Heart Rhythm Society Unveils Guidelines on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Prominent Heart Organizations Release First International Clinical Consensus Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann-Marie White
Heart Rhythm Society
202-464-3476
awhite@hrsonline.org
DENVER — Some of the world’s most prominent heart organizations today released the first international clinical consensus statement on using catheter and surgical ablation techniques to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) at Heart Rhythm 2007, the Heart Rhythm Society’s (HRS) 28th Annual Scientific Sessions.
The Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation aims to improve patient care by providing physicians with a state-of-the-art review of catheter and surgical ablation for AF, the most common heart rhythm disorder and a rapidly growing health problem for more than three million Americans. Studies have found that only one quarter of patients with AF receive appropriate care.
“These guidelines are a major step toward helping physicians provide better, safer and more consistent care for heart patients worldwide,” said Hugh Calkins, MD, chair of the Heart Rhythm Society’s scientific and clinical guidelines committee and director of the arrhythmia service and electrophysiology laboratory at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Convened by HRS, a Task Force of international heart rhythm specialists representing the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association (AHA), the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS), the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and HRS has developed guidelines to provide a foundation of current knowledge for medical personnel involved with catheter and surgical ablation of AF. The statement addresses the indications, techniques, training, and follow-up for patients undergoing these procedures.
“We felt it was important to develop these guidelines so that patients in every corner of the world can receive the highest quality of care available,” said Josep Brugada, MD, PhD, president-elect of EHRA and chief of cardiology at the Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain.
According to the Expert Consensus Statement, ablation for AF should be considered in AF patients whose symptoms are severe enough to interfere with their quality of life and have failed or been intolerant to treatment with at least one antiarrhythmic medication.
Ablation of AF is more difficult, associated with greater risks, and requires more careful follow-up than other ablation procedures. Therefore, the Statement stresses that training for ablation of AF should encompass six fundamental principles:
- Appropriate selection of patients;
- Knowledge of the anatomy of the atria and adjacent structures;
- Conceptual knowledge of strategies to ablate AF;
- Technical competence;
- Recognition, prevention, and management complications; and
- Appropriate follow-up and long-term management.
This landmark Expert Consensus Statement was created in an effort to improve global patient care by providing a foundation of current knowledge for those involved with catheter and surgical ablation of AF.
*Additional materials are available.
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About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of over 4,400 heart rhythm professionals in more than 65 countries around the world. www.hrsonline.org
About Heart Rhythm 2007 Scientific Sessions
Heart Rhythm 2007, the 28th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society will be held May 9-12, 2007 in Denver, CO. To learn more about this year’s Scientific Sessions visit www.heartrhythm2007.org.
