Revaluation of the Significance of Demonstrable Exit Block After Radiofrequency Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Bradycardia-dependent conduction block into pulmonary vein after isolation.

Non-inducibility post-pulmonary vein isolation achieving exit block predicts freedom from atrial fibrillation.

AIMS This study evaluates whether non-inducibility of atrial fibrillation (AF) after achieving bi-directional electrical pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is a useful predictor of freedom from AF recurrence. METHODS AND RESULTS This study included 102 consecutive patients who underwent PV isolation for symptomatic paroxysmal (59%), persistent (32%), or permanent (9%) AF. Patients were followed fo...

Spontaneous and induced pulmonary vein tachycardia after pulmonary vein isolation.

A case is reported of recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein ablation. A second procedure achieved isolation of three pulmonary veins and showed persistence of pulmonary vein tachycardia in one with implications concerning the electrophysiology of atrial fibrillation.

Successful radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation in a patient with pneumonectomy.

Among electrophysiologic procedures, catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is challenging, requiring the isolation of all pulmonary veins (PVs). AF is associated with serious complications including PV stenosis. Presently described was a technically challenging case of PV isolation in a patient with left-sided pneumonectomy due to lung cancer.

Radiofrequency energy delivery for pulmonary vein isolation: is less more?

As catheter ablation to eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved, new catheter technologies have become available to increase lesion size and improve safety. Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was first performed with radiofrequency energy using a 4 mm tip electrode. Subsequently, 8–10 mm tip electrodes and irrigated-tip catheters became available. The premise of these systems is that as the c...