Atrial fibrillation: Cure or treat?

Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease

Volumn 3, Issue 3, 2009, Pages 187-196

  Forleo, Giovanni B ^a   Tondo, Claudio ^a  

^a SAN CAMILLO FORLANINI HOSPITAL   (Italy)

Author keywords

Antiarrhythmic medications; Atrial fibrillation; Catheter ablation

Indexed keywords

AMIODARONE; ANTIARRHYTHMIC AGENT; BETA ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR BLOCKING AGENT; CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKING AGENT; DIGOXIN; DRONEDARONE; FLECAINIDE; PLACEBO; PROPAFENONE; SOTALOL; WARFARIN;

ANTICOAGULATION; ARTIFICIAL HEART PACEMAKER; CARDIOVERSION; CATHETER ABLATION; CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT; CLINICAL TRIAL; CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE; CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE; DRUG EFFICACY; DRUG WITHDRAWAL; ELECTROGRAPHY; HEART ATRIUM FIBRILLATION; HEART DISEASE; HEART FUNCTION; HEART LEFT ATRIUM; HEART RATE; HEART RHYTHM; HEART VENTRICLE ARRHYTHMIA; HUMAN; LUNG DISEASE; PRIORITY JOURNAL; PULMONARY VEIN; RECURRENT DISEASE; REVIEW; SINUS RHYTHM; SURGICAL APPROACH; SURGICAL MAZE; SURGICAL TECHNIQUE; SYSTOLIC DYSFUNCTION; THYROID DISEASE;

ANTI-ARRHYTHMIA AGENTS; ARRHYTHMIA, SINUS; ATRIAL FIBRILLATION; CATHETER ABLATION; HEART RATE; HUMANS; RECURRENCE;

EID: 67449151635     PISSN: 17539447     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1177/1753944709104495     Document Type: Review

References (59)

