[Atrial fibrillation ablation: who comes into consideration?].

Atrial fibrillation ablation is, since the introduction of the guidelines in 2006 and which were updated in 2007, now a standard procedure in many electrophysiological centers. Pulmonary vein isolation has proven itself as a way to eliminate focal triggers. From pathophysiological studies of atrial fibrillation development, it is known that ablation performed early in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation has the highest chance for success. In patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation, success rates are lower and repeat interventions are needed more often. Therefore, continuation of antiarrhythmic drug therapy is often necessary in these patient groups. Thus, the curative use of ablation for atrial fibrillation is only possible with the current techniques for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.