EP Edge Journal Watch
EP Edge Journal Watch is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Niraj Sharma that distills high-impact cardiovascular and electrophysiology research into clear, clinically meaningful insights. Each episode goes beyond headlines and abstracts to uncover what new studies mean for patient care and decision-making. The podcast focuses on evidence-based practice, precision electrophysiology, and a forward-thinking approach to interpreting data in real-world clinical settings. It is designed for electrophysiologists, cardiologists, researchers, trainees, and allied health professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve.
Episodes
EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 33, August 2026: Anticoagulation After AF Ablation, PFA Safety, Lead Extraction and Sudden Death Risk
How long should anticoagulation continue after an apparently successful atrial fibrillation ablation? Should prophylactic pulmonary vein isolation be added during typical atrial flutter ablation in patients with heart failure? What do emerging data reveal about neurologic events, hemolysis, and renal safety with pulsed-field ablation?In EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 33, August 2026, Dr. Sh
EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 32 August 2026: AF Ablation Anticoagulation, Flecainide After CAST, AI-ECG & PFA Mapping
Can anticoagulation be safely discontinued after successful atrial fibrillation ablation? Is the traditional prohibition against flecainide in structural heart disease too broad or does CAST remain an essential warning? And can AI-enabled ECGs, unipolar voltage mapping, and cardiac MRI improve how we detect AF and characterize arrhythmic substrate?In EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 32, Dr. N
EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 31, August 2026: Caffeine, Wine, Atrial Fibrillation, Pulsed-Field Ablation and Sudden Cardiac Death
In EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 31, August 2026, Dr. Sharma examine new evidence that challenges several familiar assumptions in cardiac electrophysiology.Should patients with atrial fibrillation routinely stop drinking coffee? An American Heart Association scientific statement reviews the cardiovascular effects of caffeine, including randomized evidence showing a 39% lower risk of recurr
EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 30: VISION AF, Pulsed Field Ablation Safety, PACE-HF and Conduction System Pacing | July 2026
In EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 30, July 2026, we explore the next phase of cardiac electrophysiology, from pulsed field ablation durability and physiologic pacing to neuromodulation, sleep, fitness, and lifetime arrhythmia risk.We begin with the first-in-human VISION AF study, which evaluates an endoscope-enabled pulsed field ablation balloon that allows direct visualization of the elect
EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 29: Atrial Fibrillation Ablation vs Antiarrhythmic Drugs, CABANA Progression and Anticoagulation | July 2026
In EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 29, July 2026, we examine the evidence reshaping contemporary atrial fibrillation management and the rapidly changing role of catheter ablation.Two major meta-analyses compare catheter ablation with antiarrhythmic drug therapy, addressing rhythm efficacy, serious adverse events, hospitalization, treatment intolerance, and whether medications still deserve a
EP Edge × HRS Podcast: CT-Guided VT Ablation & LAA Closure Without AF: InEurHeart and OPINION, Caveolae, Alcohol and AFib, Pulse check and Afib Diagnosis
In this July 2026 episode of EP Edge Journal Watch, produced in collaboration with the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Mike Lloyd and Dr. Niraj Sharma review five studies with direct implications for contemporary cardiac electrophysiology practice.The anchor trials are InEurHeart, a randomized comparison of computed tomography-guided versus conventional catheter ablation for post–myocardial i
EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 28, July 2026: Pulsed Field Ablation Goes Mainstream, LAAO vs DOACs, Non-PV Triggers, and LBBAP Lead Position
In EP Edge® Journal Watch Issue 28, July 2026, Dr. Sharma reviews a major month in cardiac electrophysiology, where new technology is being tested against real-world evidence. This episode covers the rapid commercial adoption of pulsed field ablation, the NCDR AFib Ablation Registry, the VOLT-AF IDE balloon-in-basket PFA study, PFA-related intravascular hemolysis, and the evolving role of
