AV junction ablation in patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation and baseline LVEF <50% significantly improved LVEF from 32% to 45% at 216 days (P<0.001).
Observational (n=29)
Does radiofrequency ablation of the atrioventricular junction improve left ventricular function in patients with drug refractory atrial fibrillation?
Atrioventricular junction ablation for drug-refractory atrial fibrillation improves long-term systolic and diastolic function in patients with baseline LV dysfunction without adversely affecting normal LV function.
p-value: p=< 0.001
BACKGROUND: In patients with drug resistant incessant supraventricular tachycardia, radiofrequency induced ablation of the atrioventricular junction and pacemaker implantation have hitherto been considered a treatment of last resort. OBJECTIVE: To assess the short and long term effects of ablation of the atrioventricular junction on systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in patients with atrial fibrillation with and without impaired left ventricular function. PATIENTS: 29 patients (19 men; mean age 65 (SD 7) years (range 50-76)) undergoing ablation of the atrioventricular junction for drug refractory atrial fibrillation were examined a mean of 2, 65, and 216 days after ablation of the bundle of His. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Left ventricular ejection fraction and early filling deceleration times (Edec) were assessed by Doppler echocardiography after 1 to 2 hours of ventricular pacing at a rate of 80 beats/minute. RESULTS: In 14 patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction or = 50% at the initial examination no significant change in systolic function was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with left ventricular dysfunction long term improvement of systolic and diastolic left ventricular function was seen after ablation of the atrioventricular junction for rate control of atrial fibrillation. This procedure had no adverse effects on normal left ventricular function.
Edner et al. (1995) conducted an observational in drug refractory atrial fibrillation (n=29). Radiofrequency ablation of the atrioventricular junction was evaluated on Left ventricular ejection fraction and early filling deceleration times (Edec) (p=< 0.001). AV junction ablation in patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation and baseline LVEF <50% significantly improved LVEF from 32% to 45% at 216 days (P<0.001).
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