Abstract
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved as a potential curative option for drug-refractory AF in recent years. AF not only causes physical morbidity but also jeopardizes the mental and social health of the patient as well as predisposing the patient to increased risk of thromboembolic events. Therefore, the primary end points of AF ablation have been restoration of sinus rhythm, improvement in the quality of life and lowering the risk of cerebrovascular accidents. However, even in the best hands, AF ablation is yet to be a total success. Several risk factors of AF and parameters of catheter ablation influence the short- and long-term ablation outcome. This article reviews all the information that has been contributed by prominent independent researchers over the last decade.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
L Di Biase is a consultant for Hansen Medical and Biosense Webster. A Natale has received speaker honoraria from Boston Scientific, Biosense Webster, St Jude Medical, Medtronic and Life Watch, and a research grant from St Jude Medical. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.