Effect of pacing method on risk of sudden death after atrioventricular node ablation and pacemaker implantation in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background: Sudden death may occur after radiofrequency catheter ablation of the atrioventricular node (AVN) and permanent pacemaker implantation. It is unclear whether a faster initial heart rate with gradual rate reduction decreases the risk of sudden death. Objective: To evaluate the effects of initial pacing at a faster rate after AVN ablation, with a gradual rate decrease over 3 months, on the rate of sudden death in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods: We compared the rate of likely or possible procedure-related sudden death in 2 groups of patients who had AVN ablation and pacemaker implantation. The study cohort was treated between January 2005 and December 2009, and pacemakers were programmed to a lower rate of 90 beats/min after the procedure, with a monthly decrement of 10 beats/min until 60 beats/min was reached. The control group was treated between July 1990 and December 1998 when pacemakers were programmed to a lower rate of 60 beats/min immediately after ablation. Results: The study cohort included 520 patients (mean age 73.6±10.3 years), and the control cohort comprised 334 patients (mean age 68.1±1.1 years). Sudden death deemed likely or possibly related to ablation and pacemaker implantation occurred in 1 patient in the study cohort (0.2%) and in 7 patients (2.1%) in the control group (P =.007). Conclusions: Sudden death was significantly decreased in the study cohort compared to controls. The faster lower pacing rate immediately after AVN ablation with a gradual decrease is a plausible mechanism for the improved clinical outcome.