Rate or Rhythm Control in CRT: the RHYTHMIC Study
70 patients with heart failure, AF and CRT with BiV\<95% will be randomised to either AF ablation or AV node ablation. Evaluation at 6 months with echocardiography and clinical assessment.
• Ability to provide informed consent to participate and willing to comply with the clinical investigation plan and follow-up schedule.
• QRS duration \>120ms on surface ECG, severe left ventricular systolic impairment (EF≤35%) and clinical symptoms of heart failure despite optimum medical therapy (NYHA class II-IV) at time of CRT implant or upgrade
• Successful CRT implant or upgrade including atrial lead
• Biventricular pacing percentage \<95% secondary to atrial fibrillation at least 3 months post implant or upgrade
• Clinically indicated for AV node ablation