Predictive Factors for Successful Outcome After Pulmonary Veins Ablation to Treat Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common serious abnormal heart rhythm affecting about 2% to 3% of the population, being associated with a 1.5- to 1.9-fold higher risk of death. Patients with paroxysmal AF in whom antiarrhythmic drug therapy does not elicit a response are potential candidates for RF ablation of AF. The success rate of RF ablation in the treatment of AF varies depending on the type and duration of AF (ie, paroxysmal vs persistent), structural remodeling of the heart, co-morbidities and the technique of the cardiac electrophysiologist, but it usually ranges from 60-80% over 1-2 years of follow-up. To study and predict the successful outcome of RF ablation is of great clinical importance. Moreover, the detection of predictive factors for successful outcome may alter the therapeutic strategy determining a subgroup of patients in the need of more invasive management.