title: Atrial fibrillation ablation using simultaneous multielectrode application of radiofrequeney energy.
abstract: Despite technological advances in equipment for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), conventional pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with point-by-point radiofrequency application encircling the PV ostia remains a complex procedure requiring a high degree of operator skill and experience. Novel multielectrode catheters have been developed that deliver duty-cycled bipolar and unipolar radiofrequency energy, designed for PV electrical isolation and for ablation of complex fractionated electrograms in the left atrium. Initial studies suggest good results, reducing procedure time and with safety and efficacy equivalent to the conventional method. We describe the first four cases of AF ablation in our center using this method, with acute success in two patients: one with paroxysmal AF and the other with chronic AF.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Carnaxide, Portugal.
authors.forename: Sofia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.forename: Diogo
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cavaco
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Adragao
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Candeias
authors.forename: António Pinheiro
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Vieira
authors.forename: Katya Reis
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Morgado
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Calé
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Roque
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dionísio
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bernardo
authors.forename: J Aniceto
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Silva
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged