Technologic advancements have resulted in the more widespread use of catheter ablation
to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and elicit improvement
in symptoms, quality of life, and prognosis. However, the effectiveness of this procedure
to prevent the occurrence of heart failure and stroke while reducing mortality has
yet to be proved in major clinical trials. Factors influencing the results of ablation
and possibly obfuscating the interpretation of data from early studies include variations
in center experience and operator skill, the definition of procedural success, and
follow-up interval and duration, as well as the complexity and heterogeneity of AF
itself. Upcoming trials that will examine outcomes after catheter ablation and pharmacologic
strategies from the end points of heart failure, stroke, and mortality are anticipated
to yield more definitive conclusions about ablation efficacy.
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© 2008 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
