Johan Vijgen
- Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes
- Cardiac Arrhythmias and Treatments
- Cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias
- Cardiac pacing and defibrillation studies
- Antiplatelet Therapy and Cardiovascular Diseases
- Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
- Medication Adherence and Compliance
- Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life
- Heart Failure Treatment and Management
- Cardiac Imaging and Diagnostics
- ECG Monitoring and Analysis
- Cardiovascular Function and Risk Factors
- Acute Myocardial Infarction Research
- Cardiac Valve Diseases and Treatments
- Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders
- Blood Pressure and Hypertension Studies
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research
- Cardiovascular and Diving-Related Complications
- Coronary Interventions and Diagnostics
- Microbial Inactivation Methods
- Non-Invasive Vital Sign Monitoring
- Cerebrovascular and Carotid Artery Diseases
- Acute Ischemic Stroke Management
- Central Venous Catheters and Hemodialysis
- Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
Jessa Hospital
2016-2025
Hasselt University
2006-2025
Hartcentrum Hasselt
2001-2024
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
2023
Cleveland Clinic
2023
New York University
2023
University of Belgrade
2017-2022
Centar za Promociju Nauke
2017
KU Leuven
2001
Case Western Reserve University
1994-1996
AimsVENTURE-AF is the first prospective randomized trial of uninterrupted rivaroxaban and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) undergoing catheter ablation (CA).
This study sought to evaluate the safety and short-term performance of a novel catheter for very high power-short duration (vHPSD) ablation in treatment paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.The vHPSD is contact force-sensing optimized temperature-controlled radiofrequency with microelectrodes 6 thermocouples real-time temperature monitoring; associated algorithm modulates power maintain target during 90 W, 4 s lesions.QDOT-FAST (Clinical Study Safety Acute Performance Evaluation THERMOCOOL...
Abstract Aims Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel atrial fibrillation (AF) modality that has demonstrated preferential tissue ablation, including no oesophageal damage, in first-in-human clinical trials. In the MANIFEST-PF survey, we investigated ‘real world’ performance of only approved PFA catheter, acute effectiveness and safety—in particular, rare effects other unforeseen PFA-related complications. Methods results This retrospective survey included all 24 centres using pentaspline...
It is recommended to perform atrial fibrillation ablation with continuous anticoagulation. Continuous apixaban has not been tested. We compared (5 mg b.i.d.) vitamin K antagonists (VKA, international normalized ratio 2–3) in patients at risk of stroke a prospective, open, multi-centre study blinded outcome assessment. Primary was composite death, stroke, or bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 2–5). A high-resolution brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sub-study quantified...
Pulsed field ablation is a novel nonthermal cardiac modality using ultra-rapid electrical pulses to cause cell death by mechanism of irreversible electroporation. Unlike the traditional energy sources, pulsed has demonstrated significant preferentiality myocardial tissue ablation, and thus avoids certain thermally mediated complications. However, its safety effectiveness remain unknown in usual clinical care.MANIFEST-PF (Multi-National Survey on Methods, Efficacy, Safety Post-Approval...
The inspIRE study (Study for Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation [PAF] by Pulsed Field Ablation [PFA] System With Irreversible Electroporation [IRE]) evaluated safety and effectiveness a fully integrated biphasic pulsed field ablation (PFA) system with variable-loop circular catheter the treatment drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.Subjects underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation PFA system, using at least 12 applications per vein; adenosine/isoproterenol was administered...
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a promising alternative to thermal for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). We report performance and safety using the CENTAURI™ System (Galvanize Therapeutics) with three commercial, focal catheters.ECLIPSE AF (NCT04523545) was prospective, single-arm, multi-centre study evaluating acute chronic pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) durability CENTAURI in conjunction TactiCath SE, StablePoint, ThermoCool ST catheters. Patients paroxysmal or persistent...
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a well-established strategy for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Despite randomized controlled trials and real-world data showing promise pulsed-field ablation (PFA) this treatment, long-term efficacy safety demonstrating single-procedure outcomes off antiarrhythmic drugs remain limited. The aim FARA-Freedom Study was to evaluate PFA using pentaspline catheter PAF.
