FREE NEJM E-TOC    HOME   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CURRENT ISSUE   |   PAST ISSUES   |   COLLECTIONS   |   Search Term  Advanced Search

Sign in | Get NEJM's E-Mail Table of Contents — Free | Subscribe

Previous Volume 339:659-666 September 3, 1998 Number 10 Next

	Full Text PDF Add to Personal Archive Add to Citation Manager Notify a Friend E-mail When Cited PubMed Citation

ABSTRACT

Background Atrial fibrillation, the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and a major cause of stroke, results from simultaneous reentrant wavelets. Its spontaneous initiation has not been studied.

Methods We studied 45 patients with frequent episodes of atrial fibrillation (mean [±SD] duration, 344±326 minutes per 24 hours) refractory to drug therapy. The spontaneous initiation of atrial fibrillation was mapped with the use of multielectrode catheters designed to record the earliest electrical activity preceding the onset of atrial fibrillation and associated atrial ectopic beats. The accuracy of the mapping was confirmed by the abrupt disappearance of triggering atrial ectopic beats after ablation with local radio-frequency energy.

Results A single point of origin of atrial ectopic beats was identified in 29 patients, two points of origin were identified in 9 patients, and three or four points of origin were identified in 7 patients, for a total of 69 ectopic foci. Three foci were in the right atrium, 1 in the posterior left atrium, and 65 (94 percent) in the pulmonary veins (31 in the left superior, 17 in the right superior, 11 in the left inferior, and 6 in the right inferior pulmonary vein). The earliest activation was found to have occurred 2 to 4 cm inside the veins, marked by a local depolarization preceding the atrial ectopic beats on the surface electrocardiogram by 106±24 msec. Atrial fibrillation was initiated by a sudden burst of rapid depolarizations (340 per minute). A local depolarization could also be recognized during sinus rhythm and abolished by radio-frequency ablation. During a follow-up period of 8±6 months after ablation, 28 patients (62 percent) had no recurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions The pulmonary veins are an important source of ectopic beats, initiating frequent paroxysms of atrial fibrillation. These foci respond to treatment with radio-frequency ablation.

Source Information

From the Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque, Ave. de Magellan, 33604 Bordeaux-Pessac, France, where reprint requests should be addressed to Dr. Haïssaguerre.

Full Text of this Article

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Hurle, A., Sanchez-Quintana, D., Ho, S. Y., Bernabeu, E., Murillo, M., Climent, V. (2010). Capillary Supply to the Sinus Node in Subjects with Long-Term Atrial Fibrillation. Ann. Thorac. Surg. 89: 38-43 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• De Potter, T., Berruezo, A., Mont, L., Matiello, M., Tamborero, D., Santibanez, C., Benito, B., Zamorano, N., Brugada, J. (2010). Left ventricular systolic dysfunction by itself does not influence outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation. Europace 12: 24-29 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Calvo, N., Mont, L., Tamborero, D., Berruezo, A., Viola, G., Guasch, E., Nadal, M., Andreu, D., Vidal, B., Sitges, M., Brugada, J. (2010). Efficacy of circumferential pulmonary vein ablation of atrial fibrillation in endurance athletes. Europace 12: 30-36 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Harata, S., Inden, Y., Shimano, M., Uchikawa, T., Mutoh, M., Hirai, M., Murohara, T. (2010). Morphological characteristics of the Holter P-waves associated with pulmonary vein pacing. Europace 12: 124-129 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Han, F., Takeda, K., Ono, M., Date, F., Ishikawa, K., Yokoyama, S., Shinozawa, Y., Furuyama, K., Shibahara, S. (2010). Hypoxemia induces expression of heme oxygenase-1 and heme oxygenase-2 proteins in the mouse myocardium. J Biochem 147: 143-151 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Lafuente-Lafuente, C., Mahe, I., Extramiana, F. (2009). Management of atrial fibrillation. BMJ 339: b5216-b5216 [Full Text]  
• Kirchhof, P., Bax, J., Blomstrom-Lundquist, C., Calkins, H., Camm, A. J., Cappato, R., Cosio, F., Crijns, H., Diener, H.-C., Goette, A., Israel, C. W., Kuck, K.-H., Lip, G. Y.H., Nattel, S., Page, R. L., Ravens, U., Schotten, U., Steinbeck, G., Vardas, P., Waldo, A., Wegscheider, K., Willems, S., Breithardt, G. (2009). Early and comprehensive management of atrial fibrillation: executive summary of the proceedings from the 2nd AFNET-EHRA consensus conference 'research perspectives in AF'. Eur Heart J 30: 2969-2980 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Li, S., Scherlag, B. J., Yu, L., Sheng, X., Zhang, Y., Ali, R., Dong, Y., Ghias, M., Po, S. S. (2009). Low-Level Vagosympathetic Stimulation: A Paradox and Potential New Modality for the Treatment of Focal Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 645-651 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Elvan, A., Linnenbank, A. C., van Bemmel, M. W., Ramdat Misier, A. R., Delnoy, P. P. H.M., Beukema, W. P., de Bakker, J. M.T. (2009). Dominant Frequency of Atrial Fibrillation Correlates Poorly With Atrial Fibrillation Cycle Length. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 634-644 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Chikwe, J., Raikhelkar, J., Filsoufi, F., Fischer, A. (2009). Current Concepts in Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. SEMIN CARDIOTHORAC VASC ANESTH 13: 215-224 [Abstract]  
• Klinkenberg, T. J., Ahmed, S., Hagen, A. T., Wiesfeld, A. C.P., Tan, E. S., Zijlstra, F., Van Gelder, I. C. (2009). Feasibility and outcome of epicardial pulmonary vein isolation for lone atrial fibrillation using minimal invasive surgery and high intensity focused ultrasound. Europace 11: 1624-1631 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Chierchia, G. B., Yazaki, Y., Sorgente, A., Capulzini, L., de Asmundis, C., Sarkozy, A., Duytschaever, M., De Ponti, R., Brugada, P. (2009). Transient atriovenous reconnection induced by adenosine after successful pulmonary vein isolation with the cryothermal energy balloon. Europace 11: 1606-1611 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Miyamoto, K., Tsuchiya, T., Narita, S., Yamaguchi, T., Nagamoto, Y., Ando, S.-i., Hayashida, K., Tanioka, Y., Takahashi, N. (2009). Bipolar electrogram amplitudes in the left atrium are related to local conduction velocity in patients with atrial fibrillation. Europace 11: 1597-1605 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Miyazaki, S., Kuwahara, T., Kobori, A., Takahashi, Y., Takei, A., Sato, A., Isobe, M., Takahashi, A. (2009). Pharmacological cardioversion preceding left atrial ablation: bepridil predicts the clinical outcome following ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Europace 11: 1620-1623 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Bauer, M., Hetzer, R. (2009). Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical treatment of lone atrial fibrillation. MMCTS 2009: 3848- [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Bertaglia, E., Tondo, C., De Simone, A., Zoppo, F., Mantica, M., Turco, P., Iuliano, A., Forleo, G., La Rocca, V., Stabile, G. (2009). Does catheter ablation cure atrial fibrillation? Single-procedure outcome of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation ablation: a 6-year multicentre experience. Europace 0: eup349v1-eup349 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Arya, A., Hindricks, G., Sommer, P., Huo, Y., Bollmann, A., Gaspar, T., Bode, K., Husser, D., Kottkamp, H., Piorkowski, C. (2009). Long-term results and the predictors of outcome of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using steerable sheath catheter navigation after single procedure in 674 patients. Europace 0: eup331v1-eup331 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Wang, X, Liu, X, Shi, H, Gu, J, Sun, Y, Zhou, L, Hu, W (2009). Pulmonary vein isolation combined with substrate modification for persistent atrial fibrillation treatment in patients with valvular heart diseases. Heart 95: 1773-1783 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Davies, D. W., O'Neill, M. D (2009). What now for atrial fibrillation ablation?. Heart 95: 1723-1724 [Full Text]  
• Shah, D. (2009). Electrophysiological evaluation of pulmonary vein isolation. Europace 11: 1423-1433 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Lu, Z., Scherlag, B. J., Lin, J., Yu, L., Guo, J.-H., Niu, G., Jackman, W. M., Lazzara, R., Jiang, H., Po, S. S. (2009). Autonomic mechanism for initiation of rapid firing from atria and pulmonary veins: evidence by ablation of ganglionated plexi. Cardiovasc Res 84: 245-252 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Nishida, K., Michael, G., Dobrev, D., Nattel, S. (2009). Animal models for atrial fibrillation: clinical insights and scientific opportunities. Europace 0: eup328v1-eup328 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Burkhardt, J. D., Natale, A. (2009). New Technologies in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. Circulation 120: 1533-1541 [Full Text]  
• Khaykin, Y., Skanes, A., Champagne, J., Themistoclakis, S., Gula, L., Rossillo, A., Bonso, A., Raviele, A., Morillo, C. A., Verma, A., Wulffhart, Z., Martin, D. O., Natale, A. (2009). A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of Electroanatomic Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Ablation Supplemented by Ablation of Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms Versus Potential-Guided Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation Guided by Intracardiac Ultrasound. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 481-487 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• See, V. Y., Roberts-Thomson, K. C., Stevenson, W. G., Camp, P. C., Koplan, B. A. (2009). Atrial Arrhythmias After Lung Transplantation: Epidemiology, Mechanisms at Electrophysiology Study, and Outcomes. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 504-510 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Chaldoupi, S.-M., Loh, P., Hauer, R. N.W., de Bakker, J. M.T., van Rijen, H. V.M. (2009). The role of connexin40 in atrial fibrillation. Cardiovasc Res 84: 15-23 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Terasawa, T., Balk, E. M., Chung, M., Garlitski, A. C., Alsheikh-Ali, A. A., Lau, J., Ip, S. (2009). Systematic Review: Comparative Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. ANN INTERN MED 151: 191-202 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Kapa, S., Asirvatham, S. J. (2009). Atrial Fibrillation: Focal or Reentrant or Both?: A New Autonomic Lens to Examine an Old Riddle. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 345-348 [Full Text]  
• Albrecht, A., Kalil, R. A.K., Schuch, L., Abrahao, R., Sant'Anna, J. R. M., de Lima, G., Nesralla, I. A. (2009). Randomized study of surgical isolation of the pulmonary veins for correction of permanent atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease.. J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 138: 454-459 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Miyairi, T., Miura, S., Kigawa, I., Yamauchi, H., Fukuda, S., Yachi, S., Hara, K. (2009). Mid-term results of a closed biatrial procedure using bipolar radiofrequency ablation concomitantly performed with non-mitral cardiac operations. ICVTS 9: 169-172 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Reynolds, M. R., Zimetbaum, P., Josephson, M. E., Ellis, E., Danilov, T., Cohen, D. J. (2009). Cost-Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Compared With Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 362-369 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Niu, G., Scherlag, B. J., Lu, Z., Ghias, M., Zhang, Y., Patterson, E., Dasari, T. W., Zacharias, S., Lazzara, R., Jackman, W. M., Po, S. S. (2009). An Acute Experimental Model Demonstrating 2 Different Forms of Sustained Atrial Tachyarrhythmias. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 384-392 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Han, F. T., Kasirajan, V., Kowalski, M., Kiser, R., Wolfe, L., Kalahasty, G., Shepard, R. K., Wood, M. A., Ellenbogen, K. A. (2009). Results of a Minimally Invasive Surgical Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Ganglionic Plexi Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Single-Center Experience With 12-Month Follow-Up. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 370-377 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Yap, Y. G. (2009). Inflammation and atrial fibrillation: cause or para-phenomenon?. Europace 11: 980-981 [Full Text]  
• Bertaglia, E., Bella, P. D., Tondo, C., Proclemer, A., Bottoni, N., De Ponti, R., Landolina, M., Bongiorni, M. G., Coro, L., Stabile, G., Russo, A. D., Verlato, R., Mantica, M., Zoppo, F. (2009). Image integration increases efficacy of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: results from the CartoMergeTM Italian Registry. Europace 11: 1004-1010 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Kirchhof, P., Bax, J., Blomstrom-Lundquist, C., Calkins, H., Camm, A. J., Cappato, R., Cosio, F., Crijns, H., Diener, H.-C., Goette, A., Israel, C. W., Kuck, K.-H., Lip, G. Y.H., Nattel, S., Page, R. L., Ravens, U., Schotten, U., Steinbeck, G., Vardas, P., Waldo, A., Wegscheider, K., Willems, S., Breithardt, G. (2009). Early and comprehensive management of atrial fibrillation: Proceedings from the 2nd AFNET/EHRA consensus conference on atrial fibrillation entitled 'research perspectives in atrial fibrillation'. Europace 11: 860-885 [Full Text]  
• Takatsuki, S., Extramiana, F., Hayashi, M., Haggui, A., Messali, A., Milliez, P., Leenhardt, A., Cauchemez, B. (2009). High take-off left inferior pulmonary vein as an obstacle in creating a conduction block at the lateral mitral isthmus. Europace 11: 910-916 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Crandall, M. A., Bradley, D. J., Packer, D. L., Asirvatham, S. J. (2009). Contemporary Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Update on Anticoagulation and Invasive Management Strategies. Mayo Clin Proc. 84: 643-662 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Doisne, N., Maupoil, V., Cosnay, P., Findlay, I. (2009). Catecholaminergic automatic activity in the rat pulmonary vein: electrophysiological differences between cardiac muscle in the left atrium and pulmonary vein. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 297: H102-H108 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Forleo, G. B., Tondo, C. (2009). Atrial fibrillation: cure or treat?. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 3: 187-196 [Abstract]  
• Lin, Y.-J., Tai, C.-T., Kao, T., Chang, S.-L., Lo, L.-W., Tuan, T.-C., Udyavar, A. R., Wongcharoen, W., Hu, Y.-F., Tso, H.-W., Tsai, W.-C., Chang, C.-J., Ueng, K.-C., Higa, S., Chen, S.-A. (2009). Spatiotemporal Organization of the Left Atrial Substrate After Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation of Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 233-241 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Sohara, H., Takeda, H., Ueno, H., Oda, T., Satake, S. (2009). Feasibility of the Radiofrequency Hot Balloon Catheter for Isolation of the Posterior Left Atrium and Pulmonary Veins for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 225-232 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Cappato, R., Calkins, H., Chen, S.-A., Davies, W., Iesaka, Y., Kalman, J., Kim, Y.-H., Klein, G., Natale, A., Packer, D., Skanes, A. (2009). Prevalence and causes of fatal outcome in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.. J Am Coll Cardiol 53: 1798-1803 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Anter, E., Jessup, M., Callans, D. J. (2009). Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure: Treatment Considerations for a Dual Epidemic. Circulation 119: 2516-2525 [Full Text]  
• Lellouche, N., Sacher, F., Wright, M., Nault, I., Brottier, J., Knecht, S., Matsuo, S., Lomas, O., Hocini, M., Haissaguerre, M., Jais, P. (2009). Usefulness of C-reactive protein in predicting early and late recurrences after atrial fibrillation ablation. Europace 11: 662-664 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Miyanaga, S., Yamane, T., Date, T., Tokuda, M., Aramaki, Y., Inada, K., Shibayama, K., Matsuo, S., Miyazaki, H., Abe, K., Sugimoto, K.-i., Mochizuki, S., Yoshimura, M. (2009). Impact of pulmonary vein isolation on the autonomic modulation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and prolonged sinus pauses. Europace 11: 576-581 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• de Asmundis, C., Chierchia, G. B., Sarkozy, A., Paparella, G., Roos, M., Capulzini, L., Muller Burri, S. A., Yazaki, Y., Brugada, P. (2009). Novel trans-septal approach using a Safe Sept J-shaped guidewire in difficult left atrial access during atrial fibrillation ablation. Europace 11: 657-659 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Oakes, R. S., Badger, T. J., Kholmovski, E. G., Akoum, N., Burgon, N. S., Fish, E. N., Blauer, J. J.E., Rao, S. N., DiBella, E. V.R., Segerson, N. M., Daccarett, M., Windfelder, J., McGann, C. J., Parker, D., MacLeod, R. S., Marrouche, N. F. (2009). Detection and Quantification of Left Atrial Structural Remodeling With Delayed-Enhancement Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. Circulation 119: 1758-1767 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Kaab, S., Darbar, D., van Noord, C., Dupuis, J., Pfeufer, A., Newton-Cheh, C., Schnabel, R., Makino, S., Sinner, M. F., Kannankeril, P. J., Beckmann, B. M., Choudry, S., Donahue, B. S., Heeringa, J., Perz, S., Lunetta, K. L., Larson, M. G., Levy, D., MacRae, C. A., Ruskin, J. N., Wacker, A., Schomig, A., Wichmann, H.-E., Steinbeck, G., Meitinger, T., Uitterlinden, A. G., Witteman, J. C.M., Roden, D. M., Benjamin, E. J., Ellinor, P. T. (2009). Large scale replication and meta-analysis of variants on chromosome 4q25 associated with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 30: 813-819 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Yilmaz, A., van Putte, B. P., Van Boven, W.-J. (2009). Reply to the Editor. J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 137: 1036-1037 [Full Text]  
• Di Biase, L., Elayi, C. S., Fahmy, T. S., Martin, D. O., Ching, C. K., Barrett, C., Bai, R., Patel, D., Khaykin, Y., Hongo, R., Hao, S., Beheiry, S., Pelargonio, G., Russo, A. D., Casella, M., Santarelli, P., Potenza, D., Fanelli, R., Massaro, R., Wang, P., Al-Ahmad, A., Arruda, M., Themistoclakis, S., Bonso, A., Rossillo, A., Raviele, A., Schweikert, R. A., Burkhardt, D. J., Natale, A. (2009). Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Strategies for Paroxysmal Patients: Randomized Comparison Between Different Techniques. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 113-119 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Holmes, D. R. Jr, Monahan, K. H., Packer, D. (2009). Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Complicating Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Clinical Spectrum and Interventional Considerations. J Am Coll Cardiol Intv 2: 267-276 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Balasubramaniam, R, Kistler, P M (2009). Atrial fibrillation in heart failure: the chicken or the egg?. Heart 95: 535-539 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Chierchia, G. B., de Asmundis, C., Muller-Burri, S.-A., Sarkozy, A., Capulzini, L., Paparella, G., Chierchia, S., Roos, M., Brugada, P. (2009). Early recovery of pulmonary vein conduction after cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a prospective study. Europace 11: 445-449 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Oral, H., Chugh, A., Yoshida, K., Sarrazin, J. F., Kuhne, M., Crawford, T., Chalfoun, N., Wells, D., Boonyapisit, W., Veerareddy, S., Billakanty, S., Wong, W. S., Good, E., Jongnarangsin, K., Pelosi, F. Jr, Bogun, F., Morady, F. (2009). A randomized assessment of the incremental role of ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms after antral pulmonary vein isolation for long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation.. J Am Coll Cardiol 53: 782-789 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Nademanee, K., Oketani, N. (2009). The role of complex fractionated atrial electrograms in atrial fibrillation ablation moving to the beat of a different drum.. J Am Coll Cardiol 53: 790-791 [Full Text]  
• Chun, K.-R. J., Schmidt, B., Metzner, A., Tilz, R., Zerm, T., Koster, I., Furnkranz, A., Koektuerk, B., Konstantinidou, M., Antz, M., Ouyang, F., Kuck, K. H. (2009). The 'single big cryoballoon' technique for acute pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a prospective observational single centre study. Eur Heart J 30: 699-709 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Shemin, R. J. (2009). Counterpoint: Minimally invasive bipolar radiofrequency ablation of lone atrial fibrillation: early multicenter results.. J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 137: 527-528 [Full Text]  
• Peters, D. C., Wylie, J. V., Hauser, T. H., Nezafat, R., Han, Y., Woo, J. J., Taclas, J., Kissinger, K. V., Goddu, B., Josephson, M. E., Manning, W. J. (2009). Recurrence of atrial fibrillation correlates with the extent of post-procedural late gadolinium enhancement a pilot study.. J Am Coll Cardiol Img 2: 308-316 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• McBride, B. F. (2009). The Emerging Role of Antiarrhythmic Compounds With Atrial Selectivity in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation. J Clin Pharmacol 49: 258-267 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Berntsen, R. F., Cheng, A., Calkins, H., Berger, R. D. (2009). Evaluation of spatiotemporal organization of persistent atrial fibrillation with time- and frequency-domain measures in humans. Europace 11: 316-323 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Friedlander, A. H., Yoshikawa, T. T., Chang, D. S., Feliciano, Z., Scully, C. (2009). Atrial Fibrillation: Pathogenesis, Medical-Surgical Management and Dental Implications. Journal of the American Dental Association 140: 167-177 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Tamborero, D., Mont, L., Berruezo, A., Matiello, M., Benito, B., Sitges, M., Vidal, B., de Caralt, T. M., Perea, R. J., Vatasescu, R., Brugada, J. (2009). Left Atrial Posterior Wall Isolation Does Not Improve the Outcome of Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Randomized Study. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2: 35-40 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Perez-Castellano, N, Villacastin, J, Salinas, J, Moreno, J, Doblado, M, Ruiz, E, Isa, R, Macaya, C (2009). Cooled ablation reduces pulmonary vein isolation time: results of a prospective randomised trial. Heart 95: 203-209 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Andrikopoulos, G., Tzeis, S., Maniadakis, N., Mavrakis, H. E., Vardas, P. E. (2009). Cost-effectiveness of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation. Europace 11: 147-151 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Roth, J. A. (2009). Tachycardias: Diagnosis and Management. ACCP Crit Care Med Brd Rev 20: 93-116 [Full Text]  
• Simmons, J. S. (2009). Postoperative Critical Care Management and Selected Postoperative Crises. ACCP Crit Care Med Brd Rev 20: 261-278 [Full Text]  
• Mont, L., Elosua, R., Brugada, J. (2009). Endurance sport practice as a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Europace 11: 11-17 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Kriatselis, C., Tang, M., Roser, M., Fleck, E., Gerds-Li, H. (2009). A new approach for contrast-enhanced X-ray imaging of the left atrium and pulmonary veins for atrial fibrillation ablation: rotational angiography during adenosine-induced asystole. Europace 11: 35-41 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Camm, A. J., Kirchhof, P., Lip, G. Y.H., Savelieva, I., Ernst, S. (2009). CHAPTER 29 Atrial Fibrillation. ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine 2: med-9780199566990-chapter-med-9780199566990-chapter [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Corrado, D., Basso, C., Pelliccia, A., Thiene, G. (2009). CHAPTER 32 Sports and Heart Disease. ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine 2: med-9780199566990-chapter-med-9780199566990-chapter [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Jais, P., Cauchemez, B., Macle, L., Daoud, E., Khairy, P., Subbiah, R., Hocini, M., Extramiana, F., Sacher, F., Bordachar, P., Klein, G., Weerasooriya, R., Clementy, J., Haissaguerre, M. (2008). Catheter Ablation Versus Antiarrhythmic Drugs for Atrial Fibrillation: The A4 Study. Circulation 118: 2498-2505 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Bajpai, A., Savelieva, I., Camm, A. J. (2008). Treatment of atrial fibrillation. Br Med Bull 0: ldn046v1-20 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Kistler, P. M., Rajappan, K., Harris, S., Earley, M. J., Richmond, L., Sporton, S. C., Schilling, R. J. (2008). The impact of image integration on catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using electroanatomic mapping: a prospective randomized study. Eur Heart J 29: 3029-3036 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Dixit, S. (2008). Evolving Strategies in Catheter Ablation of Long-Standing Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 1: 324-326 [Full Text]  
• Rahmanian, P. B., Filsoufi, F., Salzberg, S., Coppolino, A., Castillo, J. G., Adams, D. H. (2008). Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation using cryothermy in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. ICVTS 7: 990-995 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Rostock, T., Steven, D., Hoffmann, B., Servatius, H., Drewitz, I., Sydow, K., Mullerleile, K., Ventura, R., Wegscheider, K., Meinertz, T., Willems, S. (2008). Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Is a Biatrial Arrhythmia: Data from Catheter Ablation of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Aiming Arrhythmia Termination Using a Sequential Ablation Approach. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 1: 344-353 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Pytkowski, M., Jankowska, A., Maciag, A., Kowalik, I., Sterlinski, M., Szwed, H., Saumarez, R. C. (2008). Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is associated with increased intra-atrial conduction delay. Europace 10: 1415-1420 [Abstract] [Full Text]