Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

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Abstract
What is catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation?After the transvenous insertion of catheters into the right atrium, the left atrium is accessed (in the absence of an atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale) by trans-septal puncture. Catheter positioning, as well as the anatomy of the pulmonary veins and left atrium, are confirmed by fluoroscopy, pulmonary venography, three dimensional electroanatomical mapping, intracardiac echocardiography, computed tomography, remote guidance using magnetic resonance imaging, or combinations of these techniques. Through the application of thermal energy—most commonly by radiofrequency or cryothermy—injury is induced to the myocardium. Ablation can be done in atrial fibrillation or sinus rhythm.