A new study is recommending radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation with pulmonary vein isolation as the best, first line of defense in treating patients with AF because the ablation is more likely to help prevent AF episodes than antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy.

This information was noted during a two-year follow-up of a clinical trial. The trial showed that one ablation procedure decreased AF recurrence risks by as much as 44 percent compared to those patients who opted for the AAD.

“So to be able to claim victory with ablation, you really need to monitor these patients very judiciously,” said RAAFT 2 co-principal investigator Dr. Carlos Morillo (Hamilton Health Sciences-McMaster University, Ontario) when presenting the study at the Heart Rhythm Society 2012 Scientific Sessions. “Ablation also significantly cuts the frequency of solely symptomatic AF. These findings support the indication of radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation as first-line therapy in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.”

Catheter ablations have been widely touted as a safer alternative for AF patients in treating their symptoms and preventing recurrences than prescription medications like Multaq, which has been proven to cause serious adverse side effects. With Multaq, patients often develop liver failure and a worsening of their heart conditions, which is why the drug is no longer being prescribed unless all other medications prove useless. While Multaq was once viewed as a means of preventing strokes in AF patients, it is now synonymous with danger and patient death after the PALLAS study had to be halted when patients starting dying while taking the drug.

If you or a loved one have developed liver failure or a worsening of your heart condition after using Multaq, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.