Right and Left Atrial Radiofrequency Catheter Therapy of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of drug-refractory daily paroxysmal AF is feasible using linear atrial lesions complemented by focal ablation targeted at arrhythmogenic foci. Ablation only in the right atrium is a safe technique providing limited success, whereas linear lesions in the left atrium significantly increase the incidence of stable restoration of sinus rhythm, the inability to induce sustained AF, and the final success rate. The described technique is promising but must be considered preliminary because significant improvements are required to optimize lesion characteristics and shorten total procedure duration.