scholarly journals The Association of Pre-Existing Left Atrial Fibrosis with Clinical Variables in Patients Referred for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

2014 ◽  
Vol 8s1 ◽  
pp. CMC.S15036 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Dewire ◽  
Irfan M. Khurram ◽  
Farhad Pashakhanloo ◽  
David Spragg ◽  
Joseph E. Marine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Left Atrial Fibrosis

Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after ablation is associated with left atrial (LA) fibrosis on late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We sought to determine pre-ablation, clinical characteristics that associate with the extent of LA fibrosis in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF. Methods and Results Consecutive patients presenting for catheter ablation of AF were enrolled and underwent LGE-MRI prior to initial AF ablation. The extent of fibrosis as a percentage of total LA myocardium was calculated in all patients prior to ablation. The cohort was divided into quartiles based on the percentage of fibrosis. Of 60 patients enrolled in the cohort, 13 had <5% fibrosis (Group 1), 15 had 5-7% fibrosis (Group 2), 17 had 8-13% fibrosis (Group 3), and 15 had 14-36% fibrosis (Group 4). The extent of LA fibrosis was positively associated with time in continuous AF, and the presence of persistent or longstanding persistent AF. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the presence of comorbid conditions, age, BMI, LA volume, or family history of AF among the four groups. After adjusting for diabetes and hypertension in a multivariable linear regression model, paroxysmal AF remained independently and negatively associated with the extent of fibrosis (-4.0 ± 1.8, P = 0.034). Conclusion The extent of LA fibrosis in patients undergoing AF ablation is associated with AF type and time in continuous AF. Our results suggest that the presence and duration of AF are primary determinants of increased atrial LGE.

scholarly journals P318 Left atrial dysfunction assessed by echocardiography in relation to left atrial fibrosis in patients undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Pilichowska ◽  
J Baran ◽  
P Kulakowski ◽  
B Zaborska
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Systolic Function ◽  
Electrophysiological Study ◽  
Stiffness Index ◽  
P Value ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Left Atrial Dysfunction ◽  
Left Atrial Fibrosis ◽  
Group 1

Abstract PURPOSE Left atrial (LA) fibrosis is the hallmark of LA remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF), alters LA function and may predict poor catheter ablation (CA) outcome. LA fibrosis may be assessed invasively using electroanatomical mapping (EAM) during electrophysiological study. The aim was to assess LA function parameters in relation to degree of LA fibrosis derived from EAM in patients with AF. METHODS Patients (pts) n = 39 (79% males, mean age 56+/-10) with non-valvular AF were studied with TTE and TEE before first CA during sinus rhythm. LA strain (LAS) and strain rate (LASR) were analyzed in reservoir (r), conduit (cd) and contractile (ct) phases. The velocities of mitral A, E" and A" were measured with Doppler. E/E" and LA stiffness index - the ratio of E/E" to LASr were assessed. LA appendage flow velocity (LAAv) was measured in TEE. LA volume using biplane area-length method was calculated. The EAM of LA was build using Carto System before CA. Low amplitude potentials area (LAPA) was quantitatively analyzed and expressed as a percentage of LA surface using the cut-off &lt;0.5 mV to detect sites of fibrosis. LA parameters were compared between mild (LAPA &lt;10%) moderate (LAPA 10-40%) and extensive degree of LA fibrosis (LAPA &gt;40%) (table). RESULTS The mean LA volume was 35 ± 11 mL/m². The LAPA ranged from 2 to 78 % of LA surface. Reduced LA function was observed in the LAPA &gt;40% group. Extensive LAPA altered mainly LA compliance parameters. Traditional LA systolic function parameters did not differ in relation to degree of LAPA. CONCLUSION LA compliance is mostly affected by LA fibrosis, thus LA diastolic parameters may be useful in the noninvasive assessment of LA fibrosis. Whether these parameters should be a part of the proper selection of candidates for CA requires further studies. LA function parameters LA parameters Group 1 LAPA &lt;10% n = 13 Group 2 LAPA &gt;10% &lt;40% n = 13 Group 3 LAPA &gt;40% n = 13 P-value Group 1 + 2 vs 3 Mitral A 0.55 ± 0.10 0.55 ± 0.24 0.73 ± 0.32 0.077 A" 9.19 ± 1.74 7.85 ± 1.43 7.92 ± 2.40 0.376 LASr 31.48 ± 4.52 26.48 ± 8.79 19.63 ± 6.76 &lt;0.001 LAScd 17.30 ± 3.05 15.44 ± 6.93 10.91 ± 4.04 0.003 LASct 14.18 ± 5.36 11.05 ± 3.67 8.72 ± 4.78 0.024 LASRr 1.22 ± 0.19 1.24 ± 0.21 0.92 ± 0.20 &lt;0.001 LASRct -1.71 ± 0.46 -1.37 ± 0.34 -1.04 ± 0.33 &lt;0.001 LA stiffness 0.20 ± 0.07 0.34 ± 0.17 0.63 ± 0.29 &lt;0.001 LAAv 0.83 ± 0.18 0.55 ± 0.17 0.60 ± 0.16 0.178