1. AFFIRM First Antiarrhythmic Drug Substudy Investigators (2003) Maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation: an AFFIRM substudy of the first antiarrhythmic drug. J Am Coll Cardiol 42: 20-29.
2. Allessie, M.A., Konings, K., Kirchhof, C.J. and Wijffels, M. (1996) Electrophysiologic mechanisms of perpetuation of atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 77: 10A-23A.
3. Bertaglia, E., Zoppo, F., Tondo, C., Colella, A., Mantovan, R., Senatore, G. et al. (2007) Early complications of pulmonary vein catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: A multicenter prospective registry on procedural safety. Heart Rhythm 4: 1265-1271.
4. Calo‘, L., de Ruvo, E., Sciarra, L., Gricia, R., Navone, G., de Luca, L. et al. (2008) Diagnostic accuracy of a new software for complex fractionated electrograms identification in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 19: 1024-1030.
5. Carlsson, J., Miketic, S., Windeler, J., Cuneo, A., Haun, S., Micus, S. et al. (2003) Randomized trial of rate-control versus rhythm-control in persistent atrial fibrillation: the Strategies of Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (STAF) study. J Am Coll Cardiol 41: 1690-1696.
6. Cappato, R., Calkins, H., Chen, S.H., Davies, W., Iesaka, Y., Kalman, J. et al. (2005) Worldwide survey on methods, efficacy and safety of catheter ablation for human atrial fibrillation. Circulation 111: 1100-1105.
7. Chen, M.S., Marrouche, N.F., Khaykin, Y., Gillinov, A.M., Wazni, O., Martin, D.O. et al. (2004) Pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with impaired systolic function. J Am Coll Cardiol 43: 1004-1009.
8. Chen, Y.J. and Chen, S.A. (2006) Electrophysiology of pulmonary veins. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 17: 220-224.
9. Chun, S.H., Sager, P.T., Stevenson, W.G., Nademanee, K., Middlekauff, H.R. and Singh, B.N. (1995) Long-term efficacy of amiodarone for the maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation or flutter. Am J Cardiol 76: 47-50.
10. Corley, S.D., Epstein, A.E., DiMarco, J.P., Domanski, M.J., Geller, N., Greene, H.L. et al. (2004) Relationships between sinus rhythm, treatment, and survival in the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-Up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) Study. Circulation 109: 1509-1513.
11. Cox, J.L., Boineau, J.P., Schuessler, R.B., Jaquiss, R.D.B. and Lappas, D.G. (1995) Modification of the maze procedure for atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 110: 473-484.
12. Cox, J.L., Schuessler, R.B., D'Agostino, Jr, H.J., Stone, C.M., Chang, B.C., Cain, M.E. et al. (1991) The surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. III. Development of a definitive surgical procedure. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 101: 569-583.
13. Damiano, Jr, R.J., Gaynor, S.L., Bailey, M., Prasad, S., Cox, J.L., Boineau, J.P. et al. (2003) The long-term outcome of patients with coronary disease and atrial fibrillation undergoing the Cox maze procedure. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 126: 2016-2021.
14. Farshi, R., Kistner, D., Sarma, J.S., Longmate, J.A. and Singh, B.N. (1999) Ventricular rate control in chronic atrial fibrillation during daily activity and programmed exercise: a crossover open-label study of five drug regimens. J Am Coll Cardiol 33: 304-310.
15. Feinberg, W.M., Blackshear, J.L., Laupacis, A., Kronmal, R. and Hart, R.G. (1995) Prevalence, age distribution, and gender of patients with atrial fibrillation. Analysis and implications. Arch Intern Med 155: 469-473.
16. Forleo, G.B., Mantica, M., de Luca, L., Leo, R., Santini, L., Panigada, S. et al. (2009) Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Results from a randomized study comparing pulmonary vein isolation versus antiarrhythmic drug therapy. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 20: 22-28.
17. Gaita, F., Caponi, D., Scaglione, M., Montefusco, A., Corleto, A., Di Monte, F. et al. (2008) Long-term clinical results of 2 different ablation strategies in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythmia Electrophysiol 1: 269-275.
18. Gillinov, A.M. and McCarthy, P.M. (2004) Advances in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. Cardiol Clin 22: 147-57.
19. Go, A.S., Hylek, E.M., Phillips, K.A., Chang, Y., Henault, L.E., Selby, J.V. et al. (2001) Prevalence of diagnosed atrial fibrillation in adults: national implications for rhythm management and stroke prevention: the AnTicoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) Study. J Am Med Assoc 285: 2370-2375.
