Outcome of Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: A Single Center Experience.
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults. Currently, use of the circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) technique is the cornerstone of ablation therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. In this report, we described our ablation strategy and outcomes when treating a limited number of AF patients.


METHODS
This study enrolled patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF that were resistant to at least one anti-arrhythmia drug. We used the CARTO XP system for electro-anatomic mapping, facilitated by left atrium multi-slice computed tomography imaging. The ablation strategy was to obtain CPVI by using an irrigation catheter and the end-point was complete entry and exit block at each pulmonary veins. AF recurrence was defined through review of symptoms and AF documentation via electrocardiography (ECG) or Holter ECG.


RESULTS
From 2007 to 2011, 108 patients (76% paroxysmal AF) received ablation by means of our standard procedures, and the AF recurrence rate was 22% during a mean follow up of 20.6 ± 10.2 months. The major complication rate was less than 3% in all the patients that received AF ablation in our center.


CONCLUSIONS
Our AF ablation results were comparable to those results reported in major electrophysiology centers, with acceptable complication rates.


BACKGROUND
Ablation; Atrial fibrillation; Pulmonary vein isolation.
Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan;
Jien-Jiun
JJ
Chen
Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou, Taiwan;
Fu-Chun
FC
Chiu
Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan;
Su-Kiat
SK
Chua
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Chieh-Cheh
CC
Yu
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Lian-Yu
LY
Lin
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Chia-Ti
CT
Tsai
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Ling-Ping
LP
Lai
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Jiunn-Lee
JL
Lin