Segmental Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Improves Quality of Life and Clinical Outcomes

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Therapy Inhibits the Progression From Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation to Chronic Atrial Fibrillation

“…10 Recent studies have demonstrated that a train of repetitive rapid discharges originating from the pulmonary veins could initiate PAF 13 and that radiofrequency catheter ablation can effectively eliminate these focal areas. [13][14][15][16] Chen SA et al examined the electrophysiological characteristics of these ectopic beats and found that a -blocker could suppress the abnormal automaticity originating from the pulmonary veins. 14 Because ACEI causes sympatho-inhibitory effects by reducing the plasma norepinephrine concentrations 17 or by augmenting both the arterial and cardiopulmonary reflexes that tonically inhibit sympathetic outflow, 18 treatment with ACEI might be effective in suppressing the abnormal repetitive discharges and reducing the frequency or duration of PAF.…”

Effect of Left Atrial Ablation on the Quality of Life in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

“…9 The study population only consisted of paroxysmal AF patients. Meanwhile, the QOL in 109 patients with AF undergoing circumferential PV ablation was estimated by Pappone et al 10 They reported that the ablated patient's QOL, differing from those patients treated medically, reached normative levels at 6 months and remained unchanged at 1 year.…”

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8] Using the Short-Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36), some previous reports showed a significant improvement in the QOL following the CA in patients with AF. 9,10 In this study, we used a questionnaire specific for AF, and assessed the clinical course of the QOL after the CA over a 6-month follow-up period in patients with both paroxysmal and chronic AF.…”

Contemporary Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Update on Anticoagulation and Invasive Management Strategies

“…Ablation within a pulmonary vein can lead to fibrosis and narrowing or occlusion of the vessel. 174,175 Studies conducted before 2002 documented rates of pulmonary vein stenosis ranging from 4% to 10%. [176][177][178] If the ostium of the pulmonary vein is clearly recognized and ablation within the pulmonary vein is avoided, this complication is rare (Figure 10).…”