Different Type of Ablation Procedures for Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia associated with significant health risks and costs. Catheter ablation has proven effective for managing AF, offering superior outcomes compared to anti-arrhythmic drugs, particularly for maintaining sinus rhythm and reversing arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. AF’s pathophysiology involves disorganized atrial electrical activity, often initiated by ectopic beats from the pulmonary veins and sustained by atrial substrate remodeling. Ablation targets these ectopic foci and substrates with various techniques such as radiofrequency, cryoablation, laser balloon ablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound, electroporation, and hybrid ablation. Each technique has unique mechanisms, procedures, and efficacy profiles. Comparative studies, like the FIRE and ICE trial, demonstrate comparable efficacy between radiofrequency and cryoablation, while emerging methods like electroporation show promise. Continuous advancements in ablation technology aim to improve safety and long-term outcomes for AF patients.