The session is supported by Boston Scientific.

Agenda

• 00:50: Introduction – Christian-Hendrik Heeger

• 02:45: Ablation as First Line, Treatment of Persistent AF Strategy, Concomitant Ablation/LAAC – Reza Wakili

• 14:00: Integrated Mapping for PFA - Initial Experience – Gábor Széplaki

• 27:13: OPTION Trial Results – Lucas Boersma

• 40:08: Discussion and Q&A

Chaired by Christian-Hendrik Heeger (Hamburg, DE) and Sandrine Venier (Grenoble, FR), the session featured Reza Wakili (Frankfurt, DE), Gábor Széplaki (Dublin, IE) and Lucas Boersma (Nieuwegein, NL) discussing advancements in atrial fibrillation (AF) care. Dr Wakili highlighted the latest AF ablation strategies, focusing on pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and the role of pulse field ablation (PFA) in rhythm control. He referenced key trials, such as MANIFEST and ADVENT, which demonstrate PFA’s efficacy and safety. Additionally, he explored the potential of concomitant PVI and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) to reduce stroke risk, referencing the OPTION trial’s findings.

Dr Széplaki introduced the integration of the FARAWAVE catheter into 3D mapping systems, improving precision in PFA procedures while reducing fluoroscopy time. Prof Boersma presented the OPTION trial, which compared LAAC with anticoagulation post-ablation, showing LAAC’s non-inferiority for stroke prevention and superiority in reducing major bleeding. The panel debated optimal procedural sequences, stressing the need for further research on PFA for persistent AF and additional ablation targets like the mitral isthmus.