This Week in Cardiology Feb 21 2025 This Week in Cardiology
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Feb 21, 2025 The podcast dives into the controversial 'blanking period' following atrial fibrillation ablation, raising questions about patient impacts. It discusses the risks of periprocedural myocardial injury in non-STEMI cases and how AI can predict atrial fibrillation after ischemic strokes. The conversation also explores the evolving standards for mitral valve repair, weighing the merits of surgical versus transcatheter methods to ensure the best outcomes for patients. Engaging and informative, it’s a vital listen for healthcare professionals.
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Blanking Period in AF Ablation
- Electrophysiologists use a "blanking period" after AF ablation where early AFib recurrences don't count against success.
- Other cardiac procedures like PCI, TAVI, and LAA closure lack this blanking period.
Impact of Blanking Period Duration
- A study found that shortening the blanking period to 8 weeks after AF ablation slightly lowers the one-year freedom from tachyarrhythmia.
- However, early recurrence predicts higher AF burden later, suggesting potential overtreatment of some patients.
Early Recurrence Predicts Late Failure
- Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) after AF ablation is common and highly predictive of later failure.
- The earlier the ERAT occurs within the blanking period, the higher the chance of late recurrence.