Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in the elderly: does the benefit outweigh the risk?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and its prevalence increases with age. Elderly patients with AF require careful management to assure optimal outcomes and prevention of untoward consequences such as stroke. Although radiofrequency catheter ablation has evolved as a highly effective treatment modality to eliminate AF in younger patients, the data on the role of catheter ablation in elderly patients with AF have been rather limited. However, several studies suggest that outcomes of catheter ablation for AF in the elderly can be just as successful as in younger patients. On the other hand, the elderly may be at higher risk for periprocedural complications, specifically thromboembolic events. In this review, the role of catheter ablation for AF in the elderly is discussed in detail.