Pre-ablation BNP level seems to be an independent marker for successful PVI procedures in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF; however, the observed level of association is moderate.

According to the evaluation of the students and the judgement of the participating teachers the use of the film is a suitable method to clarify complex medical, social and psychological aspects in palliative care. Especially at faculties with much larger numbers of students the film unit is thought to be a helpful method to teach psychosocial aspects and to promote development of attitude in palliative care. In future semesters further experience with the unit and the use of films in palliative care teaching will be collected.

In our case report we describe a catheter ablation in a patient with symptomatic, drug-refractory atrial fibrillation using the new CT image integrating mapping technology. Using image integration an arrhythmogenic right inferior pulmonary vein was revealed which was not found during conventional 3-dimensional mapping. Thereby we want to demonstrate potential impacts on safety and effectiveness of ablation strategies using an image integration technology, especially in cases of difficult anatomic variations.

Although takotsubo cardiomyopathy is rather rare, it should be considered as a relevant differential diagnosis mimicking acute myocardial infarction. Despite a generally good prognosis under conservative treatment, complications are reported in 17.7% of all cases in the literature. Therefore, intensive treatment and monitoring are mandatory.