HRS Issues New Policy Statement for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
On September 23, 2024, the Health Policy and Regulatory Affairs Committee of the Heart Rhythm Society issued a Policy Statement on Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation (AF).
The statement emphasizes and reaffirms the foundational principles that are appropriate for the performance of AF ablation within the context of AF management found within the latest published expert consensus and guideline documents from HRS and its partner organizations in the United States and worldwide.
As newer tools have facilitated anatomically-based ablation approaches, electrophysiological endpoints (demonstrated electrical isolation of all pulmonary veins targeted for ablation, stimulation and ablation of additional arrhythmia mechanisms) remain essential to the success of AF ablation. Accordingly, HRS reaffirms the need for electrophysiological testing as part of the AF ablation procedure, and maintains its position that physicians performing catheter AF ablation must complete formal training in cardiac electrophysiology (in the United States via advanced EP fellowship training to achieve board-eligible or board-certified status in clinical cardiac electrophysiology), and actively maintain a strong electrophysiology knowledge base and skillset, in order to deliver comprehensive arrhythmia care aimed at optimal long-term outcomes for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation.