AF Termination: the Holy Grail of persistent AF ablation?

Abstract

The optimal catheter ablation approach for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains elusive despite significant advances made in our understanding of this arrhythmia. A recent systematic review highlighted the significant variation in procedural success rate both within and between techniques, necessitating repeat ablation procedures and anti-arrhythmic drugs to achieve improved outcomes in those with long-standing persistent AF. Indeed, current expert consensus statement recommended ablation beyond ostial pulmonary vein isolation for these patients.