Key result
Surgical ablation achieves similar long-term sinus rhythm in elderly vs younger patients, but increases permanent pacing.
Why the study?
Few data exist regarding the efficacy of radiofrequency maze procedures in elderly patients with AF undergoing mitral valve surgery.
Does radiofrequency ablation during mitral valve surgery effectively maintain sinus rhythm in patients > 75 years compared to younger patients?
Cohort (n=305)
No
Does radiofrequency ablation during mitral valve surgery effectively maintain sinus rhythm in patients > 75 years compared to younger patients?
Absolute Event Rate: 64% vs 74%
p-value: p=0.778
Radiofrequency ablation during mitral valve surgery provides comparable long-term rhythm control in elderly patients compared to younger ones, though elderly patients have higher rates of permanent pacing and cardiac hospitalizations.
Supports ablation feasibility in elderly mitral surgery patients despite higher pacing needs; leaves open need for randomized confirmation of net benefit.
Background: Few data exist about the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) maze procedures in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing surgery for mitral valve disease. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of AF ablation associated with mitral valve surgery on the recovery and long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm in elderly patients aged > 75 years. Moreover, we evaluated the effects on survival. Methods and results: This study included 96 consecutive patients with AF (42 men and 56 women) aged > 75 years (mean age 78 ± 3) who underwent RF ablation associated with mitral valve surgery (group I). This group was compared to 209 younger patients (mean age 65 ± 8 years) treated in the same period (group II). Baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were similar in the two groups. Four patients died during hospitalization, one aged > 75 years. In surviving patients at the end of the follow-up period, sinus rhythm was present respectively in 64% of the elderly and 74% of younger patients (p = 0.778). The rate of persistence of sinus rhythm without AF recurrences (38% vs. 41%, p = 0.705) was similar in the two groups. After surgery, sinus rhythm was frequently never regained in aged patients (27% vs. 20%, p = 0.231). Elderly patients more frequently needed permanent pacing and had more hospitalizations and a higher number of non-AF atrial tachyarrhythmias. At eight-year follow-up, survival was lower in older patients (48% aged > 75 vs. 79% aged < 75 years). Conclusion: Elderly patients had a similar long-term rate of stable sinus rhythm maintenance in comparison to younger patients after AF radiofrequency ablation associated with mitral valve surgery. However, they needed more frequent permanent pacing and had higher rates of hospitalizations and post-procedural atrial tachyarrhythmias. The effects of survival are difficult to evaluate due to the different life expectancies of the two groups.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Rostagno et al. (2023) conducted a cohort in Atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease (n=305). Radiofrequency ablation during mitral valve surgery in elderly patients (> 75 years) vs. Radiofrequency ablation during mitral valve surgery in younger patients (< 75 years) was evaluated on Maintenance of sinus rhythm in surviving patients at 8-year follow-up (p=0.778). Radiofrequency ablation during mitral valve surgery resulted in similar long-term sinus rhythm maintenance in elderly patients compared to younger patients (64% vs 74%, p=0.778), but with a higher need for permanent pacing.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: