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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
[Atrial fibrillation: therapeutic options at the turn of the century.]
I J Guðmundsdóttir1, D O Arnar
1Division of internal medicine, Landspitali University Hospital, Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. davidar@landspitali.is.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a growing concern, with new treatments like novel drugs, electrical cardioversion, and radiofrequency ablation offering improved patient outcomes and reduced stroke risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Internal Medicine
Context:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence is rising globally, posing a significant healthcare challenge.
- AF affects patients with and without structural heart disease, driven by diverse mechanisms like vagal stimulation.
- Complications include heart failure, stroke, and increased mortality.
Purpose:
- To review recent advancements in atrial fibrillation (AF) therapy.
- To highlight emerging pharmacological agents, radiofrequency ablation, and electrical cardioversion techniques.
Summary:
- Novel antiarrhythmic drugs enhance sinus rhythm conversion and maintenance.
- Radiofrequency ablation presents a promising therapeutic option for AF management.
- Advances in electrical cardioversion improve efficacy and safety.
Impact:
- New treatments aim to reduce AF-related morbidity and mortality.
- Increased utilization of radiofrequency ablation may alter AF treatment paradigms.
- Improved AF management contributes to better cardiovascular health outcomes.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation is an increasing health care problem and the incidence of this arrhythmia is expected to increase substantially in the next two decades. Atrial fibrillation can be seen in patients with structural heart disease as well as those who have a normal heart. A variety of underlying mechanisms can lead to atrial fibrillation, including parasympathetic stimulation causing vagal atrial fibrillation. Complications of atrial fibrillation include congestive heart failure and stroke. Atrial fibrillation is an independent risk factor for increased mortality. In recent years a number of new treatment options have emerged. Anticoagulation decreases the risk of stroke and new antiarrhythmic drugs have been developed which increase the likelihood of conversion to and subsequent maintenance of sinus rhythm. In addition there have been advances in the approach to electrical cardioversion. Radiofrequency ablation therapy is a promising option in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and could be increasingly utilized in the near future. This paper focuses on advances in the therapy of atrial fibrillation, including new pharmacological agents, radiofrequency ablation and electrical cardioversion.
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