EP Edge® Journal Watch, Issue 27, June 2026: CT-Guided VT Ablation, PFA Safety, Posterior Wall Isolation, and AF Substrate Precision
In this episode of EP Edge® Journal Watch, Dr. Sharma reviews the June 2026 Issue 27 newsletter, focusing on a central question in modern cardiac electrophysiology: how do we better match mechanism to intervention? This issue explores smarter procedural targeting, safer energy delivery, functional substrate assessment, and the evolving biology of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.The epi
EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 26, June 2026: PFA, LAAO, AF Ablation in Heart Failure, Myocarditis Risk and Sinus Node Biology
In this episode of EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 26, June 2026, Dr. Sharma reviews high-impact studies shaping contemporary cardiac electrophysiology, with a focus on smarter ablation strategies, safer left atrial appendage closure, post-arrest and post-myocarditis risk stratification, and the cellular biology beneath cardiac rhythm.This episode covers pulsed field ablation beyond pulmonary
EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 25 June 2026: AF Ablation, Left Atrial Appendage Closure, PFA Workflow, ICD Battery Longevity & Device Tradeoffs
In EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 25, June 2026, Dr. Sharma reviews the most clinically relevant new studies in cardiac electrophysiology, with a focus on atrial fibrillation, stroke prevention, pulsed field ablation, ICD therapy, CRT strategy, and EP lab decision-making.This episode is built around the theme “Beyond the Binary” — moving past simple endpoints like recurrence versus no recurr
EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 24 June 2026: AF Ablation in Heart Failure, VT Pulsed Field Ablation, Subcutaneous-ICD Shocks, Wearable Expansion, CABG AF, Genetics and GLP-1 Agonists
In this episode of EP Edge Journal Watch, Dr. Sharma reviews major electrophysiology and cardiology studies from Issue 24: Substrate, Sensing, Wearables, Surgery, and the Precision Turn. The central theme is precision EP: selecting the right patient, targeting the right substrate, interpreting the right signal, choosing the right antithrombotic strategy, and designing the right follow-up
Inaugural EP EdgeTM Journal Watch with Heart Rhythm Society: AVANT GUARD, LAA Closure, OCEAN, and the ALONE-AF Cognitive Substudy
The inaugural EP Edge Journal Watch and Heart Rhythm Society collaboration is here.In this first episode, Dr. Michael Lloyd from the Heart Rhythm Society Digital Education Committee joins Dr. Niraj Sharma, creator of EP Edge, to launch a new monthly format focused on the most clinically relevant literature in cardiac electrophysiology.This is not a routine article summary. It is a practic
EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 23 May 2026: PFA Durability, Posterior Wall Ablation, Outflow Tract PVCs, and Fitness as Substrate Modification
In EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 23, May 2026, Dr. Sharma reviews the latest high-impact electrophysiology and cardiology literature with a new focused format: four deep-dive studies and a rapid-fire review of the remaining trials.This episode explores whether pulsed field ablation platform design affects pulmonary vein isolation durability, how balloon-in-basket PFA may change posterior w
EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 22: PFA Safety, Lesion Durability, LAAO, Subcutaneous-ICD Testing & AF Ablation Success
In this episode of EP Edge® Journal Watch, Dr. Sharma reviews Issue 22, May 2026, focused on the next phase of electrophysiology: pulsed field ablation safety, lesion durability, long-term AF recurrence, one-stop AF procedures, device simplification, PAC suppression, and the evolving definition of ablation success.This issue begins with the Ferro EHRA 2026 real-world comparison of pulsed
EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 21 May 2026: AI-Guided AF Ablation, PFA/CIED Safety, VT Ablation, Cannabis and Arrhythmia Risk, HCM, HFpEF, RBBB, and Anticoagulation After AF Ablation
In this May 2026 episode of EP Edge™ Journal Watch, we review nine high-impact electrophysiology studies shaping contemporary EP practice. This issue covers AI-guided redo AF ablation, dual-energy lattice-tip ventricular arrhythmia ablation, pulsed field ablation safety in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices, neuromodulation for PVC suppression, cannabis-associated atrial
EP Edge™ Journal Watch: AVANT GUARD Trial, PFA as First-Line Therapy for Persistent AF: Half the Story
In this special HRS 2026 edition of EP Edge™ Journal Watch, Dr. Niraj Sharma takes a deep, clinically focused look at the AVANT GUARD trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, evaluating pulsed field ablation as initial therapy for treatment-naïve persistent atrial fibrillation.AVANT GUARD delivered the headline many expected: first-line PFA reduced atrial arrhythmia recurr
EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 20: AF Screening, Pulsed Field Ablation, ICD Shocks, CRT in AF, and Anticoagulation After Ablation
In this episode of EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 20, Dr. Sharma reviews some of the most clinically relevant new developments in cardiac electrophysiology, with a sharp focus on atrial fibrillation screening, pulsed field ablation expansion, device therapy trade-offs, and post-ablation anticoagulation strategy.This issue examines how Apple Watch–based atrial fibrillation detection performe
EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 19: Atrial Fibrillation Ablation, Conduction System Pacing, GLP-1 Therapy and Arrhythmia Risk
In EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 19, Dr. Sharma reviews the most important new studies in atrial fibrillation ablation, conduction system pacing, device therapy, and real-world arrhythmia risk. This episode covers a large multicenter analysis linking cannabis use with higher rates of atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, premature beats, and ventricular arrhythmias; the LEAF study on liragluti
EP Edge™ Journal Watch Special Edition: EHRA PFA Statement 2026 | What the New Guidance Means for AF Ablation
In this special edition of EP Edge™ Journal Watch, Dr. Sharma takes a focused, critical look at the 2026 EHRA/ESC scientific statement on pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation. This episode goes beyond a surface summary to examine what the new EHRA PFA statement adds to the field, where it is most useful in day-to-day electrophysiology practice, and where important evidence gaps s
EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 18 (April 2026): AF Cancer Signals, PFA Recalibration, EMBOL-AF, SMART-ALERT, LBBAP, and VT Rescue
In EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 19 (April 2026), Dr. Niraj Sharma takes a high-level look at the latest developments in cardiac electrophysiology, with a sharp focus on atrial fibrillation, pulsed field ablation, embolic risk, physiologic pacing, and ventricular arrhythmia rescue strategies.This episode moves beyond routine rhythm-control discussions and examines whether new-onset atrial
EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 17 April 2026: CLOSURE-AF, Left Atrial Appendage Closure vs Medical Therapy, CRT Pacing Trials, PFA Cerebral Emboli, and ViV-TAVR Pacemaker Risk
In this episode of EP Edge Journal Watch, Dr. Niraj Sharma reviews five clinically important studies spanning atrial fibrillation, structural heart intervention, heart failure pacing, and contemporary ablation safety. The episode opens with CLOSURE-AF, the randomized trial comparing left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with physician-directed best medical therapy in older, high-risk patie
EP Edge™ Journal Watch Breaking News Special Edition: CHAMPION-AF, PRAGUE-17, and CLOSURE-AF — LAAC vs DOACs in Atrial Fibrillation
In this EP Edge™ Journal Watch Breaking News Special Edition, Dr. Niraj Sharma delivers an in-depth analysis of the CHAMPION-AF trial and places its findings in direct comparative context with PRAGUE-17 and CLOSURE-AF, three pivotal randomized studies shaping the modern debate around left atrial appendage closure (LAAC/LAAO) versus direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for stroke prevention
EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 16: 11 New EP Trials on AF Ablation, SVT, Anticoagulation, PFA Safety, VT Pacing, and OHCA
In this episode of EP Edge Journal Watch, Dr. Sharma reviews 11 important new studies shaping modern cardiac electrophysiology, arrhythmia care, and cardiovascular risk management. This March 2026 issue covers intravenous amiodarone in preexcited atrial fibrillation, the NURSECAT-AF randomized trial of nurse-led care after AF ablation, left bundle branch area antitachycardia pacing vs rig
EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 15: PFA Recurrence, Bayesian AF Ablation, Non-PV Triggers, Diltiazem-DOAC Risk, and Stroke Prevention After AF Ablation
In EP Edge™ Journal Watch Issue 15, Dr. Niraj Sharma reviews some of the most important new studies in electrophysiology and atrial fibrillation management from March 2026. This episode explores whether early recurrence after pulsed field ablation (PFA) should still be viewed as part of a traditional blanking period or whether it may represent an early marker of later treatment failure. I
