Overview

Cardiac electrophysiologic therapy has evolved substantially from primarily managing arrhythmias with drugs to using various nonpharmacologic methods to detect and terminate arrhythmias. Among these are the treatment options for patients with ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation (VT/VF), the chief cause of sudden cardiac death. Pharmacotherapy has not proved adequate for many patients with VT/VF. Although implantable cardioverter-defibrillators can effectively terminate VT/VF, repetitive shocks impair quality of life, and inappropriate shocks in patients with heart failure are associated with higher mortality rates. Percutaneous catheter ablation is a promising therapy, particularly in patients with recurrent, drug-refractory VT.

Methods for managing patients who have atrial fibrillation (AF) have also changed. Guidelines for anticoagulant therapy have been updated and expanded. Nonpharmacologic therapies can now prevent embolic stroke in patients who are at increased risk of bleeding. Catheter ablation for AF has become mainstream, and new force-sensing catheters have improved outcomes and reduced complications.

This program is designed to provide electrophysiologists, cardiologists, internists, and associated professionals with state-of-the-art information on fundamental mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias and best practices in clinical diagnosis, evaluation, and management of abnormal heart rhythms.

Educational Objectives

After this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Review the role of cardiac imaging in the evaluation of arrhythmias.

• Select anticoagulant agents for individual patients on the basis of each agent's pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties.

• Identify and label risk levels for embolic stroke among patients with AF.

• Discuss left atrial appendage exclusion in the management of patients with AF.

Target Audience

Cardiologists, cardiologists with an interest in electrophysiology, cardiac electrophysiologists, internists with an interest in cardiology, catheterization laboratory technicians, and family and general practitioners.

Accreditation

Texas Heart Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

Texas Heart Institute designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The articles marked with ★ are designated for CME credit.

Term of Approval

July 15, 2018 through July 15, 2020.

Disclosure of Financial Relationships with Commercial Interests

The following individuals have reported no interest or other relationship(s) with companies that may relate to the educational content of this activity:

• Nilesh Mathuria, MD

• Alireza Nazeri, MD

• Payam Safavi-Naeini, MD

• Indranill Basu Ray, MD

• Abdi Rasekh, MD

• Sumit K. Shah, MD

The Planning Committee members have nothing to disclose.

The THI CME Staff have nothing to disclose.

The Program Reviewers have nothing to disclose.

Repurposing Statement

If you previously completed and received credit for the live CME-accredited symposium titled The Ali Massumi Cardiac Arrhythmia Symposium on 3 February 2018, please note that you will not receive credit for completing this activity. Participants who take part in an identical activity, even to validate learning or to clarify specific topics, cannot claim, nor will the Texas Heart Institute award, duplicate credit for the activity.

Method of Participation and Receipt of CME Certificate

To obtain CME credit for The Ali Massumi Cardiac Arrhythmia Symposium, Texas Heart Institute Journal section, you must:

• Carefully read the CME-designated articles marked with a ★ in this issue of the Journal.

• Answer the assessment questions presented on page 175. A grade of 80% must be attained to receive CME credit.

• Complete a brief evaluation.

• Claim your CME credit by mailing the completed assessment and evaluation to:

  THI Office of CME, 6770 Bertner Ave., MC 3-276, Houston, TX 77030

• The THI Office of CME will grade the assessment, and, if the score is 80% or higher, a certificate indicating the number of credits/contact hours earned for participation in the program will be mailed to you at the address you provide.

Evaluation/Feedback

For assistance or feedback on this activity, please contact the Texas Heart Institute Office of CME at 832-355-9100 or by e-mail at