The anticipation is building for Heart Rhythm 2024 (HRS2024), set to take place in Boston from May 16-19, 2024. The society’s annual meeting will delve into the latest groundbreaking research and advancements in the fields of cardiology and electrophysiology (EP).  

If you have not already done so, we highly recommend registering for the event by clicking here. This will allow you to plan your travel and accommodation, as well as utilize the online planner to select the sessions that interest you the most before they reach full capacity.

This year’s meeting will offer numerous opportunities to delve into the topic of atrial fibrillation.  Of particular interest is the latest developments in pulsed-field ablation (PFA). Following the recent FDA approval of the first PFA system, this subject has garnered significant attention. Attendees can look forward to sessions covering fundamental principles, clinical trials comparing PFA to radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation, and a wealth of information on safety and best practices.

Listed below are the sessions that we are eagerly anticipating at HRS2024, which will concentrate on the management and latest advancements in atrial fibrillation:

Hybrid Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Who, When, and How?
Date: 5/16/24 @ 2:30 PM
Location: 253 – BCEC
Hybrid ablation for treatment of persistent and long standing persistent atrial fibrillation is now well established and supported by pivotal RCTs. However, representation at the HRS Scientific Sessions has been minimal. Below, I propose a session designed to present up to date clinical data and experience for interested attendees. Because the Convergent Hybrid Ablation Procedure uniquely involves the cooperation of an electrophysiologist as well as a cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in arrhythmia management, I have drafted a session involving both specialties.

Exploring the 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
Date: 5/17/24 @ 10:15 AM
Location: Ballroom East West – BCEC
The 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation is the first full revision of recommendations for AF, superseding recommendations and updates from 2014 and 2019, respectively. Given the advances in therapies, technologies and techniques for the optimal treatment of patients with AF, it is imperative for practitioners across disciplines to be familiar with these updated guidelines. Furthermore, to understand what differs in this most recent document compared to prior issued guidelines, as well as remaining gaps in evidence and knowledge. This session will focus on salient features of the new AF guideline.

Pulsed Field Ablation – The Basics to the Bedside
Date: 5/17/24 @ 11:30 AM
Location: 252 – BCEC
This session is dedicated to Dr. David Haines, a leader in the development of ablation techniques, including pulsed field ablation. Attendees will review the principles of biophysics of RF energy and PFA delivery.

Detection and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Considerations for Special Populations
Date: 5/18/24 @ 8:00 AM
Location: 205 – BCEC
Management considerations for atrial fibrillation in special populations including: individuals > 75 years age, racial and ethnic minoritized populations, and women. Topics include detection of atrial arrhythmias, pharmacologic and procedural rhythm control, and stroke reduction therapies.

Enabling Therapy For Persistent Atrial Fibrillation With Pulsed Field Ablation
Date: 5/18/24 @ 8:00 AM
Location: 258 – BCEC
The session will focus on pulsed field ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation. Special focus will be given to extensive ablation with PFA (different catheters), different lesion sets/approaches and also different mapping (dipole charging, flow graphic and so on) with PFA for persistent AF. In particular most data with PFA are available for PVI in persistent AF. Little is known about extra PVI ablation with PFA, especially when coming to different PFA platforms and mapping systems currently available.

A Call To Action for An Innovative and Integrative Approach to Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Date: 5/18/24 @ 11:00 AM
Location: 252 – BCEC
This session will highlight key challenges in persistent AF management, and the emerging role of digital health in the management of AF, including the important digital health considerations in AF management, including the importance of “techquity” and addressing the social determinants of health in tackling persistent AF with digital tools, and the importance of patient, industry, and regulatory stakeholders when developing these tools.

Clinical Management of Atrial Fibrillation and Syncope Using Digital Health Tools: Current Status and Future Directions
Date: 5/18/24 @ 11:00 AM
Location: 210A – BCEC
This session will provide an overview of the recent evidence for atrial fibrillation and syncope screening, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties of screening using digital health tools including implantable monitors and wearable devices.

AF Ablation Indications, Strategies and Controversies in Clinical Practice: Learn From the Experts
Date: 5/18/24 @ 3:30 PM
Location: 253 – BCEC
This is a session designed to revise the different ablation strategies for the treatment of AF. Different clinical scenarios will be presented to a panel of experts in the field for a 10-minute discussion each. Topics to be discussed include: (1) First-line ablation for the treatment of AF (2) AF ablation in asymptomatic patients (3) Catheter ablation for persistent AF (4) Redo ablation in paroxysmal patients with all PV isolated (5) Choice of ablation technology: does it matter?

Neuromodulation in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Potential Missing Link? (Joint Session)
Date: 5/19/24 @ 9:30 AM
Location: 204 – BCEC
Although neuromodulation of the cardiac autonomic nervous system has emerged as a promising therapy in AF, it has not penetrated the practice with insufficient evidence and currently a Class II B recommendation has appeared in the Guidelines. On the other hand, renal sympathetic denervation and low-level vagal stimulation demonstrated promising good results in selected cases. In this session the neuromodulation strategies will be revisited.

Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: New Concepts and Data Driven Treatment Strategies
Date: 5/19/24 @ 11:00 AM
Location: 153 – BCEC
This session is designed to update attendees on the major new directions in pathophysiology and treatment of atrial fibrillation in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, a new and major focus of public health efforts in the USA and Europe.

HRS2024 promises to be an engaging and educational experience. Below, you will find a list of clinical guidelines published by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) since 2018, which we hope will serve as a helpful refresher ahead of the meeting and we look forward to seeing you there!

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