© 1999 by European Society of Cardiology
Prospective, randomized study of atrioventricular ablation and mode-switching, dual chamber pacemaker implantation versus medical therapy in drug-resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
The PAF study
*Section of Arrhythmology Ospedali Riuniti, Lavagna;
Department of Cardiology and Arrhythmologic Center Ospedale S Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia;
Department of Cardiology and Arrhythmologic Center Ospedale Civile, Cento;
Section of Arrhythmology Ospedale Civile, Imperia;
|Institute of Clinical Physiology Centro Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa;
¶Department of Cardiology, Service of Arrhythmology Ospedale Niguarda, Milano;
**Department of Cardiology Ospedale Umberto I, Mestre, Italy
We performed a prospective randomized 6-month evaluation of the clinical effects of atrioventricular junctional ablation together with placement of a DDDR mode-switching pacemaker vs pharmacological treatment in 43 patients with intolerable paroxysmal atrial fibrillation not controlled with antiarrhythmic drugs. Ablation and pacemaker treatment were highly effective and superior to drug therapy in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. However, discontinuation of drug therapy exposed patients to further recurrences of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and the risk of developing permanent atrial fibrillation.
Key Words: Atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation pacemaker, mode-switching
Correspondence: Michele Brignole, Via A Grilli 164, 16041 Borzonasca (GE), Italy.
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