[Clinical guideline for diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation].

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with long-term increase in the incidence of cerebrovascular disease, heart failure and mortality. The incidence of ischemic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation averages 5 % per year, from two to seven more frequent than in patients without atrial fibrillation (AF). One in six ischemic stroke occurs in patients with AF.

[Electrophysiologic study and ablation therapy in idiopathic paroxystic atrial fibrillation].

Objective: To analyze the results of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of the pulmonary veins (PV) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).

Material And Methods: We describe 4 patients (38 +/- 12 years, interval 8-52; 11 men) with symptomatic PAF, refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. Special mapping catheters were used and ablation was performed at the ostium/antrum of those veins with abnormal electrical activity (AEA).