Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Real world experience from 6 European centers

INTRODUCTION: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been recently shown to have an impact on the outcome of patients with heart failure and reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). We aimed to assess patients with reduced LVEF referred to catheter ablation of AF, and the efficacy and safety of this procedure compared to healthier patients. METHODS: 2,083 consecutive procedures of catheter ablation of AF in 6 centers were divided in two groups based on LVEF (≤ vs. >35%) and comparisons were performed regarding procedural safety and efficacy. RESULTS: Only 51 (2.4%) of patients had low LVEF. Complication rate was comparable: 8.0% vs. 6.9% (P=0.760). Low LVEF patients are more frequently in persistent AF at the time of the procedure, have higher degree of left atrial dilation, and higher CHA2 DS2 VASc score. The rate of atrial arrhythmia relapse post-blanking period in the first 12 months was higher in the low LVEF group: 58.0% vs. 37.6% (P