Medtronic has reported positive data from a trial of its Phased RF Ablation System for persistent atrial fibrillation.

The percutaneous cardiac catheter and generator system delivers customised radiofrequency energy, eliminating or isolating the abnormal electrical impulses in the left atrium that initiate or sustain atrial fibrillation.

Data from the Medtronic Tailored Treatment of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation trial showed that 55.8% of ablation management patients experienced an atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter burden reduction of more than 90%, and were free of anti-arrhythmic drug therapy at six months. This was achieved of only 26.4% of patients in the traditional medical management arm.

Patients in the ablation arm received two ablations using the Phased RF Ablation System to achieve treatment success, and were followed at one, three and six months post-treatment, while patients in the medical management arm received anti-arrhythmic drug changes and direct current cardioversions to achieve and maintain sinus rhythm, and were followed at one, three and six months.