Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Cardiol Clin. 2009 Feb;27(1):163-78, x. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2008.09.004.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity, including angina, heart failure, and stroke. Medical therapy remains suboptimal, with significant side effects and toxicities, and a high recurrence rate. Catheter ablation or modification of the atrioventricular node with pacemaker implantation provides rate-control but exposes patients to the hazards associated with implantable devices and does nothing to reduce the risk for stroke. Pulmonary vein antrum isolation offers a nonpharmacologic means of restoring sinus rhythm, thereby eliminating the morbidity of atrial fibrillation and the need for antiarrhythmic drugs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Atrioventricular Node / physiopathology
  • Atrioventricular Node / surgery
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Veins / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Veins / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome