Abstract
Background
The optimal treatment for patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been a subject of debate for years. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation (CA) of nonparoxysmal AF in patients with HFrEF and functional mitral regurgitation (MR).
Methods
This single-center, retrospective, and observational study enrolled 21 consecutive patients with nonparoxysmal AF, HFrEF and functional MR underwent CA༎The ablation strategy consisted of bilateral circumferential pulmonary vein isolation and empirical linear ablations.
Results
After a mean follow-up of 18.2 ± 8.5 months, stable sinus rhythm (SR) was achieved in 15 patients (71.4%) after the initial procedure and 17 patients (81%) after the final procedure. The NYHA class improved from 2.7 ± 0.7 before ablation to 1.2 ± 0.4 during follow-up (p < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 36.5 ± 6.3% to 54.9 ± 6.6% (p < 0.001). Among 17 patients in continuous SR after the final procedure, MR severity decreased to mild or none,and 10 patients with decreased ventricular wall motion was completely restored to normal after the procedure. No serious complications occurred.
Conclusion
CA may be a safe and effective method for treating nonparoxysmal AF in patients with HFrEF and functional MR. It can significantly improve HF symptoms, functional MR and left ventricular function..
Disproportionate functional mitral regurgitation: a new therapeutic target in patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction
