Long-term outcome of the atrioventricular node ablation and pacemaker implantation for symptomatic refractory atrial fibrillation

Aims To investigate tong-term outcome and to determine predictors of development of heart failure (HF) in patients with atrioventricular (AV) node ablation and permanent right ventricular pacing because of symptomatic refractory atrial. fibrillation (AF). Background Atrioventricular node ablation and subsequent permanent pacing is a well-established therapy for patients with AF Long-term right ventricular pacing may induce HF. Methods and results In 121 (45 with previous HF) patients with drug refractory AF, AV node ablation and implantation of a pacemaker was performed. At baseline and after a mean follow-up of 4.3 +/- 3.3 years, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class for HF and left ventricular (W) and atrial diameters were assessed. During and at the end of follow-up, hospitalizations for HF, mortality, and quality of life were assessed using the SF-36 and an AVN-specific questionnaire. No significant changes in NYHA functional class (87 vs. 77% in NYHA I/II at baseline vs. end of follow-up) and LV end diastolic diameter (51 +/- 7 vs. 52 +/- 8 mm) were observed. Left ventricular end systolic diameter decreased (from 37 +/- 9 to 34 +/- 7 mm, P = 0.03) and fractional shortening improved (from 28 +/- 10 to 34 +/- 9, P = 0.02) in all patients and in patients with previous HF, but not in patients without previous HE Hospitalizations for HF occurred in 24 patients (20%), predominantly those with previous HE All-cause mortality occurred in 31 (26%) patients. At the end of follow-up, quality of life was comparable with the control group. Conclusion Long-term outcome of AV node ablation and permanent pacing is good. Atrioventricular node ablation remains a treatment option for AF