Study
Method: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long term efficacy and
safety of the atrial fibrillation program at Unity Point Health Methodist in
Peoria.
Method: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who had atrial fibrillation
procedures at Unity Point Methodist from February 19 th 2010 to
September 26 th 2014.
Patients were enrolled and information obtained through the patient's
medical records.
Results:
The study consisted of 53 patients 65 percent of patients were paroxysmal, and
35 percent had chronic or persistent atrial fibrillation. The mean age was 66 +/-
23 (45 to 89 years). The average CHADS-Vasc Score is score is 2.13. Baseline
co-morbidities included 34 individuals with HTN, 10 with Diabetes, and 4 with
coronary artery disease. The average EF was 55% +/-25 (30% to 70%) and the
average LA diameter 41 +/-15 mm (25-56). The average number of antiarrhythmic
was 1.5 prior to ablation.
After a mean follow-up of 28 ± 29 months
(range, 3 to 57 months), freedom from AF was 94% overall (51 of 53 patients,
including 52 were on antiarrhythmic drugs), 94% for paroxysmal AF (34 of 36
patients, including 24 of whom discontinued their antiarrhythmic drugs), and
94% for persistent AF (16 of 17 patients, including 9 no longer on antiarrhythmic
drugs). 76 percent experienced a decrease
in their antiarrhythmic medications of which 60 percent discontinued
antiarrhythmic altogether.
Out of the 53 patients there were three
total major but completely reversible transient complications. Two of the
complications were related to pericardial effusion that was successfully
drained with no recurrence. The last complication was phrenic nerve injury in a
patient who showed complete recovery 4 month after the procedure.
Conclusion: Long-term results of atrial fibrillation ablation at Unity Point Health
Methodist showed safety and efficacy of the program in the treatment of
symptomatic atrial fibrillation in both paroxysmal and persistent groups.
Credits: Adel Mina, MD, FACC; Nicholas Warnecke PA-C