title: Radiofrequency energy modification of the atrioventricular junction in patients with atrial fibrillation: modes of ventricular response under autonomic blockade and long-term effect.
abstract: The short- and long-term effect of radiofrequency (RF) modification of the AV junction on ventricular rate and left ventricular function and the different types of ventricular response during energy application under autonomic nervous blockade were assessed in 28 patients with medically refractory atrial fibrillation. During the successful RF application, ventricular rate slowed progressively (type I response, ten patients) or accelerated at first and then slowed (type II response, 11 patients). Type II response was associated with a more anterior ablation site compared to Type I response. A primary successful outcome was achieved in 21 patients. Inadvertent complete AV block developed in three patients, while in four patients AV nodal ablation was performed after an unsuccessful modification attempt. During 6-month follow-up, the ventricular rate was adequately controlled in only four patients. Among the 16 patients with a recurrence of uncontrolled AF were all 10 patients with type I response and 6 of 11 patients with type II response. One patient died suddenly 10 weeks after the procedure.
authors.affiliation: Electrophysiology Laboratory, General Hospital of Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany. kriatselis@t-online.de
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Kriatselis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Goehl
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Helbig
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sindermann
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gottwik
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006321:Heart / Q000294:innervation*; D006327:Heart Block / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology