A Practical Approach to Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Written and edited by expert electrophysiologists, this book is a practical, well-illustrated guide to the most successful techniques for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. While other texts address ablation of different arrhythmias, this is the first book to focus specifically on atrial fibrillation. Chapters explain how to establish programs and laboratories for treating atrial fibrillation; use complex imaging modalities and guidance systems; implement a variety of catheter-based ablation strategies, either isolated or in tandem; monitor the ablated patient's course for complications and arrhythmia recurrence; and manage these problems should they arise. The chapters on lab staffing and equipment, pre-procedure preparation, and post-procedure care will be of special interest to paraprofessionals such as lab nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. More than 200 diagrams, photographs, and other illustrations demonstrate the techniques. Doody's Core Titles™ 2009. =Doody's Core Title Review: Because atrial fibrillation is common and the incidence is expected to increase, this book will be an important tool for educating healthcare providers, especially cardiologists in and out of training. =Table Of Contents Contributing Authors Preface INTRODUCTION AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Indications for AF Ablation and Consensus Recommendations Non-Pharmacological Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: An Historical Overview Ablation Program Planning Equipment and Staffing MAPPING, IMAGING, AND GUIDANCE SYSTEMS Intracardiac Ultrasound Electroanatomic Mapping Systems Magnetic and Robotic Navigation Noncontact Mapping Pre-procedure Preparation ABLATION PROCEDURES Circumferential Ablation with PV Isolation Guided by Lasso Catheter Circumferential Atrial Ablation Electrogram-Guided Ablation Linear Left Atrial Ablation Tailored Approach to Ablation Ablation of Autonomic Ganglia Atrial Fibrillation Trigger Mapping ABLATION STRATEGIES A Comprehensive Overview of Ablation of Paroxysmal, Persistent, and Permanent AF: A Stepwise Approach Emerging Technologies Identification and Elimination of Ancillary Arrhythmias Ablation Procedure Follow-up and Definitions of Success When and How to Re-ablate Post-procedure Care after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Complications The Challenges of Monitoring Outcomes Index