Second City Sessions: Meet the LBCTrialists (On-Demand)-Meet the LBCTrialists

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The Heart Rhythm Society session featured two late-breaking clinical trial presentations.<br /><br />Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen reviewed a CHAMPION-AF subanalysis comparing left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with NOAC therapy in patients who had undergone AF ablation within the prior 12 months. Among 606 such patients, LAAC was associated with substantially less non-procedural bleeding. Stroke rates were low, and the subgroup showed encouraging outcomes, though the analysis was not powered to establish subgroup-specific effects. The presenters cautioned that evidence remains insufficient to guide stopping anticoagulation after ablation, especially for higher-risk patients.<br /><br />Dr. Osama Dasa presented a single-center registry of 59 patients treated for VT or PVCs using the dual-energy Sphere-9 catheter. Acute procedural results were strong, and 70% of patients were free of VT at six months. Reported concerns included steam pops, possible incomplete lesion depth, valve interaction, transient cardiac stunning, and potential damage to implanted cardiac devices near ablation sites.<br /><br />The discussion emphasized that dual-energy ablation may broaden treatment options, but important questions remain about mapping, lesion durability and depth, patient selection, and device safety. Both speakers stressed the need for further studies and careful use of these technologies.

Keywords

Heart Rhythm Society

late-breaking clinical trials

CHAMPION-AF

left atrial appendage closure

NOAC therapy

atrial fibrillation ablation

ventricular tachycardia

PVC ablation

dual-energy Sphere-9 catheter