{"podcast":{"title":"EP Edge Journal Watch","slug":"ep-edge-journal-watch-7561379","podcast_index_feed_id":7561379,"rss_url":"https://feeds.transistor.fm/ep-edge-journal-watch","website_url":null,"image_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/KWuXQ6fPAArQRCgfrqrxfzQNWh_DnAU4t75wkubUSk4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jMzFi/ZTYxOTI1M2U4NGRj/OGZmZjBhMDFlMjFm/NDQwMC5wbmc.jpg","author":"Niraj Sharma","episode_count":37,"summary":"Welcome to EP Edge Journal Watch — where cardiac electrophysiology meets evidence, precision, and perspective. Hosted by Dr. Niraj Sharma, this bi-weekly podcast distills high-impact cardiovascular and EP research into clear, clinically meaningful insights. Each episode goes beyond headlines and abstracts to uncover what new studies actually mean for patient care, decision-making, and the future of electrophysiology. What EP Edge Journal Watch stands for: Evidence-based practice Precision electrophysiology A forward-thinking, edge-driven approach to how we interpret and apply data in real-world clinical settings. Whether you’re an electrophysiologist, cardiologist, researcher, trainee, or allied health professional, EP Edge Journal Watch brings you the signal — not the noise. Expect sharp summaries, thoughtful commentary, and practical takeaways designed for the busy clinician who wants to stay ahead of the curve","last_synced_at":"2026-07-20T20:18:25.367003+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/ep-edge-journal-watch-7561379"},"episode":{"title":"EP Edge Journal Watch #14 (March 2026):  AF Ablation at the Extremes: Octogenarians, HFrEF PVI-Only, LAAC, PFA Hemolysis/AKI & Redo Timing","slug":"ep-edge-journal-watch-14-march-2026-af-ablation-at-the-extremes-octogenarians-hfref-pvi-only-laac-pfa-hemolysis-aki-redo-timing","published_at":"2026-03-09T09:30:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/ep-edge-journal-watch-7561379/ep-edge-journal-watch-14-march-2026-af-ablation-at-the-extremes-octogenarians-hfref-pvi-only-laac-pfa-hemolysis-aki-redo-timing","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/ep-edge-journal-watch-7561379","url":"https://share.transistor.fm/s/7d54f910","audio_url":"https://media.transistor.fm/7d54f910/2b4dfe8e.mp3","summary":"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. This episode covers: AF 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. Heart failure + AF (POLAR-HF): the case for a standardized PVI-only approach in HFrEF—and when simplicity is the point. LAAC after ablation (OPTION subanalysis): whether left atrial appendage closure changes AF recurrence (and why rhythm success ≠ stroke immunity). Severe spontaneous echo contrast before LAAC (OCEAN-LAAC): when “smoke” is a high-risk biology phenotype that should change surveillance and post-device antithrombotic strategy. Multimorbidity and PVI: what long-term recurrence really looks like in high comorbidity-burden patients—and how to reset goals toward AF burden and symptoms. Pulsed field ablation safety: hemolysis markers (haptoglobin depletion) , AKI risk under routine hydration , and who needs tighter post-procedure monitoring (Farapulse vs PulseSelect). Redo ablation timing: evidence that earlier repeat ablation after recurrence may improve rhythm and quality-of-life outcomes. Plus: 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. References and visuals are available with the newsletter on LinkedIn and on Substack (epedge.substack.com) .","meta_description":"In EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 14 (March 2026) , Dr. Niraj Sharma breaks down the most clinically “edge-case” decisions in contemporary electrophysiology—…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2006,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/ep-edge-journal-watch-7561379/episodes/ep-edge-journal-watch-14-march-2026-af-ablation-at-the-extremes-octogenarians-hfref-pvi-only-laac-pfa-hemolysis-aki-redo-timing/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/ep-edge-journal-watch-7561379/ep-edge-journal-watch-14-march-2026-af-ablation-at-the-extremes-octogenarians-hfref-pvi-only-laac-pfa-hemolysis-aki-redo-timing.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}