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Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Lars M. Lickfett1, Hugh G. Calkins, Ronald D. Berger
1The Johns Hopkins University, Department of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street/Carnegie 592, Baltimore, MD 21287-0409, USA. rberger@jhmi.edu
Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine
|July 3, 2002
Summary
Catheter ablation is a great treatment for atrial fibrillation, especially for paroxysmal cases. Newer systems may simplify this complex procedure for better arrhythmia management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia.
- Catheter ablation is an established treatment for AF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
- To discuss the complexity of current catheter ablation procedures.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary vein isolation via catheter ablation.
- Patient selection criteria including paroxysmal AF and absence of structural heart disease.
Main Results:
- Catheter ablation can eliminate or reduce arrhythmia burden in selected patients.
- Current ablation tools and procedures are complex and labor-intensive.
Conclusions:
- Catheter ablation is an excellent treatment option for appropriate atrial fibrillation patients.
- Development of simpler ablation systems is anticipated for future procedures.