Complete left atrial compartmentalization isolating all four pulmonary veins successfully prevented atrial fibrillation induction and maintained stable sinus rhythm over 21 weeks in a single patient.
Case Report (n=1)
Does left atrial compartmentalization using a catheter technique prevent atrial fibrillation in a patient with paroxysmal AF?
This early case report demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of left atrial compartmentalization (pulmonary vein isolation) for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
INTRODUCTION: Right atrial compartmentalization has been demonstrated to only reduce the number of atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes; left atrial (LA) fibrillation still occurs. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report successful LA compartmentalization resulting in isolation of all four pulmonary veins in a 51-year-old woman suffering from paroxysmal AF. Deployment of a complete encircling line resulted in dissociation of electrical activation within the isolated area from the remaining LA. Despite attempts at reinduction by pacing maneuvers inside and outside the isolated area, AF was no longer inducible. During 21-week follow-up, the patient remained in stable sinus rhythm with rare atrial extrasystoles. CONCLUSION: If reproducible, this ablation strategy could allow treatment of AF independent of suppression of any triggering event.
Ernst et al. (Thu,) conducted a case report in Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n=1). Left atrial compartmentalization (isolation of all four pulmonary veins) was evaluated on Inducibility of atrial fibrillation and maintenance of sinus rhythm. Complete left atrial compartmentalization isolating all four pulmonary veins successfully prevented atrial fibrillation induction and maintained stable sinus rhythm over 21 weeks in a single patient.
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