Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyCohort study
Linear accelerator–based stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in elderly: a prospective phase II trial
- Prospective phase II trial
- single-arm
Authors' conclusion
The present phase II trial demonstrated the feasibility of STAR in paroxysmal AF elderly patients and its potential role in increasing the quality of life.
Study context
- Population
- Elderly patients (>70 years) with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and antiarrhythmic drug failure or intolerance18 underwent stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR)
- Participants
- Twenty patients
- Outcome
- Feasibility of STAR
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Feasibility · median follow-up 16 months (range 12-23)
- No acute toxicity more than Grade 3
- Most patients had a significant reduction in AF episodes
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Values |
|---|---|
| Recurrence with electrophysiological study documenting successful PV isolation | STAR Five events |
Quality of life · 12 months
- Enrolment vs 12 months: 48 ± 15 vs 75 ± 15
- P < 0.001
Safety
| Outcome | Values |
|---|---|
| Adverse events | STAR Grade 1 oesophagitis 24 h after STAR Five · Asymptomatic Grade 1 pericardial effusion eight · Torsade de pointes (treated by cardioversion and ICD implantation) one |
Original publication
Linear accelerator–based stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in elderly: a prospective phase II trial. Europace. Published 21 November 2023. doi:10.1093/europace/euad344
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it