A-fib: Fixing Heart

Rhythm Problems

 

 

MEET the Doctor in St. Louis, MO–who performs:

1. Pulse Field Ablation (PFA)
   • Which is a new non-thermal technique using electrical pulses to ablate heart tissue. It reduces damage to surrounding structures (e.g., esophagus, phrenic nerve), shortens procedure times, and has shown high success rates (97% in the Pulsed AF trial).
2. Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)
   • Which is used to prevent strokes in AFib patients, especially those who can’t take anticoagulants. Devices like the Watchman and Amplatzer Amulet have shown effectiveness, reducing stroke risk and dependence on blood thinners.
3. Integration of Rotor Mapping (See Below:)
4. Precision via Magnetic Guidance (See Below:)
5. Hybrid Ablation for Persistent AFib  (See Below:)

 

 

Mitchell N. Faddis, MD, PhD, is a Washington University cardiac electrophysiologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. As a graduate student, Dr. Faddis started studying veterinary medicine before making the switch to neuroscience at Washington University. He was initially interested in becoming a neurologist but after completing his clinical training, he realized cardiac electrophysiology was his true calling. Dr. Faddis believes new technology and advancements in MRIs have revolutionized his field of cardiac electrophysiology. He strives to build a strong rapport with his patients to help them make the right choices for their health. To learn more or request an appointment with Dr. Faddis, visit: http://www.barnesjewish.org/Physician….

Dr. Mitchell Faddis’ approach to treating atrial fibrillation (AFib) distinguishes itself through advanced mapping techniques and tailored ablation strategies, particularly for persistent or complex cases. Here’s how his methodology differs:

1. Integration of Rotor Mapping
While most cardiologists rely on **pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)** as the primary ablation strategy, Dr. Faddis supplements this with **rotor mapping** to identify localized sources of arrhythmia. By deploying a basket-shaped catheter to map electrical “rotors” (self-sustaining spiral waves of electrical activity), he targets specific zones causing AFib[1]. This contrasts with standard approaches that focus solely on isolating pulmonary veins, which may not address persistent AFib effectively[2][3].

2. Precision via Magnetic Guidance 
Dr. Faddis employs **magnetically guided catheters** (e.g., Stereotaxis Niobe system) for enhanced stability and sub-millimeter control during ablation. This reduces radiation exposure and improves access to challenging anatomical regions, such as the posterior left atrium[1][4]. Many cardiologists still use manual catheters, which lack this precision and may require longer fluoroscopy times.

3. Hybrid Ablation for Persistent AFib
For patients with continuous AFib, Dr. Faddis combines PVI with rotor ablation, addressing both the structural triggers (pulmonary veins) and dynamic electrical sources (rotors)[1]. In contrast, conventional ablation often stops at PVI, which has lower success rates for persistent cases  [2][3].

4. Focus on Real-Time Outcomes
During procedures, Dr. Faddis verifies success by remapping to confirm rotor elimination and observes AFib termination mid-procedure—a practice not universally adopted[1]. Others may rely on post-procedure monitoring alone.

5. Minimally Invasive Emphasis
While some centers prioritize surgical ablation (e.g., Cox-Maze) for refractory AFib, Dr. Faddis optimizes catheter-based techniques to avoid open-heart surgery, prioritizing faster recovery and reduced complications[1][4].

Comparison Table

| Feature                           | Dr. Faddis’ Approach                  | Conventional Approach |
|———————–|——————————-|——————————-|
| Mapping.                        | Rotor + PVI mapping[1]              | PVI-only mapping[2][3]             |
| Ablation Tools               | Magnetic guidance[1][4]            | Manual catheters[3]                   |
| Target                             | Rotors + pulmonary veins[1]      | Pulmonary veins alone[2][3].    |
| Procedure Validation   | Intraprocedural remapping[1].   | Post-procedure monitoring[3]  |

 

 

 

By combining cutting-edge technology with patient-specific mapping, Dr. Faddis offers a nuanced strategy that bridges gaps in traditional AFib management, particularly for complex cases.

