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 .
Left atrial ablation versus biatrial ablation for persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation: a prospective and randomized study.
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare -- in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF)--the  efficacy and safety of left atrial ablation with that of a biatrial approach . BACKGROUND Left atrium-based catheter ablation of AF , although very effective in the paroxysmal form of the arrhythmia , has an insufficient efficacy in patients with persistent and permanent AF . METHODS Eighty highly symptomatic patients ( age , 58.6 + /- 8.9 years ) with persistent ( n = 43 ) and permanent AF ( n = 37 ) , refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs , were r and omized to two different ablation approaches guided by electroanatomical mapping . A procedure including circumferential pulmonary vein , mitral isthmus , and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation was performed in 41 cases ( left atrial ablation group ) . In the remaining 39 patients ( biatrial ablation group ) , the aforementioned approach was integrated by the following lesions in the right atrium : intercaval posterior line , intercaval septal line , and electrical disconnection of the superior vena cava . RESULTS During follow-up ( mean duration 14 + /- 5 months ) , AF recurred in 39 % of patients in the left atrial ablation group and in 15 % of patients in the biatrial ablation group ( p = 0.022 ) . Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that ablation technique was an independent predictor of AF recurrence during follow-up . CONCLUSIONS In patients with persistent and permanent AF , circumferential pulmonary vein ablation , combined with linear lesions in the right atrium , is feasible , safe , and has a significantly higher success rate than left atrial and cavotricuspid ablation alone
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 .