Catheter Ablation in End-Stage Heart Failure with Atrial Fibrillation

The role of catheter ablation in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation and end-stage heart failure is unknown.

We conducted a single-center, open-label trial in Germany that involved patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation and end-stage heart failure who were referred for heart transplantation evaluation. Patients were assigned to receive catheter ablation and guideline-directed medical therapy or medical therapy alone. The primary end point was a composite of death from any cause, implantation of a left ventricular assist device, or urgent heart transplantation.