Focal atrial fibrillation treated with radiofrequency
Iturralde, P.; Medeiros, A.; Guevara, M.; Kershenovich, S.; Varela, S.; Colín, L.
Archivos del Instituto de Cardiologia de Mexico 70(2): 173-179
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-3785 PMID: 10932803 Document Number: 518969
Atrial fibrillation is usually thought to be due to multiple circulating reentrant wavelets. From previous studies, a focal mechanism is considered to be very unlikely. This focal source could be successfully treated by radiofrequency catheter ablation. We report a patient without structural heart disease, but with multiple episodes of syncope and palpitations related to atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Electrophysiological study demonstrated that all atrial arrhythmias were due to one focus located in the left atrium at the ostium of the left superior pulmonary vein that was successfully treated with the use of a mean of three radiofrequency pulses, without complications. The pulmonary veins are an important source of ectopic beats, initiating frequent paroxysm of atrial fibrillation. These foci respond to treatment with radiofrequency ablation.