Heart Rhythm Society Press Release 

WASHINGTON, DC (September 27, 2024) – The Health Policy and Regulatory Affairs Committee of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) recently published a statement online in the Heart Rhythm Journal reaffirming the important role of electrophysiologists (EPs) in cardiac ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).
 
AF is on the rise, affecting nearly 40 million people worldwide.¹ Catheter ablation of AF is a treatment option for maintaining a normal heart rhythm and reducing arrhythmia-related symptoms. Due to the revolutionary work of cardiac electrophysiology physicians, scientists, and industry, ablation techniques have become increasingly safer and more effective.
 
"The prevalence of AF is startling. Alongside our members and partner organizations, we are committed to ensuring consistent and quality care for AF management," said Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD, FHRS, HRS President. "EP endpoints remain essential to the success of AF ablation. This statement emphasizes and reaffirms the foundational principles of AF ablation aimed at optimal long-term outcomes for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation."
 
HRS maintains its position that physicians performing catheter AF ablation must complete formal training in cardiac EP (advanced EP fellowship training to achieve board-eligible or board-certified status in clinical cardiac electrophysiology in the United States) and actively maintain a strong EP knowledge base and skillset. The statement outlines:
•    EP testing must be performed to assess pulmonary vein electrical isolation, as the lack of complete and durable pulmonary vein electrical isolation is an important cause of recurrent AF following ablation.
•    Physicians who perform AF ablation must formally train and maintain skills in EP-based testing and mapping, as well as advanced ablation therapeutics.
•    AF ablation in a combined procedure should be done with the same comprehensive EP evaluation and endpoints as a standalone AF ablation.
 
About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education, and optimal healthcare policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, D.C., it has a membership of more than 8,600 heart rhythm professionals from 94 countries. For more information, visit HRSonline.org.

¹https://www.hrsonline.org/news/press-releases-statements/multisociety-statement-defines-petct-spectct