title: Alternate energy sources for catheter ablation.
abstract: Because of the limitations of conventional radiofrequency ablation in creating large or linear lesions, alternative energy sources have been used as possible methods of catheter ablation. Modified radiofrequency energy, cryoablation, and microwave, laser, and ultrasound technologies may be able to create longer, deeper, and more controlled lesions and may be particularly suited for the treatment of ventricular tachycardias and for linear atrial ablation. Future studies will establish the efficacy of these new and promising technologies.
authors.affiliation: New England Medical Center, Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Box 173, 750 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Homoud
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Link
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Estes III
mesh_terms: D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy