Study Reports Catheter Ablation Superior to Drug Therapy as First-Line Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation
Clinical Trials Monday, May 21st, 2012Preliminary Findings Presented at Heart Rhythm Society’s Annual Scientific Meeting
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE): May 11, 2012 08:00 AM.
Patients with the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation (AFib) who received first-line catheter ablation treatment had a longer arrhythmia-free interval than patients receiving antiarrhythmic drugs, the standard first-line treatment. The preliminary findings were presented during a late-breaking session (LB02-1) at Heart Rhythm 2012, the Society’s 33rd Annual Scientific Sessions in Boston.
“This study demonstrated radiofrequency AFib ablation to be safe and superior to drug therapy in extending time to first recurrence of symptomatic or asymptomatic AFib, atrial tachyarrhythmia and atrial flutter, with a relative risk reduction of 44%**”
The study found that, compared to treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs, radiofrequency catheter ablation significantly extended the time to first recurrence of AFib, atrial tachyarrhythmia, atrial flutter and asymptomatic AFib, in patients with paroxysmal recurrent AFib who had not been previously treated with an antiarrhythmic drug. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is defined as recurrent (two or more) episodes of AFib that end spontaneously in less than seven days.
“This study supports consideration of catheter ablation as a first-line treatment option for patients with paroxysmal AFib,” said Dr. Carlos Morillo, MD, FHRS, Hamilton Health Sciences-McMaster University, Hamilton, ON and co-Principal Investigator for the study. “This research is promising, as the results demonstrated better safety and effectiveness outcomes in AFib patients, not previously treated with drugs, who underwent radiofrequency ablation.” Read more
