Pulmonary vein ablation: role in preventing atrial fibrillation

Curr Opin Cardiol. 2003 Jan;18(1):39-46. doi: 10.1097/00001573-200301000-00006.

Abstract

Several investigators have identified the pulmonary vein as the most common initiator of atrial fibrillation, and isolation of the pulmonary vein from atrial tissue can cure approximately 70% of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Ongoing trials of a new device may increase the success rate and decrease the complication rate during the pulmonary vein isolation procedure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atrial Fibrillation / epidemiology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / prevention & control
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery
  • Catheter Ablation*
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Veins / surgery*
  • Risk Factors
  • Secondary Prevention