AV Node Isolation in Atrial Fibrillation vs. Modulation by "Pace and Ablate" Strategy

AV Node Isolation in Atrial Fibrillation vs. Modulation by "Pace and Ablate" Strategy

AV-node ablation (AVNA) is a common therapy option for rate control strategy of permanent atrial fibrillation with numerous side effects. The investigators hypothesised that an isolation of the AV node is concomitant with less occurrence of new bundle brunch blocks, more frequent preservation and higher rate of escape rhythm compared to AVNA. This retrospective study includes 20 patients being treated with AV-node isolation (AVNI) and 40 historical AVNA-controls. Among others these two methods were compared regarding escape rhythm, delta QRS, procedure time, ablation points, fluoroscopy time and total dose area product (DAP).

Inclusion Criteria:

• paroxysmal, persistend or permanent atrial fibrillation; indication for AVNA

Exclusion Criteria:

• other indications for AVNA than atrial fibrillation as AVNRT, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia