Study Flashcards
(24 cards)
What are the components of the cardiac conduction system?
SA node, AV node, His-Purkinje system
What are the key waves to understand in cardiac electrophysiology?
PQRST waves
What is the difference between sinus rhythm and arrhythmias?
Sinus rhythm is normal heart rhythm, while arrhythmias include conditions like atrial fibrillation.
What is the difference between intracardiac and surface ECG?
Intracardiac ECG is recorded inside the heart, while surface ECG is recorded on the body surface.
What are the types of atrial fibrillation (AF)?
Paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing persistent
What are the pathophysiological changes in atrial fibrillation?
Electrical remodeling and atrial dilation
What triggers atrial fibrillation?
Pulmonary vein foci and structural atrial changes
What is a major complication of atrial fibrillation?
Stroke risk from left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus
What are the treatment options for atrial fibrillation?
Rate vs. rhythm control, antiarrhythmic drugs, catheter ablation (RF, Cryo, PFA), LAA occlusion (like WATCHMAN)
What is the goal of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)?
Electrically isolate pulmonary veins to prevent AF triggers
What techniques are used in pulmonary vein isolation?
RF, Cryoablation, and PFA (FARAPULSE)
What is the mechanism of pulsed field ablation (PFA)?
Non-thermal, electroporation
What are the advantages of pulsed field ablation?
Selective for myocardial cells, less risk to phrenic nerve and esophagus, faster procedures, fewer complications
What is the procedure flow for pulsed field ablation?
Transseptal access → Mapping → PV occlusion & delivery of PFA pulses
What is the indication for left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion?
Stroke prevention in non-valvular AF patients with contraindications to long-term anticoagulation
What are the steps in the WATCHMAN procedure?
Transseptal puncture, accessing the LAA, device sizing and placement, TEE guidance and leak assessment
What scoring systems are used for stroke and bleeding risk?
CHA₂DS₂-VASc for stroke risk, HAS-BLED for bleeding risk
What imaging techniques are key for WATCHMAN placement?
TEE and ICE
What imaging techniques are crucial for FARAPULSE and ablations?
Fluoroscopy and 3D mapping
What are the competitors in LAA closure?
Abbott Amulet vs. WATCHMAN
What are the competitors in pulsed field ablation?
Medtronic’s Affera, J&J’s Varipulse vs. FARAPULSE
How does understanding clinical decision-making help in sales and support?
It helps align messages with clinical benefits, workflow ease, and patient safety.
Why is it important to speak the language of EPs and implanters?
To effectively communicate and support clinical decision-making.
What should you understand about case flow and technical troubleshooting?
It is essential for effective sales and support in electrophysiology.
