Abstract
Catheter ablation (CA) of the pulmonary veins for atrial fibrillation (AF) is growing
exponentially and is the most commonly performed electrophysiologic procedure. Initial
descriptions focused on CA for paroxysmal AF, and now more recently expanded in application
to persistent AF and those with comorbid heart failure. Efforts to improve success
have and continue to address issues such as pulmonary vein “reconnection” following
ablation through different ablative energy modalities, and the use of a “hybrid” surgical/endocardial
combined approach in persistent forms of AF. Technologic advances as well are concurrently
seeking to improve safety, particularly regarding the incidence of atrio-esophageal
fistula in this seemingly ever-growing ablation population.
Keywords
catheter ablation - atrial fibrillation - electrophysiology - ejection fraction -
paroxysmal atrial fibrillation - pulmonary vein isolation - clinical trials
