Clinical Guidelines & Documents
Rationale, considerations, and goals for atrial fibrillation centers of excellence: A Heart Rhythm Society perspective
Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains an important global problem.1–3 AF continues to lead to poor health outcomes, including reduced quality of life (QoL) and increased risks of heart failure, cognitive impairment, stroke, and death.4,5 Moreover, it has a significant financial impact on health care systems and their associated economies.6–8 In order to improve care for patients with AF, there is an increasing recognition that current care must evolve. Health care organizations should move from a system of siloed outpatient and inpatient clinicians and health care facilities to a system of integrated, coordinated, and patient-centered AF centers.The Heart Rhythm Society/American College of Physicians Atrial Fibrillation Screening and Education Initiative
The prevalence of both atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke is increasing. Stroke is common in AF and can have devastating consequences, especially when AF is unrecognized and anticoagulation is not initiated.2019 AHA/ACC/HRS focused update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society
Glenn N. Levine, MD, FACC, FAHA, ChairHarmonized outcome measures for use in atrial fibrillation patient registries and clinical practice: Endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society Board of Trustees
Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects an estimated 33 million people worldwide, leading to increased mortality and an increased risk of heart failure and stroke. Many AF patient registries exist, but the ability to link and compare data across registries is hindered by differences in the outcome measures collected by each registry and a lack of harmonization.2017 HRS/EHRA/ECAS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: Executive summary
During the past three decades, catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) have evolved from investigational procedures to their current role as effective treatment options for patients with AF. Surgical ablation of AF, using either standard, minimally invasive, or hybrid techniques, is available in most major hospitals throughout the world. Catheter ablation of AF is even more widely available, and is now the most commonly performed catheter ablation procedure.2017 HRS/EHRA/ECAS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation
During the past three decades, catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) have evolved from investigational procedures to their current role as effective treatment options for patients with AF. Surgical ablation of AF, using either standard, minimally invasive, or hybrid techniques, is available in most major hospitals throughout the world. Catheter ablation of AF is even more widely available, and is now the most commonly performed catheter ablation procedure.SCAI/ACC/HRS institutional and operator requirements for left atrial appendage occlusion
Ischemic stroke remains a significant risk for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the WATCHMAN device for percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) represents an important addition to the physician’s armamentarium to help mitigate this problem. The evolution of LAA occlusion technology has spanned nearly two decades and three FDA panel hearings, leading to FDA approval in 2015. As this technology becomes clinically available to a broader population of patients, it is essential that physician stakeholders establish criteria for the performance of these procedures that will be used in granting initial and ongoing privileges.HRS/NSA 2014 survey of atrial fibrillation and stroke: Gaps in knowledge and perspective, opportunities for improvement
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is substantial and increasing. Stroke is common in AF and can have devastating consequences. Oral anticoagulants are effective in reducing stroke risk, but are underutilized.
