Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Technique and Future Perspectives

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia with a significant impact on quality of life in terms of symptoms and reduction of functional status. Also, it is associated with an increased risk of mortality, stroke, and peripheral embolism. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation has become a well-established treatment, improving arrhythmia outcomes without increasing the risk of serious adverse events compared to antiarrhythmic drug therapy. The field has undergone significant advancements in recent years, yet pulmonary vein isolation continues to be the cornerstone of any atrial fibrillation ablation procedure. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current techniques, emerging technologies, and future directions.