Long-term Outcomes of Index Cryo-balloon ablation in Patients with
Atrial Fibrillation and Systolic Heart Failure
Abstract
Background: Although catheter ablation (CA) is an effective treatment
for patients with AF and LVSD, the efficacy of an initial cryo-ablation
strategy is unknown. This study evaluated long term outcomes of patients
with an initial cryo-ablation strategy for AF and LV systolic
dysfunction (LVSD). Methods: Outcomes of patients undergoing index
cryoablation for AF from January 2008 until March 2018, with documented
pre-ablation LVEF45% were evaluated for long term freedom from AF and
change in ventricular function from baseline. Results: 76 patients met
inclusion criteria. Patients were predominantly male (80%), aged 63
11yrs, with an average CHADS2 VASc score of 2.66 1.40, baseline LVEF
34 8.7% (ischaemic in 37%) and NYHA class 2.37 0.72. Repeat
procedures were performed in 13%. The single procedure success was 70%
at 1 year (81% for paroxysmal AF, 65% for persistent AF, 29% for
long-standing persistent AF) and at 28 13 months follow up was 43%
(50%, 41% and 21% respectively), increasing to 59% allowing for
subsequent redo procedure with RF ablation (64%, 57%, and 50%
respectively). At follow up, LVEF significantly improved to 46 16%
(p<0.001), and NYHA reduced to 1.51 0.66
(p<0.001). Conclusion: An initial strategy of cryoablation in
patients with AF and LVSD is an effective approach in the treatment of
patients with concurrent AF and LVSD. Larger, randomised prospective
studies are required to confirm these findings.