Radiofrequency ablation, not surprisingly, causes significant inflammation of heart tissue which, in turn, increases the likelihood of experiencing tachyarrhythmias...

Oxidative stress has been implicated as a major factor in the development and promotion of atrial fibrillation (AF). The main reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in causing...

In my March 2003 research report Aldosterone: Villain of the Peace?, I speculated that excess aldosterone or cortisol was implicated in the initiation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation...

Electrophysiologists have placed a great deal of emphasis on establishing the factors determining the long-term outcome of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF).

The three most commonly used procedures for isolation of aberrant electrical impulses originating in the pulmonary veins are...

Although radiofrequency (RF) ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has a very low mortality (comparable to that associated with a cataract operation), complications...

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an approximately 1% risk of procedure-related ischemic stroke. The risk arises from the formation...

In 1997 Dr. Andrea Frustaci, MD and colleagues at the Catholic University of Rome made a fascinating discovery. They performed biopsies of the right atrium...

It is not uncommon to develop atrial tachycardia (regular heart rhythm in excess of 100 bpm) following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Whether or...

Several studies have reported a major complication rate of 4 – 6 % associated with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures for the purpose of curing...

Current US guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) recommend that catheter ablation only be considered after antiarrhythmic therapy has failed.

Catheter ablation with the intent of curing atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most complex procedures in medical practice. It involves the introduction and manipulation of several...

A catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation creates a significant amount of scar tissue. An important question is, "Does this scar tissue impair the function of the left...

As the proportion of elderly people grows in the US population so does the incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Is catheter ablation (PVI) safe and effective in the geriatric...

Although the risk of dying during or after a RF ablation for atrial fibrillation is infinitesimally small, the risk of major complications is not negligible. A recent worldwide survey found...

Left atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia are not uncommon complications of otherwise successful pulmonary vein isolations (PVIs). The incidence of these tachycardias...

The accidental creation of a fistula (hole) between the back wall of the left atrium and the esophagus is a rare but often fatal complication of pulmonary vein ablation. In early...

Anticoagulation during catheter ablation needs to be precisely controlled. Too little anticoagulant (usually heparin) and blood clots may form on the catheter or sheaths, too much...

It is well established that people with atrial fibrillation have impaired quality of life (QoL). What has not been investigated is the extent to which a successful or unsuccessful...