INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved rapidly in the decade since its inception. We aimed to review the results of this evolution as reflected in the published literature. METHODS: Publications through 2005 were reviewed, and data included if there was information on the technique used, and follow-up of at least 6 months. RESULTS: More than 23,000 patients met criteria for inclusion. There has been a steady improvement in reported outcomes (P<0.001). Variations on radiofrequency catheter ablation for pulmonary vein isolation result in apparent elimination ("cure") or improvement of AF in 75%, and surgical techniques are even better. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation of AF is now a mainstream procedure. Continuing technical advances are needed to achieve better results with more uniformity and reduced procedure times.
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved rapidly in the decade since its inception. We aimed to review the results of this evolution as reflected in the published literature. METHODS: Publications through 2005 were reviewed, and data included if there was information on the technique used, and follow-up of at least 6 months. RESULTS: More than 23,000 patients met criteria for inclusion. There has been a steady improvement in reported outcomes (P<0.001). Variations on radiofrequency catheter ablation for pulmonary vein isolation result in apparent elimination ("cure") or improvement of AF in 75%, and surgical techniques are even better. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation of AF is now a mainstream procedure. Continuing technical advances are needed to achieve better results with more uniformity and reduced procedure times.
Authors: Ravi Ranjan; Ritsushi Kato; Menekhem M Zviman; Timm M Dickfeld; Ariel Roguin; Ronald D Berger; Gordon F Tomaselli; Henry R Halperin Journal: Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol Date: 2011-04-14
Authors: Giovanni B Forleo; Luigi Di Biase; Domenico G Della Rocca; Gaetano Fassini; Luca Santini; Andrea Natale; Claudio Tondo Journal: J Atr Fibrillation Date: 2013-10-31
Authors: Daniel W Kaiser; Megan M Streur; Rangadham Nagarakanti; S Patrick Whalen; Christopher R Ellis Journal: J Interv Card Electrophysiol Date: 2013-04-28 Impact factor: 1.900
Authors: Alexander Berkowitsch; Thomas Neumann; Malte Kuniss; Roland Brandt; Sergej Zaltsberg; Heinz F Pitschner Journal: Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J Date: 2009-05-15