Left atrial appendage isolation at the time of atrial fibrillation ablation

Since the description of pulmonary vein firing as a trigger for atrial fibrillation (AF),1 pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has formed the cornerstone of AF ablation. The success rate of PVI has been as high as 65% –70% in patients with paroxysmal AF.2 However, the success rates for persistent AF and long-standing persistent AF ablation have been as low as 40% in some studies.3 This has prompted a search for extra-pulmonary vein targets in order to increase the effectiveness of ablation of persistent and lon g-standing persistent AF.
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Commentary Source Type: research