Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Symptomatic Sick Sinus Syndrome: A Case Series

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), sinus node disease (SND) represents a potentially reversible concomitant condition. Initial treatment with catheter ablation (CA) aimed at restoration of sinus rhythm may provide an alternative to pacemaker implantation. In this case series, 15 elderly patients (>65 years) with AF and SND underwent CA, with follow-up monitoring provided by implantable loop recorders (ILR). Despite CA of AF, pacemaker implantation was necessary in 40% of patients during a mean follow-up period of 37 months.