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Published in: Current Cardiology Reports 8/2016

01-08-2016 | Invasive Electrophysiology and Pacing (EK Heist, Section Editor)

Catheter Ablation as First-Line Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: Ready for Prime-Time?

Authors: Aldo G. Carrizo, Carlos A. Morillo

Published in: Current Cardiology Reports | Issue 8/2016

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Abstract

Current guidelines include atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation as part of the management strategy in patients that have failed at least one oral antiarrhythmic drug treatment course. However, growing evidence derived from both randomized and non-randomized studies demonstrate lower rates of AF recurrence and AF burden in patients with paroxysmal AF that are naïve to antiarrhythmic drug treatment. Furthermore, progression from paroxysmal AF to persistent AF appears to be delayed by early catheter ablation of AF. The current review addresses the question of the best timing for ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF and provides the rationale for offering AF ablation as first-line therapy based on the most updated evidence available.
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Metadata
Title
Catheter Ablation as First-Line Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: Ready for Prime-Time?
Authors
Aldo G. Carrizo
Carlos A. Morillo
Publication date
01-08-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Cardiology Reports / Issue 8/2016
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-016-0747-4

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