HRX Roundtable - Contemporary Strategies in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients: Atrial Fibrillation Detection and Treatment Pathways-Contemporary Strategies in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients

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Video Summary

In this HRX session led by John Pacini, a cardiac electrophysiologist from Duke University, a panel of experts discussed the contemporary management of cryptogenic stroke. The panelists included Ravi Shah from Atrium Health, Brett Meyer from UCSD, nurse practitioner Laura Flynn from Valley Hospital, and Johnathan Su also from UCSD.<br /><br />The session underscored key issues in handling cryptogenic stroke, particularly prolonged monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib). The panel debated the sufficiency of AFib duration before deciding on anticoagulation treatment, with consensus leaning towards even short bursts warranting medication to prevent recurrent strokes. Johns' view was pragmatic: any AFib detected should prompt anticoagulation to mitigate future stroke risks.<br /><br />They also highlighted the significant barriers, such as patient access to advanced monitoring technologies and the heterogeneity in stroke management protocols. Specifically, Ravi Shah emphasized the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in identifying patients needing further evaluation, even in less accessible rural settings.<br /><br />The discussion moved towards the implications of wearable technologies in monitoring heart rhythms, raising concerns about the balance between false positives and the potential life-saving benefits of early AFib detection.<br /><br />In conclusion, while the session recognized technological advancements and AI's role in improving access and diagnostics, it stressed the importance of shared decision-making with patients to enhance care outcomes.

Keywords

cryptogenic stroke

atrial fibrillation

anticoagulation

Artificial Intelligence

wearable technologies

patient access

shared decision-making