Interv Akut Kardiol. 2010;9(2):70-74

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: from patient selection to follow-up considerations

Dan Wichterle

Klinika kardiologie IKEM a Klinika kardiologie a angiologie VFN, Praha

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has gained wide acceptance as an important therapeutic modality for the treatment of

patients with symptomatic recurrent AF. According to several randomized trials, catheter ablation for AF is superior to continuing pharmacologic

treatment when at least one antiarrhythmic drug failed to control the AF. In these studies, the ablation strategy resulted to

freedom from AF recurrence, improvement in AF burden and improvement in quality of life. However, because catheter ablation for

AF is a demanding technical procedure that may result in serious complications, patients should only undergo AF ablation after carefully

weighing the risks and benefits of the procedure. Meticulous clinical approach is required to identify the patients most likely to

respond to catheter ablation. Not only diligently performed ablation procedure but also pre- and post-procedural management of patients

in collaboration with referring physicians is crucial for final clinical success. The randomized controlled studies are ongoing aimed

at establishing AF ablation as first-line treatment and demonstrating that the effect of catheter ablation for AF translates into improved

clinical outcomes and reduction in overall mortality.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation, patient selection

Published: April 1, 2010  Show citation