Catheter ablation for the management of atrial fibrillation: current technical perspectives.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice, with a prevalence that increases alongside the ageing population worldwide. The management of AF involves restoration of sinus rhythm through antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Yet, these medications have only modest efficacy in achieving long-term success, have not shown to result in a mortality benefit, are frequently not tolerated and have associated adverse side effects. Therefore, catheter ablation has become a valuable treatment approach for AF and even a viable first-line strategy in select cases. Traditionally, the combination of radiofrequency energy and a three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping system has been used to guide catheter ablation for AF. However, single-procedural efficacy and long-term outcomes still remain suboptimal for many patients, particularly those with persistent or long-standing AF. Recent advances in ablation technology and strategy, therefore, provide new procedural approaches for catheter-based treatment with the aim of overcoming current challenges in procedural duration and overall success. The aim of this paper was to provide an updated review of the current practices and techniques relating to ablation for AF and to compare the use of these strategies for paroxysmal and persistent AF.

Canada-wide mixed methods analysis evaluating the reasons for inappropriate emergency department presentation in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation: the multicentre AF-ED trial.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the reasons for emergency department (ED) attendance among patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF). DESIGN: Appropriate ED attendance was defined by the requirement for an electrical or chemical cardioversion and/or an attendance resulting in hospitalisation or administration of intravenous medications for ventricular rate control. Quantitative and qualitative responses were recorded and analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis, respectively. Random effects logistic regression was performed to estimate the OR of inappropriate ED attendance based on clinically relevant patient characteristics. PARTICIPANTS: Participants ≥18 years with a documented history of AF were approached in one of eight centres partaking in the study across Canada (Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta and British Columbia). RESULTS: Of the 356 patients enrolled (67±13, 45% female), the majority (271/356, 76%) had inappropriate reasons for presentation and did not require urgent ED treatment. Approximately 50% of patients(172/356, 48%) were driven to the ED due to symptoms, while the remainder presented on the basis of general fear or anxiety (67/356, 19%) or prior medical advice (117/356, 33%). Random effects logistic regression analysis showed that patients with a history of congestive heart failure were significantly more likely to seek urgent care for appropriate reasons (p=0.03). Likewise, symptom-related concerns for ED presentation were significantly less likely to result in inappropriate visitation (p=0.02). When patients were surveyed on alternatives to ED care, the highest proportion of responses among both groups was in favour of specialised rapid assessment outpatient clinics (186/356, 52%). Qualitative content analysis confirmed these results. CONCLUSIONS: Improved education focused on symptom management and alleviating disease-related anxiety as well as the institution of rapid access arrhythmias clinics may reduce the need for unnecessary healthcare utilisation in the ED and subsequent hospitalisation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03127085.