ABLATION STRATEGIES FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: UNPACKING EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY ACROSS DIVERSE TECHNIQUES

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Optimal management strategies, including catheter ablation and antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs), have evolved, highlighting the need for comprehensive reviews of their efficacy and safety. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of catheter ablation versus AADs as first-line treatments for rhythm control in patients with symptomatic AF. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, incorporating data from 12 relevant studies published between 2019 and 2024. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and LILACS were utilized, focusing on randomized controlled trials that reported on AF management strategies. Results: The findings indicate that catheter ablation significantly reduces AF recurrence and hospitalization rates compared to AADs. Complication rates were comparable between the two interventions, suggesting that catheter ablation is both effective and safe for rhythm control in AF patients. Conclusion: Catheter ablation emerges as a superior first-line strategy for rhythm control in symptomatic AF, offering improved long-term outcomes and quality of life. However, careful consideration of patient-specific factors and comorbidities is essential for optimizing treatment.