Course Description
Controversies in Cardiac Arrhythmias (CiCA) 2025 is designed to provide clinicians with a review of selected topics in the present-day management of patients with cardiac arrhythmias, emphasizing new advances in the field and incorporating current guidelines and evidence-based principles of practice. The format will incorporate didactic lectures, case management studies, and panel discussions.
CiCA 2025 will focus on the advances and changes in the study of cardiac arrythmias while maintaining a long-standing commitment to therapeutic innovation, evidence-based medicine and dedication to putting patients first. With the significant incidence and prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in the United States, it is essential for healthcare professionals to stay abreast of the latest developments in this area of study.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrhythmias have a substantial prevalence, with an estimated 14.4 million patients in the United States. More than 750,000 hospitalizations occur each year because of atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition contributes to an estimated 130,000 deaths each year. The rate of AFib as the primary or a contributing cause of death has been rising for more than two decades. AFib costs the United States about $6 billion each year. Medical costs for people who have AFib are about $8,705 higher per year than for people who do not have AFib.
Target Audience
This conference is intended for cardiologists, internists, primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other health care professionals with a special interest in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of patients with cardiac arrhythmias.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, learners will be able to:
- Compare and contrast risks and benefits of oral anticoagulation therapy versus left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
- Evaluate specialized pacemakers, including leadless pacing and His bundle pacing, and identify their role in arrhythmia management.
- Compare and contrast current ambulatory ECG monitoring modalities.
- Assess evidence-based clinical studies defining the importance of optimizing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).
- Compare and contrast newer ablation energy sources, including cryo, laser and pulsed field, with traditional radiofrequency energy.
- Recognize patient groups at risk for developing PVC-related cardiomyopathies.
- Anticipate potential cardiac and arrhythmic complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection and therapies.
- Review the differential diagnosis of narrow and wide-QRS complex tachycardia and current therapies.
- Review current guidelines for cardiac device explanation and current extraction techniques.
- Assess evidence-based guidelines on remote monitoring of cardiac implanted electronic devices, including potential liability issues.
- Compare and contrast current intra-cardiac and extra-cardiac implantable defibrillators and review current guidelines on appropriate patient selection.
CME Accreditation
The Academy for Continued Healthcare Learning is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Designation
The Academy for Continued Healthcare Learning designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses may participate in this educational activity and earn a certificate of completion as AAPA, AANP, and ANCC accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ through their reciprocity agreements.
Disclaimer
Guidelines require that learners in CME activities be made aware of all relevant financial relationships affecting the presentation of the faculty member. ACHL ensures that all faculty and staff involved in the planning, development, and implementation of ACHL activities disclose financial relationships held within 24 months and that relevant financial relationships are mitigated before a CME activity occurs. Complete information will be provided to learners prior to the start of the educational activity.
Event Schedule
NOTE: This is a draft agenda and subject to change
Friday, October 10, 2025
Morning Session
8:00 AM
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:25 AM
Welcoming Remarks
Edward V. Platia, MD
8:30 AM
On the 45th Anniversary of the Implantable Defibrillator: An Update
Zayd A. Eldadah, MD, PhD
9:00 AM
Review of Conduction System Pacing: How It Has Evolved to Be the Pacemaker of Choice?
Rajiv A. Kabadi, MD
9:20 AM
The Leadless Pacemaker: When Is It the Pacemaker of Choice?
Cyrus A. Hadadi, MD
9:45 AM
When Optimal Pacemaker Programming Can Make a Difference: Hypertension, Diastolic Dysfunction, First Degree AV Block, and Other Clinical Challenges
Athanasios Thomaides, MD
10:10 AM
Break and Exhibitor Networking
10:40 AM
Keynote Address | The Evidence-Based Revolution in Atrial Fibrillation Management
Nassir F. Marrouche, MD
11:45 AM
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Edward V. Platia, MD
Panel Discussants: Zayd A. Eldadah, MD, PhD | Cyrus A. Hadadi, MD | Rajiv A. Kabadi, MD | Athanasios Thomaides, MD
12:10 PM
Lunch & Exhibitor Networking
Location: Crentz and Members Dining Rooms
Friday, October 10, 2025
Afternoon Session
1:10 PM
Managing Oral Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation: Best Practice
Sung Lee, MD
1:45 PM
Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: The Rising Role of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
Manish H. Shah, MD
2:10 PM
Beyond Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: New Pacing Techniques for Heart Failure
David A. Strouse, MD
2:30 PM
When Frequent PVCs Cause Cardiomyopathy and How to Prevent It
Sunjeet S. Sidhu, MD
2:50 PM
Minimally-Invasive Surgical Management of Atrial Fibrillation
Christian Shults, MD
3:10 PM
Update on the Wearable Revolution: From Watches to Wearable Defibrillators
Binaya Basyal, MD
3:30 PM
Assessing and Managing Arrhythmic Risk in the Athlete
Tom Choi, MD
3:50 PM
Cardiogenetics in Clinical Practice
Susan O’Donoghue, MD
4:10 PM
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Edward V. Platia, MD
Panel Discussants: Binaya Basyal, MD | Tom Choi, MD | Sung Lee, MD | Susan O’Donoghue, MD | Manish H. Shah, MD | Christian Shults, MD | Sunjeet S. Sidhu, MD | David Strouse, MD
4:30 PM
Adjourn
Registration
Registration for Controversies in Cardiac Arrhythmias 2025
Click the register button to visit our secure website for updated program and registration information. We are unable to accept registrations or cancellations by telephone.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made in writing by September 5, 2025, will be subject to a 50% penalty. No refunds will be given after September 5, 2025. Cancellations will not be accepted by telephone. In the unlikely event that the course is canceled, we will refund the registration fee, but are not responsible for any travel costs.
Please contact us at info@cica-ep.org if you have questions or need additional information.
Exhibitors
Controversies in Cardiac Arrhythmias is a one-day program designed to provide clinicians with a review of selected topics to address the diagnosis and management of cardiac arrhythmia emphasizing new advances in the field and incorporating current guidelines and evidence-based principles of practice.
This conference will provide a forum in which practicing cardiologists, internists, primary care physicians and other health care professionals have the opportunity for effective interaction with experts in cardiac arrhythmias. Attendees will have ample opportunity during the course for face-to-face time for discussion with exhibitors and we encourage industry to bring simulators or models to provide attendees with hands–on experience with the latest technology.
Faculty
Course Directors
Zayd A. Eldadah, MD, PhD
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
Edward V. Platia, MD
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
David A. Strouse, MD
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
Binaya Basyal, MD
Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists
Richmond, VA
Tom Choi, MD
Children’s National Hospital
Washington, DC
Cyrus A. Hadadi, MD
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
Rajiv A. Kabadi, MD
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
Sung W. Lee, MD
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
Nassir F. Marrouche, MD
Tulane University Heart & Vascular Institute
New Orleans, LA
Susan O'Donoghue, MD
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
Manish H. Shah, MD
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
Christian Shults, MD
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
Sunjeet S. Sidhu, MD
MedStar Health
Baltimore, MD
Athanasios Thomaides, MD
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
The Cosmos Club
2121 Massachusetts Avenue, NW,
Washington, DC
Accommodations
Reservations to be made on own, the group does not have a room block. Availability is subject to the hotel