Atrial fibrillation in the era of catheter ablation

Czech version

Authors: R. Lábrová
Authors‘ workplace: Interní kardiologická klinika Lékařské fakulty MU a FN Brno, pracoviště Bohunice, přednosta prof. MUDr. Jindřich Špinar, CSc., FESC
Published in: Vnitř Lék 2010; 56(8): 871-879
Category: 50th Birthday - Jindřich Špinar, MD, CSc., FESC

Overview

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent heart rhythm abnormality and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Trigerring ectopias and arrhythmogenic substrate that enable arrhythmia to sustain are both influenced by many modulating factors. Which risk factor is the most signifficant one remains unknown. Understanding pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation including molecular and genetic aspects is necessary to assign the most effective preventive measures as well as treatment of atrial fibrillation. Pharmacological treatment is the method of choice but “upstream therapy” that counteracts atrial remodelling has been more and more discussed. Presently the most effective treatment of atrial fibrillation is catheter ablation. Successful ablation prevents from the progression of electrical, structural and mechanical myocardial remodelling, improves left ventricle function and the risk of trombembolism drops to the level of healthy population. The restitution of sinus rhythm triggers a reversal remodelling. We present results of catheter ablations performed at Internal Cardiology Department of the MU Medical Faculty and Faculty Hospital Brno.

Key words:
atrial fibrillation – pathophysiology – remodelling – upstream therapy – catheter ablation

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