Thoracoscopic vs. catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: long-term follow-up of the FAST randomized trial.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Our objectives were to compare effectiveness and long-term prognosis after epicardial thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation vs. endocardial catheter ablation, in patients with prior failed catheter ablation or high risk of failure.

Methods and results

Patients were randomized to thoracoscopic or catheter ablation, consisting of pulmonary vein isolation with optional additional lines (2007-2010). Patients were reassessed in 2016/2017, and those without documented AF recurrence underwent 7-day ambulatory electrocardiography. The primary rhythm outcome was recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia lasting >30 s. The primary clinical endpoint was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular event, analysed with adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratios

SUBMITTER: Castella M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6479508 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature