Introduction
Complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) is a severe cardiac conduction disorder associated with hospitalization and cardiovascular death.1 Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained tachyarrhythmia in clinical practice, which is associated with an increased rate of stroke and heart failure.2CLBBB and AF are not uncommon coexisted. It was found that the prevalence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) in patients with AF was 1.7% and the prevalence of AF in the LBBB population was 30.5%.3 Whether CLBBB and AF have a synergistic effect on mortality and morbidity of the patients has not been well determined.
Catheter ablation is a well-established therapy for patients with symptomatic AF who were failed or intolerant to antiarrhythmic drugs.4 It has been proved to be an effective option to maintain sinus rhythm and improve the quality of life in patients with AF.5 In a small sample size study, it was found that LBBB was associated with very late recurrence in patients underwent cryoballoon ablation of AF.6 However, the effect of LBBB on long-term outcomes of catheter ablation of AF remains to be further studied. This study aimed to explore the long-term prognosis of patients with CLBBB who underwent catheter ablation of AF.
Methods