Strategies to Improve Safety and Efficacy of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Using Electrode Multipolar Phased RF PVAC™ Catheter: a Case Report.

Phased radiofrequency ablation with a single catheter technique, using a 9-electrode circumferential catheter, is a viable approach to pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. However, creating effective transmural lesions with such technique, while avoiding serious complications like atrioesophageal fistula, can be difficult. This case illustrates a challenging scenario, where catheter maneuvers fail to allow safe radiofrequency delivery, due to esophageal temperature rise, despite extensive navigating maneuvers.

Cross-sectional study of treatment strategies on atrial fibrillation.

Background: Despite the high prevalence and clinical importance of atrial fibrillation (AF), there is no Brazilian study describing the clinical profile of patients with AF and the most used treatment strategy (rhythm control vs. rate control).

Objective: Assess the most common treatment on AF in an outpatient specialized clinic for management of AF.