P1049Influence of body mass index on recurrence in atrial fibrillation patients after radiofrequency catheter ablation

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Calero Nunez ◽  
V M Hidalgo-Olivares ◽  
A De Leon-Ruiz ◽  
S Diaz-Lancha ◽  
L Exposito-Calamardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Left Atrial Size ◽  
Atrial Size ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements No conflicts of interest INTRODUCTION  Evidence has shown that obesity, expressed as high body mass index (BMI), is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation(AF). However, the relationship between BMI and recurrence of AF after catheter ablation(CA) remains controversial. Understanding this relationship, may help in regard to patient(p) counseling and management before and after CA. Purpose To evaluate single center AF recurrences after pulmonary vein isolation according to BMI status. Secondary endpoints were to compare the influence of other comorbilitys such as pulmonar disease or obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) METHODS We included 114p with AF(54,5 ± 9,6 years; male 75,4%; paroxysmal 70,2%; persistent 29,8%) treated with first time radiofrequency ablation between 2013 and 2018. On the basis of the baseline BMI, patients were categorized into 2 groups: normal/overweigth (BMI &lt; 30kg/m2) and obese(BMI≥30kg/m2). RESULTS There was no significant difference between the majority of baseline characteristics of the groups (table 1), however patients with BMI≥30 were more likely to sufferd OSA(34% vs 8,2%:p = 0,001), to have larger left atrial (diameter &gt; 40mm: 70,5% vs 46,3%;p = 0,004), and persistent AF (43,4% vs 18%; p 0,004). During 12 months of follow-up AF recurred in 34p (29,8%), the freedom from AF was significantly higher in the BMI &lt; 30 group (48p(80%) vs 31(58,5%), p = 0,015). Multivariate analysis including variables of type of AF, OSA, BMI, left atrial size, ejection fraction, and hypertension demonstrated that BMI was the strongest predictor of being freedom from recurrent AF (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0,11–0,81, P = 0.014). A serious complication occurred in 6p(5,3%), with no relationship to BMI. CONCLUSION This study suggest that tight association between obesity and AF recurrence after ablation may be partly due to other concomitant conditions which in turn are more frequent in obese patients like OSA, left atrial size and presence of persistent AF. Abstract Table 1

scholarly journals Quantification of epicardial adipose tissue in patients undergoing hybrid ablation for atrial fibrillation

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-86
Author(s):  
Mindy Vroomen ◽  
Jules R Olsthoorn ◽  
Bart Maesen ◽  
Vladimir L’Espoir ◽  
Mark La Meir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Right Atrium ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
Conduction Block ◽  
Myocardial Tissue ◽  
Tissue Volume ◽  
Af Ablation