20. Hagens, V.E., Ranchor, A.V., van Sonderen, E., Bosker, H.A., Kamp, O., Tijssen, J.G. et al. (2004) Effect of rate or rhythm control on quality of life in persistent atrial fibrillation: results from the Rate Control Versus Electrical Cardioversion (RACE) Study. J Am Coll Cardiol 43: 241-247.
21. Haissaguerre, M., Jais, P., Shah, D.C., Takahashi, A., Hocini, M., Quiniou, G. et al. (1998) Spontaneous initiation of atrial fibrillation by ectopic beats originating in the pulmonary veins. N Engl J Med 339: 659-666.
22. Haissaguerre, M., Sanders, P., Hocini, M., Takahashi, Y., Rotter, M., Sacher, F. et al. (2005) Catheter ablation of long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation: Critical structures for termination. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 16: 1125-1137.
23. Hohnloser, S.H., Crijns, H.J.G.M., van Eickerls, M., Gaudin, C., Page, R.L., Torp-Pedersen, C. et al. (2009) Effect of dronedarone on cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 360: 668-768.
24. Hsu, L.F., Jaïs, P., Sanders, P., Garrique, S., Hocini, M., Sacher, F. et al. (2004) Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med 351: 2373-2383.
25. Izumoto, H., Kawazoe, K., Eishi, K. and Kamata, J. (2000) Medium-term results after the modified Cox / Maze procedure combined with other cardiac surgery. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 17: 25-29.
26. Jais, P., Cauchemez, B., Macle, L., Daoud, E., Waldo, A.L., Ruskin, J.N. et al. (2008) Catheter ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs for atrial fibrillation. The A 4 Study. Circulation 118: 2498-2505.
27. Jais, P., Sanders, P., Hsu, L.F., Hocini, M. and Haissaguerre, M. (2005) Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Heart 91: 7-9.
28. Kannel, W.B. and Benjamin, E.J. (2008) Status of the epidemiology of atrial fibrillation. Med Clin North Am 92: 17-40.
29. Kannel, W.B., Abbott, R.D., Savage, D.D. and McNamara, P.M. (1982) Epidemiologic features of chronic atrial fibrillation: the Framingham study. N Engl J Med 306: 1018-1022.
30. Khan, M.N., Jaïs, P., Cummings, J., Di Biase, L., Sanders, P., Martin, D.O. et al. (2008) Pulmonary-vein isolation for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. N Engl J Med 359: 1778-1785.
31. Kim, K.B., Huh, J.H., Kang, C.H. and Ahn, H. (2001) Modifications of the Cox-Maze procedure. Ann Thorac Surg 71: 816-822.
32. Kober, L., Torp-Pedersen, C., McMurray, J.J.V., Gotzsche, O., Levy, S., Crijns, H. et al. (2008) Increased mortality after dronedarone therapy for severe heart failure. N Engl J Med 359: 2678-2687.
33. Kosakai, Y., Kawaguchi, A.T., Isobe, F., Sasako, Y., Nakano, K., Eishi, K. et al. (1994) Cox maze procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 108: 1049-1055.
34. Kottkamp, H., Tanner, H., Kobza, R., Schirdewahn, P., Dorszewski, A., Gerds-Li, J.H. et al. (2004) Time courses and quantitative analysis of atrial fibrillation episode number and duration after circular plus linear left atrial lesions. Trigger elimination or substratemodification: Early or delayed cure? J Am Coll Cardiol 44: 869-877.
35. Marrouche, N., Martin, D.O., Wazni, O., Gillinov, A.M., Klein, A., Bhargava, M., Saad, E. et al. (2003) Phased-array intracardiac echocardiography monitoring during pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Impact on outcome and complications. Circulation 107: 2710-2716.
36. Nair, G.M., Nery, P.B., Diwakaramenon, S., Healey, J.S., Connolly, S.J., & Morillo, C.A., (2009) A systematic review of randomized trials comparing radiofrequency ablation with antiarrhythmic medications in patients with atrial fibrillation, J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 20: 138-144.
37. Nademanee, K., McKenzie, J., Kosar, E., Schwab, M., Sunsaneewitayakul, B., Vasavakul, T. et al. (2004) A new approach for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: Mapping of electrophysiologic substrate. J Am Coll Cardiol 43: 2044-2053.
38. Natale, A., Raviele, A., Arentz, T., Calkins, H., Chen, S.A., Haissaguerre, M. et al. (2007) Venice chart international consensus document on atrial fibrillation ablation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 18: 560-580.
39. Olshansky, B., Rosenfeld, L.E., Warner, A.L., Solomon, A.J., O'Neill, G., Sharma, A. et al. (2004) The Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) study: approaches to control rate in atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 43: 1201-1208.
40. Oral, H., Chugh, A., Good, E., Wimmer, A., Dey, S., Gadeela, N. et al. (2007) Radiofrequency catheter ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation guided by complex electrograms. Circulation 115: 2606-2612.
