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Review
. 2019 May;8(2):111-115.
doi: 10.15420/aer.2018.57.1.

High-resolution Mapping in Patients with Persistent AF

Marius Andronache  1 , Nikola Drca  2 , Graziana Viola  3
Affiliations
Review

High-resolution Mapping in Patients with Persistent AF

Marius Andronache et al. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev. 2019 May.

Abstract

Ablation of AF through electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins is a well-established technique and a cornerstone in the ablation of AF, although there are a variety of techniques and ablation strategies now available. However, high numbers of patients are returning to hospital after ablation procedures such as pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Scar tissue (as identified by contact voltage mapping) is found to be present in many of these patients, especially those with persistent AF and even those with paroxysmal AF. This scarring is associated with poor outcomes after PVI. Cardiac mapping is necessary to locate triggers and substrate so that an ablation strategy can be optimised. Multipolar mapping catheters offer more information regarding the status of the tissue than standard ablation catheters. A patient-tailored catheter ablation approach, targeting the patient-specific low voltage/fibrotic substrate can lead to improved outcomes.

Keywords: AF; Atrial fibrosis; catheter ablation; multipolar catheters; pulmonary vein isolation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Nikola Drca has received consultancy fees from Biosense Webster. Marius Andronache and Graziana Viola have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:. Bipolar Voltage Map in Sinus Rhythm
Figure 2:
Figure 2:. Bipolar Voltage Map in Sinus Rhythm
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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