Atrial Fibrillation Symposium 2023 gave an insight into new technologies for atrial fibrillation, atrial fibrillation ablation and left atrial appendage closure. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Prof. Luigi Di Biase (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, New York, NY, USA) to discuss his highlights from the Atrial Fibrillation Symposium, 2–4 February […]

Radiofrequency and cryoablation have been the standard treatment options for atrial fibrillation ablation in recent decades. A new energy source has recently received a CE mark showing promise for atrial fibrillation patients. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Prof. Luigi Di Biase (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, New York, NY, USA) […]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder that increases with age and affects approximately 1-2% of the general population. The risk of developing AF is influenced by various factors, including age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and underlying heart disease. Dr Shaan Khurshid (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA) discusses the incidence and risk […]

 Artificial intelligence Atrial Fibrillation Shaan Khurshid AF Symposium 2023 Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown promise in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) risk by analyzing various patient data such as demographics, medical history, and electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings, which can potentially help identify high-risk patients and facilitate early interventions to prevent AF-related complications. Dr Shaan Khurshid (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, […]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common place across the United States and globally, with high prevalence and complication of stroke. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Dr Aloke Finn (Medical Director, CVpath Institute; Associate Professor, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA) to discuss healing following left atrial appendage (LAA) closure and the use of devices […]

AF Symposium 2023 Atrial Fibrillation Stroke  Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices are implanted in the heart and are intended to reduce the risk of thromboembolism from the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. AF Symposium is a highly focused three-day symposium bringing together the world’s leading medical scientists to share in a […]

The PREDICT LAA trial aimed to examine whether cardiac computed tomography- based FEops HEARTguide™ computational modelling would benefit clinical outcomes when planning for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Dr Ole De Backer (Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark) to discuss the PREDICT LAA trial and the next steps.  […]

When performing percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure, challenges arise that impact clinical outcomes and cardiac computed tomography (CCT)- based patient-specific computational simulations provide device-host interactions. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Dr Ole De Backer (Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark) to discuss these challenges and the use of cardiac computed tomography (CCT)- […]

Prof Hugh Calkins (The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md, USA) explains how the Arrhythmia Alliance has been instrumental in empowering patients to become advocates for themselves, ask more questions and increase their knowledge. The Heart Rhythm Congress 2022 is back in person and a unique chance to bring patients and healthcare professionals […]

The RIVER trial pre-specified analysis presented at ESC 2022 aimed to test the efficacy/safety of rivaroxaban compared to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and bioprosthetic mitral valves, according to time of valve implantation. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Professor Renato Lopes (Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA) to discuss non-vitamin […]

This post-hoc analysis, using data from the GLORIA-AF registry, aimed to evaluate the risk of adverse events, primarily the risk of ischaemic stroke, despite anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Secondary outcomes were all-cause death, cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Dr Wern Yew Ding (Liverpool Heart and Chest […]

Prof Ben Freedman (The Heart Research Institute, Newtown, Australia) shares his excitement for the forthcoming in-person Heart Rhythm Congress 2022. He provides a sneak peak into the exciting programme and the sessions he is involved in. Questions What are you looking forward to at the Heart Rhythm Congress 2022? (00:28-01:00) Please summarize the key take-home […]

Prof Ben Freedman (The Heart Research Institute, Newtown, Australia) shares the key strengths of the Arrhythmia Alliance, why the society is so unique and why he is proud to be a supporter. He particularly praises their patient advocacy and endeavours to bring the patient voice to the forefront of medical research and international conferences. Disclosures: […]

INVICTUS aimed to assess rivaroxaban compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with rheumatic heart disease related atrial fibrillation. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Professor Ganesan Karthikeyan (All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India) to discuss the INVICTUS rheumatic heart disease research program and what this means for clinical practice.  […]

Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are the standard of care for patients with rheumatic heart disease related atrial fibrillation. Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant used to treat and prevent blood clots. In this touchCARDIO interview, we speak with Professor Ganesan Karthikeyan (All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India) to discuss the risk factors of stroke […]

PACIFIC-AF is a multicenter, randomized, active comparator-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group, dose-finding phase 2 study comparing the safety of the oral FXIa inhibitor asundexian with apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation. It was a pleasure to speak with Prof. Manesh Patel (Duke University, Durham, NC) who gives an overview on asendexian; its future in the […]

Dr Tanja Potpara (Belgrade University School of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia) kindly discussed with us her presentation on the journey of patients on novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs), which was presented during a session on atrial fibrillation clinical cases with focus on rhythm control and anticoagulation at this years EHRA. ‘NOAC patient journey: i.e. bridging, ACS/PCI, renal […]

The advantages and challenges of peri and post procedural anticoagulation with LAA closure devices were discussed by Prof. Luigi Di Biase in a short interview with touchCARDIO, at the annual AF Symposium 2022. The abstract entitled ‘Peri and Post Procedural Anticoagulation with LAA Closure Devices – An Evolving Story’ was presented at the annual AF […]