 

Citations:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4_yaepwFBY
[2] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/atrial-fibrillation/afib-treatment-and-doctors
[3] https://www.bswhealth.com/treatments-and-procedures/cardiothoracic-surgery/cardiac-ablation
[4] https://www.barnesjewish.org/Curiosus-Mag/Article/ArtMID/6756/ArticleID/713/Magnets-Provide-Guidance-for-Treatment-of-Abnormal-Heart-Rhythms
[5] https://www.chinatowncardiology.com/blog/5-effective-treatments-for-atrial-fibrillation-af
[6] https://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/catheter-ablation
[7] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350630
[8] https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/0101/p61.html
[9] https://physicians.wustl.edu/people/mitchell-n-faddis-md-phd/
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pLumfgE0Hw
[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qf8m82K_KQ
[12] https://www.barnesjewish.org/Curiosus-Mag/Article/ArtMID/6756/ArticleID/504/Physicians-Improve-Treatments-for-Atrial-Fibrillation
[13] https://cardiology.wustl.edu/people/mitchell-n-faddis-md-phd/
[14] https://www.barnesjewish.org/Video-Library/emodule/2922/eitem/167
[15] https://www.barnesjewish.org/Video-Library/emodule/2922/eitem/91
[16] https://medicine.washu.edu/news/approaching-irregular-heartbeats-from-two-directions/
[17] https://www.columbiacardiology.org/patient-care/center-interventional-vascular-therapy/atrial-fibrillation
[18] https://www.thecardiologyadvisor.com/ddi/atrial-fibrillation-management/
[19] https://www.houstonmethodist.org/heart-vascular/arrhythmias-electrophysiology/atrial-fibrillation-atrial-flutter/
[20] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16851-catheter-ablation

—
Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

 

Novant Health is thrilled to be the first in North Carolina to introduce pulsed field ablation using the Medtronic PulseSelect system, the latest FDA-approved breakthrough for atrial fibrillation. Unlike traditional methods that use intense heat or cold, this innovative treatment employs targeted electrical pulses to precisely treat the heart. Not only does this new approach

1. reduce procedure time,
2. but it also minimizes risks to surrounding tissues.
3. With its enhanced efficiency and safety, pulsed field ablation is set to offer a faster recovery
4. and a better quality of life for those managing AFib.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Scott Lee:

Are you confused or misinformed about atrial fibrillation (AFib)? In this video, Dr. Scott Lee debunks eight common myths and misconceptions about AFib, helping you understand this common heart rhythm problem better. Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with AFib, this video will provide you with valuable insights and clear up any misunderstandings. Myths Addressed:

 

1. AFib is Life-Threatening:

• Understand why AFib is not directly life-threatening and what symptoms it can cause.

2. AFib Leads to Heart Attacks:

• Learn about the difference between the electrical and plumbing systems of the heart.

3. AFib is Hereditary:

• Discover why AFib is primarily age-related and not necessarily passed down genetically.

4. Only One Abnormal Rhythm:

• Explore the possibility of having multiple abnormal heart rhythms beyond just AFib.

5. AFib is Preventable:

• Understand the triggers and why AFib cannot be completely prevented.

6. Pacemaker is a Treatment:

• Find out why pacemakers are not a direct treatment for AFib.

7. Catheter Ablation is All or Nothing:

• Learn why catheter ablation is not a cure and how it helps manage AFib.

8. Ablation is a Cure:

• Understand why AFib is a progressive condition and why ablation is not a permanent fix.

 

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction by Dr. Scott Lee

00:37 – Myth 1: AFib is Life-Threatening

02:40 – Myth 2: AFib Leads to Heart Attacks

03:56 – Myth 3: AFib is Hereditary

05:04 – Myth 4: Only One Abnormal Rhythm

07:23 – Myth 5: AFib is Preventable

08:56 – Myth 6: Pacemaker as a Treatment

14:15 – Myth 7: Catheter Ablation is All or Nothing

18:38 – Myth 8: Ablation as a Cure

 

At the Atrial Fibrillation Education Center, our mission is to provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to make the best decisions for your heart health. Your treatment should be as unique as your situation. Visit us to learn more and take control of your heart health.

Check out more videos on our Channel:

/ @afibeducation 

Like and Share this video to help others understand AFib.

Comment below with your questions or share your experiences with managing AFib!

For more Resources visit our Website at: afibeducationcenter.com

Hashtags: #AtrialFibrillation #AFib #HeartHealth #Cardiology #AFibTreatment #PatientEducation

 

 

22,857 views Apr 10, 2024

Bradley P. Knight, MD, director of Cardiac Electrophysiology, performs pulsed field ablation, an innovative alternate treatment method for atrial fibrillation (AFib).

In this video, he discusses this recently FDA-approved technology, and how the delivery of electrical energy is an efficient and effective alternative to radio frequency and cryoballoon for achieving pulmonary vein isolation in patients with AFib.

 

 

Here’s a 5–10 bullet point summary of the transcript “The Future of AFib Treatment” with timestamps:

1. (00:00–00:32) Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a serious and common heart rhythm disorder that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and poor quality of life. Traditional treatments include medication and ablation.
2. (00:32–02:50) Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) is a new non-thermal technique using electrical pulses to ablate heart tissue. It reduces damage to surrounding structures (e.g., esophagus, phrenic nerve), shortens procedure times, and has shown high success rates (97% in the Pulsed AF trial).
3. (02:50–04:28) High Power Short Duration Ablation delivers higher power for shorter times to efficiently create lesions while minimizing complications. The Q-FAST study reported a 98% success rate and reduced procedure time.
4. (04:28–06:40) Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) is used to prevent strokes in AFib patients, especially those who can’t take anticoagulants. Devices like the Watchman and Amplatzer Amulet have shown effectiveness, reducing stroke risk and dependence on blood thinners.
5. (06:40–07:14) Integration of advanced imaging and mapping technologies (like 3D mapping, intracardiac echocardiography, and MRI) has improved precision and safety in AFib ablation procedures.
6. (07:14–08:56) Lifestyle modifications play a key role in long-term AFib management. These include:
   • Weight management
   • Healthy diet
   • Regular exercise
   • Stress reduction (e.g., yoga, meditation)
   • Alcohol reduction/cessation
   • Treating sleep apnea
7. (09:00–10:06) The shift toward personalized medicine tailors treatments to each patient’s unique profile, improving outcomes.
8. (10:06–end) The future of AFib care is promising, with technology and personalization improving safety, effectiveness, and quality of life—though lifestyle changes remain vital.

 

 

 

 

 

Warning, dramatically, limit or completely eliminate Fluoroscopy exposure

200,651 views  Jan 11, 2019

Visit http://www.jamesknellermd.com/ to receive Dr. James Kneller’s Monthly Newsletter.

Video description:

Dr.Kneller talks about the risks of fluoroscopy for doctors and patients.

Atrial fibrillation (AFIB) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. The burden of AFIB as well as awareness of this condition has increased dramatically in recent years. AFIB can be effectively treated with a procedure known as catheter ablation. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia – meaning the first thing the patient knows is that the procedure is over! Patients usually spend one night over night in hospital and go home on the day following the procedure.

While the patient is asleep, catheters are advanced through the large veins to the heart, arriving in the right atrium (RA). The majority of AFIB arises from the left atrium (LA). To access the LA, transseptal puncture must be performed, so catheter can be advanced across the very thin wall separating the RA from LA. Within the LA, the priority is then to perform pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The PVs can produces bursts of abnormal electrical activity, inducing episodes of AFIB. Catheter ablation is therefore performed around each of the four PVs, to achieve electrical isolation from the remainder of the LA. Durable PVI is the backbone of all ablation procedures for AFIB.

When the pattern of AFIB is paroxysmal (short episodes of AFIB that come and go), only PVI is performed. When the pattern of AFIB becomes persistent (episodes Lasting weeks to months), additional ablation targets may be addressed in addition to PVI. Tremendous progress in catheter technology and the evolution of electroanatomic mapping systems have made AFIB ablations far more safe and successful. In this video, we are using the CARTO mapping systems and catheters from Biosense Webster.

For additional information:

Atrial Fibrillation For Patients & Families – Full Presentation:

• Atrial Fibrillation For Patients & Fa…

• Customized ablation for atrial fibril…

 

 

This video covers the specific procedure called the watchmen procedure that is creating an alternative to taking blood thinners or more accurately anticoagulants. Key information starts at the 41:00 minute mark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,122 views Jan 21, 2014

Kay’s Story: 

When Kay Kudlacek was referred to Barnes-Jewish Hospital, she had already received treatment for atrial fibrillation, also known as afib. She’d tried medication, but her condition intensified; in response, her doctor suggested surgery. She was referred to an electrophysiologist to discuss her options. But Kay and her husband weren’t confident in the physician, so they began to research afib treatment online. When Kay mentioned her situation to a co-worker, he suggested she see Mitchell Faddis, MD, PhD, a Washington University cardiologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the section chief of cardiac electrophysiology. 

Before she developed afib, Kay says, “my husband and I led a full life; we were busy at work, active in our community and spending time together outdoors. I’d never even been in the hospital.” But in the fall of 2012, she noticed some irregular heartbeats—”just little blips here and there.” Eventually, Kay says, she was experiencing afib that would last from four to six hours at a time, every day. 

Dr. Faddis explains atrial fibrillation this way: “It’s the most common electrical problem people develop and is associated with a chaotic electrical rhythm in the heart’s top chambers. The heart rate is accelerated and irregular, and symptoms can be shortness of breath, lightheadedness or chest pain.” 

“It was unnerving to feel my heart beat so irregularly,” Kay says. “And it was both physically and mentally draining.” 

Dr. Faddis says that he often sees patients with afib who haven’t been helped by traditional therapy. In fact, to address this common situation, he and colleagues worked to develop the very technology and techniques he was proposing to use to treat Kay. This evidence of expertise gave Kay the confidence she needed to go ahead with surgery. 

The procedure Dr. Faddis performed, called catheter ablation, uses electrical current to create spots of burned tissue around the heart’s problem areas. Over time, these spots become permanent scars that prevent afib’s erratic rhythms from spreading through the heart. “In 2002, Barnes-Jewish was one of the first centers in the world to use catheter ablation,” says Dr. Faddis. “Since then, we’ve become a high-volume center for this treatment. Our team has become quite skilled at performing a complex procedure and caring for patients afterward. We do it very effectively.” 

Kay says the difference between life before and after surgery is like the difference between night and day. “I didn’t really realize how miserable I was, how awful I felt. But I had all the confidence in the world in Dr. Faddis, and now my afib is gone.” 

For more about Kay, visit: http://www.barnesjewish.org/patient-s…

 

 

Get an inside look at the cardiac catherization lab at Barnes-Jewish Hospital where Washington University physicians perform minimally invasive procedures for treating atrial fibrillation (a-fib) and other heart disorders. Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm and the most common electrical heart problem in the United States.

Watch as Mitchell Faddis, MD, PhD, discusses minimally invasive treatment options for atrial fibrillation including the use of rotor mapping. This approach allows physicians to identify and ablate the precise area of the abnormal heart rhythm. Learn more about minimally invasive treatment options for atrial fibrillation: https://www.barnesjewish.org/Atrial-F….

Key moments:

1. What Is an Electrophysiologist.  0:58

2. Atrial Fibrillation.   1:49

3. Symptoms for for People with Afib.  2:35

4. The Treatments That People Can Have for Atrial Fibrillation. 3:11

5. Most Important Treatment in Patients with Afib.  3:49

6. Catheter Ablation.  4:41

7. Rotor Mapping.   13:48

8. Pulmonary Vein Isolation.   17:14

9. Success Rate.   18:50

 

 

Title: “The Future of AFib Treatment”

Transcript: “(00:00) Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent and complex cardiac arhythmia characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate it can lead to severe complications such as stroke heart failure and a diminished quality of life while traditional treatments like medication and standard aFib ablation techniques have been the Cornerstone of aFib management recent advancements have significantly enhanced the efficacy and safety of apib treatment in this video I will do a deep dive into Cutting Edge advancements including Pulse Field (00:32) ablation high power short duration ablation and left atrial appendage closure however I’ll also emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications in the long-term management of apib first let’s talk about Pulse Field oblation Pulse Field ablation also called PFA is an Innovative technique that uses non-thermal electrical pulses to selectively oblate cardiac tissue unlike traditional thermal ablation methods such as radio frequency which is also called burning method and cryo oblation which is also called freezing (01:07) method PFA employs high voltage electrical pulses to create microscopic pores in cell membranes leading to cell death through a process called electroporation but what are the advantages of PFA one selective tissue ablation PFA can selectively Target myocardial tissue while sparing surrounding structures such as the esophagus frenic nerve and P pulmonary veins this reduces the risk of collateral damage and Associated complications two reduced risk of esophagal injury esophageal injury is a known severe risk of thermal ablation (01:43) techniques pfa’s non-thermal mechanism minimizes this risk making it a safer option for patients three rapid procedure PFA procedures are generally quicker than traditional ablation methods reducing overall procedure time and improving patient safety and Recovery now let’s talk about clinical evidence and trials for PFA clinical Studies have shown promising results for PFA in terms of safety and efficacy the puls AF trial demonstrated a high rate of acute pulmonary vein isolation with minimal complications the trial included (02:16) 75 patients and showed a 97% success rate in achieving pulmonary vein isolation ongoing studies aim to further establish the long-term outcomes of PFA and its potential role as a firstline therapy for apib future trials are expected to include larger patient populations and longer follow-up periods to confirm these findings PFA systems such as the medronic pure select and the Boston Scientific fulse were both FDA approved starting in late 2023 with expected increased availability over the next year in many hospitals now let’s talk about high (02:50) power short duration oblation high power short duration oblation is a refinement of the traditional thermal radio frequency burning ablation technique it involves deliver deling higher power than previously used up to 50 Watts over a shorter duration around 10 seconds to achieve rapid and precise lesion formation while limiting damage to surrounding structures what are the advantages of high power short duration oblation one efficient lesion formation high power short duration ablation allows for the creation of effective (03:23) lesions in a shorter period reducing procedure times and improving patient Comfort two reduced risk of comp applications the controlled and precise application with lower burning times minimizes the risk of complications such as Steam pops and Char formation which can occur with prolonged lower power ablations three improve procedural outcomes Studies have shown that high power short duration ablation can achieve similar or Superior outcomes compared to Conventional ablation with higher rates of acute success and lower (03:55) recurrence of apib clinical evidence and trials for high power short duration ablation the q. fast study highlighted the benefits of high power short duration ablation in this study involving 52 patients the study showed High rates of durable pulmonary vein isolation and low complication rates the study reported an acute success rate of 98% with a significant reduction in procedure time compared to traditional methods further research is ongoing to optimize the parameters of high power short duration ablation and to confirm its long-term (04:28) efficacy and safety in larger patient populations now let’s talk about left atrial appendage closure left atrial appendage closure is a procedure designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with apib the left atrial appendage is a small pouch-like structure in the left atrium where most blood clots can form an apib increasing the risk of stroke left atrial appendage closure involves implanting a device to seal off the left atrial appendage preventing clot formation and subsequent embolization while reducing the need for (05:00) strong blood thinning medications so what are the advantages of left atrial appendage closure one stroke prevention left atrial appendage closure is particularly beneficial for patients who are unable to take long-term anti-coagulation therapy due to bleeding risks or other contraindications by sealing off the laa the risk of stroke is significantly reduced two reduced dependence on anti-coagulants most patients who undergo left atrial bage closure can discontinue their use of anti-coagulants which can have side effects and (05:35) increased risk for bleeding three minimally invasive left atrial appendage closure is typically performed using a minimally invasive catheter-based approach with a rapid recovery time and Associated lower risks compared to surgical options let’s discuss clinical evidence and trials for left atrial appendage closure the Watchman device is the most studied left atrial appendage closure device and has shown efficacy in reducing stroke risk the protect F and Prevail trials demonstrated that left atrial appendage closure with the (06:07) Watchman device is an effective alternative to Warfare and therapy the protect a trial which included over 700 patients showed that the Watchmen device reduced the risk of stroke systemic embolism and cardiovascular death by 40% compared to Warfare and the Prevail trial with over 400 participants further confirmed these findings newer devices such as the amplatzer amulet are also being evaluated and show promising results in addition there is the available integration of Advanced Technologies for apib oblation the (06:40) integration of Advanced Imaging and mapping Technologies has further enhanced the efficacy and safety of apib treatments highresolution 3D electroanatomic mapping systems intracardiac echocardiography and MRI guided ablation are examples of technologies that allow for more precise targeting of a rhythmogenic tissue and better visualization of cardiac structures during procedures these advancements contribute to improve procedural outcomes and reduced complication rates finally let’s talk about the importance of lifestyle (07:14) modifications despite these technological advancements lifestyle modifications remain essential for the long-term management of apib diet and lifestyle changes can significantly improve heart health and reduce the frequency and severity of apib episodes let’s discuss the key Lifestyle Changes in the long-term management of atrial fibrillation one weight management maintaining a healthy weight is crucial Studies have shown that weight loss can reduce the burden of apib and improve outcomes after ablation procedures two (07:49) healthy diet a diet rich in fruits vegetables whole grains and lean proteins can improve overall heart health and can also help manage apib three regular exercise physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and improves cardiovascular fitness however it’s important to consult with a healthc care provider to design a safe exercise plan for you four Stress Management stress can trigger aib episodes techniques such as yoga meditation and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress levels and reduce recurrence of atrial fibrillation after (08:25) an ablation five alcohol cessation reducing or complete cessation of alcohol intake can significantly improve the long-term success rate of apib treatment six treatment of sleep apnea untreated sleep apnea can significantly reduce the efficacy of long treatment for atrial fibrillation meanwhile well-treated sleep apnea can improve the success rate of apib treatment including ablation a personalized approach to apib treatment is very important for the long-term success of treatment the latest advancements in apib treatment (09:00) highlight the trend towards personalized medicine the choice of therapy is increasingly tailored to the individual patients clinical profile risk factors and preferences factors such as the duration and frequency of apib episodes the presence of structural heart disease and comorbid conditions influence the selection of treatment modalities as well as the success rate of procedures for apib conclusion the field of apib treatment is rapidly evolving with significant advancements such as pulse field ablation high power short duration (09:33) ablation and left atrial appendage closure offering New Hope for patients these Innovations promise improved efficacy safety and patient outcomes as research continues and Technologies Advance the future of aib management looks increasingly promising with the potential to transform the standard of care for millions of patients worldwide however it is crucial to remember that lifestyle modifications including weight management a healthy diet regular exercise and Stress Management remain essential components of long-term aib (10:06) control the ongoing focus on personalized medicine ensures that treatments are tailored to individual patient profiles maximizing the benefits of these Cutting Edge Therapies”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a slide deck outline for a presentation titled “The Future of AFib Treatment” — clean, clear, and ready to drop into PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Canva.

Slide 1: AFib

The Future of AFib Treatment
Innovations, Personalization & Lifestyle Approaches
Presented by [Your Name]

Slide 2: AFib at a Glance

• Irregular and rapid heart rhythm
• Risks: Stroke, heart failure, reduced quality of life
• Traditional treatment: Medication & standard ablation

Slide 3: Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) – A Game Changer

(00:32–02:50)

• Non-thermal ablation using electrical pulses (electroporation)
• Benefits:
  • Targets heart tissue while sparing nearby structures
  • Low risk of esophageal injury
  • Faster procedure & recovery
• PULSED AF trial: 97% pulmonary vein isolation success

Slide 4: High Power Short Duration Ablation

(02:50–04:28)

• High power (up to 50W) applied over short duration (~10 sec)
• Benefits:
  • Efficient lesion formation
  • Fewer complications (steam pops, char)
  • Reduced procedure time
• Q-FAST study: 98% success with shorter procedures

Slide 5: Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)

(04:28–06:40)

• Seals off the left atrial appendage to prevent stroke
• Benefits:
  • Reduced stroke risk for patients unable to use anticoagulants
  • Minimally invasive
  • Less reliance on blood thinners
• Watchman & Amplatzer Amulet devices validated by trials (PROTECT AF, PREVAIL)

Slide 6: Advanced Imaging & Mapping

(06:40–07:14)

• Enhancing precision in AFib ablation:
  • 3D electroanatomic mapping
  • Intracardiac echocardiography
  • MRI-guided procedures
• Improves safety and accuracy

Slide 7: Lifestyle Modifications – Still Essential

(07:14–08:56)

• Critical for long-term AFib management:
  • Weight loss
  • Heart-healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Stress reduction
  • Alcohol cessation
  • Sleep apnea treatment

Slide 8: Personalized Medicine – The Future Is Tailored

(09:00–10:06)

• Treatment plans based on:
  • Frequency/duration of AFib episodes
  • Structural heart disease
  • Patient preferences & risk factors
• Goal: Maximize outcomes with tailored care

Slide 9: Key Takeaways

• PFA & high-power ablation: faster, safer procedures
• LAAC: stroke prevention without lifelong anticoagulants
• Imaging tech improves targeting
• Lifestyle change is non-negotiable
• Personalized care is the new standard

Slide 10: Thank You

Questions?
Let’s talk about your path to better heart health.

Would you like me to export this into an actual PowerPoint or Google Slides file for you?

 

 

Future_of_AFib_Treatment_Presentation