Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Committee Chair

Trey Boyd

Abstract

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF), a rapid and irregular arrhythmia, is the most common cause of cardiac-related stroke and other serious complications for those affected. The first-line treatment for long-term rhythm control of AF remains in question and simplification of therapy would be a significant development. This review aims to determine the efficacy of ablation versus antiarrhythmic drug therapy for the treatment of AF.

Methods: A search via PubMed using the keywords ablation* AND drug therapy* AND atrial fibrillation* AND long-term effects produced 770 results. Results were consolidated by excluding those without full text. Filters were set to randomized control trials (RCTs), metaanalyses, and systematic reviews from 2019 to 2024. Six trials were selected for their clinically relevant comparison.

Results: All six studies compared ablation and drug therapy for long-term effects. Ablation therapy decreased hospitalizations in two of the studies. Quality of life was improved with ablation in one study. AF burden was shown to be improved in another study. Overall, there was a notable reduction in the recurrence and long-term effects of AF with treatment by ablation.

Discussion: Studies included in this review suggest that ablation therapy is more efficacious than drug therapy for long-term rhythm control of AF. Additional studies on the absolute efficacy of ablation therapy for AF is needed.

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