Event: Update on Atrial Fibrillation

Sharon Jebamalar1, Selva Maheshwari2, Deep Chandh Raja3

Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai

Overview

On September 2, 2024, the department of Cardiac Electrophysiology& Pacing at the Kauvery Hospital hosted an insightful “Update on Atrial Fibrillation”. The event was presided by Dr Adam S Budzikowski. This event aimed to shed light on the latest advancements and clinical practices in managing atrial fibrillation. Dr Adam S Budzikowski is an experienced senior electrophysiologist and the current director of cardiac electrophysiology services at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York. He has more than two decades of experience in the field. He also holds a PhD in Physiology. He was felicitated by the chief cardiologist Dr KP Suresh Kumar, the lead cardiac electrophysiologist at Kauvery hospital Dr Deep Chandh Raja and senior cardiologists Dr Anantharaman and Dr Manoj. (Figure 1)

Launch of Fluroless Ablation Technique: A major highlight of the event was the introduction of the “Fluroless Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation” technique by Dr. Adam S Budzikowski. (Figure 2) He demonstrated the novel approach, which aims to reduce radiation exposure during the ablation procedure, enhancing safety and patient comfort. The use of intracardiac echo, contact force catheters and oesophageal temperature monitoring was highlighted. In addition, the cardiologists discussed the current developments in management of atrial fibrillation. Dr Adam Budzikowski foresee pulseless field ablation along with left atrial appendage closure as the evolving go-to management strategy for patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation. The doctors also discussed the risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation and methods to address them like early detection and treatment of hypertension, obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea.

Live EP Study and RF Ablation Procedures: Dr Deep Chandh Raja alongside, Dr Adam S Budzikowski, performed electrophysiology (EP) study and radiofrequency (RF) ablation procedures for two patients with atrial fibrillation. This hands-on session provided valuable insights into the application of the flouroless ablation technique in clinical practice. A 42-year old female of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with persistent atrial fibrillation and 54-year old male with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation had pulmonary vein isolation by the novel technique. (Figure 3)

Round-table discussion: The day concluded with a discussion involving cardiology experts and cardiac electrophysiologists in the city of Chennai. The discussion focused on the practical implications of the new ablation techniques, sharing of experiences, and future directions in managing of atrial fibrillation.

Figure legends

Fig (1): Dr. Adam Budzikowski felicitated by chief cardiologist Dr KP Suresh Kumar and lead electrophysiologist Dr Deep Chandh Raja, senior cardiologists Dr Anantharaman and Dr Srikumar, and medical superintendent Dr Mahesh Kumar

Fig (2): Launch of ‘Fluroless ablation of Atrial Fibrillation’ by Dr Adam Buzikowski and Dr Deep Chandh Raja

Fig (3): Patient 1 is a 42-year old female with persistent atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein and posterior wall isolation was performed by fluoroless technique. Pre RFA (A), RF lesions (B) and post RFA (C) images are displayed; Patient 2 is a 54-year male with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed by fluoroless technique. Pre RFA (A), RF lesions (B) and post RFA (C) images are displayed.

Dr Deep Chand Raja S

Dr. Deep Chandh Raja. S
Consultant Cardiologist

Journals

Kauvery Hospital
Find Doctor
Book Appointment