Maddaloni

Researchers are evaluating the EuroHeart program, an observational and prospective multicenter initiative designed to improve quality of care for patients with common cardiovascular diseases such as Acute Coronary Syndrome ACS, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. EuroHeart collects standardized and harmonized patient data to support continuous quality improvement by monitoring adherence to quality indicators defined by the European Society of Cardiology ESC. The program aims to understand how well proven treatments are applied in everyday clinical practice. The study involves continuous data collection from consecutive patients hospitalized or treated for these cardiovascular conditions. Participants enter a 12-month follow-up period during which clinical events and health status data are gathered. This registry specifically evaluates adherence to ESC quality indicators in Italian clinical practice, including measures such as time to reperfusion and prescription of recommended medications at discharge. Participants will be monitored through regular collection of clinical data over the 12 months following enrollment. Researchers will assess adherence to multiple ESC quality indicators related to treatment and management of STEMI and NSTEMI patients, including evaluations of left ventricular function, lipid levels, and use of dual antiplatelet therapy and other medications. The study also tracks cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular events during follow-up to support quality improvement efforts. Participation involves consent and data collection without experimental treatments.

Researchers are comparing two methods of pulmonary vein isolation PVI in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation AF. The study evaluates whether using a larger 31 mm cryoablation balloon for extended antral isolation is superior to the standard 28 mm balloon for antral isolation in reducing atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence and arrhythmic load over one year. This trial addresses the impact of larger ablation devices on heart function and arrhythmia outcomes. Participants receive PVI using either a 28 mm or a 31 mm cryoballoon catheter, both delivering cryoenergy to isolate pulmonary veins. The 28 mm balloon targets antral isolation, while the 31 mm balloon aims for extended antral isolation near the carina, resembling a wide ablation technique. The study is randomized and double-blinded, comparing these two single-shot ablation strategies in a controlled setting. During the study, patients are monitored for recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias lasting more than 30 seconds and overall arrhythmic burden up to 12 months post-procedure. Effectiveness is assessed through procedure times averaging 180 minutes and safety is tracked throughout the study duration. Researchers collect detailed arrhythmia load measurements during episodes and follow participants for adverse events and long-term outcomes, with study participation lasting at least one year.