Background The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) remains the cornerstone in prevention of sudden cardiac death. Cost-effectiveness depends on survival after implantation. In Belgium there are unexplained major differences 3-year mortality ICD Centre volume and socio-economic might affect
Initial clinical studies of pulsed field ablation (PFA) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) indicated a >90% durability rate pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, these were largely conducted in single centers and involved limited number operators. The electrophysiological findings outcomes patients undergoing repeat after an initial PF for AF are incompletely understood. In the MANIFEST-REDO study, we investigated who underwent due recurrence - or tachycardia (AT) following first-ever PVI...
Background— Recent trials have shown that intracoronary infusion of bone marrow cells (BMCs) improves functional recovery after acute myocardial infarction. However, whether this treatment is effective in heart failure as a consequence remodeling organized infarcts remains unclear. In randomized trial, we assessed the hypothesis direct intramyocardial injection autologous mononuclear during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) could improve global and regional left ventricular ejection...
To determine the usability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of two handheld single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) devices for atrial fibrillation (AF) screening in a hospital population with an increased risk AF. Hospitalized patients (n = 445) at cardiological or geriatric wards were screened AF by ECG (MyDiagnostick AliveCor). The performance automated algorithm each device was evaluated against full 12-lead 6-lead recording. All ECGs monitor tracings also independently reviewed blinded...
Contemporary data regarding atrial fibrillation (AF) management and current use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) for stroke prevention are needed.The EURObservational Research Programme on AF (EORP-AF) Long-Term General Registry analysed consecutive patients presenting to cardiologists in 250 centres from 27 European countries. From 2013 2016, 11 096 were enrolled (40.7% female; mean age 69 ± years). At discharge, OACs used 9379 (84.9%), with non-vitamin K antagonists (NOACs) accounting 40.9%...
AimRemote follow-up (FU) of implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) allows for fewer in-office visits in combination with earlier detection relevant findings.Its implementation requires investment and reorganization care.Providers (physicians or hospitals) are unsure about the financial impact.The primary end-point this randomized prospective multicentre health economic trial was total FU-related cost providers, comparing Home Monitoring facilitated FU (HM ON) to regular OFF) during first...
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using a standardized workflow aiming to enclose veins with contiguous optimized radiofrequency lesions.This multicentre, prospective, non-randomized study was conducted at 17 European sites. Pulmonary guided by VISITAG SURPOINT (VS target ≥550 on anterior wall; ≥400 posterior wall) intertag distance (≤6 mm). Atrial arrhythmia recurrence stringently monitored weekly symptom-driven...
Clinical complexity is increasingly prevalent among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The 'Atrial Better Care' (ABC) pathway approach has been proposed to streamline a more holistic and integrated AF care; however, there are limited data on its usefulness clinically complex patients. We aim determine the impact of ABC in contemporary cohort patients.From ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry, we analysed patients, defined as presence frailty, multimorbidity and/or polypharmacy. A...
Abstract Background Frailty is a medical syndrome characterised by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. Data regarding the relationship between frailty atrial fibrillation (AF) are still inconsistent. Objectives We aim perform comprehensive evaluation of in large European cohort AF patients. Methods A 40-item index (FI) was built according accumulation deficits model patients enrolled ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Association baseline...
BACKGROUND: We previously presented the safety and early efficacy of inspIRE study (Study for Treatment Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation [PAF] by Pulsed-field Ablation [PFA] System With Irreversible Electroporation [IRE]). study’s conclusion, we report outcomes full pivotal cohort, with an additional analysis predictors success. METHODS: InspIRE was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein isolation performed...
Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) have ongoing risk of sudden incapacitation that might cause harm to others while driving a car. Driving restrictions vary across different countries in Europe. The most recent recommendations for ICD patients Europe were published 1997 and focused mainly on implanted secondary prevention. In years there has been vast increase the number percentage primary EHRA task force was formed reassess based literature available. are...
Aims In recent years, stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has radically changed, increasing use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Contemporary European data on AF thromboprophylaxis are needed. Methods and results We report 1-year follow-up from the EURObservational Research Programme Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) General Long-Term Registry. Outcomes were assessed according to antithrombotic therapy. At follow-up, 9663 (88.0%) had available for...
Despite the increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), data for implementation nationwide screening programmes are limited. The aim this national study was to increase awareness about AF and stroke risk, determine in Belgian general population using an ECG handheld machine its feasibility identify new cases. We analysed obtained from 5 years 'Belgian Heart Rhythm Week' programme. All subjects were screened a one-lead machine. Among 65 747 screened, recorded 911, with overall 1.4% [95%...