Abstract Background Treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) with catheter ablation (CA) has evolved significantly. However, real-world data on long-term outcomes are limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objective This multicenter prospective cohort of consecutive patients aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of first-time CA for AF in Southern Brazil from 2009 to 2024. Methods The primary outcome was any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model assessed independent predictors of recurrence. Results Among 1,043 patients (mean […]

Abstract Background Point-by-point ablation with a high-power short-duration (HPSD) technique in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is used worldwide. Little data is available with the HPSD and dragging technique (DT). Objective To perform a multivariate analysis of clinical and procedural predictors of success and recurrence in HPSD with DT. Methods 214 patients in the first AF ablation in sinus rhythm were prospectively enrolled. DT with radiofrequency power of 50 W and contact force (CF) of 10–20 g and 5–10 g at […]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice, with an increasing incidence in more elderly patients. It is well known that AF is a substantial risk factor for cardiovascular events, increasing morbidity and mortality among affected patients, in addition to causing reduced physical and cognitive capacity and quality of life.– Current treatment of AF is based on modification of aggravating clinical factors, introduction of anticoagulants based on individualized risk-benefit ratio, medications to control heart rate and […]

Abstract Background There are no randomized studies comparing the maintenance of sinus rhythm after catheter ablation (CA) concerning treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs (AA) in elderly patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Objectives To compare the clinical results of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with the second-generation PVAC Gold catheter against AA treatment in elderly people with recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal AF, refractory to at least one AA, and without structural heart disease. Methods Sixty patients with paroxysmal AF ≥ 65 years old […]

Abstract Background: Ablation Index (AI) software has allowed better atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation results, but recurrence rates remain significant. Specific serum biomarkers have been associated with this recurrence. Objectives: To evaluate whether certain biomarkers could be used (either individually or combined) to predict arrhythmia recurrence after AI-guided AF ablation. Methods: Prospective multicenter observational study of consecutive patients referred for AF ablation from January 2018 to March 2021. Hemoglobin, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein, high sensitivity cardiac troponin I, creatinine […]

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) frequently coexist, resulting in adverse outcomes. However, controversies remain regarding the efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) in AF patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. Objectives The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of CA versus medical therapy (MT) in AF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45%. Methods We searched the literature for studies that compared CA to […]