Senior Consultant, Professor –Ganga Ram Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research. Director Heart Failure Program and Research Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi

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

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.

Special Case: Navigating the ‘Sweet-spot’ in antithrombotic management: Optimizing anticoagulation therapy post PCI in AF

This case-based panel discussion will examine the perioperative management of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation, focusing on the clinical decisions surrounding interruption, bridging, and timely resumption of therapy. Through a real-world case presentation followed by expert deliberation, the faculty will discuss practical, evidence-based approaches to minimizing both thromboembolic and bleeding risks while navigating diverse surgical and procedural settings.

Dr. Ashwani Mehta

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Upcoming Sessions