Three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping systems in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia, with a prevalence of 5% in people over the age of 65. Catheter ablation of AF has emerged as an important management choice for drug-refractory symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF. Three-dimensional (3D) electroanatomic mapping systems were introduced into catheter ablation of AF more than a decade ago. The 3D tool has the benefit of reducing the radiation exposure time, as well as voltage and fractionation mapping in order to identify the critical substrate during the ablation, prevent the formation of gaps, guide the ablation of post-ablation atrial tachycardia or flutter, and integrate images to improve the safety and long-term success rate. The 3D systems successfully enable safe and tailored radiofrequency ablation of AF in individual patients. (Circ J 2010; 74: 18 - 23).