Three-dimensional mapping system for guiding circumferential pulmonary vein linear ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation

Objective To report the outcomes and experience of circumferential pulmonary vein linear ablation guided by Carto system in 10 patients with atrial fibrillation.Methods Three-dimensional electroanatomical figure of the left atrium was depicted in eight patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(AF) and two with persistent AF using Carto system.The structure of left atrium was detected via pulmonary venous imaging,and linear ablation was performed surrounding bilateral openings of pulmonary veins,which were then separated.Results All patients completed the scheduled circumferential pulmonary vein antrum linear ablation.AF recurred 1~2 days after ablation in one patient but managed to recover to sinus rhythm automatically.No postoperative complication was reported.None of the patient had symptomatic AF during a follow-up period of(8±4) months(range: 6~12 months).Conclusion Circumferential pulmonary vein antrum linear ablation achieved preferable efficacy.However,observation on more profiles and extensive follow-up study are needed due to certain complications and possible recurrence of AF.