Luigi Di Biase, AF Symposium 2021: Current and Emerging Strategies for the Treatment of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

We spoke to Dr Luigi Di Biase (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, NY, USA) on the current and new, emerging treatment strategies for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation, including the limitations of current pulmonary vein isolation, the concept of “beyond PVI” and clinical evidence supporting new ablation targets. Questions: […]

Hugh Calkins, AF Symposium 2021: the STOP Persistent AF Clinical Trial

We spoke to Professor Hugh Calkins (Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA) about the STOP Persistent AF Clinical Trial (NCT03012841). Questions: Could you tell us a little about the aims and design of the STOP Persistent AF clinical trial? (0.13) What were the findings of the study? (0.43) What are their implications for clinical practice? […]

Cristiana Monteiro, A-A Heart Rhythm Updates 2021: Aims and Highlights

We recently caught up with Ms Cristiana Monteiro (Lead Cardiac Physiologist, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK), who spoke to us about the upcoming Arrhythmia Alliance Heart Rhythm Updates 2021. Questions Could you give us a brief overview of the aims and structure of the upcoming series of online meetings from the Arrhythmia Alliance? (0.17) What […]

Faizel Osman, A-A Heart Rhythm Updates 2021: 2020 ESC AF Guidelines

We spoke to Professor Faizel Osman (Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK) who gave us an update about the recent new ESC Guidelines for Atrial Fibrillation and the upcoming Arrhythmia Alliance Heart Rhythm Updates 2021. Questions What are the most important new recommendations in the 2020 ESC atrial […]

Cardiovascular Effects of COVID-19 – What Do We Know and Where Should We Go?

Heart International. 2020;14(1):16–9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/HI.2020.14.1.16

The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an unprecedented public health emergency, with worldwide health, social and economic implications. In contrast to other modern epidemics, little prior knowledge of the pathogen existed. Whilst this initially hampered both patient management and the public health response, we have observed a remarkable worldwide attempt to provide […]

A Review of Bleeding Risk with Impella-supported High-risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Heart International. 2020;14(2):92-99 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/HI.2020.14.2.92

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has evolved over recent years, with increasingly more complex, high-risk procedures being performed, including in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease with or without left main disease, often complicated by severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.1 In addition, decisions about coronary bypass surgery or PCI often focus not only on coronary anatomy, […]

Summary of Practice Considerations for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Left Main Bifurcation Disease

Heart International. 2020;14(2):69-72 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/HI.2020.14.2.69

Technical approaches to left main (LM) revascularisation by percutaneous techniques continues to be in evolution. This manuscript will attempt to summarise the current best practices for LM percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Following a clinical decision for PCI of left main bifurcation (LMB) stenosis, based on angiographic, imaging and functional severity, and supported by current guidelines […]

Drug-coated Balloons or Drug-eluting Stents – Determining an Optimum Strategy for Patients with High Bleeding Risk

Heart International. 2020;14(2):100-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/HI.2020.14.2.100

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally.1 Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), in the form of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor, is the mainstay of pharmacotherapeutic treatment for acute coronary syndrome and prevention of stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome or stable coronary disease. DAPT with ticlopidine plus […]