Improved Outcomes and Complications of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation Over Time: Learning Curve, Techniques, and Methodology

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• 作者：Naiara Calvo^a ; Mercè ; Nadal^a ; Antonio Berruezo^a ; ^b ; David Andreu^a ; ^b ; Elena Arbelo^a ; Jose Maria Tolosana^a ; ^b ; Eduard Guasch^a ; Maria Matiello^a ; Maria Matas^a ; ^b ; Xavier Alsina^a ; Marta Sitges^a ; Josep Brugada^a ; ^b ; Llu&#237 ; s Mont^a ; ^b ; ^{lmont@clinic.ub.es}
• 关键词：AF ; atrial fibrillation ; LA ; left atrium ; OSAS ; obstructive sleep apnea syndrome ; PV ; pulmonary veins ; RF ; radiofrequency ; UFH ; unfractionated heparin sodium
• 刊名：Revista Española de Cardiología (English Edition)
• 出版年：2012
• 出版时间：February 2012
• 年：2012
• 卷：65
• 期：2
• 页码：131-138
• 全文大小：220 K

文摘

Introduction and objectives

The outcomes of atrial fibrillation ablation procedures vary widely between different centers. Our objective was to analyze the results and complications of this procedure in our center and identify factors predicting the efficacy and safety of atrial fibrillation ablation.

Methods

In total, 726 atrial fibrillation ablation procedures were performed in our center between 2002 and 2009. Beginning in January 2008, a protocol for anticoagulation and conscious sedation was systematically applied. Outcomes and complications could therefore be compared in 2 well-differentiated groups: group A included 419 procedures performed prior to 2008 and group B included 307 procedures completed after 2008 using the new protocol.

Results

During an average follow-up of 8.7 months, 60.9 % of patients were arrhythmia-free after one or repeat procedures. After only 1 procedure, the success rate was 41 % and significantly higher in group B (51.6 % vs 35.2 % in group A; P=.001). There were 31 major complications (4.2 % ), 26 in group A (6.2 % ) and 5 in group B (1.6 % ) (P=.002). The implementation of the new protocol was an independent predictor of the absence of complications (odds ratio=0.406; 95 % confidence interval, 0.214-0.769; P<.006).

Conclusions

Systematic application of an anticoagulation and conscious sedation protocol is associated with improved results and fewer complications of atrial fibrillation ablation. Factors not evaluated in the present study, such as operator experience and ongoing improvements in atrial fibrillation ablation technology, could have influenced these findings.