Atrial fibrillation ablation using simultaneous multielectrode application of radiofrequeney energy

Despite technological advances in equipment for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), conventional pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with point-by-point radiofrequency application encircling the PV ostia remains a complex procedure requiring a high degree of operator skill and experience. Novel multielectrode catheters have been developed that deliver duty-cycled bipolar and unipolar radiofrequency energy, designed for PV electrical isolation and for ablation of complex fractionated electrograms in the left atrium. Initial studies suggest good results, reducing procedure time and with safety and efficacy equivalent to the conventional method. We describe the first four cases of AF ablation in our center using this method, with acute success in two patients: one with paroxysmal AF and the other with chronic AF.