Town Hall on Rhythm and Rate Control, and Catheter Ablation as First-Line Therapy-Town Hall Rhythm/Rate Control/Catheter Ablation as First-Line Therapy (Video)

Town Hall Rhythm/Rate Control/Catheter Ablation as First-Line Therapy (Video)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this webinar hosted by Fred Kusumoto from the Mayo Clinic, the focus is on rhythm and rate control in atrial fibrillation (AF) and the evolving role of catheter ablation as a first-line therapy. The panelists include Andrea Russo, John Puccini, and James O'Hara, who discuss the significance of early rhythm control, the evidence supporting catheter ablation over antiarrhythmic drugs, and the nuances of patient management. They emphasize that contemporary guidelines have shifted to prioritize rhythm control due to its superior outcomes in maintaining sinus rhythm and preventing AF progression.<br /><br />The panelists discuss patient scenarios, including those with structural heart disease and the management of asymptomatic AF, stressing the need for individualized treatment plans. They highlight the importance of addressing risk factors that contribute to AF and preventing its progression by considering tools like catheter ablation. The experts also explore the implications of ablation for patients with heart failure and evaluate the potential for methodologies like AV node ablation when other strategies fail. They conclude by reinforcing the shift towards more frequent utilization of catheter ablation as a valuable therapeutic option in the management of atrial fibrillation.

Keywords

atrial fibrillation

catheter ablation

rhythm control

rate control

antiarrhythmic drugs

patient management

heart failure

AV node ablation

individualized treatment