Electrophysiology

The cardiac subspecialty of electrophysiology (EP) diagnoses and treats arrhythmias. This includes use of pacemakers to treat bradycardia, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for tachycardia, heart failure and patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and cardiac ablation treatments to treat heart rhythm disorders.

Shopping Cart ECG electrocardiogram AFib atrial fibrillation

Cardiology at the supermarket: Shopping carts upgraded to detect signs of AFib

Attaching ECG sensors to the handles of shopping carts could help identify signs of atrial fibrillation in patients who don't even realize they have it. 

June 23, 2023
Abbott's TactiFlex flexible tip, force sensing ablation catheter (right), and its integration with the EnSite X EP mapping system (left) showing the distance from the last ablation. and the contact force during an AFib pulmonary vein isolation.

FDA clears first ablation catheter with flexible electrode tip, contact force sensing

Contact force-sensing catheters were developed to help overcome the issue of incomplete ablation lesions.

June 16, 2023
‘Notably high’ rates of PTSD, depression and anxiety seen in patients with implantable heart devices

‘Notably high’ rates of PTSD, depression and anxiety seen in patients with implantable heart devices

"Psychologists have had little involvement in the care of cardiac patients but this needs to change," one researcher said in a statement. 

June 16, 2023
The Medtronic pulsed field ablation (PFA) system.

Pulsed field ablation shows more positive data as treatment for AFib

Pulsed field ablation is one of the biggest technology trends in cardiac electrophysiology and may become a new standard of care in atrial fibrillation the coming years based on clinical data.

June 8, 2023
Ear-clip device offers non-pharmacological treatment for postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). #HRS2023 #HRS

Ear clip offers non-pharmacological treatment for postural tachycardia syndrome

An ear clip device has been shown to effectively stimulate nerves to treat postural tachycardia syndrome.

June 7, 2023
Zio AT mobile cardiac telemetry device

FDA warning letter: iRhythm committed multiple violations, failed to report patient deaths in time

“It is your firm’s responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations administered by FDA,” according to the warning letter. These issues, the agency added, “may be symptomatic of serious problems in your firm’s manufacturing and quality management systems.”

June 7, 2023
The CLAAS device from Conformal Medical. The new investments were announced as the company continues developing its CLAAS device for sealing the LAA during LAAO procedures.

Conformal Medical raises $35M to continue development, research of next-gen LAAO device

The new investments were announced as the company continues developing its CLAAS device for sealing the LAA during LAAO procedures.

June 6, 2023
Juan Diaz, MD, explains why left bundle branch (LBB) conduction pacing is better than conventional sinus node pacing in cardiac synchronization therapy (CRT) for heart failure patients. #HRS #HRS2023 #LBBAP

Left bundle branch pacing: A successful alternative to standard lead placement

Juan C. Diaz, MD, explained why conduction pacing may be the way of the future.

June 6, 2023

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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