Comparison of Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life after circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) compared with antiarrhythmic drug therapy (ADT) in treating atrial fibrillation (AF). CPVI is now a common therapy in AF, but few studies have focused on the effect of CPVI on quality of life. METHODS: A total of 123 AF patients were followed prospectively. Quality of life was evaluated comparing CPVI with ADT as a second-line treatment for patients with AF. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF)-36 health surveys were conducted to establish a baseline score before initiation and again at 6 months after the intervention. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 12.7 ± 4.3 months. Of 123 patients enrolled, 66 were randomized to receive CPVI and 57 to ADT alone. At the 6-month follow-up, 13 (22.8%) patients in the ADT group and 41 (62.1%) patients in the CPVI group had no recurrence of AF. The SF-36 scales were significantly higher in the CPVI than in the ADT group, as were the physical component summary scores (269.3 ± 58.6 vs. 234.9 ± 66.9) and mental component summary scores (273.6 ± 69.4 vs. 234.1 ± 44.7). Quality of life was significantly higher in the CPVI group (except for body pain). CONCLUSION: In patients with AF, CPVI has superiority over ADT with regards to the maintenance of sinus rhythm and improvements in quality of life.