Where data were available , the relative benefits seen held true both after a single or multiple procedure(s ) .
For patients with persistent atrial fibrillation , CA achieves significantly greater freedom from recurrent atrial fibrillation compared with medical therapy .
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation ( CA ) is commonly performed for persistent atrial fibrillation , but few high- quality r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) exist , leading to funding restrictions being proposed in several countries .
We performed a r and om-effects meta- analysis of RCTs and non- RCTs to assess the efficacy of CA for persistent atrial fibrillation .
Extensive antiarrhythmic drugs after catheter ablation of persistent atrial fi brillation
Objective Whether early rhythm suppression with extensive antiarrhythmic drugs ( AADs ) in persistent atrial fi brillation ( AF ) after catheter ablation decreases arrhythmia recurrence is unknown . We now report the 12-month follow-up data in this prospect i ve and r and omized study . Methods and results 123 consecutive patients with persistent AF undergoing catheter ablation were r and omly divided into an extensive AADs therapy group ( group 1 : 62 patients using both class Ic and III AADs ) or one AAD therapy group ( group 2 : 61 patients using class Ic or III AADs alone ) for the initial 2 months after ablation . Recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias ( ATa ) was valuated at both 2 months and 12 months following ablation . During the fi rst 2 months after ablation , less ATa were found in group 1 compared with group 2 ( 17/62 versus 29/61 , P= 0.021 ) . However , there was no diff erence with regard to ATa at 12 months between the groups ( 21/62 versus 22/61 , P= 0.799 ) . ATa at 2 months and left atrial diameter ( LAD ) were the statistically signifi ca nt predictors of ATa during 12-month follow-up . Conclusions While use of extensive AADs within the initial 2 months after persistent AF ablation decreases early ATa , it does not prevent late ATa . Moreover , LAD as well as early ATa is a strong predictor of ATa at 12 months
Where data were available , the relative benefits seen held true both after a single or multiple procedure(s ) .
For patients with persistent atrial fibrillation , CA achieves significantly greater freedom from recurrent atrial fibrillation compared with medical therapy .
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation ( CA ) is commonly performed for persistent atrial fibrillation , but few high- quality r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) exist , leading to funding restrictions being proposed in several countries .
We performed a r and om-effects meta- analysis of RCTs and non- RCTs to assess the efficacy of CA for persistent atrial fibrillation .