What motivates us to undertake a diploma program of this nature?
On the one hand, there is a need to train specialists in electrophysiology with theoretical and practical capacity to carry out transcatheter curative procedures in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), in its different modalities, as well as in its associated arrhythmias, especially in the Long Standing (LS) forms, caused by the change of substrate during our interventions.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, affecting between 6% and 20% of the population, depending on age. It is sometimes associated with structural heart disease, but often not; and it is in these latter cases that the curative potential of these procedures becomes apparent, especially in cases of heart failure, where several studies have demonstrated improved long-term survival. Furthermore, earlier stages of AF are treated more effectively, while more complex underlying conditions require more advanced techniques, with circumferential and antral pulmonary vein isolation being one of the main techniques for paroxysmal AF.
In the case of persistent and long-standing atrial fibrillation , the techniques are more complex, involve greater risks, and require more knowledge, experience, and practice. Currently, we have experience with substrate switching, successfully reverting permanent atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm or other arrhythmias in a significant percentage of cases. This allows us to identify other substrates and mechanisms that must also be addressed during the same ablation procedure. Multiple techniques exist for this complex conversion, and experience with each one is essential.
In my case (Dr. Luis Barja, Director of the Diploma Program), we began in several institutions, such as the Cardiovascular Institute of Buenos Aires, with segmental and ostial isolation in 2001. Today, at the Austral University Hospital, a Multidisciplinary Treatment Center for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) has been developed, with the participation of various specialties. In our department, we have implemented numerous techniques, including linear segmental ablations, circumferential ablation with Live View , WACA, vagal plexus ablation using Pachón techniques, heterotopic foci such as the superior vena cava (SVC), fractionated potential techniques, CFES, fragmentation, posterior box isolation , Marshall's ligament ablation, and systematic combinations of all these, among others. We even have extensive experience in linear epicardial ablations of the coronary sinus, Marshall's ligament, the left atrial appendage, and other techniques.
Although there are already centers that perform transcatheter ablation procedures, we note with concern that the treatment of Long Standing or permanent AF has not been developed in a widespread manner, even in centers with a high medical, scientific and technological level.
For this reason, we consider it essential to teach these complex techniques—which go beyond simple antral or circumferential isolation of the four pulmonary veins with bidirectional block. This knowledge constitutes a true know-how necessary for the success of this course, given the current demand in the field.
The technique has become more complex with the use of specialized equipment, such as navigation systems. In our case, we use the state-of-the-art Precision system (Abbott). This technology, combined with contact force detection, irrigation catheters, high voltage, high-density mapping, vagal nerve endings, Live View , and beat-by-beat mapping, is part of our daily practice and is taught in a comprehensive and educational manner to ensure proper training.
For all the above reasons, it is necessary to teach from the transseptal puncture technique —the entry point and the first obstacle to overcome— to the most complex techniques, continuously, through individual and progressive theoretical and practical learning.
Since the learning curves in these procedures are flat, gradual and personalized training is required, with few specialists per cohort, to ensure truly useful and practical professional care.
Since 2007, we have developed educational projects with this approach, in collaboration with St. Jude Medical, CENECA, Abbott, Biotronik, and scientific societies such as the SAC and SADEC, with very positive reception. However, the need remains to continue advancing in this specialty, whose advanced training often requires traveling abroad at high cost and without access to real-world practice.
We offer continuous learning, with the support of our institution, to promote the development of electrophysiology at the national level, as we have also done in international reference centers in Latin America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Address
Dr. Luis Dante Barja | Head of the Electrophysiology, Arrhythmias and Implantable Devices Service at the Austral University Hospital.
Codirection
Dr. Juan Manuel Aboy | Staff of the Electrophysiology Service HUA.
Coordinator
Dr. Mateo Bivort Haiek | Fellow of the Electrophysiology Service HUA.
TPC. Mariela Palavecino – Cardiology and EP Technician, EP Service HUA.
Dr. Ariel Gerson Revollo – Cardiologist, subspecialist in PE, SADEC, Univ. La Plata, Staff of the PE Service HUA.
Dr. Mateo Bivort Haeik – Cardiologist, Fellow at EP HUA.
Dr. Juan Manuel Aboy – Cardiologist, subspecialist in PE, SADEC, Univ. of La Plata, Staff of the PE Service, Head of practical work of the Bioengineering CV career.
Dr. Luis Barja – Cardiologist, subspecialist in PE, SADEC, SAC, Univ. Favaloro, NASPE.
Head of the EP Arrhythmia and Implantable Devices Unit at HUA, Head of the Bioengineering program at CV, Universidad Austral.
Other teachers
Company technicians:
Lic. Tec. Nicolás Mangani – Specialist in Cardiology and EP, Biotronik, ex Medtronic (Cryo), ex EXO, FIBA.
Bioengineers from Corpo Médica – TMG – Abbott , led by Bioengineer Javier Ibarra.
Registered physicians, cardiology specialists currently pursuing specialization in electrophysiology, or experienced specialists who wish to advance in more complex techniques.
Aimed at medical specialists in electrophysiology with experience in interventional procedures, who wish to learn or develop techniques related to the curative transcatheter therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF), from its simplest forms to the most complex modalities, such as long -standing , permanent forms, those associated with heart failure, as well as other related arrhythmias.
Theoretical component: A total of 15 three-hour lectures will be given each week, incorporating theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, ablation techniques, bibliography, and case examples from the service. These will be held virtually via Zoom, as suggested by the organizers (HUA Postgraduate Area). 45 lecture hours of theoretical instruction.
Meeting dates:
2025
2026
Practical Sessions: Location: Hemodynamics Room at our institution, HUA, during our regular practice hours: Tuesdays from 08:00 AM to 16:00 PM and Thursdays from 13:00 PM to 20:00 PM approximately. These practical sessions will be conducted until the planned number of cases is completed: 10 per participant in the in-person modality at our institution, and then 5 cases at the institution belonging to the "course participants" in the "proctor" modality, if requested. 120 hours of practical instruction.
Independent modules with registration in each one.
General objectives
To develop scientific capabilities in the theoretical and practical modalities, aimed at training suitable professionals who can understand, know and correctly execute the therapies related to this pathology, from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) to the most complex forms, such as long-standing AF ( Long Standing , FALS) and permanent AF.
To foster loyalty to our institution and to the companies that supply inputs, offering participants comprehensive development in technological, scientific, theoretical, and practical aspects. To establish a solid link between the company, the institution, and the professional, based on modern principles of mutual scientific collaboration.
Mission
To fulfill our mission, we will actively participate in theoretical and practical training with a high ethical, human and professional level, maintaining an outstanding performance in science and technology, focused on the individual development of the professionals who will take the diploma course.
Upon completion of the diploma program, the student will be able to:
Clinics:
Evaluate patients with paroxysmal, persistent, and long-standing atrial fibrillation ( Long Standing ), using clinical skills and diagnostic tools to develop effective and personalized treatment plans, according to the arrhythmic substrate present.
Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology to understand the different types of atrial fibrillation, and adjust the treatment or ablation technique according to the case.
Understanding the evolution of the arrhythmic substrate and appropriately addressing the corresponding ablations.
Cognitive:
Analyze and evaluate the scientific literature related to the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
Develop therapeutic plans based on scientific evidence and the experience of the teaching team.
Techniques:
Perform complex ablation techniques for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and other advanced arrhythmic substrates.
Purpose of the diploma
To increase the scientific knowledge and experience of specialists in advanced techniques for the treatment of all types of AF, from paroxysmal to long standing and permanent.
To promote the development of the specialty in our country.
Establish bridges of knowledge and collaboration for the implementation of possible multicenter studies on the subject.
To foster loyalty between the institution and the teaching staff, as well as between the institution and the participating professionals.
Strengthen the relationships between the institution and the companies linked to the area.
Main corrections made:
Spelling: missing accents, proper nouns, acronyms and foreign words (such as Long Standing ) corrected.
Grammar: appropriateness of verb tenses, agreement and punctuation.
Style: greater clarity, terminological precision, formality and coherence between sections.
Cohesion: correct use of connectors and hierarchical lists.
Course Classes
Class No. 1: The reason for the course. Requirements of the electrophysiology service and the minimum equipment for these procedures. Embryology and applied anatomy. Anatomical relationships.
Class No. 2: Approach Techniques. PTS (transseptal puncture). Use of bidirectional deflection sheath.
Class No. 3: Electrophysiological, cellular, histochemical, and anatomical foundations of AF, from paroxysmal to permanent. Parasympathetic system and related anatomy. Pathophysiological differences between paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent AF.
Class No. 4: Complementary pre-ablation studies. Choice according to anatomy. Cardiac CT angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Class No. 5: Current guidelines and indications. Criteria for the selection and indication of ablation. Pre-procedure evaluation. Anticoagulation.
Class No. 6: Current techniques for paroxysmal AF: segmental isolation, antral circumference, WACCA, heterotopic foci, VCS.
Class No. 7: Current Techniques II: LACA, Nademanee, Confirm, Jais lines, combined techniques, CFES, fractionated potentials, SC fragmentation, Marshall ligament ablation, box technique . Choice according to the patient and their anatomy, oriented towards long-standing AF (FSLS). Rotors.
Class No. 8: Techniques and technologies of new navigators for complex AF ablations.
Class No. 9: Related atrial arrhythmias. Left atrium: diagnosis and techniques. Associated tachyarrhythmias.
Class No. 10: Clinical cases: diagnosis and resolution. Use of other energy sources (cryoablation, pulsed field, surgical ablation of AF).
Class No. 11: Complications I: types, prevention and management.
Class No. 12: Complications II.
Class No. 13: Complications III: personal cases and resolution.
Class No. 14: Clinical cases: diagnosis and resolution.
Class No. 15: Final theoretical exam.
Methodology and evaluation criteria
The student will be evaluated throughout the development of the diploma, according to the established objectives and the fulfillment of a final multiple choice exam , in addition to participation in the practicals (acquisition of skills in the Hemodynamics service of the Austral University Hospital).
The student will be evaluated on the following aspects:
• Through an exam multiple choices based on the bibliography of the diploma and its application in practice.
• Through the acquisition of practical skills in the use of different ablation techniques, depending on the arrhythmic substrate.
Subject approval requirements
Minimum objectives:
Participation in at least 80% of the theoretical classes.
Participation in the discussion of typical cases and problematic cases.
Participation in at least three transseptal punctures for each student (for any of the pathologies that require it, whether or not it is AF, for example, left WPW).
Assistance in carrying out at least ten procedures performed by hospital staff responsible for pulmonary vein ( PV ) isolation, as a collaborator, assistant operator or spectator of the procedure.
The final exam will be individual, written, and multiple choice , in which cases will be presented that students must analyze in light of the bibliography covered and the practical skills acquired during the diploma course.
Dear Postgraduate Participant, we would like to inform you of the latest updates regarding the tuition policies for our undergraduate and postgraduate programs:
Due to the complex economic situation in Argentina, the tuition fees for our programs and degrees are adjusted periodically. This is to preserve the academic quality that underpins our value proposition and to meet the University's commitments and obligations. These increases will be based on indicators reported by the Central Bank of Argentina.
Once again, we appreciate the trust you have placed in our University and renew our commitment to providing you with the highest level of training and professional development.
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