It is with pride and gratitude that we reflect on the remarkable 10-year journey of European Journal of Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology. With the vital contributions of all of our esteemed authors, reviewers and editorial board members, the journal has served as a platform for groundbreaking research, clinical insights and news that have helped shape the fields of arrhythmia and electrophysiology and patient care. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication and expertise of all who have been a part of this remarkable journey with us.
From the outset, the goal of European Journal of Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology was to foster a community of scientists, clinicians and thought leaders, sharing knowledge and driving advancements in clinical medicine. Over the years, we have had the privilege of publishing thought-provoking articles, expert interviews and in-depth reviews that have expanded the horizons of scientific understanding and improved patient outcomes worldwide.
As we close our doors, we celebrate the final pieces of content that grace this journal, covering new research on and treatments for atrial fibrillation, and an exciting charitable scheme to detect human disease with Medical Detection Dogs.
In the first of our two final expert interviews, we had the distinct honor of speaking with Professor Pierre Jaïs of Bordeaux University, who is at the forefront of the Ground-BrEAking Electroporation-based inTervention for Atrial Fibrillation (BEAT-AF) trial. Funded by the European Commission through Horizon 2020 and IHU LIRYC, the BEAT-AF trial represents a transformative leap forward in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia affecting millions across Europe. Traditional methods of catheter ablation, though widely used, come with technical limitations and risks. This ambitious trial aims to explore whether pulsed electric field (PEF) catheter ablation, a non-thermal approach, can offer a safer and more effective alternative.
Professor Jaïs, with his decades of experience in cardiac arrhythmia treatment, delves into the innovative aspects of the trial, the collaboration between nine clinical centers across Europe, and the potential impact of this new treatment approach on clinical practice. This conversation highlights not only the trial’s scientific rigor but also its broader implications for healthcare systems, setting the stage for a future where atrial fibrillation may be treated with greater precision and safety.
In another thought-provoking interview, we explore the remarkable work of Medical Detection Dogs, a UK-based charitable organization that trains dogs to detect human disease. The interview with Claire Pesterfield, Claire Guest, and Simone Brainch focuses on their recent research into the impact of Medical Alert Assistance Dogs (MAADs) on patients with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS). This chronic condition, predominantly affecting women, causes debilitating symptoms due to an abnormal autonomic nervous system response to postural changes. MAADs are trained to assist with PoTS management, offering an innovative non-medical solution that significantly improves the quality of life for affected individuals.
This interview underscores the exciting potential of non-traditional approaches in healthcare, showcasing the ability of medical detection dogs to revolutionize disease monitoring and management, particularly in conditions like PoTS where traditional treatments may not always suffice.
Our final review article by Kavinsky et al. tackles a crucial aspect of atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment: the role of neuromodulation and vagal denervation. This comprehensive review discusses the significant influence of the autonomic nervous system on AF, noting that both sympathetic and parasympathetic tone can contribute to the initiation of arrhythmias. It explores a range of neuromodulation techniques, from ganglionated plexus ablation to renal sympathetic denervation and transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation, offering a detailed look at their potential in improving AF ablation outcomes.
This article provides a timely and critical analysis of emerging therapies that may shape the future of AF management, highlighting the need for personalized, multifaceted approaches to treating this complex and prevalent arrhythmia.
As we conclude this final issue, we extend our deepest gratitude to our authors for their pioneering research, our reviewers for their invaluable feedback, and our editorial board for their leadership and vision. Your contributions have made this journal a respected voice in the scientific community, and we are proud to have shared this journey with you.
Though this marks the end of the journal’s publication, the work and discoveries we have shared will continue to inspire progress in healthcare. Thank you for being a part of this incredible chapter in medical research and innovation.
