The COP-AF trial looked at the use of anti-inflammatory colchicine in patients undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery and reducing risk of cardiovascular complications, especially perioperative atrial fibrillation and myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS). We spoke to Prof. David Conen (Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada), principle investigator of COP-AF and presenter at the […]

The AdaptResponse trial was designed to assess two methods of restoring resynchronization to the heart in patients with heart failure with left bundle branch block. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Dr Bruce Wilkoff (Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA) to discuss the design of the AdaptResponse trial, the outcomes as well as the clinical […]

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is designed to restore the electrical activation in a more natural way in patients with heart failure. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Dr Bruce Wilkoff (Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA) to discuss the treatment paradigm with focus on cardiac resynchronization therapy for patients with heart failure. Bruce Wilkoff presented an […]

Recently it has been shown that NT-proBNP may be a useful tool for finding people with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Dr Søren Zöga Diederichsen (Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark) to discuss the post hoc analysis of the LOOP study. The abstract entitled ‘Atrial […]

The STROKESTOP and the LOOP studies have assessed the use of atrial fibrillation screening compared with usual care. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Dr Søren Zöga Diederichsen (Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark) to discuss the limitations of current atrial fibrillation screening. Søren Zöga Diederichsen presented an abstract entitled ‘Atrial fibrillation screening to […]

The POTTER AF registry looked at oesophageal fistula formation following atrial fibrillation ablation, with focus on the real world incidence, characteristics, optimal management and patient outcomes. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Professor Roland Tilz (University Heart Center Lübeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany) to discuss the results of the POTTER AF registry and […]

Oesophageal fistula formation is a very rare complication following atrial fibrillation ablation with a very high mortality rate. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Professor Roland Tilz (University Heart Center Lübeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany) to discuss the unmet needs in this field of study. Roland Tilz presented an abstract entitled ‘Oesophageal fistula […]

CEASE-AF is a trial comparing the efficacy and safety of hybrid total thoracoscopic ablation therapy to standard catheter ablation in patients with long standing persistent atrial fibrillation. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Dr Nicolas Doll (Schuechtermann-Clinic, Bad Rothenfelde, Germany) to discuss the CEASE AF trial and the potential clinical significance.  The abstract entitled […]