title: Atrioventricular junctional ablation and modification for atrial fibrillation.
abstract: RF catheter ablation is a safe and extremely effective method of achieving complete A-V block in patients with difficult-to-control ventricular rates in atrial fibrillation. In selected patients, A-V junction ablation may improve exercise capacity and functional status while reducing the need for emergency care and hospitalization. Prospective, randomized studies are needed, however, to compare A-V junction ablation as a management strategy to pharmacologic therapy to control ventricular rate or to maintain sinus rhythm. Similarly, additional data are needed to assess methods of achieving A-V junction modification with the lowest risk for A-V block.
authors.affiliation: Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, New England Medical Center Hospitals, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Homoud
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Foote
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Estes
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D006327:Heart Block / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011846:Radio Waves