Recent studies demonstrated that radiofrequency isolation of the pulmonary veins (PVI) and surgically video assisted thorascopic pulmonary vein isolation (VATS-PVI) are acceptable or even superior alternatives to antiarrhythmic drug therapy in patients with symptomatically paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data comparing effectiveness in both interventions are limited. The investigators want to compare the effectiveness of PVI and VATS-PVI. Secondary objectives are to compare the duration of hospitalization, quality of Life, cost and to compare the satisfaction of the patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
77
For catheter ablation, we used irrigated 4mm RF-ablation catheters, at a maximum power of 30-35Watt, an irrigation rate of 20 mL/min. PV isolation was performed by wide circumferential ablation, encircling all ipsilateral PVs.
A bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial appendage (LAA) excision is performed under general anaesthesia and double-lumen endotracheal ventilation.
Medisch Spectrum Twente
Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands
Recurrence of AF
The percentage of patients without a recurrence of AF, without antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs), within a follow-up period of at least 12 months after a stabilisation period of 90 days after the initial procedure. An episode of AF is defined as an episode of at least 30 seconds duration.
Time frame: one year
Treatment impact
Secondary objectives include the duration and cost of hospitalization, discomfort during admission, assessment and experienced AF burden during follow-up of procedural impact on the patient and time to recurrence after intervention. A complication register will also be kept.
Time frame: one year
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