Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Pulmonary Vein Isolation Versus Percutaneous Catheter Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation Trial

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Pulmonary Vein Isolation Versus Percutaneous Catheter Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation Trial

Recent studies demonstrated that radiofrequency isolation of the pulmonary veins (PVI) and surgically video assisted thorascopic pulmonary vein isolation (VATS-PVI) are acceptable or even superior alternatives to antiarrhythmic drug therapy in patients with symptomatically paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data comparing effectiveness in both interventions are limited.

The investigators want to compare the effectiveness of PVI and VATS-PVI. Secondary objectives are to compare the duration of hospitalization, quality of Life, cost and to compare the satisfaction of the patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients > 18 years of age
• Documented, symptomatic, episodes of paroxysmal or persistent AF
• During the last 6 months patients must have at least 2 documented episodes of AF, despite the use of at least 1 anti arrhythmic drug.
• Able of providing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Unwillingness to use or contra-indications for vitamin K antagonists
• Severely enlarged left atrium (>50 mm) on echocardiography
• Prior AF ablation or AF surgery
• Intracardiac thrombus
• Prior heart surgery or pulmonary disease hampering thoracoscopic surgery