title: Electrophysiological characteristics of permanent atrial fibrillation: insights from research models of cardiac remodeling.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) results in a remodeling of the electrical and structural characteristics of the cardiac tissue which dramatically reduces the efficacy of pharmacological and catheter-based ablation therapies. Recent experimental and clinical results have demonstrated that the complexity of the fibrillatory process significantly differs in paroxysmal versus persistent AF; however, the lack of appropriate research models of remodeled atrial tissue precludes the elucidation of the underlying AF mechanisms and the identification of appropriated therapeutic targets. Here, we summarize the different research models used to date, highlighting the lessons learned from them and pointing to the new doors that should be open for the development of innovative treatments for AF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28009 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Andreu M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Climent
authors.forename: Maria S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Guillem
authors.forename: Felipe
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Atienza
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fernández-Avilés
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods; D055724:Electrophysiological Phenomena; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research
keywords: atrial fibrillation; electrophysiological properties; persistent AF; rotors; tissue remodeling