Table 2Effect of patient characteristics on RFA efficacy

CharacteristicEffect on RFA EfficacyLevel of Confidence
GenderNone Image clinrfafu3.jpg
Age1None Image clinrfafu3.jpg
Structural heart diseaseNone Image clinrfafu3.jpg
AF duration (time since diagnosis)None Image clinrfafu3.jpg
Paroxysmal vs. nonparoxysmal AF2Better outcome with paroxysmal AF Image clinrfafu1.jpg
Reduced left ventricular function3UnknownINSF
Increased left atrial diameter4Unknown
INSFHypertensionUnknownINSF
1

Most patients included in the studies were between 40 and 70 years of age.

2

Few patients in the studies had nonparoxysmal AF.

3

Few patients in the studies had ejection fractions below 40%.

4

Few patients in the studies had left atrial diameters above 60 mm.

RFA = radiofrequency ablation.

AF = atrial fibrillation.

INSF = insufficient evidence.

From: Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

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Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Clinicians [Internet].

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