May 6, 2008Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
Long‐Term Clinical Efficacy and Risk of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly
Why the study?
Is catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation safe and effective in elderly patients compared to younger patients?
Population
1,165 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation, stratified by age: <65…
Comparison
Catheter ablation using a consistent protocol… vs Comparison across age groups.
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
mean 27 months
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
Supports ablation consideration in selected elderly AF patients; extends observational data but leaves open randomized confirmation.
Structured PICO
Is catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation safe and effective in elderly patients compared to younger patients?
P
Population
1,165 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation, stratified by age: <65 years (n=948), 65-74 years (n=185), and ≥75 years (n=32).
I
Intervention
Catheter ablation using a consistent protocol including proximal ostial pulmonary vein (PV) isolation and focal ablation of non-PV AF triggers.
C
Comparator
Comparison across age groups (<65 years vs 65-74 years vs ≥75 years).
O
Outcome
Atrial fibrillation control and major complication rates.
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is equally safe and effective in elderly patients as in younger patients, though older patients are more likely to remain on antiarrhythmic drugs.
Cite This Study
Zado et al. (2008) studied this question.