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In the current evolving building construction sector, the use of cold‐formed steel frames (CSF) has gained popularity due to their fast, clean, and flexible constructability. On the other side, in terms of the energy efficiency of a building, the use of CSF has raised concerns due to their high thermal conductivity, especially in the case of external wall panels. Hence, it is crucial to examine the thermal performance of such wall configurations and find solutions to reduce heat loss through walls by lowering the thermal transmittance, which would ultimately enhance the energy efficiency of the buildings. Accordingly, this study focuses on analysing the thermal performance of external wall panels made of cold‐formed and thin‐walled steel‐lipped channel studs with plasterboard linings and vacuum insulation panels (VIP). 2D and 3D finite element models developed in ABAQUS were used to analyse the effect of using VIP, oriented strand board and plasterboard, and their positions on the thermal transmittance of the CSF walls. 70 numerical analyses were conducted on 35 wall configurations and the results obtained were checked against the U‐value requirements set by UK building standards. It was found that replacing oriented strand boards with plasterboards does not substantially affect the thermal transmittance of the wall. However, adopting VIP as an insulation material has shown a U‐value reduction of up to 77%. But again, the change in position of VIP in the wall cross section has no notable effect on the U‐value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Heliostar™ ablation system is a novel RF balloon ablation technology with an integrated three‐dimensional mapping system. Here, we describe our early experience and procedural outcomes using this technology for atrial fibrillation catheter ablation. Methods: We sought to comprehensively assess the first 60 consecutive patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation using the novel HELISOTAR™ RF balloon technology including procedural outcomes. A comparison of the workflow between two different anaesthetic modalities (conscious sedation [CS] vs. general anaesthesia [GA]) was made. Procedural data were collected prospectively from two high‐volume centers (Barts Heart Centre, UK and University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich). A standardized approach for catheter ablation was employed. Results: A total of 35 patients had the procedure under CS and the remaining under GA. Mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were 84 ± 33 min and 1.1 min. The median duration of RF energy application was 7 (5–9.8) mins per patient. All veins were successfully isolated, and the median isolation time was 10 (7–15) seconds. Our cohort's rate of procedural complications was low, with no mortality within 30 days postprocedure. Conclusion: Our early experience shows that catheter ablation using the Heliostar™ technology can be performed efficiently and safely; however, long‐term data is yet to be established. Low fluoroscopy requirements, short learning curves and use of this technology with CS is possible, including the use of an oesophageal temperature probe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]