Interv Akut Kardiol. 2006;5(5):211-215
Background: Catheter ablation is effective in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). During the procedure, visualisation of left atrium and pulmonary veins (PV) is important. We assessed the role of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) for the guidance of ablation. .
Methods: The study included 220 patients (pts, 181 men, age 55 ± 9) with paroxysmal, persistent or permanent AF, in whom catheter ablation was performed using 8 mm tip catheter and electro-anatomical mapping (CARTO, Biosense Webster). Moreover, guidance by ICE was used in 162 pts (group I), while the rest 58 pts underwent ablation without ICE (group II).
Results: AF recurrence was not detected in 68 % of pts in group I and 60 % in group II (p < 0.05). Procedure was repeated in 13 % and 9 % of pts, respectively. In 9 pts (group I) trombus in the left atrium was observed, despite anticoagulation therapy. Stenosis of one PV was detected in two pts in group II.
Conclusion: ICE is useful method for the guidance of ablation for AF. It allows to increase the efficacy and reduce the risk of complications.
Published: February 1, 2007 Show citation