Upcoming Event: EPLive 2026
The Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David's Medical Center in Austin, Texas, is gearing up to host its eighth international symposium, EPLive 2026, dedicated to complex heart arrhythmias. Scheduled for May 28-29, 2026, this biennial event has been a cornerstone of education in cardiac electrophysiology since its inception in 2012.
EPLive serves as an intensive two-day educational session designed for physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals eager to deepen their understanding of complex arrhythmias—conditions where the heart beats irregularly or abnormally. This year's program promises a unique blend of learning formats, including live-streamed procedures with expert commentary from the modern electrophysiology lab at St. David's Medical Center.
Dr. Andrea Natale, the executive medical director of TCAI and program director of EPLive, emphasized the conference’s significance: "EPLive 2026 represents a unique opportunity for worldwide electrophysiology experts to engage in real-time learning through complex case-based education." He added, "By combining live procedures showcasing the latest innovations in the field with expert discussions, we provide a highly practical and beneficial experience that professionals can directly apply to improve patient outcomes globally."
Focus on Advanced Treatment Approaches
This year's symposium will introduce a more effective approach to the treatment of atrial fibrillation (A Fib) and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) by integrating both therapies into a single procedure for patients with A Fib at high risk for stroke. Addressing both the irregular rhythm and the common source of stroke risk simultaneously aims to reduce the need for multiple procedures, shorten procedure times, and lower complication rates—ultimately leading to safer, more efficient care for patients.
The structure of EPLive 2026 will include four sections focusing on different cases: A Fib ablation, ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation cases, left atrial appendage closure (LAA), and healthcare devices, which will incorporate emerging technologies. The program will include both live and pre-recorded cases from TCAI and leading electrophysiology centers such as Belgium's AZ Sint-Jan Brugge and UZ Brussel, Vancouver General Hospital in Canada, and more renowned facilities across the USA and abroad.
Topics and Innovations
Participants can expect in-depth discussions on various relevant topics, including:
- - Strategies for minimizing complications and enhancing patient safety during atrial fibrillation ablation and other cardiac arrhythmia treatments.
- - Presentation of the latest evidence and best practices in arrhythmia management using cutting-edge technologies.
- - Exploration of methods to optimize clinical outcomes by best integrating new technologies.
- - Identification of practices that benefit from integrating new technology, ultimately supporting safer procedures for patients.
- - Techniques aimed at reducing complications while enhancing patient safety during the implantation of complex cardiac devices and electrode extractions.
A variety of esteemed professionals from TCAI will join Dr. Natale at EPLive, including program co-directors Dr. Amina Al-Ahmad, Dr. Luigi DiBiase, and Dr. Dhanunjaya "DJ" Lakkireddy, along with other experts sharing their cutting-edge research and clinical experiences.
Continuing Medical Education Credits
Attending physicians will have the opportunity to earn up to 14.5 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ as part of the Physician's Recognition Award (PRA), which will help enhance their professional development while gaining valuable insights into the latest advancements within the field.
Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute boasts one of the largest robotic electrophysiology centers in North America, established in 2019 within a 72,000 square foot facility equipped with advanced technology to treat complex arrhythmias. The team comprises some of the world's leading physicians in the discipline, offering exceptional expertise and high-quality care.
For more information, visit
EP-Live.com.