PMID: 9448677Feb 4, 1998Paper

Catheter ablation for atrial flutter and fibrillation. An effective alternative to medical therapy

Postgraduate Medicine
D KosinskiH Mayhew

Abstract

Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation are common arrhythmias that can be difficult to manage clinically. In many patients, these conditions are refractory to pharmacologic therapy because of drug failure or intolerance. Radiofrequency catheter ablation may be a reasonable alternative in patients with typical atrial flutter. The procedure has a high initial success rate and a low complication rate. However, recurrence after ablation is common, and a second treatment session may be needed. In selected patients with atrial fibrillation, radiofrequency ablation can be useful for rate control. However, its use in curing chronic fibrillation is still experimental. The procedure involves insertion of a pacemaker, anticoagulation therapy is still needed in most patients, and the need for antiarrhythmic medication may not be obviated.

References

May 1, 1995·Journal of the American College of Cardiology·B FischerF I Marcus
Sep 1, 1994·Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology·M HaïssaguerreJ Clémenty
Mar 1, 1996·Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE·M Brignole, C Menozzi
May 1, 1996·Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology·M D Lesh, J M Kalman
Jun 1, 1996·Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE·F G CosioH D González
Dec 1, 1996·Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology·B FischerF I Marcus

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Citations

Feb 13, 2001·The Journal of Emergency Medicine·K C Rogers, D A Wolfe

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