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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Management of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure
William G Stevenson1, Usha Tedrow
1Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. wstevenson@partners.org
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation is a marker for worse outcomes in patients with heart failure and requires careful, individualized management. Anticoagulation and rate control are important. Routine use of antiarrhythmic drug therapy for maintenance of sinus rhythm carries concerns of risk and limited efficacy. Catheter ablation for maintaining sinus rhythm is feasible for some patients, but further studies are needed to define the risks and benefits. A role remains for AV junction ablation and pacing, with consideration of biventricular pacing to prevent dyssynchrony induced by chronic right ventricular pacing. Ongoing trials will continue to define the risks and benefits as these therapies evolve.
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