Long-term rhythm control of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation with "hybrid therapy" incorporating dual-site right atrial pacing, antiarrhythmic drugs, and right atrial ablation.
We evaluated the long-term efficacy, safety, and applicability of a "hybrid" therapy strategy for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation (AF), incorporating dual-site right atrial pacing, antiarrhythmic drugs, and right atrial ablation. One hundred thirteen patients (paroxysmal AF [n = 70], persistent/permanent AF [n = 43]) with refractory symptomatic AF were treated with this strategy and followed for 1 to 81 months (mean 30 +/- 23). All-cause mortality, AF recurrences, and progression to permanent AF were monitored and recorded by implanted device data logs. There was no procedural mortality. Rhythm control was achieved in 90% of all patients at 3 and 5 years, with comparable efficacy in subpopulations with paroxysmal (98%), persistent, or permanent AF (87%, p >2). Overall survival was 84% at 3 years and 80% at 5 years, and was higher in patients with paroxysmal AF than in patients with persistent or permanent AF (86% vs 67% at 4 years, p <0.001). Patients with persistent or permanent AF had a greater need for cardioversion (p <0.004) and right atrial ablation (p <0.04) than patients with paroxysmal AF to achieve comparable rhythm control. A hybrid therapy strategy can provide safe and effective long-term rhythm control in patients with drug-refractory AF, and can be implemented in subpopulations presenting with paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent AF.
Arrhythmia and Pacemaker Service, Cardiovascular Institute, Atlantic Health System, Passaic, New Jersey, USA.
Nandini
N
Madan
Sanjeev
S
Saksena
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016275:Atrial Function / Q000502:physiology*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents