Lead Consultant - Interventional Cardiology & Cardiac Electrophysiology, Manipal Hospitals, Yelahanka, Bengaluru

Masterclass on Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation continues to evolve with expanding evidence, newer anticoagulation strategies, and increasingly complex patient profiles. This masterclass brings together leading experts to discuss practical approaches to anticoagulation across challenging clinical scenarios, translating contemporary evidence into everyday practice.

The program will explore post-stroke AF detection in elderly and frail patients, age-stratified bleeding risk, switching DOACs in routine practice, optimization of antithrombotic therapy following PCI in patients with AF, and perioperative anticoagulation management in post-surgical AF. Through evidence-based discussions and real-world case scenarios, participants will gain practical insights to individualize therapy, balance thrombotic and bleeding risks, and improve outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation.

SPAF Masterclass - 2026

Timely detection of atrial fibrillation following stroke is critical to preventing recurrent cerebrovascular events, yet anticoagulation decisions in elderly and frail patients remain challenging due to competing risks of thromboembolism and bleeding. This keynote session will examine contemporary evidence on post-stroke AF detection, risk stratification, and individualized anticoagulation initiation, with a focus on balancing efficacy, safety, and patient-specific considerations in routine clinical practice.

Post-stroke AF detection in elderly and frail patients: age-stratified bleeding risk and the anticoagulation initiation decision

Although direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have transformed stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, treatment switches are frequently necessitated by changes in clinical status, bleeding risk, tolerability, drug interactions, cost, or adherence. This session will explore the clinical rationale, evidence, and practical considerations for switching between DOACs, offering a structured approach to optimizing anticoagulation while maintaining efficacy, minimizing bleeding risk, and addressing real-world barriers to long-term treatment.

Switching DOACs in clinical practice: balancing efficacy, safety, adherence, and real-world barriers

This interactive case-based discussion will present a challenging real-world scenario involving a patient with atrial fibrillation undergoing PCI, highlighting the complexities of balancing thrombotic protection with bleeding risk. Following the case presentation, an expert faculty panel will discuss evidence-based strategies for selecting and optimizing antithrombotic therapy, duration of combination treatment, and individualized decision-making in line with contemporary clinical practice.

Dr. V S Prakash

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Upcoming Sessions