The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) has announced a report on the use of radiofrequency catheter ablation to treat the type of irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation. Radiofrequency sends targeted energy pulses into the heart through a catheter in a blood vessel, destroying tiny areas of heart tissue where abnormal electrical signals might cause an arrhythmia. However, according to the AHRQ report, not much is known either about the treatment's long-term benefits, or the best methods and circumstances for applying it.

According to a press release on the AHRQ's website, the report (which compared radiofrequency to medication-based therapy) says the procedure has demonstrated benefits in maintaining normal heart rhythm over periods of time up to one year, but as yet has offered little indication concerning the reduction of atrial fibrillation in the long term. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat in adults, causing risk for heart failure, blood clots, or stroke. The condition is usually treated with medication first, however this only prevents recurrences in about half the patients.

The report also determined that the effect of the procedure on stroke is unknown, and that there is little evidence of radiofrequency's effectiveness as a first-line therapy for atrial fibrillation instead of medication. However, the report says there is general consensus on a basic approach to ablation procedures.
"Radiofrequency holds promise for treating atrial fibrillation, but it is clear that more research is needed to demonstrate its potential long-term benefits," said AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D. "This report crystallizes the questions that researchers need to ask going forward."

The Report suggests more research on the effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation with regard to quality of life. In addition, the report says there should be more research on groups of patients with sparse research data, including women, the elderly, and patients who have other conditions such as heart failure or high blood pressure.

The AHRQ's report may be found at: http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/documents/radiofreqfinal.htm

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