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Review
. 2017;13(3):199-208.
doi: 10.2174/1573403X13666170117125124.

The Short and Long-Term Efficacy of Pulmonary Vein Isolation as a Sole Treatment Strategy for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zsuzsanna Kis  1 , Taulant Muka  2 , Oscar H Franco  2 , Wichor M Bramer  3 , Lennart J De Vries  1 , Attila Kardos  4 , Tamas Szili-Torok  5
Affiliations
Free PMC article
Review

The Short and Long-Term Efficacy of Pulmonary Vein Isolation as a Sole Treatment Strategy for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zsuzsanna Kis et al. Curr Cardiol Rev. 2017.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an accepted treatment strategy for catheter ablation (CA) of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). In this study, we aimed to assess the short, mid- and long-term outcome of PVI as a sole treatment strategy for PAF.

Methods: Six bibliographic electronic databases were searched to identify all published relevant studies until December 14, 2015. Search of the scientific literature was performed for studies describing outcomes with mean follow-up > 24 months after PAF ablation. Only articles with 1, 3 or 5-year follow up were included, from the same group of investigators.

Results: Of the 2398 references reviewed for eligibility, 13 articles (enrolling a total of 1774 patients) were included in the final analysis. Pooled analysis showed that the 12- and 62 -month success rate of a single CA procedure was 78% (95% CI 0.76% to 0.855) and 59% (95% CI 0.56% to 0.64%), respectively. The results did not differ by type of CA performed. Major complications mentioned in the enrolled studies were cerebrovascular event, pericardial tamponade and PV stenosis.

Conclusion: There is a progressive and significant decline in freedom from AF between 1, 3 and 5- year after successful PVI in patients with PAF. Our analysis suggests that a high short-time success rate after PVI does not necessarily result in high chronic success rate.

Keywords: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation; catheter ablation; cerebrovascular event; efficacy of ablation; pulmonary vein isolation; transient ischemic attack.

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Figures

Fig. (1)
Fig. (1)
Flowchart of Studies for outcome of pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Fig. (2)
Fig. (2)
12-month success rate of pulmonary vein isolation.
Fig. (3)
Fig. (3)
62-month success rate of pulmonary vein isolation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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