# Renal Artery Denervation Combined with Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients with Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation: Pilot Study: Renal Artery Denervation in Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure

## TL;DR

A new treatment combining kidney nerve reduction with heart ablation may help patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation by reducing arrhythmia recurrence.

## Contribution

This pilot study introduces a novel hybrid approach combining renal denervation with pulmonary vein isolation for treating atrial fibrillation in heart failure patients.

## Key findings

- Patients receiving combined RDN+PVI were significantly more likely to remain AF-free compared to PVI-only patients.
- No procedural complications were observed in the combined RDN+PVI group.
- The combined treatment showed promising safety and efficacy in reducing atrial fibrillation recurrence.

## Abstract

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a progressive condition associated with reduced life expectancy and quality of life. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in HF patients, significantly worsens symptoms and outcomes. The coexistence of HF and AF is linked to higher morbidity and mortality rates, with a bidirectional relationship exacerbating both conditions. The recent evidence has suggested that combining pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with renal denervation (RDN) may offer a promising strategy for reducing AF burden and enhancing patient outcomes. Methods: This prospective interventional clinical trial aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of a combined RDN and PVI approach compared to PVI alone. Eighteen patients, aged 18 to 80 years, with paroxysmal or persistent AF and HF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 50%) were enrolled. RDN was performed under general anesthesia using the four-electrode Symplicity Spyral catheter and Symplicity G3 radiofrequency generator (Medtronic). Patients were randomized to the RDN+PVI group (n = 7) or the PVI-only group (n = 11). The groups were similar in age (59 ± 8.4 years vs. 62.5 ± 11.08 years, p = NS) and baseline characteristics, including hypertension, obesity, and impaired left ventricular function (LVEF 35.86% vs. 38.54%, RDN+PVI vs. PVI only; p = NS). Results: Over a mean follow-up of 24 months, one patient died, ten were hospitalized, six underwent repeat PVI, and eight achieved AF freedom. Patients in the RDN+PVI group were significantly more likely to remain AF-free (n = 6 vs. 2; p = 0.0063). The need for repeat ablation was higher in the PVI-only group (54.5% vs. 0%), though this did not reach statistical significance. Hospitalization rates and changes in ejection fraction were similar between groups. Importantly, no procedural complications were observed. Conclusions: Combining RDN with PVI is a safe hybrid approach for AF management in HF patients, showing promising efficacy in reducing AF recurrence. Larger randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings and further explore this novel therapeutic strategy.