Safety and efficacy analysis of one‐stop intervention for treating nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

1 Background

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia. The treatment strategy for AF mainly includes controlling symptoms and decreasing the rate of complications. Our study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combination treatment of catheter ablation and left atrial appendage (LAA) closure (one‐stop intervention) in patients with nonvalvular AF.

2 Methods and results

Thirty‐four patients with symptomatic AF (mean CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score 4.1 ± 1.3, mean HAS‐BLED score 3.8 ± 1.2) were included. Patients first received radiofrequency‐based left atrial ablation, and then the Watchman device (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) or AMPLATZER Cardiac Plug (ACP) (St. Jude Medical, Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA) was implanted for LAA closure. Follow‐up was performed at 45 days and 3 months after LAA closure to assess for recurrence of AF and prevent stroke. Radiofrequency ablation and LAA closure were successful in 100% of patients without evidence of residual flow at the final transesophageal echocardiography evaluation. A Watchman device was implanted in 29 (85.3%) patients, and an ACP was implanted in five (14.7%) patients. No device‐related thrombus formation or embolization was identified at the 45‐day or 3‐month follow‐up. Serious complications, including death, transient ischemic attack, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or major bleeding, were also not identified during the follow‐ups.

3 Conclusion

For symptomatic patients with nonvalvular AF and a high risk of stroke, the one‐stop intervention is feasible, safe, and efficacious.