Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Reduced Procedure Time and Variability with Active Esophageal Cooling During Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: August 25, 2022
Premedication and preoperative information reduces pain intensity and increases satisfaction in patients undergoing
Mawahib Al-Azawy1, Kjersti Oterhals2, Bengt Fridlund3
1Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Institute of Nursing, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway.
Background:
Pain and discomfort are common during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation.
Aims:
To compare and evaluate the effect of premedication, standardised preoperative information and preoperative anxiety on pain intensity, drug consumption and patients' satisfaction.
Methods:
Preoperative anxiety at baseline, pain intensity during RFA, and patient satisfaction after the procedure were measured in 3 random groups. Group A (n=20) received standard pain management, group B (n=20) received premedication and group C (n=20) received premedication and standardised preoperative information.
Results:
Patients in groups B and C experienced less pain intensity (p<0.001) and needed fewer anxiolytics (p=0.023) and analgesics (p=0.031) compared to group A. Patient satisfaction was higher in group C (p=0.005) compared to group A. Increased preoperative anxiety is related to elevated drug demand (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
Premedication alone or combined with preoperative information reduces and higher preoperative anxiety increases pain intensity and drug consumption during RFA. Preoperative information improves patient satisfaction.
