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Ablation of atrial fibrillation: What can we tell our patients?
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 09/03/09

Chowdhury P et al. – Although catheter–based radiofrequency ablation is no longer experimental, it is not yet the first–line treatment for most patients. The authors describe how this procedure works, its indications, benefits, and limitations, and important points to communicate to potential candidates for this procedure.

During the procedure, scar tissue is created in rings around the ostia of the pulmonary veins and in other locations in the left atrium to electrically isolate triggers of fibrillation and areas that maintain it.
Results of the procedure are superior to those of drug therapy. Success rates are higher for those with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation than for those with persistent atrial fibrillation.
The main indication for this procedure is failure of drug therapy or inability to tolerate drug therapy.
Patients must understand that ablation therapy will not eliminate the need to take anticoagulant drugs.

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