can the isthmus ablation improve its efficacy?
OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare the efficacy of a 2- versus a 3 RF lesions ablation procedure in the RA in patients with paroxysmal AF, and to map right atrial activation during AF. BACKGROUND: RF catheter-mediated ablation lines mimicking the Maze operation have been proposed as a novel curative approach for AF. The relationship between this type of ablation and right atrial mapping has not been extensively studied. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with recurrent, drug-refractory, paroxysmal AF underwent an extensive mapping of the RA before attempting linear lesion RF ablation. Patients were divided into two groups: 15 patients received two linear lesions (Group 1), 9 patients three linear lesions (Group 2). RESULTS: One-month success rate AF did not recur in 40% of Group 1 patients (6/15) and in 66% (6/9) of Group 2 patients. 27% of patients in Group 1 and 11% of patients in Group 2 had recurrences controlled by drugs. No benefit in 33% of Group 1 patients and 22% of