Abstract OBJECTIVES Epicardial adipose tissue volume (EAT-V) has been linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences after catheter ablation. We retrospectively studied the association between atrial EAT-V and outcome after hybrid AF ablation (epicardial surgical and endocardial catheter ablation). METHODS On preoperative cardiac computed tomography angiography scans, the left atrium and right atrium were manually delineated using the open source ImageJ. With custom-made automated software, the number of pixels in the regions of interest on each slice was calculated. On the basis of the Hounsfield units, pixel size and slice thickness, EAT-V was computed and normalized in relation to the body surface area (BSA) and the myocardial tissue volume. RESULTS Eighty-five patients were included. Left atrial and right atrial EAT-V normalized to BSA were not significantly different between paroxysmal and persistent AF [0.84 (0.51–1.50) vs 0.81 (0.57–1.18), 1.74 (1.02–2.56) vs 1.55 (1.26–2.18), all P = 0.9], neither between the acute conduction block and no acute conduction block in the epicardial box lesion [0.92 (0.55–1.39) vs 0.72 (0.55–1.24), P = 0.5, right atrium not applicable], nor between the sinus rhythm and arrhythmia recurrence after 12 months [0.88 (0.55–1.48) vs 0.63 (0.47–1.10), 1.61 (1.11–2.50) vs 1.55 (1.20–2.20), all P > 0.1]. Left atrial EAT-V normalized to myocardial tissue volume was not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS This study could neither confirm that EAT-V was predictive of recurrence of supraventricular arrhythmias in patients undergoing a hybrid AF ablation, nor that EAT-V was different between patients with paroxysmal AF and persistent and long-standing persistent AF. This suggests that EAT-V might not affect the outcome in surgical ablation procedures and therefore should not influence preoperative or intraoperative decision-making.

scholarly journals Post Procedural Peak Left Atrial Contraction Strain Predicts Recurrence of Arrhythmia after Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Songnan Wen ◽  
Manasawee Indrabhinduwat ◽  
Peter A. Brady ◽  
Cristina Pislaru ◽  
Fletcher A. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Cumulative Probability ◽  
Risk Of Recurrence ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Atrial Contraction ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Abstract Background Left atrial (LA) function can be impaired by the atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and might be associated with the risk of recurrence. We sought to determine whether the post-procedural changes in LA function impact the risk of recurrence following AF ablation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent AF ablation between 2009 and 2011 and underwent transthoracic echocardiography before ablation, 1-day and 3-month after ablation. Peak left atrial contraction strain (PACS) and left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) were evaluated during sinus rhythm and compared across the three time points. The primary endpoint was atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after ablation. Results A total of 144 patients were enrolled (mean age 61 ± 11 years, 77% male, 46% persistent AF). PACS and LAEF initially decreased 1-day following ablation but partially recovered within 3 months in PAF patients, with a similar trend in the PerAF patients. After median 24 months follow-up, 68 (47%) patients had recurrence. Patients with recurrence had higher PACS1-day than that in non-recurrence subjects (-10.9 ± 5.0% vs. -13.4 ± 4.7%, p = 0.003). PACS1-day -12% distinguished recurrence cases with a sensitivity of 67.7% and specificity of 60.5%. The Kaplan–Meier curves showed significant difference in 5-year cumulative probability of recurrence between those with PACS ≥ -12% and PACS < -12% (log rank p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression showed that PACS1-day was an independent risk factor of arrhythmia recurrence. Conclusions Left atrial function deteriorates immediately following AF ablation and partially recovers in 3 months but remains abnormal in the majority of patients. PACS1-day post procedure predicts arrhythmia recurrence at long-term follow-up.

scholarly journals Impact of Left Atrial Geometric Remodeling on Late Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuqian Guo ◽  
Caiying Li ◽  
Lan Yang ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
Yicheng Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Purpose: To quantitatively investigate the impact of left atrial (LA) geometric remodeling on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation (CA).Methods: A retrospective analysis of 105 patients with AF who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography before CA. Risk factors for AF recurrence were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis and used to create a nomogram.Results: After at least 12 months of follow-up, 30 patients (29%) developed recurrent AF. Patients with recurrence had a higher LA volume, LA sphericity, and a lower LA ejection fraction (LAEF) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in asymmetry index between the two groups (P = 0.121). Multivariable regression analysis showed that LA minimal volume index (LAVImin) (OR: 1.280, 95% CI: 1.027–1.594, P = 0.028), LA sphericity (OR: 1.268, 95% CI: 1.071–1.500, P = 0.006) and CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR: 1.326, 95% CI: 1.016–1.732, P=0.038) were independent predictors of AF recurrence. The combined model of the LA sphericity to the LAVImin substantially increased the predictive power for AF recurrence (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.736, 95% CI: 0.627–0.844, P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 61%. A nomogram was generated based on the contribution weights of the risk factors; the AUC was 0.769 (95% CI: 0.666–0.872) and had good internal validity.Conclusion: The CHA2DS2-VASc score, LA sphericity, and LAVImin were significant and independent predictors of AF recurrence after CA. Furthermore, the nomogram had a better predictive capacity for AF recurrence.

scholarly journals Clinical Safety and Efficacy of Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Patients With a History of Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zi-liang Song ◽  
Shao-hui Wu ◽  
Dao-liang Zhang ◽  
Wei-feng Jiang ◽  
Mu Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Clinical Safety ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Linear Lesions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Stroke Group ◽  
History Of ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation patients with a history of stroke.Methods and Results: A total of 116 symptomatic, drug-refractory AF patients with a history of stroke, and 1:2 matched patients without a history of stroke were enrolled. Of these, 28 cases occurred stroke within 3 months (Group 1), 88 cases with stroke history longer than 3 months (Group 2), and 232 cases without stroke (Group 3). PVI was performed in all patients, extended to ablation of linear lesions ablation. The periprocedural stroke rates and other procedure-related in-hospital complications did not differ significantly among the three groups. The maintenance rate of SR after the procedure showed no significant difference (p = 0.333), 52.7, 66.4, and 70.7% in Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Furthermore, the comparison between a history of stroke and those without it were also shown no significant difference (p = 0.351).Conclusions: Radiofrequency ablation for AF patients occurred stroke, even within 3 months is safe and effective, without higher periprocedural complication rate and recurrence rate.

Abstract 9576: Predictors of Silent Cerebral Events Detected on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Deneke ◽  
Karin Nentwich ◽  
Patrick Müller ◽  
Markus Roos ◽  
Joachim Krug ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Cerebral Mri ◽  
Group 5 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Introduction: Silent cerebral events (SCE) have been identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in asymptomatic patients after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Silent cerebral lesions represent irreversible cerebral damage, comparative analysis using a consistent MRI definition is missing and factors influencing the risk of SCE are poorly understood. Methods: 351 Patients undergoing AF ablation underwent post-ablation cerebral MRI. SCE were identified based on a sensitive definition using a 1.5Tesla MRI including DWI and ADC-map (but not including FLAIR). AF ablation was performed either using irrigated single-tip radiofrequency (RF) ablation (group 1, N=73), phased RF pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) (group 2, N=129), endoscopically-guided laser balloon (group 3, N=41), cryo-balloon PVI (group4, N=34) and irrigated RF multipolar catheters (nMARQ) (group 5, N=73). Differences in regard to SCE rates were analyzed. Results: In group 1 22%, in group 2 37%, in group 41%, in group 4 21% and in group 5 27% of patients had documented SCE. There was a significantly higher incidence of SCL in patients with compared to without exchanges of catheters over a single transseptal sheath (34% vs. 18%, p=0.007) and in patients with left atrial dilation (48% vs. 30%, p=0.01). In a subgroup analysis incidence of SCE was lower when patients were ablated under continued oral anticoagulation (11%) compared to novel oral anticoagulants (33%) or without continuous appropriate anticoagulation bridged with low-molecular weight heparin (45%). Documented left atrial low-voltage areas were associated with a higher incidence of SCE (46% versus 24% in the control group). Conclusions: When using a sensitive MRI definition of SCE incidences are relevantly higher compared to using the “old” definition including the FLAIR-sequence. Technology-associated and procedural characteristics associated with a higher risk of SCE have been identified. Modification of procedural steps of the AF ablation procedure may further reduce the risk of SCE.

Abstract 16499: Hybrid Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Radiofrequency Posterior Wall Isolation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heajung L Nguyen ◽  
Carlos Macias ◽  
Houman Khakpour ◽  
Jason S Bradfield ◽  
Kalyanam Shivkumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Energy Source ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Posterior Wall ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Hybrid Ablation

Introduction: Catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with less successful outcomes compared to paroxysmal AF. The optimal ablation strategy for persistent AF is not well established. We report our center’s experience utilizing a hybrid ablation approach of cryoballoon (CB) pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) followed by radiofrequency (RF) left atrial posterior wall isolation (LAPWI). Methods: 134 patients with persistent AF who underwent catheter ablation between 2016 and 2019 at our center were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with congenital heart disease or prior left atrial ablation or surgery were excluded. Hybrid ablation (n=62) consisted of CB PVI followed by RF roof and floor lines resulting in LAPWI. The control group (n=72) had PVI ±LAPWI with either CB (n=38) or RF (n=34). Outcomes were monitored with office visits and 7-day Holter monitors at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-ablation. The primary endpoint was freedom from any documented atrial tachyarrhythmia over 30 seconds. Results: Concomitant atrial flutter ablation was performed in 19/62 (31%) and 5/72 (7%) of hybrid and control cases, respectively. There was no significant difference in procedure time, however fluoroscopy time was shorter with hybrid ablation compared to control (p<.01). 18-month freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias was 70.4% with hybrid ablation and 51.6% with PVI±LAPWI with a single energy source (p=.048). Among those with recurrence, mean AF burden was significantly lower with hybrid ablation (7%) than with a single-energy approach (60%). Conclusion: In this single center experience with multiple operators, hybrid CB-RF PVI and LAPWI reduced AF recurrence (incidence and burden) compared to PVI±LAPWI with a single energy source.

Early mortality and complications associated with catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: analysis of the entire procedure in Korea from 2007 to 2016

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
PS Yang ◽  
JH Byun ◽  
JH Sung ◽  
B Joung
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽  
Early Mortality ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Management Of Complications ◽  
Atrioesophageal Fistula ◽  
Procedural Complications ◽  
History Of

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background There is limited data regarding the early mortality and adverse outcomes from catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Korea. The aim of this study was to examine the early mortality and frequency of adverse outcomes associated with AF catheter ablation from 2006 to 2016 in Korea. Methods From 2006 to 2016 in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 11,893 individuals underwent catheter ablation for AF. We investigated the frequency of complications and early mortality associated with AF ablation and comorbidities that led to adverse outcomes after AF ablation. Results Out of all 11,893 procedures, early mortality occurred in 38 cases (0.32%). Annual trends in AF procedural complications occurring during index admission for AF ablation decreased from 9.25% in 2006 to 6.49% in 2016 (P for trend = 0.004). The early mortality rate after AF ablation had remained unchanged between 2006 and 2016. After adjustment for age, comorbidities, and medication, procedural complications (adjusted odds ratio[aOR]: 16.1; P &lt; 0.001), age (aOR: 1.25; P = 0.024), history of hemorrhagic stroke (aOR: 4.74; P = 0.019), and less experience with AF ablation of the hospital (aOR: 2.85; P = 0.024) were associated with early mortality. Among procedural complications, atrioesophageal fistula (aOR: 199.8; P &lt; 0.001), access site complications (aOR: 6.08; P = 0.005), complete heart block (aOR: 11.3; P = 0.029), pneumothorax (aOR: 62.0; P &lt; 0.001), and procedure related pneumonia (aOR: 39.0; P &lt; 0.001) were associated with early mortality. Conclusions Procedural complications, history of hemorrhagic stroke, and less experience with AF ablation of the hospital were predictors of early mortality. Out of all complications, atrioesophageal fistual, procedure related pneumonia, and in-hospital stroke were related to early mortality. Adequate management of complications may contribute to reducing the number of early mortalty rates following AF ablation. Abstract Figure. Trend of early mortality after ablation

Choosing the Proper Candidate and Technique for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Dipen Shah ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Rate Control ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Atrial Fibrosis ◽  
Atrial Myocardium ◽  
Atrial Size ◽  
Left Atrial Fibrosis

The increasing popularity of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation has been associated with a variety of techniques and ablation strategies as well as widening indications. A critical analysis of outcomes after catheter ablation is necessary to discern those patients unlikely to benefit from catheter ablation in order to propose rate control strategies with confidence. Left atrial size, advanced age, long standing mitral valve disease, duration of atrial fibrillation as well as left atrial fibrosis are currently thought to be important parameters associated with poorer outcomes. Determining the best suited ablation techniques from amongst different strategies of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, atrial and coronary sinus ablation for specific subgroups of patients may avoid unnecessary ablation and preserve contractile atrial myocardium.

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