Single procedure efficacy of isolating all versus arrhythmogenic pulmonary veins on long-term control of atrial fibrillation: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND

Current atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation involves isolation of all pulmonary veins (PVs) with or without additional linear lesions. However, whether such extensive ablation is necessary is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of different ablation strategies on long-term AF control.

METHODS

We prospectively randomized patients to undergo isolation of all versus arrhythmogenic PVs (identified by standardized stimulation protocol). PV isolation was guided by circular mapping catheter. The endpoint was entry/exit block persisting for > or = 20 minutes. Patients were evaluated at three clinic visits (at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year) and multiple transtelephonic monitoring periods. Antiarrhythmic drugs were discontinued at 6 weeks. Primary study endpoint was long-term AF control (freedom or >90% reduction in AF burden off or on previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs at 1 year after a single ablation procedure).

RESULTS

Over a 20-month period, 105 patients (76 men and 29 women, age 57 +/- 9 years; paroxysmal AF = 77) were randomized, and 103 patients completed 1-year follow-up (51 patients in all-PV arm, 52 patients in arrhythmogenic PV arm). The primary endpoint was achieved in 75 (73%) patients and was similar in patients randomized to all-PV arm versus arrhythmogenic PV arm [38 (75%) patients vs 37 (71%) patients, respectively; odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 0.50, 2.83, P = .70]. Secondary study endpoints, including freedom from AF off antiarrhythmic drugs, total procedure/fluoroscopy times, and occurrence of serious adverse events, were not different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In a randomized comparison, isolation of arrhythmogenic veins was as efficacious as empiric isolation of all veins in achieving long-term AF control.