EP Fellows Curriculum: "Pill-in-Pocket" Anticoagulation for AF - Fact, Fiction, or Foolish?-EP Fellows Curriculum: "Pill-in-Pocket" Anticoagulation for AF

EP Fellows Curriculum: "Pill-in-Pocket" Anticoagulation for AF - Fact, Fiction, or Foolish?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Rod Passman of Northwestern University presented a talk on the concept of "pill-in-the-pocket" anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AFib). The idea is to use wearable devices, such as smartwatches, to monitor AFib patients and deliver personalized, targeted anticoagulation as needed, rather than continuously. Dr. Passman shared the results of pilot studies that showed promising outcomes, including a significant reduction in the time on oral anticoagulation and no strokes. He also discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with using wearable devices for AFib monitoring and anticoagulation management. Dr. Passman emphasized the need for further research and larger trials to validate the approach and determine its safety and effectiveness. He believes that this personalized approach could reduce bleeding and costs, improve quality of life for patients, and change the indications for rhythm control strategies. However, he acknowledged concerns about the widespread use of the approach and the potential for misuse or overuse. Dr. Passman also addressed the need for healthcare systems to adapt their infrastructure to support the use of wearable devices and ensure proper data management and patient communication. While some pharmaceutical companies have not shown interest in the concept, tech companies like Apple are already investing in wearable technologies for disease management. Dr. Passman suggested that pivotal studies and evidence-based outcomes could encourage insurance coverage and integration of wearable devices into clinical practice.

Keywords

Dr. Rod Passman

anticoagulation

wearable devices

AFib monitoring

personalized approach

pilot studies

reduction in time

patient communication