In this episode of The Lead, host Christopher C. Cheung, MD, MPH, FHRS, is joined by Edward P. Gerstenfeld, MD, MS, FHRS, and Paul C. Zei, MD, PhD, FHRS, to discuss the journal article, A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Global Study Comparing Pulsed Field Ablation versus Anti-Arrhythmic Drug Therapy as a First Line Treatment for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AVANT GUARD). Together, they review the study design and findings, examining pulsed field ablation and anti-arrhythmic drug therapy as first-line treatment approaches for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Learning Objectives

• Review the design and key findings of the AVANT GUARD study comparing pulsed field ablation with anti-arrhythmic drug therapy as first-line treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation.
• Discuss the potential role of pulsed field ablation as an initial treatment strategy for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.
• Examine the comparative considerations of ablation-based and pharmacologic approaches in the management of persistent atrial fibrillation.

Podcast Contributors:

Host: Christopher C Cheung, MD, MPH, FHRS

Guests: Edward P. Gerstenfeld, MD, MS, FHRS and Paul C Zei, MD, PhD, FHRS

Disclosures:

Christopher C Cheung, MD, MPH, FHRS

• Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Medtronic, Inc., Biotronik, Biosense Webster, Inc., Abbott

Edward P. Gerstenfeld, MD, MS, FHRS

• Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Medtronic, Inc., Biosense Webster, Inc., Abbott, Boston Scientific, Varian Medical Systems
• Other Non-Financial Relationships: Adagio Medical, Boston Scientific, Abbott Medical
• Research: Abbott Medical
• Officer, Trustee, Director, Committee Chair, or Other Fiduciary Role: American College of Cardiology

Paul C Zei, MD, PhD, FHRS

• Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee/Speaker's Bureau: Varian Medical Systems, Biosense Webster, Inc., Abbott, Boston Scientific, APT Medical
• Research: Biosense Webster, Inc.