Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
-
J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Jul 2008
Clinical TrialBody mass index, obstructive sleep apnea, and outcomes of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.
Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). The effects of a large body mass index (BMI) and OSA on the results of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of AF are unclear. ⋯ OSA is a predictor of recurrent AF after RFA independent of its association with BMI and left atrial size. Obesity does not appear to affect outcomes after radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF.
-
J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Jun 2008
ReviewState of the art: catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.
Curative treatment of atrial fibrillation with catheter ablation is now a legitimate option for a large number of patients. In the last decade a tremendous amount has been discovered about this fascinating arrhythmia, yet there is still much that is understood. ⋯ The optimal ablation strategy for both paroxysmal and long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation is unknown. In this review the possible mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation are examined along with the current catheter ablation techniques used in the treatment atrial fibrillation.
-
J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · May 2008
Case ReportsLife-threatening left atrial wall hematoma secondary to a pulmonary vein laceration: an unusual complication of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Several complications may occur during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). We report an unusual case of left atrial wall hematoma without pericardial effusion secondary to a right inferior pulmonary vein (PV) laceration. The use of real-time transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during the procedure can be useful for early detection of this potentially lethal complication. ⋯ Left atrial wall hematoma without pericardial effusion is a rare and life-threatening complication after catheter-based AF ablation. TEE is a valuable monitoring tool to accurately diagnose several acute complications and prompt rapid intervention.
-
J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Mar 2008
Clinical TrialIntraprocedural volume imaging of the left atrium and pulmonary veins with rotational X-ray angiography: implications for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.
The use of preprocedural CT or MR imaging to generate patient-specific cardiac anatomy greatly facilitates catheter ablation of the left atrium and pulmonary veins (LA-PVs) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). This report details the accuracy and utility of an intraprocedural means to generate 3-D volumetric renderings of the LA-PV anatomy: contrast-enhanced rotational X-ray angiography (3DRA). ⋯ Intraprocedural contrast-enhanced rotational angiography provides volumetric 3-D images of the LA-PVs of comparable diagnostic value to dedicated preprocedural CT/MR imaging.