41. Oral, H., Pappone, C., Chugh, A., Good, E., Bogun, F., Pelosi, Jr, F. et al. (2006) Circumferential pulmonary-vein ablation for chronic atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 354: 934-941.
42. Pappone, C., Augello, G., Sala, S., Gugliotta, F., Vicedomini, G., Gulletta, S. et al. (2006) A randomized trial of circumferential pulmonary vein ablation versus antiarrhythmic drug therapy in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: The APAF (Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation) Study. J Am Coll Cardiol 48: 2340-2347.
43. Pappone, C., Oreto, G., Rosanio, S., Vicedomini, G., Tocchi, M., Gugliotta, F. et al. (2001) Atrial electroanatomic remodeling after circumferential radiofrequency pulmonary vein ablation. Efficacy of an anatomic approach in a large cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation. Circulation 104: 2539-2544.
44. Pappone, C., Santinelli, V., Manguso, F., Vicedomini, G., Gugliotta, F. and Augello, G. (2004) Pulmonary vein denervation enhances long-term benefit after circumferential ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Circulation 109: 327-334.
45. Roy, D., Talajic, M., Dorian, P., Connolly, S., Eisenberg, M.J., Green, M. et al. (2000) Amiodarone to prevent recurrence of atrial fibrillation. Canadian Trial of Atrial Fibrillation Investigators. N Engl J Med 342: 913-920.
46. Roy, D., Talajic, M., Nattel, S., Wyse, G., Dorian, P., Lee, K.L. et al. (2008) Rhythm control versus rate control for atrial fibrillation and heart failure. N Engl J Med 358: 2667-2677.
47. Scherr, D., Dalal, D., Cheema, A., Cheng, A., Henrikson, C.A., Spragg, D. et al. (2007) Automated detection and characterization of complex fractionated atrial electrograms in human left atrium during atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 4: 1013-1020.
48. Singh, B.N., Connolly, S.J., Crijns, H.J.G.M., Roy, D., Kowey, P.R., Capucci, A. et al. (2007) Dronedarone for maintenance of sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation or flutter. N Engl J Med 357: 987-999.
49. Singh, B.N., Singh, S.N., Reda, D.J., Tang, S.C., Lopez, B., Harris, C.L. et al. (2005) Amiodarone versus sotalol for atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 352: 1861-1872.
50. Stabile, G., Bertaglia, E., Senatore, G., de Simone, A., Zoppo, F., Donnici, G. et al. (2006) Catheter ablation treatment in patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation: A prospective, multi-centre, randomized, controlled study (Catheter Ablation For The Cure Of Atrial Fibrillation Study). Eur Heart J 27: 216-221.
51. Stewart, S., Hart, C.L., Hole, D.J., Maassen, K., Ortiz, M., Pulido, J.N. et al. (2002) A population-based study of the long-term risks associated with atrial fibrillation: 20-year follow-up of the Renfrew / Paisley study. Am J Med 113: 359-364.
52. Tamariz, L.J. and Bass, E.B. (2004) Pharmacological rate control of atrial fibrillation. Cardiol Clin 22: 35-45.
53. Tondo, C., Mantica, M., Russo, G., Avella, A., de Luca, L., Pappalardo, A. et al. (2006) Pulmonary vein vestibule ablation for the control of atrial fibrillation in patients with impaired left ventricular function. Pacing Clin Electrophysio 29: 962-970.
54. Verma, A., Patel, D., Famy, T., Martin, D.O., Burkhardt, J.D., Elayi, S.C. et al. (2007) Efficacy of adjuvant anterior left atrial ablation during intracardiac echocardiography-guided pulmonary vein antrum isolation for atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 18: 151-156.
55. Wazni, O.M., Marrouche, N.F., Martin, D.O., Verma, A., Bhargava, M., Saliba, W. et al. (2005) Radiofrequency ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs as first-line treatment for symptomatic atrial fibrillation. J Am Med Assoc 293: 2634-2640.
56. Weerasooriya, R., Davis, M., Powell, A., Szili-Torok, T., Shah, C., Whalley, D. et al. (2003) The Australian Intervention Randomized Control of Rate in Atrial Fibrillation Trial (AIRCRAFT). J Am Coll Cardiol 41: 1697-1702.
57. Wood, M.A., Brown-Mahoney, C., Kay, G.N. and Ellenbogen, K.A. (2000) Clinical outcomes after ablation and pacing therapy for atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis. Circulation 101: 1138-1144.
58. Wyse, D.G., Waldo, A.L., DiMarco, J.P., Domanski, M.J., Rosenberg, Y., Schron, E.B. et al. (2002) A comparison of rate control and rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 347: 1825-1833.
59. Zimetbaum, P. (2007) Amiodarone for atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 356: 935-941.