Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the current evidence on percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Authors' recommendations: 1 Guidance 1.1 Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation appears adequate to support the use of this procedure in appropriately selected patients provided that normal arrangements are in place for audit and clinical governance. 1.2 Clinicians should ensure that patients fully understand the potential complications, the likelihood of success and the risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation associated with this procedure. In addition, use of the Institute's Information for the public is recommended (available from www.nice.org.uk/IPG168publicinfo). 1.3 This procedure should only be performed in specialist units and with arrangements for cardiac surgical support in the event of complications. 1.4 This procedure should only be performed by cardiologists with extensive experience of other types of ablation procedures. 1.5 The Department of Health runs the Central Cardiac Audit Database (CCAD), and clinicians are encouraged to enter all patients undergoing percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation onto this database (<url>www.ccad.org.uk</url>).

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=308353

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Contact Address: Level 1A, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BT

Contact Name: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Contact Email: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Copyright: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)