Therapeutische Umschau. Revue thérapeutique
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Review
[Interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation - indication, techniques and success rates].
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia occurring in 2 % of the population. Aside from initiating oral anticoagulation in patients with an increased risk for thromboembolic complications, rhythm control often is the therapeutic target, particularly in the young and highly symptomatic. ⋯ In the case of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation, there is no agreement about the ablation strategy and the success rates are significantly lower. This review addresses the underlying pathophysiology, the ablation techniques, success rates and complications as well as alternative invasive treatment options.