Radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation: effectiveness and safety in 102 consecutive patients

• Published in: Heart (British Cardiac Society) Vol. 91; no. 12; pp. 1611 - 1612
• Main Authors: Pontoppidan, J, Nielsen, J C, Poulsen, S H, Mortensen, P T, Pedersen, A K, Jensen, H K, Hansen, P S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Cardiovascular Society 01.12.2005; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; Copyright 2005 by Heart
• Subjects: atrial fibrillation; Atrial Fibrillation - surgery; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiac arrhythmia; Cardiac dysrhythmias; Cardiology. Vascular system; Catheter Ablation - adverse effects; Catheter Ablation - methods; circumferential pulmonary vein isolation; CPVI; Heart; Humans; Laboratories; Medical sciences; Postoperative Care - methods; pulmonary vein isolation; radiofrequency ablation; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Scientific Letters; segmental pulmonary vein isolation; SPVI; Treatment Outcome; Veins & arteries; Human; Arrhythmia; Toxicity; Atrial fibrillation; Instrumentation therapy; Thermal ablation; Cardiovascular disease; Phlebology; Excitability disorder; Efficiency; Heart disease; Complication; Circulatory system; Safety; Cardiology
• ISSN: 1355-6037; 1468-201X
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2004.053660

1, 2 The reported efficacy is between 60-90% depending on the approach and AF classification. 3- 5 The goal of this retrospective study was to review our experience with both approaches, as well as patient outcome and safety of this new treatment. SPVI (n = 28) CPVI (n = 83) Procedure Procedure time (min) 193 (55-288) 150 (75-240) Fluoroscopy time (min) 44 (10-111) 19 (10-41) Safety Tamponade 1 (4%) 3 (4%) Transient ischaemic attack 0 1 (1%) Symptoms of PVS 0 0 Outcome AF-free At follow up 7 (25%) 61 (73%) Patients with paroxysmal AF 6 (32%) 41 (79%) Patients with persistent AF 1 (11%) 20 (65%) Fewer symptoms 7 (25%) 3 (4%) Repeat pulmonary vein isolation 11 (39%) 11 (13%) Left atrial flutter ablation 2 (7%) 3 (4%) Values are median (range) or number (%).