Fluoroless left atrial access for radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablations using a novel radiofrequency transseptal wire.

PURPOSE: Conventional catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation requires fluoroscopy, which has inherent risks of radiation exposure to patients and medical staff. Optimization of fluoroscopy parameters and use of three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping (EAM) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) have helped to reduce radiation exposure; however, despite growing evidence, there are still concerns about safety and added procedure time associated with fluoroless procedures, particularly in left-sided ablations, due to the potential risk of complications. Herein, we report our initial experience using a radiofrequency (RF) wire for completely fluoroless radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoballoon ablation (CBA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on ablation procedures for various cardiac arrhythmias performed non-fluoroscopically at two centers using the VersaCross RF wire transseptal system under EAM and ICE guidance. RESULTS: A total of 72 and 54 patients underwent RFA and CBA, respectively, successfully without any procedural complications. Transseptal access time for RFA was 14.5 ± 6.6 min from procedure start (including sheath and catheter placements ± right-sided ablation) or 2.8 ± 1.0 min from RF wire insertion into the femoral introducer. Transseptal access time for CBA was 19.2 ± 11.7 min from procedure start (including sheath and catheter placements ± right-sided ablation) or 3.5 ± 1.6 min from RF wire insertion into the femoral introducer. Average procedure time was 104.4 ± 38.0 min for RFA and 91.1 ± 22.1 min for CBA. CONCLUSIONS: A RF wire can be used to achieve completely fluoroless transseptal puncture safely and effectively while improving procedural efficiency in both RFA and CBA.

Hipomelanosis macular progresiva: comunicación de un caso y revisión de la literatura científica / Progressive macular Hypomelanosis: case report andr review of scientic literature

La hipomelanosis macular progresiva es un trastorno adquirido de la pigmentación que aparece con más frecuencia en mujeres, adolescentes y adultas jóvenes. Se caracteriza por máculas hipopigmentadas asintomáticas, mal delimitadas, no descamativas, simétricas y de predominio en región lumbar. El estudio histopatológico evidencia disminución del contenido de melanina en la epidermis afectada, con número y distribución de los melanocitos conservados. En su etiopatogenia interviene el Cutibacterium acnes tipo III, bacteria responsable de la característica fluorescencia rojiza de distribución folicular que se observa con la lámpara de Wood. Por este motivo, los tratamientos propuestos incluyen el uso de tetraciclinas por vía oral y tratamientos tópicos como el peróxido de benzoílo, asociados a fototerapia UVA o UVB de banda angosta. Se presenta una paciente con hipomelanosis macular progresiva del tronco que respondió satisfactoriamente al tratamiento con doxiciclina vía oral

Progressive macular hypomelanosis is an acquired pigmentation disorder that occurs mostly in adolescent and young women. It is characterized by asymptomatic, poorly defined, non-scaly, symmetrical hypopigmented macules localized predominantly in the lumbar area. Histopathology shows a decrease in melanin content with preserved number and distribution of melanocytes in the affected epidermis. Cutibacterium acnes type III appears to be the responsible for the dermatosis and for the characteristic reddish fluorescence of follicular distribution observed with Wood´s lamp. Treatment include oral tetracyclines and topical benzoyl peroxide associated with UVA or narrow band UVB phototherapy. We present a patient with progressive macular hypomelanosis of the trunk with excellent response to treatment with oral doxycycline