Patient-reported and clinical outcomes after first-time atrial fibrillation ablation in older patients: a real-world retrospective single-center study - Summary - MDSpire

Patient-reported and clinical outcomes after first-time atrial fibrillation ablation in older patients: a real-world retrospective single-center study

  • By

  • Pernille Borch

  • Ole-Gunnar Anfinsen

  • Finn Hegbom

  • Knut Sevre

  • Torbjørn Holm

  • Trine Synnøve Fink

  • Lars Andreas Dejgaard

  • Erik Kongsgård

  • Mathis Korseberg Stokke

  • Erik Lyseggen

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To compare real-world clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after first-time catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients aged ≥70 years and 60–65 years.

Approach:
  • Study Design: A retrospective study involving patients aged ≥70 or 60–65 years who underwent first-time catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation at Oslo University Hospital from 2017 to 2021.
  • Data Collection: Patients completed standardized questionnaires and clinical data were retrieved from medical records. The modified European Heart Rhythm Association (mEHRA) classification was used to assess symptoms.
Key Findings:
  • 344patientswereincluded:132aged≥70years(medianage73.0,64%male)and212aged60–65years(medianage63.0,73%male).Bothagegroupsreportedsignificantsymptomreliefoneyearafterablation(≥70:ΔmEHRA−1.42,60–65:ΔmEHRA−1.78;p<0.001).Olderpatientsreportedahigherproportionofimprovement(p=0.034)despitehigherAFrecurrencerates(59%vs47%,p=0.042).Complicationratesweresimilarbetweengroups(5%vs7%,p=0.62).
Interpretation:

Patients aged ≥70 years experienced meaningful symptom improvement post-ablation, with no significant difference in complication rates compared to younger patients, despite higher recurrence rates.

Limitations:
  • The study is retrospective and conducted at a single center, which may limit generalizability.
  • Patient-reported outcomes were based on self-reported questionnaires, which may introduce bias.
Conclusion:

The findings highlight the value of incorporating PROMs alongside traditional clinical outcomes in assessing treatment benefits for older patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Original Source(s)

Patient-reported and clinical outcomes after first-time atrial fibrillation ablation in older patients: a real-world retrospective single-center study

  • by Pernille Borch, Ole-Gunnar Anfinsen, Finn Hegbom, Knut Sevre, Torbjørn Holm, Trine Synnøve Fink, Lars Andreas Dejgaard, Erik Kongsgård, Mathis Korseberg Stokke, Erik Lyseggen

  • July 8, 2026

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