Hypnotic communication for periprocedural analgesia during transcatheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Abstract Introduction Hypnosis is a therapeutic strategy for pain control. We aimed at investigating the use of this technique in a large population undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Methods 70 consecutive AF patients referred for transcatheter ablation, underwent hypnotic communication for periprocedural analgesia (Group A), were compared with 70 patients undergoing conventional analgesia (Group B). Procedural data, anxiety, perceived pain, perceived procedural duration and the dosages of administered analgesic drugs were compared using validated score scales. Results Hypnotic communication (Group A) resulted in a significant procedural-related anxiety reduction (Pre procedural 4.7 ± 2.9 Vs Intra Procedural 0.8 ± 1.2, P  Conclusion Hypnotic communication during AF ablation was related to a significant reduction of intra-procedural anxiety, perceived pain, procedural analgesic drugs dosage and perceived procedural duration without affecting total RF delivered time and procedural safety.