Catheter ablation for atrial flutter and fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation are common arrhythmias that can be difficult to manage clinically. In many patients, these conditions are refractory to pharmacologic therapy because of drug failure or intolerance. Radiofrequency catheter ablation may be a reasonable alternative in patients with typical atrial flutter. The procedure has a high initial success rate and a low complication rate. However, recurrence after ablation is common, and a second treatment session may be needed. In selected patients with atrial fibrillation, radiofrequency ablation can be useful for rate control. However, its use in curing chronic fibrillation is still experimental. The procedure involves insertion of a pacemaker, anticoagulation therapy is still needed in most patients, and the need for antiarrhythmic medication may not be obviated.

Digital Signal Processing and Artificial Intelligence Methods for Intracardial Signal Complexity Evaluation

“…More recently, catheter ablation has become a useful alternative to medical therapy in patients with atrial flutter and AF. Because these arrhythmias are among the most common seen in clinical practice and can at times be difficult to manage pharmacologically, primary care physicians need to be aware of new developments in treatment in order to offer an alternative to pharmacological therapy when it is contraindicated, ineffective, or poorly tolerated (Kosinski et al, 1998). Since the milestone publication more than a decade ago by Haissaguerre et al (Haissaguerre et al, 2003) describing the role of ectopic foci within the pulmonary veins (PV), much progress has been achieved in the field of (potentially) curative ablation of atrial fibrillation.…”