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01-11-2006 | Cardiac

Imaging in percutaneous ablation for atrial fibrillation

Authors: Ružica Maksimović, Thorsten Dill, Arsen D. Ristić, Petar M. Seferović

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 11/2006

Abstract

Percutaneous ablation for electrical disconnection of the arrhythmogenic foci using various forms of energy has become a well-established technique for treating atrial fibrillation (AF). Success rate in preventing recurrence of AF episodes is high although associated with a significant incidence of pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis and other rare complications. Clinical workup of AF patients includes imaging before and after ablative treatment using different noninvasive and invasive techniques such as conventional angiography, transoesophageal and intracardiac echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which offer different information with variable diagnostic accuracy. Evaluation before percutaneous ablation involves assessment of PVs (PV pattern, branching pattern, orientation and ostial size) to facilitate position and size of catheters and reduce procedure time as well as examining the left atrium (presence of thrombi, dimensions and volumes). Imaging after the percutaneous ablation is important for assessment of overall success of the procedure and revealing potential complications. Therefore, imaging methods enable depiction of PVs and the anatomy of surrounding structures essential for preprocedural management and early detection of PV stenosis and other ablation-related procedures, as well as long-term follow-up of these patients.

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Title: Imaging in percutaneous ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ružica Maksimović
Thorsten Dill
Arsen D. Ristić
Petar M. Seferović
Publication date: 01-11-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 11/2006
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-006-0235-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Imaging in percutaneous ablation for atrial fibrillation

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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