Study Method: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long term efficacy and safety of the atrial fibrillation program at Unity Point Health Methodist in Peoria.

Method: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who had atrial fibrillation procedures at Unity Point Methodist from February 19 ^th 2010 to September 26 ^th 2014.  Patients were enrolled and information obtained through the patient's medical records.

Results:  The study consisted of 53 patients 65 percent of patients were paroxysmal, and 35 percent had chronic or persistent atrial fibrillation. The mean age was 66 +/- 23 (45 to 89 years). The average CHADS-Vasc Score is score is 2.13. Baseline co-morbidities included 34 individuals with HTN, 10 with Diabetes, and 4 with coronary artery disease. The average EF was 55% +/-25 (30% to 70%) and the average LA diameter 41 +/-15 mm (25-56). The average number of antiarrhythmic was 1.5 prior to ablation.

After a mean follow-up of 28 ± 29 months (range, 3 to 57 months), freedom from AF was 94% overall (51 of 53 patients, including 52 were on antiarrhythmic drugs), 94% for paroxysmal AF (34 of 36 patients, including 24 of whom discontinued their antiarrhythmic drugs), and 94% for persistent AF (16 of 17 patients, including 9 no longer on antiarrhythmic drugs).  76 percent experienced a decrease in their antiarrhythmic medications of which 60 percent discontinued antiarrhythmic altogether.

Out of the 53 patients there were three total major but completely reversible transient complications. Two of the complications were related to pericardial effusion that was successfully drained with no recurrence. The last complication was phrenic nerve injury in a patient who showed complete recovery 4 month after the procedure.

Conclusion: Long-term results of atrial fibrillation ablation at Unity Point Health Methodist showed safety and efficacy of the program in the treatment of symptomatic atrial fibrillation in both paroxysmal and persistent groups.