Current role of atrioventricular junction (AVJ) ablation.
Atrioventricular junction ablation with permanent pacemaker insertion is a highly effective treatment approach in patients with atrial fibrillation that is resistant to other treatment modalities, especially in the elderly or those with severe comorbidities. This effect likely reflects reversal of rapid ventricular rates and regularizing ventricular rates. There is increasing evidence that cardiac resynchronization therapy devices may be beneficial in selected populations after atrioventricular node ablation. The limitations of this approach include continued need for anticoagulation and lifelong pacemaker therapy.
Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, San Francisco, California, USA.
Kurt S
KS
Hoffmayer
Melvin
M
Scheinman
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000601:surgery*; D058406:Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000601:surgery*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans