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Question:
Why are there differences in techniques used in procedures for atrial fibrillation?
WHY DO THEY GO THROUGH THE PULMONARY VEIN DURING ATRIAL FIBRILLATION PROCEDURES AND WHY NOT ALL? WHAT MAKES SOME AFIB CASES DIFFERENT THAN OTHERS?
submitted by Lacey from Houston, Texas, on 11/18/09
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Christopher M. Frank, MD
Techniques for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation continue to evolve over time, and do differ slightly between different operators and different centers. In addition, the particular characteristics of an individual patient (i.e., paroxysmal vs. persistent atrial fibrillation, as well as the electrical behavior of the atrium during the procedure) affect how much ablation is performed and where the lesions are placed. That said, the common feature among almost all operators and procedures is that a significant amount of ablation is performed at the entrance, or ostium, of the pulmonary vein.
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Updated November 2009
