EP Lab

This channel includes news and new technology innovations for cardiac electrophysiology (EP) systems, techniques and devices using in EP labs. This includes implantable EP devices, pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), cardiac resychronization therapy (CRT), ablation technologies, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion, atrial fibrilation (AF) and Holter monitors.

$GE is integrating artificial intelligence into most of its imaging and information technology software. AI can aid fast critical care decision making. Above left is the vScan Air wireless point-of-care ultrasound system. It integrates AI for immediate, automated assessment of a patient's ejection fraction, right.$

Feature | Artificial Intelligence

AI Collaboration is Key to Unlock its Power in Cardiac Care

The digital transformation of healthcare is underway, but it will advance further and faster if key stakeholders work ...

June 10, 2021

Some of the top technology news from ACC 2021. Top left, the LAAOS III trial showed benefit when surgeons seal off the LAA during other open heart procedures. Bottom left, the ReCor Paradise renal denervation system helped lower blood pressure in patients who did not respond to medication. Top right, for patients with both heart failure and AFib it makes no differences is therapy is focused on controlling the heart rhythm or heart rate. Bottom right, the FLOWER-MI trial found no benefit to FFR-guided PCI.

Feature | ACC | By Dave Fornell, Editor

Key Cardiology Technology Takeaways at ACC 2021

Here are the top 10 takeaways from the late-breaking studies on cardiovascular technologies presented at the 2021 Americ ...

June 08, 2021

Implicity provides a remote cardiac monitoring and research platform used by Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities and medical centers to deliver high-quality care for patients with connected cardiac devices. On this platform, Implicity aggregates, normalizes and standardizes data from any implantable cardiac device across all manufacturers.

News | EP Lab

Implicity Signs U.S. Distribution Agreement With MicroPort CRM to Expand Remote Monitoring of Various Implanted Cardiac Devices

June 2, 2021 — Implicity, a leader in remote patient monitoring software and cardiac data management solutions ...

June 02, 2021

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Case Study | Cardiovascular Information Systems (CVIS)

Single-Database Cardiology Platform Drives Efficient Workflow and Improves Data Access

Washington Health System (WHS) provides healthcare services at more than 40 offsite locations across three counties in ...

April 01, 2021

Left, the AcQCross Transseptal Crossing Device offers versatility to be utilized with top sheaths currently used in left atrium EP and structural heart procedures. Right, the AcQMap next-generation mapping catheter integrates high-resolution ultrasound-based imaging and non-contact mapping catheter with improved torque response, handling and maneuverability.

News | EP Lab

Acutus Gains European CE Mark for Suite of Next Generation EP Products

May 25, 2021 — Acutus Medical Inc. announced European CE mark approval for a broad suite of electrophysiology (EP) produ ...

May 25, 2021

iRhythm Technologies Inc. announced two new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearances — one for a new and improved design of its flagship Zio wearable cardiac monitor, and a second for updated artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

News

FDA Clears Smaller iRhythm Monitor with AI Arrhythmia Detection

May 25, 2021 — iRhythm Technologies Inc. announced two new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearances — ...

May 25, 2021

RAFT-AF study showed type of heart failure may influence treatment strategies for heart rate management vs. arrhythmia control in in patients with heart heart and atrial fibrillation. #ACC21 #ACC2021

News | Heart Failure

Type of Heart Failure May Influence Optimal Approach for AFib Rhythm Control Versus Rate Control Strategy

May 19, 2021 — Among patients with both heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib), treatment strategies focused on ...

May 19, 2021

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Feature | ECG

A Double-Edged Sword: How Over-the-Counter ECG Devices are Impacting Cardiac Care

Apple created a stir when it announced in 2018 that its Apple Watch Series 4 was the first consumer health and fitness ...

March 11, 2020

Etripamil nasal spray was shown in a post-hoc analysis to resolve paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia faster and more completely than placebo in most patients and reduced the number of emergency room visits for additional interventions.

Feature | EP Lab | By Dave Fornell, Editor

Etripamil Nasal Spray Reduced ER Vistsis and More PSVT Resolution in New NODE-301 Analysis

May 16, 2020 — New data from in the NODE-301 Trial for the patient-administered nasal spray etripamil to resolve ...

May 16, 2021

The Boston Scientific Watchman device have performed better than expected in real-world patients outside of trials since it was introduced in 2015, according to data from the NCDR LAAO Registry. #ACC21 #ACC2021 #LAA #Watchman

Feature | Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluders

NCDR LAAO Registry Shows Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Associated With Low Rate of Stroke

May 15, 2021 - Transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with a Boston Scientific Watchman device was ...

May 16, 2021

In the LAAOS III trial, surgeons could seal off the LAA during the open heart procedure using sutures, staples or approved closure devices. The image shows a SentraHeart lasso type LAA occluder about to seal off the LAA from the outside of the heart. #ACC21 #ACC2021

News | Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluders

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Reduces Stroke After Heart Surgery

May 15, 2021 — Patients with an elevated risk of stroke due to heart rhythm problems, or atrial fibrillation (AFib) ...

May 15, 2021

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Several wearable, less-obtrusive ECG monitors fhave been cleared by the FDA for longer wear. This example is Cardiac Insight’s Cardea SOLO device.

Feature | ECG

Moving Beyond Holter ECG: The Rise in Next Generation Technology

When the patients of Michael Boler, M.D. need cardiac monitoring, the Holter monitor is no longer his first choice. “The newer ECG devices we have now are so much less cumbersome. It’s like wearing a Band-Aid versus carrying a bulky device,” said the Greenwood, Mississippi internist. “My patients prefer the more comfortable, wire-free form factor, and the quality is as good as, or better, than the Holter,” continued Boler. “Plus, my patient compliance has increased. With the Holter, the leads sometimes come off. The patient may think the device isn’t working, so they take it off and we have to restart the process.”

February 19, 2020

A device programmer showing the suspension of ICD therapies (orange bar, red arrow) with iPhone 12 laying over patient’s chest (green arrow) and fluoroscopy of iPhone 12 showing the circular magnet array (yellow arrow). Image from a small study at Henry Ford Hospital. Read the full study

News | EP Lab

FDA Warns Magnets in Cell Phones and Smart Watches May Affect Pacemakers and Other EP Devices

May 14, 2021 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising patients and caregivers to keep any consumer ...

May 14, 2021

News | EP Lab

Abbott Recalls Assurity and Endurity Pacemakers

May 14, 2021 — Abbott is recalling a subset of Assurity and Endurity pacemakers built using specific manufacturing ...

May 14, 2021

News | EP Lab

Pulsed Electric Field Focal Ablation Catheter From Galaxy Medical and Japan Life Will Seek FDA Clearance

May 12, 2021 — Galaxy Medical and Japan Lifeline announced an exclusive distribution agreement for the Alpha1 ablation ...

May 12, 2021

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Most professional athletes participate in cardiovascular screening to identify often-asymptomatic heart disorders, but the debate continues on whether to mandate ECGs as part of pre-participation screening for student athletes. Photo courtesy of Play for Patrick.

Feature | Sudden Cardiac Arrest

As Interpretation Criteria Evolve, False Positive Athlete ECG Screening Rates Can Decrease

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading medical cause of death in young athletes and its impact is consistent worldwide. Most professional athletes in the United States are required to take part in comprehensive cardiovascular screening programs to identify often-asymptomatic congenital or inherited heart disorders, and other cardiac risk factors. There remains a debate however, whether to mandate ECGs as part of pre-participation screening programs for student athletes at the collegiate and high school levels or even at younger ages.

October 16, 2018