Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
[Catheter ablation of atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation]
R Kobza1, G Hindricks, H Kottkamp
1Universität Leipzig, Herzzentrum, Kardiologie - Abteilung Rhythmologie/ Elektrophysiologie, Leipzig. kobza@freesurf.ch
Abstract:
Within the past 20 years, refinements in electrophysiologic mapping techniques have provided a better understanding of the pathophysiology of atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation (AF), which resulted in the development of catheter ablation techniques for this arrhythmias. Nowadays, catheter ablation has become the first line treatment of recurrent symptomatic or hemodynamically significant atrial flutter. In contrast, catheter ablation of AF is still an investigational procedure and should be restricted to patients with symptomatic AF who have been refractory to multiple antiarrhythmic drugs. In symptomatic patients with AF and an uncontrolled ventricular rate who have failed treatment with several antiarrhythmic drugs and who do not fit for primary catheter ablation of AF atrioventricular junction ablation with prior pacemaker implantation is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

