Impact on ventricular function and quality of life of transcatheter ablation of the atrioventricular junction in chronic atrial fibrillation with a normal ventricular response.
We assessed left ventricular function and quality of life after atrioventricular junction ablation and pacemaker implant in 14 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and normal ventricular response. A significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and functional capacity were observed at follow-up, suggesting that in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation a regular heart beat may be preferable over rate control.
Natale
A
A
VA Medical Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA.
Zimerman
L
L
Tomassoni
G
G
Kearney
M
M
Kent
V
V
Brandon
M J
MJ
Newby
K
K
D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left