Embracing New Approaches in Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Published: 04 August 2022

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  • episode_image
    12m 32s
    Part 4 Panel Discussion
    Andrea Russo, Hugh Calkins, Adrian Pick, Emily Kotschet, David DeLurgio, Rukshen Weerasooriya, Pragnesh Joshi
  • episode_image
    3m 59s
    Part 1 Welcome and Introductions Andrea Russo, Hugh Calkins, David DeLurgio, Rukshen Weerasooriya, Pragnesh Joshi, Emily Kotschet, Adrian Pick
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Overview

This on-demand version of the live broadcast aims to highlight the benefits of a hybrid management approach for minimally invasive procedures.


In non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), where modification of the atrial arrhythmogenic substrate is required, catheter-based ablation using a transvenous, endocardial approach is commonly used but there is growing evidence for a hybrid approach to improve patient outcomes. Research suggests that an integrated approach involving both electrophysiologists and surgeons can lead to improved success rates and increased patient satisfaction compared with a catheter-only approach.

 

Whilst relatively new, hybrid AF ablation counts some of the world’s leading surgeons and electrophysiologists amongst its advocates. This expert-led broadcast is aimed at increasing awareness of the approach and helping physicians to adopt it in their daily practice, thanks to a series of practically-focussed presentations and discussions from some of the world’s leading experts.

 

Note, the live version of this session was CME accredited; this on-demand version is not.

This programme is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from AtriCure.

Key Learning Objectives

  • Define the key team members essential for the adoption of the convergent procedure
  • Recall the scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of hybrid ablation techniques in persistent AF
  • Identify clinical and anatomical features that make patients good candidates for whom the convergent procedure
  • Describe the role of electrophysiologist and surgeon in hybrid approaches
  • Compare the overall approach to hybrid ablation with other approaches such as Mini Maze
  • Identify local barriers preventing the uptake of hybrid ablation approaches

Target Audience

  • Electrophysiologists (EPs)
  • Cardiothoracic Surgeons
  • Interventional and General Cardiologists
  • Other referrers to EPs

More from this programme

Part 1

Welcome and Introductions

Dr Calkins and Dr Russo introduce the faculty and the agenda for the programme.
1 session
Welcome and Introductions Watch now

Part 2

Catheter, Surgical, and Hybrid AF Ablation: How Did We Get Here?

In this first session, Dr Calkins presents on the journey to treat hybrid ablation effectively using different techniques.
1 session
Catheter, Surgical, and Hybrid AF Ablation: How Did We Get Here? Watch now

Part 3

The Data Behind Hybrid Ablation

Dr DeLurgio provides an overview of the data from the CONVERGE trial.
1 session
The Data Behind Hybrid Ablation Watch now

Part 4

Panel Discussion

The panel wrap up the first part of this broadcast and discuss patient selection for hybrid ablation and practical considerations when adopting a hybrid ablation approach.
1 session
Panel Discussion Watch now

Part 5

Adopting a Hybrid Approach

Prof Weerasooriya and Mr Joshi share their experience with case based examples from their practice in Perth, and discuss practical considerations for adopting the convergent procedure.
1 session
Adopting a Hybrid Approach Watch now

Part 6

Minimally Invasive Approaches for Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Building a Successful Practice

In this final session, Dr Kotschet and Mr Pick share their experience from Melbourne. They discuss patient selection and how to build a successful team from an EPs perspective.
1 session
Minimally Invasive Approaches for Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Building a Successful Practice Watch now

Part 7

The Future of Hybrid Surgical Ablation: Panel Discussion

The panel wrap up by discussing audience poll results and the future of hybrid surgical ablation.
1 session
The Future of Hybrid Surgical Ablation: Panel Discussion Watch now

Faculty Biographies

Hugh Calkins

Hugh Calkins

Professor of Medicine and Director of Electrophysiology

Dr Hugh Calkins is Professor of Medicine and Director of Electrophysiology at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution in Baltimore, US.  

He has clinical and research interests in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias with catheter ablation, the role of device therapy for treating ventricular arrhythmias, the evaluation and management of syncope and the study of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. He has certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease (1989), Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (1992) and Internal Medicine (1986).

Dr Calkins has over 38 years of experience in the medical field. He is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology and is on the editorial board of several prestigious publications including The Journal of the American College of Cardiology; HeartRhythm and Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. He is a former member of the American Board…

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