Convergent Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation: Advanced Understanding and Practical Discussion

This CME-accredited virtual symposium combines presentations from leading practitioners, discussions, and procedural videos to look at the latest data, patient selection, fundamentals of the procedure and the set-up of a convergent AF programme.

The cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) is electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins (PV). In patients with non-paroxysmal AF, PV isolation alone is insufficient and one needs to modify the atrial arrhythmogenic substrate. AF ablation is now a common procedure and mostly performed using a transvenous, endocardial approach with catheters. For patients with persistent AF however, this procedure is not sufficient.

There is a growing movement towards a convergent procedure management strategy, used alongside standard catheterisation techniques to optimise patient outcomes. More and more research suggests that an integrated approach involving multidisciplinary teams (of electrophysiologists and surgeons) may lead to improved success rates and increased patient satisfaction.

Convergent procedure is a promising therapy for patients’ refractory to standard AF treatment, however the approach involves some challenges that require specific attention from the medical specialities involved. Whilst a relatively new way of working for both EPs and surgeons, the benefits and best ways of implementing this in clinical practice are still largely unknown.

Endorsed by the British Heart Rhythm Society (BHRS), this programme has been accredited by the European Board of Accreditation in Cardiology (EBAC) for 1 hour of External CME credits.

Radcliffe Education requires contributors to our CME programmes to disclose any relevant financial relationships that have occurred within the past 12 months that could create a conflict of interest. These will be identified in the faculty section if applicable.

This programme is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from AtriCure. The scientific programme has not been influenced in any way by the sponsor.

In compliance with EBAC / EACCME guidelines, all speakers/chairpersons participating in this programme have disclosed or indicated potential conflicts of interest which might cause a bias in the presentations.

The Organising Committee/Course Director is responsible for ensuring that all potential conflicts of interest relevant to the event are declared to the audience prior to the CME activities.

This activity has been supported by an unrestricted educational grant from AtriCure.

There is no fee for taking part in this online learning activity.

Activities are designed to be completed within 60 minutes and must be completed by the registered user. Physicians should only claim credits for time spent on the activity. To successfully earn credit, participants must complete the activity in full in the indicated time frame.

To complete the course and claim certification participants must:

1. Read the course outline information supplied and complete pre-test questions if supplied prior to starting the activity. Users must read and study the activity in its entirety before completing the post-test questions.

2. Your results will be automatically saved and if a pass score is achieved (where applicable), you may be eligible to claim credit for the activity and receive a certificate of completion.