{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"EP Edge Journal Watch: Cardiac Electrophysiology Research","title":"EP Edge Journal Watch #14 (March 2026):  AF Ablation at the Extremes: Octogenarians, HFrEF PVI-Only, LAAC, PFA Hemolysis/AKI & Redo Timing ","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/7d54f910\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2006,"description":"In EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 14 (March 2026), Dr. Niraj Sharma breaks down the most clinically “edge-case” decisions in contemporary electrophysiology—where ablation strategy, stroke prevention, and safety monitoring collide.\nThis episode covers:\nAF ablation in octogenarians (REHEALTH AF): why the signal may be less about short-term hard outcomes and more about symptoms, function, and patient-centered endpoints.\nHeart failure + AF (POLAR-HF): the case for a standardized PVI-only approach in HFrEF—and when simplicity is the point.\nLAAC after ablation (OPTION subanalysis): whether left atrial appendage closure changes AF recurrence (and why rhythm success ≠ stroke immunity).\nSevere spontaneous echo contrast before LAAC (OCEAN-LAAC): when “smoke” is a high-risk biology phenotype that should change surveillance and post-device antithrombotic strategy.\nMultimorbidity and PVI: what long-term recurrence really looks like in high comorbidity-burden patients—and how to reset goals toward AF burden and symptoms.\nPulsed field ablation safety: hemolysis markers (haptoglobin depletion), AKI risk under routine hydration, and who needs tighter post-procedure monitoring (Farapulse vs PulseSelect).\nRedo ablation timing: evidence that earlier repeat ablation after recurrence may improve rhythm and quality-of-life outcomes.\nPlus: PACED score for LVEF recovery after AF ablation, LBBAP upgrades for pacing-induced cardiomyopathy, and a cardiology bonus trial (APERITIF) on LV thrombus prevention after anterior STEMI.\nReferences and visuals are available with the newsletter on LinkedIn and on Substack (epedge.substack.com).","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/C7iPWVsHlGRm13syn3X4eXGLcqOXyzcuH5XmVutqgHc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jMzFi/ZTYxOTI1M2U4NGRj/OGZmZjBhMDFlMjFm/NDQwMC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}