prognostic risk score of clinical value.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance demonstrates reversible atrial dysfunction after catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation.

There is a paucity of data on atrial injury following ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed at assessing reversibility of atrial dysfunction after successful persistent AF ablation using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).

Favorable Outcome Using an Abbreviated Procedure for Catheter Ablation of AVNRT: Results from a Prospective Randomized Trial

Introduction: Radiofrequency catheter ablation aiming slow pathway modulation is a widely established procedure with high success and low recurrence rates in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT). However, the necessity of a waiting period following successful slow pathway modulation to increase the long‐term success rates has not been systematically evaluated thus far.

Catheter Ablation of Stable Ventricular Tachycardia Before Defibrillator Implantation in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease (VTACH): An On-Treatment Analysis

In the Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Coronary Heart Disease (VTACH) study, an intention‐to‐treat approach was used and may have diminished the observed degree of treatment effect. We present a subanalysis of the VTACH study by treatment actually received.

Intravenous Administration of Magnesium and Potassium Solution Lowers Energy Levels and Increases Success Rates Electrically Cardioverting Atrial Fibrillation

Intravenous Electrolytes Increase Success Rate of Cardioversion. Background: External biphasic electrical cardioversion (CV) is a standard treatment option for patients suffering from acute symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, CV is not always successful, and thus strategies to increase the success rate are desirable.

High Incidence of De Novo and Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac Rhythm Management Device

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important prognostic parameter in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Though cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices (e.g., ICD, pacemaker or implantable loop recorder) can detect subclinical AF, data describing the incidence of AF are rare. We therefore investigated the incidence and clinical impact of de novo and subclinical AF detected by CRM devices in patients with HCM.

Clinical Experience of Combined HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy

The HeartWare continuous flow ventricular assist device (HVAD) is used in an increasing number of heart failure patients. In those patients, ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are common and, consequently, many patients already have an implanted implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in place or receive ICD implantation after left ventricular assist device implantation. However, limited data on feasibility and necessity of combined ICD and HVAD therapy are available. In this study we present our technical and clinical experience.

Complication Rates of Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Aged ≥75 Years versus <75 Years—Results from the German Ablation Registry

Despite a rising demand for catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) in an elderly population, complication and success rates are not fully elucidated. We sought to compare complication rates of CA of AF in patients ≥75 versus <75 years of age.