Right atrial compartmentalization using radiofrequency catheter ablation suppressed atrial fibrillation in 67% (8 of 12) of patients with drug-refractory AF.
Observational (n=12)
Does right atrial compartmentalization using radiofrequency catheter ablation prevent recurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with refractory AF?
Right atrial compartmentalization via radiofrequency ablation may suppress atrial fibrillation or restore the efficacy of previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with refractory AF.
INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs, and patients who are intolerant of AF may require the maze operation for cure. As a less invasive alternative, a catheter-based, right atrial compartmentalization procedure was evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve patients with AF refractory to Class I and III antiarrhythmic drugs were studied. Four linear right atrial radiofrequency ablations were performed, from superior to inferior vena cava in the posterior wall and interatrial septum, anteriorly from the superior vena cava to the tricuspid annulus through the appendage, and across the tricuspid valve-inferior vena cava isthmus. The radiofrequency catheter was dragged along each line three to four times, until the atrial electrogram amplitude decreased by 75% and there was bidirectional conduction block in the tricuspid valve-inferior vena cava isthmus. One complication occurred: sinus node dysfunction requiring a pacemaker. Eight patients were discharged from the hospital on no antiarrhythmic drugs, and four were discharged on previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs. Total duration of follow-up was 21.3 +/- 11.2 months. Four patients discharged on previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs had no recurrence of AF. One patient discharged off antiarrhythmic drugs had no recurrence of AF. Seven patients discharged off antiarrhythmic drugs had recurrent AF by 12.6 +/- 13.0 months (median 6, range 1 to 39); 3 of these 7 responded to previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs without further AF and 4 did not. Thus, 8 of 12 patients (67%) had suppression of AF after ablation on previously ineffective medication or no medication. CONCLUSION: Right atrial compartmentalization may alter the substrate for AF, thus improving the efficacy of previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs. Because it is relatively safe, it may be a reasonable adjunctive intervention to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with drug-refractory AF.
Garg et al. (1999) conducted an observational in Refractory Atrial Fibrillation (n=12). Right atrial compartmentalization using radiofrequency catheter ablation was evaluated on Suppression of atrial fibrillation on previously ineffective medication or no medication. Right atrial compartmentalization using radiofrequency catheter ablation suppressed atrial fibrillation in 67% (8 of 12) of patients with drug-refractory AF.