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UVA doctor uses virtual reality to accelerate availability of new treatment

A UVA Health interventional radiologist has created a virtual reality experience to increase the adoption of thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules. The procedure offers a less-invasive alternative with reduced scarring and recovery time, and the VR training aims to improve physician awareness and interest.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateOct 15, 2019

Guidelines on management of fast heartbeat published today

The European Society of Cardiology has published new guidelines for the management of fast heartbeat, highlighting the benefits of catheter ablation in treating supraventricular tachycardia. The guidelines recommend invasive methods for eradicating arrhythmias and provide specific recommendations for pregnant women.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2019

Nanoshells for prostate tumor treatment

A clinical trial demonstrates the safety and feasibility of gold-silica nanoshells for treating localized prostate cancer, showing no serious side effects during treatment. The vast majority of treated lesions showed no evidence of tumor after 12 months.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

'Back to basics' atrial fibrillation procedure could slash waiting lists

A new study shows that a simplified catheter ablation procedure can deliver the same outcomes as traditional procedures without the need for complex equipment and staff training. This could lead to reduced waiting lists for atrial fibrillation patients, with 30% more patients receiving treatment within the same budget.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Big data adds clarity, certainty to clinical trial outcomes for AFib

A recent study using big data analysis has found that catheter ablation is associated with a lower risk of stroke, death, and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation. The research, led by Mayo Clinic, used a large cohort of patients to replicate the results of a clinical trial and provide complementary evidence for clinicians.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateMar 15, 2019

Catheter ablation superior to standard drug

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found catheter ablation superior to conventional drug therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The procedure was associated with reduced all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and improved quality of life.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 24, 2018

Thermal ablation effectively treats early-stage lung cancer

A study published in Radiology found that thermal ablation is a safe and effective treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, delivering comparable survival rates to stereotactic radiotherapy. The one-time treatment also offers direct access to the tumor, enabling biopsy samples and potentially lower costs.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 18, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

3D virtual simulation gets to the 'heart' of irregular heartbeats

Researchers developed 3D personalized computational models of patients' hearts to accurately identify arrhythmia locations. The models correctly predicted treatment targets and reduced ablated tissue areas in some cases. Clinical trials demonstrated the feasibility of integrating simulation predictions into routine procedures.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 12, 2018

A 'reset' of regulatory T-cells reverses chronic heart failure in mouse model

In a mouse model, researchers found that dysfunctional regulatory T-lymphocytes contribute to sustained inflammation and cardiac enlargement. Removing these cells restored normal function and reversed disease progression. This therapeutic approach suggests a new target for treating human heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCirculation·DateSep 10, 2018

Treating AFib with ablation reduces mortality and stroke

Using catheter-based ablation instead of medications alone reduces the risks of death and stroke in AFib patients, according to a new study from UC Davis physicians. The study found that outcomes for patients treated with ablation were similar to those not treated with it within 30 days, but showed benefits beyond 30 days.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateJun 29, 2018

Burning tumors away

Researchers have developed a real-time thermal imaging method to guide minimally invasive brain tumor treatments. This technology enables doctors to precisely deliver the right dose to the right location, reducing risks and costs associated with follow-up imaging studies.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 24, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Algae, impurities darken Greenland ice sheet and intensify melting

A new study reveals that algae and impurities on the Greenland ice sheet's surface are causing it to darken, leading to accelerated melting. The Dark Zone, a 400km-wide region, is found to be covered in dust and black carbon that provide nutrition for dark-colored algae.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2018

Biomarker predicts success of Afib treatment

Researchers found that patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation had more preoperative dys-synchrony in the left atrium, indicating a higher risk of failed ablation procedures. A new biomarker based on cardiac imaging analysis could help personalize patient selection and reduce failure rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2018

Catheter ablation better than pharmacological atrial fibrillation therapies

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that radiofrequency catheter ablation significantly lowers hospitalization and mortality rates compared to conventional drug therapies for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. Catheter ablation restored regular heart rhythm by isolating pulmonary veins an...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 31, 2018

Humidity, snowpack, and climate warming

Research across 462 sites in the western US found that winter snow melt increased with rising winter temperature in humid areas, but not in arid Southwest regions. In these areas, spring snow melt occurred earlier as temperatures rose.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New AATS consensus statement highlights safety of surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery has released a new consensus statement on surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness in reducing early death and late stroke risk. The guidelines also recommend hybrid procedures, optimal ablation tools, and standardized training.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateApr 19, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

