EP Edge® Journal Watch 36: ESC 2026, AF Ablation and Sham Trials | PVI-SHAM-AF, PFA-SHAM, SHAM-PVI, FlexPulse, NEXAF, IDEAL-AF, ENRICH-AF

Podcast: EP Edge Journal Watch: Cardiac Electrophysiology Research · Niraj Sharma MD FACC FHRS: Cardiac Electrophysiology & Cardiology

Opublikowano: 2026-09-14

What defines successful atrial fibrillation ablation: fewer recurrences, lower AF burden, better quality of life, or all three? In this ESC Congress 2026 special issue of EP Edge Journal Watch, Dr. Sharma examines evidence from Munich, Germany, August 28–31, 2026, alongside previously covered sham-controlled trials to explore what meaningful patient benefit should look like. PVI-SHAM-AF leads the discussion. Rolf Wachter and colleagues found lower sampled atrial fibrillation burden after catheter ablation, but no demonstrated superiority over sham on the primary Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) endpoint. We examine the primary result, the favorable sensitivity analysis, and why failure to de...