[Outcomes of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients over 65 years of age].

Purpose: This study assessed ablation techniques, recurrent arrhythmias, long-term outcomes, and complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients 65 years of age.

Methods: Consecutive patients aged < 65 years (n = 653) vs 65 years (n = 213), who underwent catheter ablation of AF in the course of eight years, were compared. Ablation strategy and procedure endpoints were left at the operators discretion.

[Catheter ablation of atrio-ventricular accessory pathways in the era of ablation therapy of complex arrhythmias: a changing perspective for oncoming generation of electrophysiologists].

Introduction: Catheter ablation of atrio-ventricular accessory pathways has become a routine treatment method. However, its perspective has been changing in the era of ablation of complex arrhythmias. This study was aimed at evaluating accessory pathways ablation efficacy within the last nine years at one center.

Characterization of residual coronary sinus-related tachycardia during ablation of longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation.

Purpose: The aim was to characterize the coronary sinus (CS)-related tachycardia that occurred as the last residual arrhythmia and required ablation within the CS or great cardiac vein to restore sinus rhythm (SR) in patients with primary longstanding persistent AF.

Methods: The study included 23 patients in whom stable SR was restored by ablation inside the vein during the first or repeat ablation.

Results: The 23 subjects represented 23% of the 99 patients in whom SR was restored by ablation.

Left atrial voltage during atrial fibrillation in paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation patients.

Background: Left atrial (LA) endocardial voltage characteristics assessed during atrial fibrillation (AF) have not been previously compared in different AF types. This study was aimed at investigating the LA voltages and volumes in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF.

Methods: LA electroanatomic voltage maps acquired during AF were compared between consecutive patients without major structural heart disease undergoing first catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF (n = 100) or persistent AF (n = 100).

Results of complex left atrial ablation of long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify variables associated with successful long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR) after a single ablation of long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: Complex left atrial (LA) ablation was performed in 100 patients. Restoration of SR by ablation was the desired procedure endpoint.

[Recurrent arrhythmias after catheter ablation of originally paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and results of repeat ablation].

Aims: The aim is a description of the recurrent arrhythmias after previous ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), and the results of a repeat catheter ablation.

Methods: A repeat ablation was performed in 76 patients (18 females, 54 +/- 11 years) in 96 procedures, which was 21% out of 362 patients, who had undergone the first ablation for a paroxysmal AF. The endpoints of the repeat ablation were re-isolation of the pulmonary veins (PV) and termination of a spontaneous or induced arrhythmia and restoration of a stable sinus rhythm (SR), and possibly achievement of noninducibility of any arrhythmia.

[Catheter ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation using circumferential and complex linear lesions in the left atrium: modes of arrhythmia termination and long-term clinical outcome].

Objective: The aim of the article is to present the method and results of catheter ablation for chronic atrial fibrillation.

Method: Catheter ablation for chronic atrial fibrillation was performed in 82 patients (18 females, aged 54 +/- 10 years), in 112 ablation procedures. Mean duration of the chronic phase of atrial fibrillation was 28 +/- 28 months.