Predicting successful pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation by brain natriuretic Peptide plasma levels.

Background: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is a clinically established treatment by now while success rate varies between 60% and 85%. Interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation is still a challenging technique associated with a long procedure time and risk of major complications in up to 6 % of treated patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation concerning stable sinus rhythm after ablation.