Drugs vs. ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: the evidence supporting catheter ablation

Eur Heart J. 2010 May;31(9):1046-54. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehq079. Epub 2010 Mar 23.

Abstract

Treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a controversial matter. Catheter ablation is increasingly being used to treat patients with AF, and recent studies have reported success rates >80% for paroxysmal AF and >70% for persistent AF. The purpose of this work is to review the evidence supporting catheter ablation and compare it with pharmacological treatment in the management of AF.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / economics
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation / economics
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy*
  • Catheter Ablation / adverse effects*
  • Catheter Ablation / economics
  • Catheter Ablation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Heart Failure / complications
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents