Substrate modification combined with pulmonary vein isolation improves outcome of catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: a prospective randomized comparison.

Aims: To investigate the effectiveness of additional substrate modification (SM) by left atrial (LA) linear lesions as compared with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in a prospective randomized study. Percutaneous PVI has evolved as an accepted treatment for paroxysmal AF but seemed to be less effective in patients with persistent AF. The benefit of PVI alone and additional linear lesions has not been validated in a randomized study so far.

Correlation of symptoms to ECG diagnosis following atrial fibrillation ablation.

Introduction: Currently, definition of success following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is commonly based on the lack of symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between symptoms and the underlying rhythm after AF ablation.

Methods And Results: Eighty consecutive patients (pts) were treated for paroxysmal episodes of AF by segmental ostial ablation of all pulmonary veins and right atrial isthmus ablation.