Key result
Thoracoscopic ablation cuts arrhythmia recurrence ~60% vs. catheter ablation in drug-refractory AF.
Why the study?
The comparative effectiveness and long-term prognosis of thoracoscopic versus catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with prior failed catheter ablation or high risk of failure were uncertain.
RCT (n=124)
Open-label
Block randomization
Yes
Hazard Ratio: 0.4 (95% CI 0.25–0.64)
Absolute Event Rate: 56% vs 87%
p-value: p=<0.001
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
May reduce arrhythmia recurrence in refractory AF; leaves open effects on clinical events and need for confirmation.
Castellà et al. (2019) conducted an RCT in Atrial fibrillation (n=124). Thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation ablation vs. Endocardial catheter ablation was evaluated on First recurrence of any documented atrial arrhythmia lasting >30 s (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.25-0.64, p=<0.001). Thoracoscopic ablation reduced long-term atrial arrhythmia recurrence compared to catheter ablation (56% vs. 87%; HR 0.40) in patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation.
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