The detection rate of AF is one-third after 1 year if candidates for an ICM after cryptogenic IS/TIA are selected by AF risk factors. LA dilation and atrial runs independently predict AF.

Circulating miR-21 correlates with left atrial LVAs and is associated with procedure outcome in patients with persistent AF undergoing ablation.

Background : Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is considered the main cause of COVID-19 associated morbidity and mortality. Early and reliable risk stratification is of crucial clinical importance in order to identify persons at risk for developing a severe course of disease. Deceleration capacity (DC) of heart rate as a marker of cardiac autonomic function predicts outcome in persons with myocardial infarction and heart failure. We hypothesized that reduced modulation of heart rate may be helpful in identifying persons with COVID-19 at risk for developing ARDS. Methods : We prospectively enrolled 60 consecutive COVID-19 positive persons presenting at the University Hospital of Tuebingen. Arterial blood gas analysis and 24h-Holter ECG recordings were performed and analyzed at admission. The primary end point was defined as development of ARDS with regards to the Berlin classification. Results : 61.7% (37 of 60 persons) developed an ARDS. In persons with ARDS DC was significantly reduced when compared to persons with milder course of infection (3.2 ms vs. 6.6 ms, p < 0.001). DC achieved a good discrimination performance (AUC = 0.76) for ARDS in COVID-19 persons. In a multivariate analysis, decreased DC was associated with the development of ARDS. Conclusion : Our data suggest a promising role of DC to risk stratification in COVID-19.

Rhythm monitoring by ICM in patients who have stopped OAC after catheter ablation of AF or ablation of possible AF triggers seems to be a safe and promising method to monitor for AF recurrence. Within 1.3 years after ablation, about two-thirds of patients were able to stay off OAC.

The LigaSure sealing device provides a safe alternative to conventional hand-sewn closure of the pancreatic stump in distal pancreatectomy. This is the first study that investigated this effective and highly applicable technique for pancreatic transection.