Key result
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in elderly patients can achieve similar success to younger patients, despite a potentially higher risk of periprocedural thromboembolic complications.
Why the study?
Does radiofrequency catheter ablation improve outcomes in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation?
Does radiofrequency catheter ablation improve outcomes in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation?
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in the elderly appears to be as successful as in younger patients, but requires careful consideration of the higher risk for periprocedural thromboembolic complications.
Supports individualized ablation decisions in elderly AF; leaves open need for randomized safety confirmation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and its prevalence increases with age. Elderly patients with AF require careful management to assure optimal outcomes and prevention of untoward consequences such as stroke. Although radiofrequency catheter ablation has evolved as a highly effective treatment modality to eliminate AF in younger patients, the data on the role of catheter ablation in elderly patients with AF have been rather limited. However, several studies suggest that outcomes of catheter ablation for AF in the elderly can be just as successful as in younger patients. On the other hand, the elderly may be at higher risk for periprocedural complications, specifically thromboembolic events. In this review, the role of catheter ablation for AF in the elderly is discussed in detail.
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Kennedy et al. (2013) conducted a review in Atrial fibrillation. Catheter ablation was evaluated. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in elderly patients can achieve similar success to younger patients, despite a potentially higher risk of periprocedural thromboembolic complications.
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