Catheter ablation of focal triggers and drivers of atrial fibrillation.
It has been demonstrated that most paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is triggered by ectopic beats originating from the pulmonary veins (PVs). It has been recently reported that some AF episodes are maintained by focal drivers and AF substrates in the PVs and atrium. Left atrial ablation combined with PV isolation targeting AF triggers and drivers may be effective for eliminating atrial arrhythmias. However, multiple AF drivers in the PVs and atrium and acute conduction recovery after the PV isolation may sometimes render that technique less reliable. In this article, we describe the current status of the catheter ablation of focal triggers and drivers of AF in the PVs and atrium, illustrating with case presentations.
Yamada
Takumi
T
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0019, USA. takumi-y@fb4.so-net.ne.jp
McElderry
Hugh T
HT
Doppalapudi
Harish
H
Epstein
Andrew E
AE
Plumb
Vance J
VJ
Kay
G Neal
GN
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000601:surgery*; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome