title: AF Ablation: Do You Need a Mapping System for Ablation?
abstract: Radiofrequency ablation has become a mainstay in the therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). Although there are many different techniques for achieving adequate results, the cornerstone of AF remains pulmonary vein isolation. Three-dimensional (3D) electroanatomical mapping systems play an important role in the reduction of fluoroscopy and the identification of electrical and anatomic landmarks and are used commonly in AF ablation procedures. In this article, the authors discuss the advantages and limitations of 3D mapping systems and try to answer the question: Are they needed for successful AF ablation?
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Division, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Kojiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tanimoto
authors.affiliation: Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Stanford Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Amin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Ahmad