This comprehensive review explores the incidence, pathophysiology, and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) following percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO). Although AF is considered a common adverse event post PFO closure, its incidence, estimated at <5%, varies based on monitoring methods. The review delves into the challenging task of precisely estimating AF incidence, given subclinical AF and diverse diagnostic approaches. Notably, a temporal pattern emerges, with peak incidence around the 14th day after closure and a subsequent decline after the 45th day, mimicking general population AF trends. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind post PFO closure AF remain elusive, with proposed factors including local irritation, device‐related interference, tissue stretch, and nickel hypersensitivity. Management considerations encompass rhythm control, with flecainide showing promise, and anticoagulation tailored to individual risk profiles. The authors advocate for a personalized approach, weighing factors like age, comorbidities, and device characteristics. Notably, postclosure AF is generally considered benign, often resolving spontaneously within 45 days, minimizing thromboembolic risks. Further studies are required to refine understanding and provide evidence‐based guidelines.

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease among elderly. Trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an established and effective alternative therapeutical procedure for inoperable and high-risk patients with symptomatic AS. The procedural success is greatly dependent on a thorough pre-TAVI imaging screening. This requires a comprehensive and multi-modality approach, in which multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) is the cornerstone in the selection of eligible patients, in choosing the appropriate prosthesis and size, and in mapping the safest access route for the intervention. From our experience of more than 400 TAVI procedures and many more MSCTs for screening purposes, we provide clinical and technical details on the use of MSCT pre-TAVI and brief review of the knowledge so far.

BACKGROUND: Nickel-containing devices, such as the Amplatzer PFO Occluder and Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder, are used for transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure. However, the impact of nickel hypersensitivity on postprocedural outcomes remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of adverse events in patients with nickel hypersensitivity undergoing patent foramen ovale closure. METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized study enrolling patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale-related ischemic stroke to receive either the Amplatzer or Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder device. Nickel hypersensitivity was assessed using skin patch testing. The primary end point was the incidence of device syndrome, a composite of patient-reported symptoms (chest pain, palpitations, migraines, dyspnea, and rash). RESULTS: Of the 96 patients, 28 (29.2%) had nickel hypersensitivity. The incidence of device syndrome was significantly higher in patients with nickel hypersensitivity compared with those without (71.4% versus 20.6%, P <0.001). Specifically, new-onset or worsening migraines and palpitations were more frequent in nickel-hypersensitive patients. No significant differences were observed in documented arrhythmias, bleeding, or stroke. Multivariable analysis showed that nickel hypersensitivity was associated with a 10.5-fold increase in the odds of device syndrome (adjusted odds ratio, 10.53 [95% CI, 3.17–35.00]; P <0.001). The incidence of device syndrome was similar for both devices. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with nickel hypersensitivity are at significantly higher risk of developing device syndrome after patent foramen ovale closure. Both the Amplatzer and Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder devices demonstrated comparable safety and efficacy in this population. These findings highlight the need for further research to optimize device selection and improve outcomes in nickel-hypersensitive patients. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT04713683.

Cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of death in western societies. Therapeutic interventions in the individual patient should be guided by the so-called ischemic risk of this patient. The aim of the study was to study the ischemic prognostic scores GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc, in patients underwent angioplasty to highlight which best predicts better the ischemic risk. Consecutives patients who underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) due to Acute Coronary Disease, or elective PCI in one centre in Athens, Greece, where included in the study. The GRACE score and the CHA2DS2-VASc score were calculated. 667 patients participated in the study with an average age of 61 ± 11 years and were followed-up for 2 years. The GRACE score and its predicted incidence at 3 years, was compared to the CHA2DS2-VASc score. CHA2DS2-VASc score was able to show a marginally better prognosis of future ischemic events, with an AUC of 0.624 vs 0.608 of the GRACE score. In our study, The CHA2DS2-VASc score managed to predict, marginally better, the appearance of MACCE over GRACE, in patients with angioplasty.