Is Age Associated with Complications of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation?

Abstract

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases with age. The management of AF in the elderly is challenging, as it is normally associated with comorbidities and frailty. AF catheter ablation (CA) is a safe and superior alternative to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for the maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Objectives

To evaluate the rate of complications associated with CA for AF across different age groups.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 219 patients who underwent CA for AF between 2016 and 2020 were divided into 3 age groups: less than 60 years, 60 to 70 years, and > 70 years. All the included patients underwent radiofrequency ablation using an electroanatomic mapping system. Categorical variables were evaluated with chi-square and Fisher’s test, and continuous variables were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Tamhane’s T2. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

We found an overall total complication rate of 4.6%. The total complication rate was 3.3% in patients 70 years (p = 0.742). No deaths occurred.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the AF CA-related complications when comparing the patients by age group.