AFCA efficacy in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function improves when performed early in the natural history of atrial fibrillation and heart failure .
AFCA provides long-term benefits on left ventricular function , significantly reducing the number of patients with severely impaired systolic function
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation ( AFCA ) is an established therapeutic option for rhythm control in symptomatic patients .
Its efficacy and safety among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction is based on small population s , and data concerning long-term outcome are limited .
We performed this meta- analysis to assess safety and long-term outcome of AFCA in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction , to evaluate predictors of recurrence and impact on left ventricular function .
Pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with impaired systolic function.
OBJECTIVES We aim ed to determine the safety and efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation ( PVI ) in atrial fibrillation ( AF ) patients with impaired left ventricular ( LV ) systolic function . BACKGROUND To date , PVI has been performed primarily in patients with normal LV function . Yet , many AF patients have impaired LV systolic function . The outcomes of PVI in patients with impaired LV systolic function are unknown . METHODS We included 377 consecutive patients undergoing PVI between December 2000 and January 2003 . Ninety-four patients had impaired LV function ( ejection fraction [ EF ] < 40 % ) , and they comprised the study group . The control group was the remaining 283 patients who had a normal EF . End points included AF recurrence and changes in EF and quality of life ( QoL ) . RESULTS Mean EF was 36 % in our study group , compared with 54 % in controls . After initial PVI , 73 % of patients with impaired EF and 87 % of patients with normal EF were free of AF recurrence at 14 + /- 6 months ( p = 0.03 ) . In the study group , there was a nonsignificant increase in EF of 4.6 % and significant improvement in QoL. Complication rates were low and included a 1 % risk of pulmonary vein stenosis . CONCLUSIONS Although the AF recurrence rate after initial PVI in impaired EF patients was higher than in normal EF subjects , nearly three-fourths of patients with impaired EF remained AF-free . Although our sample size was nonr and omized , our results suggest PVI may be a feasible therapeutic option in AF patients with impaired EF . R and omized studies with more patients and longer follow-up are warranted
AFCA efficacy in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function improves when performed early in the natural history of atrial fibrillation and heart failure .
AFCA provides long-term benefits on left ventricular function , significantly reducing the number of patients with severely impaired systolic function
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation ( AFCA ) is an established therapeutic option for rhythm control in symptomatic patients .
Its efficacy and safety among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction is based on small population s , and data concerning long-term outcome are limited .
We performed this meta- analysis to assess safety and long-term outcome of AFCA in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction , to evaluate predictors of recurrence and impact on left ventricular function .