Is there a role for bi-atrial pacing resynchronisation therapy in the management of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation in patients unsuitable for left atrial ablation?
BACKGROUND
This retrospective cohort study evaluated whether long term outcome of atrial resynchronisation therapy using bi-atrial pacing (BiaP) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) was effective in patients deemed unfit for left atrial (LA) ablation procedures.


RESULTS
The patient population comprised 2 groups: those deemed suitable for left LA ablation (n=14) and those who were not (n = 17). Both groups underwent BiaP and outcomes were evaluated by comparing symptoms, AF duration, admissions and antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) for an equal period of time pre and post implantation. Median follow-up was 24 months (range 8-66 months) for the unsuitable group and 31 months (range 7-84 months) for the suitable group. Efficacy in reduction of both AF and symptoms was similar (P = 0.44) in both groups (unsuitable group: 13/17; suitable group: 8/14). There was significant improvement in median AF episodes/week pre and post BiaP in both groups (unsuitable group AF reduction: 5 days/week, P = 0.001; suitable group AF reduction: 4.9 days/week, P = 0.03); the improvement was similar in both groups (P = 0.33). There was a significant reduction in the median number of admissions for AF in both groups (unsuitable group: P = 0.003; suitable group: P = 0.01) and this reduction was also similar (P = 0.70). The median number of AAD was also reduced to a similar degree (P = 0.83) in both groups (suitable group: P = 0.004; unsuitable group: P = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Atrial resynchronisation therapy is effective in the long term management of drug-resistant AF in patients unsuitable for LA ablation, leading to significant reductions in symptoms, AF duration, admissions and AAD.
Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK. rajiv-s@doctors.org.uk
Rajiv
R
Sankaranarayanan
Michael Anthony
MA
James
Hanney
H
Gonna
Stephanie
S
Burtchaell
Russell
R
Holloway
Paul
P
Ewings
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D058406:Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents