Modern trends in the treatment of long‑standing persistent atrial fibrillation

Czech version

Authors: A. Bulava ^1,2; A. Mokráček ³
Authors‘ workplace: Kardiologické oddělení, Kardiocentrum, Nemocnice České Budějovice ¹; ZSF JU v Českých Budějovicích ²; Kardiochirurgické oddělení, Kardiocentrum, Nemocnice České Budějovice ³
Published in: Kardiol Rev Int Med 2014, 16(3): 185-190
Category: Cardiology Review

Overview

Atrial fibrillation represents a quickly growing medical and socio‑ economic problem in the modern population. We have witnessed an enormous expansion of non‑pharmacological treatment modalities for AF over the last decade. Developments in radiofrequency catheter ablation have given it an important role in AF treatment, especially in cases where antiarrhythmic therapy has failed. In certain groups of patients, based on patient preference, it has even become a first‑line therapy. The early attempts at catheter ablation had unsatisfactory success rates, especially in patients with long‑standing persistent AF. These failures led to the development of minimally invasive surgical and hybrid procedures. The authors of this article summarize the current literature reporting on these new procedures and also discuss their own experiences.

Keywords:
radiofrequency catheter ablation – persistent atrial fibrillation – hybrid procedures

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