Radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation under therapeutic international normalized ratio: a safe and efficacious periprocedural anticoagulation strategy.

Background: The best periprocedural anticoagulation strategy at the time of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is not known. Most centers stop administering warfarin (Coumadin) and use bridging with heparin or enoxaparin.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PVI under therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR).

Impact of type of atrial fibrillation and repeat catheter ablation on long-term freedom from atrial fibrillation: results from a multicenter study.

Background/objective: The purpose of this prospective multicenter study was to compare results of catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and those with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (NPAF). The impact and the role of repeat catheter ablation were assessed in patients with recurrence.

Methods/results: One thousand four hundred four patients underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) performed by 12 operators at four institutions using a single technique guided by intracardiac echocardiography.

Efficacy of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Background: Although pulmonary vein (PV) antrum isolation is effective in curing atrial fibrillation (AF) in a variety of heart diseases, results in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) have not been reported.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to report the results and outcome of PV antrum isolation in patients with AF and HOCM.

Methods: Data from patients with AF and HOCM who underwent PV antrum isolation between February 2002 and May 2004 were analyzed retrospectively.

Pulmonary vein antrum isolation for treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with valvular heart disease or prior open heart surgery.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of pulmonary vein antrum isolation in patients with moderate valvular heart disease or open-heart surgery and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Background: Valvular heart disease and open-heart surgery are commonly associated with AF and increase the risk of adverse events in AF patients.

Methods: A total of 391 consecutive patients who had pulmonary vein antrum isolation performed between December 2000 and December 2002 were screened.

The need for atrial flutter ablation following pulmonary vein antrum isolation in patients with and without previous cardiac surgery.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of atrial flutter (AFL) after pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) in patients with previous cardiac surgery (PCS) in comparison to patients without PCS and to assess the need for AFL ablation in both groups.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and AFL often co-exist. Pulmonary vein antrum isolation may be sufficient to control both arrhythmias.

Pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with impaired systolic function.

Objectives: We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with impaired left ventricular (LV) systolic function.

Background: To date, PVI has been performed primarily in patients with normal LV function. Yet, many AF patients have impaired LV systolic function.

Impact of age on the outcome of pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation using circular mapping technique and cooled-tip ablation catheter:

Introduction: A retrospective analysis was performed to define the impact of age on the outcomes and complications in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). PVI is an evolving technique for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). The impact of age on the risks, outcomes, and complications of PVI has not been well defined.

Pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation: functional characterization, evolution, and influence of the ablation strategy.

Background: Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a complication of ablation for atrial fibrillation. The impact of different ablation strategies on the incidence of PV stenosis and its functional characterization has not been described.

Methods And Results: PV isolation was performed in 608 patients.