For atrial fibrillation ablation, newer anticoagulant reduces major bleeds

A recent study found that uninterrupted treatment with dabigatran before, during, and after atrial fibrillation ablation significantly reduced the incidence of major bleeding events compared to warfarin. The trial showed a 5.3% reduction in major bleeding events, with major bleeds occurring in 1.6% of patients receiving dabigatran.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 19, 2017

Therapy for abnormal heartbeats may cause brain injury

A study of patients undergoing catheter ablation found a significantly higher rate of brain injury due to embolism among those with left ventricle therapy compared to right ventricle therapy. Brain lesions may also be associated with cognitive decline, highlighting the need for further research and strategies to avoid these lesions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCirculation·DateJan 24, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Medication adherence a problem in atrial fibrillation patients

Researchers found that atrial fibrillation patients are more likely to discontinue warfarin therapy if they've had a recent procedure. The study analyzed 734 patients and found that over half were off warfarin within a year of starting it, with procedures being the most common reason for discontinuation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 4, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Satellite images reveal dramatic tropical glacier retreat

Scientists have obtained high-resolution satellite images revealing the dramatic retreat of tropical glaciers in the Pacific, particularly in West Papua New Guinea. The Carstenz Glacier has almost completely disappeared, while the East North Wall Firn has split into smaller fragments.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRemote Sensing·DateApr 13, 2016

Two atrial fibrillation ablation techniques equal on efficacy and safety

The FIRE AND ICE trial showed that radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation are equally effective in treating atrial fibrillation, with similar rates of recurrence and no significant differences in safety outcomes. Cryoballoon patients were more likely to experience phrenic nerve injury, but this was rare and resolved in most cases.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 4, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Improved imaging takes x-ray risks out of the picture

A new study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine shows that electroanatomical mapping is an effective alternative to fluoroscopy, reducing radiation exposure and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Innovations in Cardiac Rhythm Management·DateFeb 29, 2016

Treating left atrial appendage could dampen long standing persistent AF

The BELIEF study shows that left atrial appendage (LAA) isolation, combined with standard treatment, significantly improves the success rate of catheter ablation for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. LAA isolation reduces AF recurrence rates by 30% compared to standard treatment alone.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2015

Antiarrhythmia drugs no impact on late AF recurrence

A new study found that antiarrhythmia drug therapy after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation does not reduce arrhythmia recurrence rates at one year. The treatment, which had shown a temporary benefit in earlier studies, lost its effectiveness once the medication was stopped.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Ablation during mitral valve surgery reduces atrial fibrillation

Patients who received ablation along with mitral valve surgery had better rhythm control and fewer episodes of atrial fibrillation compared to those who only received the valve surgery alone. However, they were more likely to require pacemaker implantation in the year following their surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2015

Heart failure patients fare better with catheter ablation than Amiodarone

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that catheter ablation significantly reduces atrial fibrillation symptoms and hospitalization rates compared to Amiodarone in heart failure patients. Patients who underwent catheter ablation had a higher rate of freedom from atrial fibrillation after two years, with 71% being symptom-...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 2015

Confounding factors contribute to unexpected results of trial of renal denervation

A new analysis of the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial reveals that variations in renal denervation procedure performance and patient medication changes significantly impacted blood pressure reduction outcomes. The study suggests that a higher number of ablations and specific procedural patterns may be key to achieving effective denervation.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 8, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Renal denervation more successful when it includes accessory arteries

Researchers found that complete ablation of main and accessory renal arteries led to greater blood pressure reductions with renal denervation. The procedure was successful in 67% of patients, but incomplete ablation did not significantly impact results. Further investigations are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2014

Ablation increases survival for adults with atrial fibrillation

Researchers found that catheter ablation significantly improves cardiovascular survival among adults with atrial fibrillation, even in older patients and those with comorbidities. The study, published in Heart Rhythm, shows a 60% reduction in mortality rates among participants.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateJul 29, 2014

Catheter ablation a first-line treatment for atrial flutter

Researchers at UCSF found catheter ablation to be a highly effective first-line treatment for atrial flutter, reducing hospital visits by 12% and emergency department visits by 40%. The procedure also lowers the risk of atrial fibrillation by 11%.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

One-quarter of high risk patients denied anticoagulation after AF ablation

A recent survey found that 25% of high-risk patients were not taking anticoagulants one year after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, despite a success rate of 74%. This highlights the need for improved follow-up and cooperation between centers to ensure appropriate treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 18, 2014

Radiofrequency ablation effectively treats Barrett's esophagus

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective treatment for most patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. The procedure led to complete eradication of dysplasia in 91% of patients, while intestinal metaplasia was eradicated in 78%, and recurrent metaplasia occurred in 13%.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateOct 2, 2013