EP Edge Journal Watch #14 (March 2026): AF Ablation at the Extremes: Octogenarians, HFrEF PVI-Only, LAAC, PFA Hemolysis/AKI & Redo Timing
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 pat
EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 13 (March 2026): Ultrashort AF, ILR Accuracy, Semaglutide + Ablation, PADIT, PCOS, LBBAP and Next-Gen nanosecond PFA (SCENA-AF)
EP Edge Journal Watch — Issue 13 (March 2026) explores a core 2026 EP problem: signal detection (wearables, patches, ILRs) and energy delivery (next-gen PFA) are advancing faster than the clinical rules we use to interpret risk and outcomes. In this episode, Dr. Niraj Sharma breaks down what’s clinically actionable, what’s methodologically fragile, and what should change practice now vers
EP Edge™ Journal Watch: February 2026 Issue 12: AF Ablation “Success” Reframed: ADVENT-LTO 4-Year PFA Durability, 20-Year PVI Outcomes, Monitoring Rules, CIED Risks & PICM
In this episode of EP Edge™ Journal Watch (Issue 12, February 2026), Dr. Niraj Sharma breaks down a deceptively simple question in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation: what does “success” actually mean—at 1 year, 4 years, and 20 years? We start with ADVENT-LTO, the long-term extension of the randomized ADVENT trial, examining 4-year outcomes of pulse field ablation (PFA) vs thermal ablatio
EP Edge™ Journal Watch (Special Edition): Feb 2026 HRS/EHRA Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) Scientific Statement — Vote Counts, Safety Signals, and Real-World Workflow
In this EP Edge™ Journal Watch Special Edition, we unpack the newly released 2026 HRS/EHRA Scientific Statement on Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) and translate “consensus language” into practical, lab-ready decision-making. This isn’t a surface summary—it’s a critical appraisal of how the statement was built (including the 11-voter model), where the field is truly aligned, and where recommen
EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 11 February 2026: Varipulse Safety Signal, ElectroPulse PFA, Farapoint CTI Ablation, Leadless Pacemaker Infection & EP Occupational Hazards
In this episode of EP Edge Journal Watch, we review several developments that directly impact modern electrophysiology practice — from pulsed field ablation safety to operator health. We begin with the real-world Varipulse experience, where early neurovascular events dropped dramatically after workflow modification and reduction of lesion stacking, highlighting that PFA success depends as
EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 10, February 2026: Pulsed Field Ablation Durability, AF Ablation Outcomes, Wearable AF Detection, ICD and VT Insights
EP Edge Journal Watch: Feb 2026 Issue 10In this episode of EP Edge Journal Watch, we examine the latest developments shaping the future of cardiac electrophysiology, with a focus on pulsed field ablation durability, atrial fibrillation ablation outcomes, wearable AF detection, ventricular tachycardia ablation endpoints, autonomic modulation, and ICD patient outcomes. Pulsed field ablation
EP Edge Journal Watch Special Edition: VOLT IDE One-Year Results in Context: ADVENT, ADVANTAGE-AF, AdmIRE, SPHERE-Per-AF & U.S. PFA Pivotal Trials
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has rapidly reshaped atrial fibrillation ablation, but true clinical validation depends on durable one-year outcomes, not early feasibility or acute safety alone. In this EP Edge Journal Watch Special Edition, Dr. Niraj Sharma delivers a comprehensive, system-level analysis of the Abbott VOLT IDE one-year data, now completing the 12-month efficacy and safety la
EP Edge Journal Watch — Issue 9 Redefining Ventricular Tachycardia Care: From Noninvasive Radioablation to Leadless, Modular, and Drug-Based Strategies
In EP Edge Journal Watch – Issue 9 (February 2026), we take a comprehensive, clinically grounded look at the evolving management of ventricular tachycardia (VT)—from last-line noninvasive therapies to next-generation devices, pharmacologic strategy, and infection prevention.This episode critically reviews the STRA-MI-VT trial, examining stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) for ref
EP Edge Journal Watch – Issue 8 (2026): VT Storm Outcomes, Inappropriate ICD Shocks, AF Ablation Modifiers, and the Rise of Patient-Directed SVT Care
In EP Edge Journal Watch – Issue 8 (2026), we deliver a comprehensive, evidence-driven analysis of the most important and practice-shaping studies in contemporary cardiac electrophysiology.This episode begins with ventricular tachycardia storm, examining why in-hospital mortality remains high despite aggressive rhythm control. We break down the CHAMPS score, focusing on patient selection,
EP-EDGE Journal Watch #7: Direct Oral Anti-Coagulant Adherence, AF Risk Stressors, ns-PFA Safety & EP Device Updates
EP-EDGE Journal Watch – Issue 7 (January 2026)Advanced Cardiac Electrophysiology Podcast | AF, DOACs, PFA, Devices & Heart FailureIn EP-EDGE Journal Watch Issue 7, Dr. Niraj Sharma delivers a high-impact, clinician-focused breakdown of the most practice-changing cardiac electrophysiology studies published in late 2025 and early 2026. This episode moves beyond headlines to translate da
LAAO vs Anticoagulation Explained: WATCHMAN FLX, AF Ablation Recurrence, Post-TAVR Heart Block & ICU AF, Hormones and TdP – EP Edge Journal Watch
EP Edge Journal Watch Podcast — Issue 6 (January 2026)Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion, AF Ablation Insights, Post-TAVR Conduction, ICU Anticoagulation & Translational EP SignalsEP Edge Journal Watch is your high-yield, evidence-driven electrophysiology podcast—designed for busy clinicians who want clinical relevance, mechanistic insight, and practice-changing nuance without wading thr
Pulsed Field Ablation, Atrial Fibrillation Progression & Leadless Pacing | EP Edge Journal Watch – Jan 2026 (Issue 5)
EP Edge Journal Watch — January 2026 | Issue #5Pulsed Field Ablation, Device Therapy, and the Era of Personalized EPWelcome to EP Edge Journal Watch – Issue #5 (January 2026), your high-yield, evidence-driven electrophysiology podcast designed for practicing EPs who want more than just abstracts.As 2026 begins, electrophysiology is entering a defining phase—where pulsed field ablation (PF
AF Beyond the Lesion: Can We Stop Anticoagulation, Trust Sham Trials, and Treat AF as a Metabolic Disease?
In this December 2025 episode of EP Edge Journal Watch, Dr. Niraj Sharma breaks down the most provocative atrial fibrillation trials of the year—studies that force us to rethink what really drives AF outcomes beyond the ablation lesion EP EDGE JW Dec 2025 Newsletter.We dive deep into four game-changing themes shaping modern electrophysiology:Can we safely stop anticoagulation after AF abl
EP Edge Journal Watch Issue 3: Smartwatch AFib Detection: Accuracy, False Alerts, Apple Watch ECG, and What Clinicians Need to Know
Smartwatches are now among the most widely used heart-monitoring tools in the world — but how accurate are they really at detecting AFib? In this December 2025 Issue 3 of EP-Edge Journal Watch, Dr. Niraj Sharma, cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, breaks down the strongest evidence to date on smartwatch AFib detection, Apple Watch ECG performance, false alerts, AF burden trackin
EP Edge Journal Watch: Critical Analysis: AQUATIC Trial — AF + CAD: Impact on Antithrombotic Strategy (NEJM October 2025)
In this special EP Edge Journal Watch episode, Dr. Niraj Sharma delivers a critical analysis of the landmark AQUATIC Trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (October 2025). This pivotal study explores optimal antithrombotic strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD) — balancing ischemic protection with bleeding risk.Dr. Sharma di
EP Edge Journal Watch — November 2025, Edition 2: From Lifestyle to Lifeline
In this episode, Dr. Niraj Sharma breaks down six pivotal studies shaping today’s electrophysiology and cardiology practice—from lifestyle-driven AF control (ARREST-AF) and post-CABG atrial fibrillation management to the DOAC + aspirin conundrum in stable CAD, the return of digitoxin in HFrEF, insights from CABANA-Substudy, and the latest ICD registry data on shock rates.
EP Edge Journal Watch | Episode 1, November 2025: Potassium and VT, GDMT Withdrawal & AF Risk Uncovered
In this inaugural episode, Dr. Niraj Sharma breaks down three pivotal studies that could shift daily EP practice:How high-normal potassium targeting can reduce VT burden (POT-CAST trial).When GDMT withdrawal may be safe after recovery from tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.Why adverse pregnancy outcomes may predict long-term AF risk.Get the signal — not the noise — with expert analysis,
Recommended
High Performance Mindset | Learn from World-Class Leaders, Consultants, Athletes & Coaches about Mindset
Pintastic® Pinterest Podcast
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
The Daily
The Joe Rogan Experience
World News Tonight with David Muir
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Stand In The Circle
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
Bad Friends
