New concepts in atrial fibrillation: mechanism and remodeling.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex disease with many possible mechanisms. Studies indicate that the arrhythmogenic foci within the thoracic veins are AF initiators. Once initiated, AF alters atrial electrical and structural properties in a way that promotes its own maintenance and recurrences and may alter the response to antiarrhythmic drugs. The exact mechanisms by which the initiators trigger AF remain elusive, however. Evidence to date suggests that autonomic modulation does have an adjunctive role to play in catheter AF ablation, especially when applied selectively. Further mechanistic and clinical studies are warranted before a wider application can be recommended.
The Second Section of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 199 North Tung-Hwa Road, Taipei 10591, Taiwan. 2867@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Chung-Chuan
CC
Chou
Peng-Sheng
PS
Chen
D000818:Animals; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016275:Atrial Function / Q000502:physiology*; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D054849:Cardiac Electrophysiology / Q000379:methods; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans