Atrial Fibrillation
This channel includes news and new technology innovations for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, also referred to as AF or afib. AF is a cardiac arrhythmia caused by irregular and often rapid heart rate. It is caused by the upper chambers (the atria) beating irregularly and uncoordinated with the lower ventricle chambers of of the heart. Symptoms include weakness with heart palpitations and shortness of breath. The conditional can lead to an increased risk of stroke and heart failure. AF episodes can cause the blood in the atria to stagnate and form clots, usually within the left atrial appendage (LAA). The clots can flow to the brain and cause a stroke. Treatments include anticoagulation therapy to dissolve clots, catheter or surgical ablation and LAA occlusion.
The FDA recently cleared high-speed Acutus Medical's AcQMap High Resolution image and mapping system and the AcQMap 3-D Imaging and Mapping Catheter. detects and displays both standard voltage-based and higher resolution dipole density (charge-source) maps. The system combines ultrasound anatomy construction with an ability to map the electrical-conduction of each heartbeat to identify complex arrhythmias across the entire atrial chamber. Following each ablation treatment, the heart can be re-mapped in seconds to continually visualize any changes from the prior mapping.
Feature | Atrial Fibrillation | November 07, 2017
November 7, 2017 — Here is an aggregated list of articles detailing the latest clinical data and new device technology...
Feature | Atrial Fibrillation | November 02, 2017
November 2, 2017 – Five-year results from the PREVAIL Trial comparing left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the...
Videos | EP Mapping and Imaging Systems | October 24, 2017
This video, provided by Acutus Medical, demonstrates a patient case showing the use of the AcQMap high-resolution...
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OTC ECG devices can help detect abnormal heart rhythms in the general population, and this technology will continue to improve.
Feature | ECG | March 11, 2020
Apple created a stir when it announced in 2018 that its Apple Watch Series 4 was the first consumer health and fitness...
Technology | EP Mapping and Imaging Systems | October 24, 2017
October 24, 2017 — Acutus Medical announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the AcQMap ...
News | Atrial Fibrillation | October 23, 2017
October 23, 2017 — University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine cardiologist Anil Gehi, M.D., will use a $1.7...
The Abbott Confirm RX implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) is smaller than a computer thumb-drive and in implanted in a simple in-office procedure just under the skin.
Technology | Implantable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) | October 23, 2017
October 23, 2017 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Abbott’s Confirm Rx Insertable Cardiac...
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Several wearable, less-obtrusive ECG monitors have been cleared by the FDA for longer wear. This example is Cardiac Insight’s Cardea SOLO device.
Feature | ECG | February 19, 2020
When the patients of Michael Boler, M.D. need cardiac monitoring, the Holter monitor is no longer his first choice. “...
News | Patient Engagement | October 19, 2017
October 19, 2017 — Novel smartphone and tablet applications for atrial fibrillation patients and healthcare...
News | EP Lab | October 18, 2017
October 18, 2017 — Baylis Medical Co. Inc. and Siemens Healthineers are co-sponsoring a first-of-its kind training...
Technology | Ablation Systems | October 10, 2017
October 10, 2017 — CardioFocus Inc. recently announced the European CE Mark approval of the HeartLight Excalibur...
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Use of traditional Holter monitor leads can be an issue for patient compliance and comfort. The newer generation ambulatory cardiac monitors use a small, adhesive patch that sticks directly on the patient's chest and allows them to shower and go about daily activities without a belt mounted monitor or leads getting in the way. This is especially important for longer term monitoring of seven days or longer.
Feature | ECG | September 27, 2018
Advances in the technology of wearable cardiac monitors are improving both the experience of the patient and the...
News | Ablation Systems | October 02, 2017
October 2, 2017 — Boston Scientific announced a definitive agreement to acquire Apama Medical Inc., a privately-held...
News | Ultrasound Intra-cardiac Echo (ICE) | September 20, 2017
September 20, 2017 — Catheter ablation to treat an irregular heartbeat, which limits or eliminates patients’ exposure...
LAA closure during open heart surgery in the LAACS Study showed better outcomes for all patients.
Feature | Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluders | September 07, 2017
September 7, 2017 — Closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) during heart surgery protects the brain, according to...
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An example of the new generation of cardiac monitoring device that is replacing Holter monitoring is the Cardea Solo wearable sensor. The FDA-cleared device automatically analyzes data when the device is turned back into the physician's office and automatically produces a draft summary report. This technology can simplify the workflow by eliminating the need for third-party involvement.
Feature | Atrial Fibrillation | September 13, 2018
Rapid advances in technology to monitor atrial fibrillation (AF or Afib) are enabling clinicians to access real-time...
News | Atrial Fibrillation | September 01, 2017
September 1, 2017 — Apixaban lowers the risk of stroke compared to warfarin in anticoagulation-naïve patients with...
The CASTLE-AF Study shows catheter alation of AF can be used effectively to treat heart failure in patients with an implanted ICD.
News | Atrial Fibrillation | September 01, 2017
September 1, 2017 — Final results from the CASTLE-AF study show a 38 percent reduction in the composite of all-cause...
News | Antiplatelet and Anticoagulation Therapies | August 28, 2017
August 28, 2017 — Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Pfizer Inc. announced results from an analysis of real-world data...
