Abstract

MARQUEZ, Manlio F. et al. Electrophysiologic study and ablation therapy in idiopathic paroxystic atrial fibrillation. Gac. Méd. Méx [online]. 2006, vol.142, n.1, pp.41-47. ISSN 2696-1288.

Objective: To analyze the results of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of the pulmonary veins (PV) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Material and methods: We describe 14 patients (38± 12 years, interval 8-52; 11 men) with symptomatic PAF, refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. Special mapping catheters were used and ablation was performed at the ostium/antrum of those veins with abnormal electrical activity (AEA). Results: AEA in one or more PV was identified in 13 patients (86%); in one patient AEA was also found in the superior vena cava (6.6%). One procedure was complicated by unstable ventricular tachycardia and was not finished. Success was accomplished in 10, in 5 after the first ablation, in 4 after the second, and in one after a third procedure. One patient had pericarditis with a small pericardial effusion that did not require intervention. Conclusions: RFCA is a useful and relatively safe procedure for the treatment of PAF and the only one with curative potential. The long-term rate of success (with or without antiarrhythmics) in this series was 71%. These results justify catheter ablation in selected patients with symptomatic PAF unresponsive to medical treatment.

Keywords : Atrial fibrillation; radiofrequency catheter ablation; transseptal left atrial catheterization.

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