Evaluating catheter usage for atrial fibrillation ablation: improving rates of efficacy and safety

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation remains the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. While the single-tip radiofrequency-based PV isolation in conjunction with a 3D mapping system was for many years considered to be the 'gold standard,' the strategy of PV isolation has evolved tremendously in the recent years. AREA COVERED: This review explores the latest energy source and catheter technologies developed in order to improve the efficiency, safety, and persistence of acute success over the long-term follow-up in patients undergoing PV isolation for AF ablation. Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases up to August 2025. EXPERT OPINION: Radiofrequency remains a milestone, especially in the field of the point-by-point ablation manner. The introduction of the temperature-controlled ablation catheters allows ablation with higher power settings compared to standard power-controlled ablation, resulting in high acute and one-year success rate with a low incidence of complications. Similar results have been reported with both cryoballoon ablation system, with shorter procedural time and longer fluoroscopy time. Pulsed field ablation is a novel ablation modality, largely nonthermal, aiming at creating transmural, durable ablation lesions while reducing the risk of collateral damage.