 |
The Lead Podcast presented by Heart Rhythm SocietyAuthor: The Lead Podcast presented by Heart Rhythm Society
The Lead a weekly journal review podcast that is designed to keep you up to date and informed on the latest publications and hottest topics in electrophysiology. Key takeaways, in-depth interpretations, and informative interviews are all fitted into 15 minute time slots, so that they fit easily into your busy schedule. Click the link below to learn more! Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
The Lead Episode 145: Heart Rhythm 2026 Late Breaker Coverage: A Discussion of Cognitive Function and Anticoagulation Discontinuation in Patients Without Long-Term Recurrence After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Episode 145
Thursday, 7 May, 2026
Welcome to the first episode in this week's triple-header of late-breaking clinical trial coverage from Heart Rhythm 2026 in Chicago. In this episode Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD from the Digital Education Committee sits down with David H. Birnie, MD and T. Jared Bunch, MD, FHRS to talk through this exciting late breaker. This late-breaking substudy of the ALONE-AF trial presented at Heart Rhythm 2026 evaluated whether discontinuing oral anticoagulation (OAC) after successful atrial fibrillation ablation impacts cognitive function in patients without long-term recurrence. The findings suggest that stopping OAC approximately one year post-ablation does not adversely affect cognitive outcomes, with cognitive scores improving similarly in both discontinuation and continuation groups among patients who remained arrhythmia-free. These results support the potential safety of OAC discontinuation in selected patients, while addressing an important gap in post-ablation management. Learning Objectives Understand the clinical rationale and current uncertainty surrounding continuation versus discontinuation of oral anticoagulation after successful AF ablation. Evaluate the impact of anticoagulation discontinuation on cognitive function in patients without recurrent atrial fibrillation. Apply emerging evidence from ALONE-AF and related studies to inform individualized decision-making on long-term anticoagulation management post-ablation. Podcast Contributors Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD David H. Birnie, MD T. Jared Bunch, MD, FHRS Contributor Information: M. Middeldorp Nothing to disclose. D. Birnie Nothing to disclose. T.J. Bunch • Honoraria/Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Heart Rhythm Society, Pfizer
