Circumferential radiofrequency ablation using a pure anatomic approach prevented atrial fibrillation recurrence in 80.4% of patients, suggesting complete pulmonary vein isolation is not crucial.
Cohort (n=51)
Does circumferential radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary vein ostia using an anatomic approach prevent atrial arrhythmias in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation?
An anatomic approach to circumferential radiofrequency ablation prevents AF recurrence in over 80% of patients, suggesting that complete electrical isolation of pulmonary veins may not be strictly necessary for clinical success.
BACKGROUND: Pulmonary veins (PVs) play a pivotal role in initiating and perpetuating atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated if PV electrical isolation from the left atrium is required for curing AF. METHODS AND RESULT: Fifty-one patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF underwent circumferential radiofrequency ablation of PV ostia performed with an anatomic approach. The end point of the ablation procedure was the recording of low peak-to-peak bipolar potentials (80% of patients undergoing catheter ablation. Moreover, the isolation of PVs is not crucial for curing AF.
Stabile et al. (Tue,) conducted a cohort in Paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (n=51). Circumferential radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary vein ostia (anatomic approach) was evaluated on Freedom from atrial arrhythmias. Circumferential radiofrequency ablation using a pure anatomic approach prevented atrial fibrillation recurrence in 80.4% of patients, suggesting complete pulmonary vein isolation is not crucial.