What if stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation no longer meant trading protection for bleeding risk?

Factor XI inhibition—led by trials like AZALEA–TIMI 71, LILAC–TIMI 76, and LIBREXIA–AF—is poised to rewrite the anticoagulation playbook. By targeting the intrinsic pathway, these agents may decouple thromboembolic protection from major bleeding, potentially reshaping the role of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in stroke prevention strategies.

In this episode of EP Edge, Dr. Niraj Sharma breaks down the evolving data, drug classes, mechanistic rationale, and implications for future guidelines—while also looking at where structural interventions may still fit in this shifting landscape.

For: Source data/infographics see EPEDGE Newsletter on LinkedIn
For feedback, collaborations, or questions, email Dr. Niraj Sharma at epedgecast@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn

The paradigm is shifting. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is stepping out of the shadows—from rescue therapy to first-line strategy, driven by landmark trials like VANISH2, PAUSE-SCD, and PARTITA. Meanwhile, pulse field ablation (PFA) continues its rapid evolution—crossing over from atrial to ventricular applications—but questions about durability and embolic safety persist.

In this episode of EP Edge, Dr. Niraj Sharma takes you through the key data shaping modern electrophysiology, from trial outcomes to emerging technology, including injectable light-activated pacemakers and telomere-targeting strategies that may redefine longevity and prevention.

Whether you’re an EP, a general cardiologist, or in allied research, this episode offers evidence-based insights and forward-looking perspectives on where rhythm science is heading.
For: Source data/infographics see EPEDGE Newsletter on LinkedIn
For feedback, collaborations, or questions, email Dr. Niraj Sharma at epedgecast@gmail.com

or connect on LinkedIn

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has evolved from a niche option for oral anticoagulation–intolerant patients to a frontline procedural strategy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Landmark trials like OPTION, SWISS‑APERO, and COMBINATION are redefining how and when we use these devices.

In this episode of EP Edge, Dr. Niraj Sharma walks through the historical arc of LAAO, key evidence shaping contemporary practice, procedural complications often under-recognized (like silent cerebral lesions), and where the field is headed with AI, new device designs, and competition from Factor XI inhibitors.

This is essential listening for electrophysiologists, interventional cardiologists, and rhythm specialists navigating the next era of stroke prevention.

For: Source data/infographics see EPEDGE Newsletter on LinkedIn
For feedback, collaborations, or questions, email Dr. Niraj Sharma at epedgecast@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn