Do Mapping Strategies Influence the Outcome in AF Ablation?

Since 1990s non-pharmacological treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved rapidly and multiple technical approaches has been developed. Cornerstone of AF ablation is pulmonary vein (PV) activity, considered the dominant source of triggers, but also contributor to AF maintenance and, therefore, the main target of ablation. PV isolation results in maintenance of sinus rhythm in 60-85% of paroxysmal AF patients. AF ablation, in persistent and permanent type, aim to trigger elimination and to modification of the substrate responsible for AF perpetuation: different strategies have been proposed and are currently used. Overall outcome of AF ablation reported by a large number of electrophysiology laboratories worldwide is satisfactory with a positive outcome in approximately 80% of patients. This edition first published 2013