Glob Cardiol Sci Pract. 2014 Jun 18;2014(2):53-5. doi: 10.5339/gcsp.2014.26. eCollection 2014.
RAAFT-2: Radiofrequency ablation vs antiarrhythmic drugs as first-line treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Kaba RA, Cannie D1, Ahmed O2.
Epsom General Hospital NHS Trust, Epsom, UK.
Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chertsey, UK.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (pAF) has a class 1 indication in patients who have not tolerated or responded to antiarrhythmic medications. Antiarrhythmic medications (AAM) are, however, limited not only by modest efficacy, but also by significant side effects. Discontinuation rates for AAM range from 11-40% in trials. The RAAFT-2 trial evaluates the use of RFA as a first line treatment for pAF compared to optimal pharmacological management (1).