Kardiologie up2date 2013; 09(02): 87-91
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1344181
Hotline – Herzrhythmusstörungen
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Laserablation von Vorhofflimmern

Boris Schmidt
,
Melanie Gunawardene
,
Stefano Bordignon
,
Alexander Fürnkranz
,
Laura Perotta
,
Daniela Dugo
,
K R Julian Chun
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
08 July 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Catheter ablation of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation is a challenging procedure even for skillful operators. Non-transmural ablation lesions due to suboptimal catheter to tissue contact result in electrical reconnection of previously isolated pulmonary veins (PVs) and subsequently are the dominant reason for clinical AF recurrences. The novel laser ballon catheter enables precise visually controlled ablation by an integrated 2 F endoscope at maximal tissue contact. Initial clinical results are promising demonstrating high chronic PV isolation rates and remarkable single procedure success rates. Future randomized trials will have to determine ist role in the interventional cardiologist’s arena.