Permanent Pacemaker Implantations after Catheter Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Underlying Sinus Node Dysfunction.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes and the incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation after catheter ablation in patients with of atrial fibrillation (AF) and sinus node dysfunction (SND).

METHODS:

Among 3,068 total consecutive patients who underwent AF catheter ablation (AFCA), this study included 222 (9.5%; men 53.2%, 63.7±9.2 years of age, 81.5% paroxysmal AF) with underlying SND and a regular rhythm follow-up. We analyzed the rhythm outcomes, changes in the mean heart rate or heart rate variability, and permanent pacemaker implantation rate.

RESULTS:

During 47.5±28.8 months of follow-up, 25 (11.3%) patients received pacemaker implantations due to symptomatic SND. More than half (56.0%, 14/25) underwent a pacemaker implantation within 3 months of the AFCA, and the annual pacemaker implantation rate was 2.0% afterwards. Both the early (68.0% vs. 31.0%, p<0.001) and clinical AF recurrence (68.0% vs. 32.5%, p=0.001) rates and continuous antiarrhythmic drug use after 3 months (44.0% vs. 24.4%, p=0.036) were significantly higher in patients requiring pacemaker implantations than those that did not. An anterior linear ablation (odds ratio [OR], 9.37 [3.03-28.9]; p<0.001) and the E/Em (OR, 1.15 [1.02-1.28]; p=0.018) were independently associated with permanent pacemaker implantations after AFCA in patients with AF and SND.

CONCLUSIONS:

After AFCA in patients with AF and SND, 1 of 9 patients needed a pacemaker implantation and half needed implantations within 3 months. The AF recurrence rate was significantly higher in those who required pacemaker implantations after the AFCA.

• Authors: Tae Hyun Hwang, Hee Tae Yu, Tae Hoon Kim, Jae Sun Uhm, Jong Youn Kim, Boyoung Joung, Moon Hyoung Lee, Hui Nam Pak
• Journal: Korean circulation journal (Korean Circ J) Vol. 50 Issue 4 Pg. 346-357 (Apr 2020) ISSN: 1738-5520 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 31960638 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020. The Korean Society of Cardiology.