BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that systematic ablation of ganglionated plexi (GP) could increase the short-term success rate of radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation, but the long-term efficacy of this approach is not fully established. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-four mongrel dogs were divided into 3 groups: epicardial GP ablation group 1 (n=8), epicardial GP ablation g...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare--in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF)--the efficacy and safety of left atrial ablation with that of a biatrial approach. BACKGROUND Left atrium-based catheter ablation of AF, although very effective in the paroxysmal form of the arrhythmia, has an insufficient efficacy in patients with persistent and permanent AF. ...

Atrial flutter ablation is associated with a high rate of acute procedural success and symptom improvement. The relationship between ablation and other clinical outcomes has been limited to small studies primarily conducted at academic centers. We sought to determine if catheter ablation of atrial flutter is associated with reductions in healthcare utilization, atrial fibrillation, or stroke in...

BACKGROUND Persistent atrial fibrillation frequently shows multiple different electrophysiological mechanisms of induction. This heterogeneity causes a low success rate of single procedures of ablation and a high incidence of recurrence. Surgical ablation through bilateral thoracotomy demonstrates better results after a single procedure. Prospective observational studies in inhomogeneous popula...

BACKGROUND Concomitant Surgical AF ablation is an established procedure, recommended in guidelines. However many surgeons are reluctant to perform AF ablation in patients with significantly enlarged left atrium. We therefore analyzed outcomes of patients with left-atrial diameter >55 mm undergoing concomitant AF ablation. METHODS Between 05/2003 and 12/2012 124 patients with significantly enl...

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation has evolved to the treatment of choice for patients with drug-resistant and symptomatic AF. Pulmonary vein isolation at the ostial or antral level usually is sufficient for treatment of true paroxysmal AF. For persistent AF ablation, drivers and perpetuators outside of the pulmonary veins are responsible for AF maintenance and have to be targeted to achieve sat...

OBJECTIVES To review the clinical experience, complications and outcome of Cardiac Electrophysiology Studies and Catheter Radiofrequency Ablation in treatment of supraventricular tachycardias in Karachi. METHODS A retrospective review of records of all patients who underwent an electrophysiological study and radiofrequency ablation at National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Aga Khan...

A multicenter prospective study was designed and implemented as an activity of the Pediatric Electrophysiology Society to assess the risks associated with radiofrequency ablation in children. Patients (age 0-15 years) with supraventricular tachycardia due to accessory pathways or atrioventricular nodal reentry were enrolled and studied prior to ablation and periodically by clinical evaluation, ...