title: Prospective, randomized study of atrioventricular ablation and mode-switching, dual chamber pacemaker implantation versus medical therapy in drug-resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The PAF study. Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation.
abstract: We performed a prospective randomized 6-month evaluation of the clinical effects of atrioventricular junctional ablation together with placement of a DDDR mode-switching pacemaker vs pharmacological treatment in 43 patients with intolerable paroxysmal atrial fibrillation not controlled with antiarrhythmic drugs. Ablation and pacemaker treatment were highly effective and superior to drug therapy in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. However, discontinuation of drug therapy exposed patients to further recurrences of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and the risk of developing permanent atrial fibrillation.
authors.affiliation: Section of Arrhythmology, Ospedali Riuniti, Lavagna, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brignole
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gianfranchi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Menozzi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Alboni
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Musso
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Bongiorni
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gasparini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raviele
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lolli
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Paparella
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Acquarone
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents