JACC. Clinical electrophysiology
Audio Summaries

Programmed Ventricular Stimulation for Risk Stratification in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy With Preserved or Mildly Reduced LVEF

Sep 23, 2026

This study investigates the efficacy of programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) for arrhythmic risk stratification in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who do not meet current criteria for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. The authors found that PVS was able to identify a significant proportion of patients at risk for major arrhythmic events, suggesting its potential utility in guiding ICD implantation decisions for primary prevention in this population.

Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Exercise-Accentuated J-Point Elevation in Brugada Syndrome

Sep 11, 2026

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and prognostic significance of exercise-accentuated J-point elevation in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS). The authors found that 29% of patients exhibited this phenotype during exercise, which was reproducible and strongly associated with exertion-triggered cardiac events, although it did not correlate with overall cardiac events. These results suggest that exercise stress testing could be a valuable tool in identifying BrS patients at risk for exertional complications.

Strength-Based Exercise Is Not Associated With Ventricular Arrhythmia in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy-Towards Safer Exercise Options

Sep 11, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether strength-based exercise is associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in individuals with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) or pathogenic gene variants. Their findings indicate that strength training does not correlate with a higher risk of VA, in contrast to endurance exercise, suggesting that strength-based activities may be safer for individuals with ACM. This research underscores the importance of personalized risk assessment in exercise recommendations for patients with ACM.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Cardiac Electrophysiology: Current Status and Future Directions

Sep 11, 2026

The authors examine the current status and future potential of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in cardiac electrophysiology, questioning how these facilities can provide safe, effective, and efficient care compared to traditional hospital settings. They highlight the benefits of ASCs, such as improved patient-centered care and cost savings, while also addressing challenges like regulatory barriers and the impact on healthcare revenue cycles. The article emphasizes the need for standardized patient selection and outcomes tracking to ensure the successful integration of ASCs in cardiac electrophysiology.

Multimodality Imaging and Pace-Mapping Patterns in Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis and Ongoing Inflammation Undergoing Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

Sep 11, 2026

This study aimed to characterize ventricular tachycardia (VT) target sites in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and ongoing inflammation by correlating fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake from PET scans with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) areas on cardiac MRI. The findings revealed that most VT target sites were located in LGE+ and FDG+ areas, with a significant association between VT exit sites and FDG+ regions. Notably, patients with only VT exit sites experienced higher recurrence rates compared to those with both exit and nonexit sites, suggesting that comprehensive ablation strategies may improve outcomes.

Clinical Impact of Arrhythmias Detected by an Implantable Cardiac Monitoring Device With Real-Time Transmission Among Patients With Early Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction: The TeVeO Study

Sep 10, 2026

The TeVeO study aimed to evaluate the incidence and clinical impact of ambulatory arrhythmias detected by an implantable cardiac monitor in patients with early reduced left ventricular ejection fraction following ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). The findings revealed that while the overall incidence of ventricular arrhythmias was lower than anticipated, atrial fibrillation was significantly associated with increased mortality.

Frequency and Extent of Leadless Pacemaker Encapsulation

Sep 10, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the frequency and characteristics of leadless pacemaker (LP) encapsulation using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in patients with implanted LPs. Their study found that encapsulation was common, occurring in 85% of patients, with varying severity and involvement of surrounding anatomical structures, which could complicate retrieval procedures. The findings suggest that CT imaging is a valuable tool for identifying potential challenges related to LP retrieval.

Ring-Like Scar Architecture and Arrhythmic Outcomes of Patients With Nondilated Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Treated With Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

Sep 9, 2026

This study aimed to characterize the arrhythmogenic substrate in patients with nondilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NDLVC) and assess the recurrence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) following ablation. The authors found that the presence of ring-like late gadolinium enhancement (RL-LGE) was associated with a more complex arrhythmic substrate and significantly higher rates of VT recurrence after ablation, highlighting its potential as a prognostic marker in this patient population.

High-Voltage Focal PFA Catheter for "Instant" Point-By-Point Ablation: The First-In-Human FIELD-PULSE Trial to Treat AF

Sep 9, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel high-voltage focal pulsed-field ablation (PFA) catheter designed for "instantaneous" point-by-point ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation. The results demonstrated successful pulmonary vein isolation in all patients with efficient ablation times and high durability of lesions, supporting the potential of this technology for individualized treatment without prolonged catheter stability. The study indicates promising outcomes for the continued clinical development of this instantaneous focal PFA workflow.

Empirical Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation in Congenital Heart Disease: A Nationwide Prospective Study

Sep 4, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of empirical cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation in improving outcomes for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing catheter ablation for atrial arrhythmias. The findings indicate that patients who received empirical CTI ablation experienced significantly higher rates of freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence and reduced hospitalization related to arrhythmias compared to those who did not undergo this procedure. These benefits were particularly pronounced in patients without a history of atrial fibrillation.