Efficacy, safety and outcome of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in octogenarians.
OBJECTIVE
Catheter ablation is effective in treating patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy and outcome of catheter ablation for AF in octogenarians.


RESULTS
377 consecutive patients were divided into three groups based on age: ≥80 years (group 1; n=49), 70-79 years (group 2; n=151), 60-69 years (group 3; n=177). The efficacy and safety for those three groups were determined. The success rate after one procedure was similar in three groups (70% in group 1, 72% in group2 and 74% in group 3, P=NS) during a mean follow-up of 18 months. Major complication rates were comparable between the three groups. However, the octogenarians were less likely to undergo a repeated procedure than other groups (8% in group 1, 15% in group 2 and 18% in group 3, P<0.05), and were more likely to remain on antiarrhythmic drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
Catheter ablation for AF attempted in octogenarians appears to be effective and with low risk. Ablation results are comparable with those noted in younger patients.
Tan
Hong-wei
HW
Wang
Xin-hua
XH
Shi
Hai-feng
HF
Yang
Guo-shu
GS
Zhou
Li
L
Gu
Jia-ning
JN
Jiang
Wei-feng
WF
Liu
Xu
X
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome