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Ip S, Terasawa T, Balk EM, et al. Comparative Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2009 Jul. (Comparative Effectiveness Reviews, No. 15.)

  • This publication is provided for historical reference only and the information may be out of date.

This publication is provided for historical reference only and the information may be out of date.

Cover of Comparative Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Comparative Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation [Internet].

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Appendix BList of Excluded Studies

Reason for Rejection: Cohort Studies for Adverse Events with Less than 100 Patients

  1. Arentz T, von Rosenthal J, Blum T. et al. Feasibility and safety of pulmonary vein isolation using a new mapping and navigation system in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2003;108:2484–90. [PubMed: 14581401]
  2. Arentz T, Ott P, von Rosenthal J. et al. Effect of atrial overdrive pacing on pulmonary vein focal discharge in patients with atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2003;5:25–31. [PubMed: 12504637]
  3. Berkowitsch A, Neumann T, Kurzidim K. et al. Comparison of generic health survey SF-36 and arrhythmia related symptom severity check list in relation to post-therapy AF recurrence. Europace. 2003;5:351–5. [PubMed: 14753629]
  4. Berkowitsch A, Greiss H, Vukajlovic D. et al. Usefulness of atrial fibrillation burden as a predictor for success of pulmonary vein isolation. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2005;28:1292–301. [PubMed: 16403161]
  5. Bertaglia E, Stabile G, Senatore G. et al. Long-term outcome of right and left atrial radiofrequency ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2006;29:153–8. [PubMed: 16492300]
  6. Callans DJ, Gerstenfeld EP, Dixit S. et al. Efficacy of repeat pulmonary vein isolation procedures in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2004;15:1050–5. [PubMed: 15363079]
  7. Cauchemez B, Extramiana F, Cauchemez S. et al. High-flow perfusion of sheaths for prevention of thromboembolic complications during complex catheter ablation in the left atrium. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2004;15:276–83. [PubMed: 15030415]
  8. Cheema A, Dong J, Dalal D. et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of circumferential ablation with pulmonary vein isolation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2006;17:1080–5. [PubMed: 16989649]
  9. Chen J, Hoff PI, Erga KS. et al. A clinical study of patients with and without recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2005;28:Suppl-9. [PubMed: 15683535]
  10. De Piccoli B, Rossillo A, Zanella C. et al. Role of transoesophageal echocardiography in evaluating the effect of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation on anatomy and function of the pulmonary veins. Europace. 2008;10:1079–84. [PubMed: 18628256]
  11. Essebag V, Wylie JV Jr, Reynolds MR. et al. Bi-directional electrical pulmonary vein isolation as an endpoint for ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2006;17:111–7. [PMC free article: PMC1937574] [PubMed: 17235680]
  12. Gerstenfeld EP, Guerra P, Sparks PB. et al. Clinical outcome after radiofrequency catheter ablation of focal atrial fibrillation triggers. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2001;12:900–8. [PubMed: 11513440]
  13. Giazitzoglou E, Korovesis S, Karvouni E. et al. Proarrhythmic effects of atrial fibrillation ablation techniques. Hjc Hellenic Journal of Cardiology. 2006;47:211–7. [PubMed: 16897924]
  14. Gillinov AM, Sirak J, Blackstone EH. et al. The Cox maze procedure in mitral valve disease: predictors of recurrent atrial fibrillation. Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery. 2005;130:1653–60. [PubMed: 16308012]
  15. Haissaguerre M, Jais P, Shah DC. et al. Electrophysiological end point for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation initiated from multiple pulmonary venous foci. Circulation. 2000;101:1409–17. [PubMed: 10736285]
  16. Haissaguerre M, Sanders P, Hocini M. et al. Catheter ablation of long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation: critical structures for termination. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2005;16:1125–37. [PubMed: 16302892]
  17. Horlitz M, Schley P, Shin DI. et al. Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation using an irrigated-tip catheter. American Journal of Cardiology. 2004;94:945–7. [PubMed: 15464685]
  18. Hsieh MH, Tai CT, Lee SH. et al. Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation versus atrioventricular junction ablation plus pacing therapy for elderly patients with medically refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2005;16:457–61. [PubMed: 15877612]
  19. Husser D, Bollmann A, Kang S. et al. Effectiveness of catheter ablation for coexisting atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. American Journal of Cardiology. 2004;94:666–8. [PubMed: 15342306]
  20. Jais P, Hocini M, Sanders P. et al. Long-term evaluation of atrial fibrillation ablation guided by noninducibility. Heart Rhythm. 2006;3:140–5. [PubMed: 16443526]
  21. Jayam VK, Dong J, Vasamreddy CR. et al. Atrial volume reduction following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and relation to reduction in pulmonary vein size: an evaluation using magnetic resonance angiography. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2005;13:107–14. [PubMed: 16133837]
  22. Jiang CY, Wang JA, He H, et al. Segmental radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary vein ostia for patients with refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using multi-slice spiral computed tomography guidance. Journal of Zhejiang University 2005;Science:1153–6. [PMC free article: PMC1390636] [PubMed: 16358371]
  23. Kanagaratnam L, Tomassoni G, Schweikert R. et al. Empirical pulmonary vein isolation in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation using a three-dimensional nonfluoroscopic mapping system: long-term follow-up. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2001;24:1774–9. [PubMed: 11817811]
  24. Klemm HU, Ventura R, Rostock T. et al. Correlation of symptoms to ECG diagnosis following atrial fibrillation ablation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2006;17:146–50. [PubMed: 16533251]
  25. Kumagai K, Muraoka S, Mitsutake C. et al. A new approach for complete isolation of the posterior left atrium including pulmonary veins for atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2007;18:1047–52. [PubMed: 17655662]
  26. Lang CC, Santinelli V, Augello G. et al. Transcatheter radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with mitral valve prostheses and enlarged atria: safety, feasibility, and efficacy. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2005;45:868–72. [PubMed: 15766822]
  27. Lemola K, Hall B, Cheung P. et al. Mechanisms of recurrent atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation by segmental ostial ablation. Heart Rhythm. 2004;1:197–202. [PubMed: 15851153]
  28. Lemola K, Oral H, Chugh A. et al. Pulmonary vein isolation as an end point for left atrial circumferential ablation of atrial fibrillation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2005;46:1060–6. [PubMed: 16168292]
  29. Lim TW, Jassal IS, Ross DL. et al. Medium-term efficacy of segmental ostial pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of permanent and persistent atrial fibrillation. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2006;29:374–9. [PubMed: 16650265]
  30. Nakashima H, Kumagai K, Noguchi H. et al. Evaluation of the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary venous ablation. Journal of Cardiology. 2002;40:87–94. [PubMed: 12325464]
  31. Neumann T, Erdogan A, Dill T. et al. Asymptomatic recurrences of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation. Europace. 2006;8:495–8. [PubMed: 16798762]
  32. Nilsson B, Chen X, Pehrson S. et al. Increased resting heart rate following radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2005;7:415–20. [PubMed: 16087103]
  33. O'Donnell D, Furniss SS, Dunuwille A. et al. Delayed cure despite early recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology. 2003;91:83–5. [PubMed: 12505579]
  34. Pratola C, Baldo E, Notarstefano P. et al. Radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation based on pathophysiology: a diversified protocol with long-term follow-up. Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine. 2008;9:68–75. [PubMed: 18268423]
  35. Purerfellner H, Martinek M, Aichinger J. et al. Quality of life restored to normal in patients with atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein ostial isolation. American Heart Journal. 2004;148:318–25. [PubMed: 15309003]
  36. Ren JF, Marchlinski FE, Callans DJ. et al. Intracardiac Doppler echocardiographic quantification of pulmonary vein flow velocity: an effective technique for monitoring pulmonary vein ostia narrowing during focal atrial fibrillation ablation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2002;13:1076–81. [PubMed: 12475095]
  37. Saad EB, Rossillo A, Saad CP. et al. Pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation: functional characterization, evolution, and influence of the ablation strategy. Circulation. 2003;108:3102–7. [PubMed: 14623799]
  38. Sartini RJ, Scanavacca MI, Sosa E. et al. Radiofrequency ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: factors determining long-term clinical efficacy. Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia. 2008;90(2):112–8. [PubMed: 18392383]
  39. Schmitt C, Estner H, Hecher B. et al. Radiofrequency ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE): preferential sites of acute termination and regularization in paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2007;18:1039–46. [PubMed: 17711435]
  40. Schneider C, Ernst S, Bahlmann E. et al. Transesophageal echocardiography: a screening method for pulmonary vein stenosis after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. European Journal of Echocardiography. 2006;7:447–56. [PubMed: 16697260]
  41. Seow SC, Lim TW, Koay CH. et al. Efficacy and late recurrences with wide electrical pulmonary vein isolation for persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2007;9:1129–33. [PubMed: 17923474]
  42. Shin SH, Park MY, Oh WJ. et al. Left atrial volume is a predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. 2008;21:697–702. [PubMed: 18187293]
  43. Stabile G, Turco P, La Rocca V. et al. Is pulmonary vein isolation necessary for curing atrial fibrillation? Circulation. 2003;108:657–60. [PubMed: 12900336]
  44. Stabile G, Bertaglia E, Senatore G. et al. Feasibility of pulmonary vein ostia radiofrequency ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation: a multicenter study (CACAF pilot study). Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2003;26:t-7. [PubMed: 12687829]
  45. Thomas SP, Boyd AC, Aggarwal G. et al. Percutaneous pulmonary vein isolation for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Internal Medicine Journal. 2004;34:453–7. [PubMed: 15317542]
  46. Tops LF, Bax JJ, Zeppenfeld K. et al. Effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation on left atrial cavity size. American Journal of Cardiology. 2006;97:1220–2. [PubMed: 16616029]
  47. Udyavar AR, Chang SL, Tai CT. et al. The important role of pulmonary vein carina ablation as an adjunct to circumferential pulmonary vein isolation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2008;19:593–8. [PubMed: 18462326]
  48. Vasamreddy CR, Lickfett L, Jayam VK. et al. Predictors of recurrence following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using an irrigated-tip ablation catheter. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2004;15:692–7. [PubMed: 15175066]
  49. Vasamreddy CR, Dalal D, Eldadah Z. et al. Safety and efficacy of circumferential pulmonary vein catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2005;2:42–8. [PubMed: 15851264]
  50. Verma A, Kilicaslan F, Adams JR. et al. Extensive ablation during pulmonary vein antrum isolation has no adverse impact on left atrial function: an echocardiography and cine computed tomography analysis. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2006;17:741–6. [PubMed: 16836670]
  51. Weerasooriya R, Jais P, Hocini M. et al. Effect of catheter ablation on quality of life of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2005;2:619–23. [PubMed: 15922270]
  52. Wnuk-Wojnar AM, Trusz-Gluza M, Czerwinski C, et al. Circumferential pulmonary vein RF ablation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation: 3-year experience of one centre. Kardiologia Polska 371;63:362–70. [PubMed: 16273473]
  53. Yamada T, Murakami Y, Okada T. et al. Electrophysiological pulmonary vein antrum isolation with a multielectrode basket catheter is feasible and effective for curing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: efficacy of minimally extensive pulmonary vein isolation. Heart Rhythm. 2006;3:377–84. [PubMed: 16567281]
  54. Yamada T, Murakami Y, Okada T. et al. Pulmonary vein antrum not always coaxial to the pulmonary vein: a dimensional pitfall to the circumferential isolation technique. Circulation Journal. 2007;71:1430–6. [PubMed: 17721023]
  55. Yasuda T, Kumagai K, Ogawa M. et al. Predictors of successful catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation using the pulmonary vein isolation technique. Journal of Cardiology. 2004;44:53–8. [PubMed: 15373237]

Reason for Rejection: Studies Used Conventional 4 mm Tip Catheter Only

  1. Anselme F, Gahide G, Savoure A. et al. MR evaluation of pulmonary vein diameter reduction after radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. European Radiology. 2006;16:2505–11. [PubMed: 16639495]
  2. Bourke JP, Dunuwille A, O'Donnell D. et al. Pulmonary vein ablation for idiopathic atrial fibrillation: six month outcome of first procedure in 100 consecutive patients. Heart. 2005;91:51–7. [PMC free article: PMC1768666] [PubMed: 15604335]
  3. Chang SL, Tai CT, Lin YJ. et al. The efficacy of inducibility and circumferential ablation with pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2007;18:607–11. [PubMed: 17488268]
  4. Chen SA, Hsieh MH, Tai CT. et al. Initiation of atrial fibrillation by ectopic beats originating from the pulmonary veins: electrophysiological characteristics, pharmacological responses, and effects of radiofrequency ablation. Circulation. 1999;100(18):1879–86. [PubMed: 10545432]
  5. Deisenhofer I, Schneider MA, Bohlen-Knauf M. et al. Circumferential mapping and electric isolation of pulmonary veins in patients with atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology. 2003;91:159–63. [PubMed: 12521627]
  6. Dixit S, Ren JF, Callans DJ. et al. Favorable effect of pulmonic vein isolation by partial circumferential ablation on ostial flow velocity. Heart Rhythm. 2004;1:262–7. [PubMed: 15851167]
  7. Fiala M, Chovancik J, Nevralova R. et al. Pulmonary vein isolation using segmental versus electroanatomical circumferential ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: over 3-year results of a prospective randomized study. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2008;22:13–21. [PubMed: 18418704]
  8. Gerstenfeld EP, Callans DJ, Dixit S. et al. Incidence and location of focal atrial fibrillation triggers in patients undergoing repeat pulmonary vein isolation: implications for ablation strategies. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2003;14:685–90. [PubMed: 12930245]
  9. Gerstenfeld EP, Callans DJ, Dixit S. et al. Mechanisms of organized left atrial tachycardias occurring after pulmonary vein isolation. Circulation. 2004;110:1351–7. [PubMed: 15353501]
  10. Herweg B, Sichrovsky T, Polosajian L. et al. Anatomic substrate, procedural results, and clinical outcome of ultrasound-guided left atrial-pulmonary vein disconnection for treatment of atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology. 2005;95:871–5. [PubMed: 15781020]
  11. Hsieh MH, Tai CT, Tsai CF. et al. Clinical outcome of very late recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2003;14:598–601. [PubMed: 12875420]
  12. Jiang H, Lu Z, Lei H. et al. Predictors of early recurrence and delayed cure after segmental pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation without structural heart disease. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2006;15:157–63. [PubMed: 16955362]
  13. Katritsis DG, Ellenbogen KA, Panagiotakos DB. et al. Ablation of superior pulmonary veins compared to ablation of all four pulmonary veins. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2004;15:641–5. [PubMed: 15175057]
  14. Kumagai K, Ogawa M, Noguchi H. et al. Comparison of 2 mapping strategies for pulmonary vein isolation. Circulation Journal. 2005;69:1496–502. [PubMed: 16308498]
  15. Kumagai K, Noguchi H, Ogawa M. et al. New approach to pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation using a multielectrode basket catheter. Circulation Journal. 2006;70:88–93. [PubMed: 16377930]
  16. Lee SH, Tai CT, Hsieh MH. et al. Predictors of early and late recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2004;10:221–6. [PubMed: 15133358]
  17. Lin WS, Tai CT, Hsieh MH. et al. Catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation initiated by non-pulmonary vein ectopy. Circulation. 2003;107:3176–83. [PubMed: 12821558]
  18. Maciel W, Andrea E, Araujo N. et al. Prognostic criteria of success and recurrence in circumferential ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia. 2007;88:134–43. [PubMed: 17384829]
  19. Mangrum JM, Mounsey JP, Kok LC. et al. Intracardiac echocardiography-guided, anatomically based radiofrequency ablation of focal atrial fibrillation originating from pulmonary veins. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2002;39:1964–72. [PubMed: 12084595]
  20. Marchlinski FE, Callans D, Dixit S. et al. Efficacy and safety of targeted focal ablation versus PV isolation assisted by magnetic electroanatomic mapping. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2003;14:358–65. [PubMed: 12741705]
  21. Mortada ME, Chandrasekaran K, Nangia V. et al. Periprocedural anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation ablation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2008;19:362–6. [PubMed: 18284509]
  22. Nademanee K, McKenzie J, Kosar E. et al. A new approach for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: mapping of the electrophysiologic substrate. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2004;43:2044–53. [PubMed: 15172410]
  23. Oral H, Ozaydin M, Tada H. et al. Mechanistic significance of intermittent pulmonary vein tachycardia in patients with atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2002;13:645–50. [PubMed: 12139285]
  24. Oral H, Knight BP, Ozaydin M. et al. Clinical significance of early recurrences of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2002;40:100–4. [PubMed: 12103262]
  25. Oral H, Knight BP, Tada H. et al. Pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2002;105:1077–81. [PubMed: 11877358]
  26. Oral H, Veerareddy S, Good E. et al. Prevalence of asymptomatic recurrences of atrial fibrillation after successful radiofrequency catheter ablation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2004;15:920–4. [PubMed: 15333087]
  27. Oral H, Chugh A, Scharf C. et al. Incremental value of isolating the right inferior pulmonary vein during pulmonary vein isolation procedures in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2004;27:480–4. [PubMed: 15078401]
  28. Sanders P, Morton JB, Deen VR. et al. Immediate and long-term results of radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary vein ectopy for cure of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using a focal approach. Internal Medicine Journal. 2002;32:202–7. [PubMed: 12036217]
  29. Scharf C, Sneider M, Case I. et al. Anatomy of the pulmonary veins in patients with atrial fibrillation and effects of segmental ostial ablation analyzed by computed tomography. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2003;14:150–5. [PubMed: 12693495]
  30. Scharf C, Veerareddy S, Ozaydin M. et al. Clinical significance of inducible atrial flutter during pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2004;43:2057–62. [PubMed: 15172412]
  31. Schwartzman D, Nosbisch J, Housel D. Echocardiographically guided left atrial ablation: characterization of a new technique. Heart Rhythm. 2006;3:930–8. [PubMed: 16876742]
  32. Shah DC, Haissaguerre M, Jais P. et al. Curative catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 200 patients: strategy for presentations ranging from sustained atrial fibrillation to no arrhythmias. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2001;24:1541–58. [PubMed: 11707049]
  33. Strohmer B, Hwang C, Peter CT. et al. Selective atrionodal input ablation for induction of proximal complete heart block with stable junctional escape rhythm in patients with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2003;8:49–57. [PubMed: 12652178]
  34. Tada H, Oral H, Knight BP. et al. Randomized comparison of bipolar versus unipolar plus bipolar recordings during segmental ostial ablation of pulmonary veins. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2002;13:851–6. [PubMed: 12380919]
  35. Tada H, Naito S, Kurosaki K. et al. Segmental pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation improves quality of life and clinical outcomes. Circulation Journal. 2003;67:861–5. [PubMed: 14578620]
  36. Tojo H, Kumagai K, Noguchi H. et al. Hybrid therapy with pilsicainide and pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation. Circulation Journal. 2005;69:1503–7. [PubMed: 16308499]
  37. Tsai CF, Tai CT, Hsieh MH. et al. Initiation of atrial fibrillation by ectopic beats originating from the superior vena cava: electrophysiological characteristics and results of radiofrequency ablation. Circulation. 2000;102:67–74. [PubMed: 10880417]
  38. Weerasooriya R, Jais P, Scavee C. et al. Dissociated pulmonary vein arrhythmia: incidence and characteristics. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2003;14:1173–9. [PubMed: 14678130]
  39. Yamada T, Murakami Y, Muto M. et al. Computerized three-dimensional potential mapping with a multielectrode basket catheter can be useful for pulmonary vein electrical disconnection. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2005;12:23–33. [PubMed: 15717149]
  40. Yu WC, Hsu TL, Tai CT. et al. Acquired pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2001;12:887–92. [PubMed: 11513438]

Reason for Rejection: Cohort Studies (No Comparison) with Less than 50 Patients

  1. Alaeddini J, Wood MA, Lee BP. et al. Incidence, time course, and characteristics of microbubble formation during radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary veins with an 8-mm ablation catheter. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2006;29:979–84. [PubMed: 16981922]
  2. Alaeddini J, Wood MA, Parvez B. et al. Site localization and characterization of pain during radiofrequency ablation of the pulmonary veins. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2007;30:1210–4. [PubMed: 17897123]
  3. Arentz T, Jander N, von Rosenthal J. et al. Incidence of pulmonary vein stenosis 2 years after radiofrequency catheter ablation of refractory atrial fibrillation. European Heart Journal. 2003;24:963–9. [PubMed: 12714028]
  4. Arentz T, Weber R, Jander N. et al. Pulmonary haemodynamics at rest and during exercise in patients with significant pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation for drug resistant atrial fibrillation. European Heart Journal. 2005;26:1410–4. [PubMed: 15855192]
  5. Arentz T, von Rosenthal J, Weber R. et al. Effects of circumferential ostial radiofrequency lesions on pulmonary vein activation recorded with a multipolar basket catheter. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2005;16:302–8. [PubMed: 15817091]
  6. Artuso E, Stomaci B, Verlato R. et al. Transesophageal echocardiographic follow-up of pulmonary veins in patients undergoing ostial radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Italian Heart Journal: Official Journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology. 2005;6:595–600. [PubMed: 16274023]
  7. Aryana A, Heist EK, D'Avila A. et al. Pain and anatomical locations of radiofrequency ablation as predictors of esophageal temperature rise during pulmonary vein isolation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2008;19:32–8. [PubMed: 17900251]
  8. Bai R, Patel D, Di Biase L. et al. Phrenic nerve injury after catheter ablation: should we worry about this complication? Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2006;17:944–8. [PubMed: 16800858]
  9. Bedogni F, Brambilla N, Laudisa ML. et al. Acquired pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation treated by angioplasty and stent implantation. Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine. 2007;8:618–24. [PubMed: 17667034]
  10. Bulava A, Slavik L, Fiala M. et al. Endothelial damage and activation of the hemostatic system during radiofrequency catheter isolation of pulmonary veins. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2004;10:271–9. [PubMed: 15133367]
  11. Cappato R, Negroni S, Pecora D. et al. Prospective assessment of late conduction recurrence across radiofrequency lesions producing electrical disconnection at the pulmonary vein ostium in patients with atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2003;108:1599–604. [PubMed: 12963643]
  12. Chang SH, Tsao HM, Wu MH. et al. Morphological changes of the left atrial appendage after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2007;18:47–52. [PubMed: 17096656]
  13. Chang SL, Tai CT, Lin YJ. et al. The role of left atrial muscular bundles in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2007;50:964–73. [PubMed: 17765124]
  14. Cheung P, Hall B, Chugh A. et al. Detection of inadvertent catheter movement into a pulmonary vein during radiofrequency catheter ablation by real-time impedance monitoring. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2004;15:674–8. [PubMed: 15175063]
  15. Cummings JE, Schweikert R, Saliba W. et al. Left atrial flutter following pulmonary vein antrum isolation with radiofrequency energy: linear lesions or repeat isolation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2005;16:293–7. [PubMed: 15817089]
  16. Cummings JE, Schweikert RA, Saliba WI. et al. Brief communication: atrial-esophageal fistulas after radiofrequency ablation. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2006;144:572–4. [PubMed: 16618954]
  17. Di BL, Fahmy TS, Patel D. et al. Remote magnetic navigation: human experience in pulmonary vein ablation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2007;50:868–74. [PubMed: 17719473]
  18. Dill T, Neumann T, Ekinci O. et al. Pulmonary vein diameter reduction after radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation evaluated by contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging. Circulation. 2003;107:845–50. [PubMed: 12591754]
  19. Donal E, Grimm RA, Yamada H. et al. Usefulness of Doppler assessment of pulmonary vein and left atrial appendage flow following pulmonary vein isolation of chronic atrial fibrillation in predicting recovery of left atrial function. American Journal of Cardiology. 2005;95:941–7. [PubMed: 15820159]
  20. Dong J, Vasamreddy CR, Jayam V. et al. Incidence and predictors of pulmonary vein stenosis following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using the anatomic pulmonary vein ablation approach: results from paired magnetic resonance imaging. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2005;16:845–52. [PubMed: 16101625]
  21. Earley MJ, Abrams DJ, Staniforth AD. et al. Catheter ablation of permanent atrial fibrillation: medium term results. Heart. 2006;92:233–8. [PMC free article: PMC1860746] [PubMed: 16118239]
  22. Erdogan A, Carlsson J, Neumann T. et al. Quality-of-life in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation: results of long-term follow-up. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2003;26:678–84. [PubMed: 12698667]
  23. Estner HL, Hessling G, Ndrepepa G. et al. Acute effects and long-term outcome of pulmonary vein isolation in combination with electrogram-guided substrate ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology. 2008;101:332–7. [PubMed: 18237595]
  24. Gerstenfeld EP, Dixit S, Callans D. et al. Utility of exit block for identifying electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2002;13:971–9. [PubMed: 12435181]
  25. Goldberg A, Menen M, Mickelsen S. et al. Atrial fibrillation ablation leads to long-term improvement of quality of life and reduced utilization of healthcare resources. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2003;8:59–64. [PubMed: 12652179]
  26. Gonzalez-Zuelgaray J, Perez A. Regular supraventricular tachycardias associated with idiopathic atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology. 2006;98:1242–4. [PubMed: 17056338]
  27. Jin Y, Ross DL, Thomas SP. Pulmonary vein stenosis and remodeling after electrical isolation for treatment of atrial fibrillation: short- and medium-term follow-up. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2004;27:1362–70. [PubMed: 15511245]
  28. Jongbloed MR, Bax JJ, Zeppenfeld K. et al. Anatomical observations of the pulmonary veins with intracardiac echocardiography and hemodynamic consequences of narrowing of pulmonary vein ostial diameters after radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology. 2004;93:1298–302. [PubMed: 15135710]
  29. Khan MN, Jais P, Cummings J. et al. Pulmonary-vein isolation for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;359:1778–85. [PubMed: 18946063]
  30. Kumagai K, Gondo N, Matsumoto N. et al. New technique for simultaneous catheter mapping of pulmonary veins for catheter ablation in focal atrial fibrillation. Cardiology. 2000;94:233–8. [PubMed: 11326144]
  31. Lemola K, Sneider M, Desjardins B. et al. Effects of left atrial ablation of atrial fibrillation on size of the left atrium and pulmonary veins. Heart Rhythm. 2004;1:576–81. [PubMed: 15851222]
  32. Lemola K, Desjardins B, Sneider M. et al. Effect of left atrial circumferential ablation for atrial fibrillation on left atrial transport function. Heart Rhythm. 2005;2:923–8. [PubMed: 16171744]
  33. Lickfett L, Mahesh M, Vasamreddy C. et al. Radiation exposure during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2004;110:3003–10. [PubMed: 15505084]
  34. Lickfett L, Hackenbroch M, Lewalter T. et al. Cerebral diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: a tool to monitor the thrombogenicity of left atrial catheter ablation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2006;17:1–7. [PubMed: 16426390]
  35. Liu X, Ouyang F, Mavrakis H. et al. Complete pulmonary vein isolation guided by three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Europace. 2005;7:421–7. [PubMed: 16087104]
  36. lling-Boer D, Van der MN, Adams J. et al. Ablation of focally induced atrial fibrillation: selective or extensive? Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2004;15:200–5. [PubMed: 15028051]
  37. Lo LW, Tai CT, Lin YJ. et al. Mechanisms of recurrent atrial fibrillation: comparisons between segmental ostial versus circumferential pulmonary vein isolation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2007;18:803–7. [PubMed: 17504254]
  38. MacLe L, Jais P, Scavee C. et al. Electrophysiologically guided pulmonary vein isolation during sustained atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2003;14:255–60. [PubMed: 12716106]
  39. Martinek M, Aichinger J, Nesser HJ. et al. New insights into long-term follow-up of atrial fibrillation ablation: full disclosure by an implantable pacemaker device. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2007;18:818–23. [PubMed: 17573835]
  40. Miyairi T, Nakao M, Kigawa I. et al. A closed biatrial procedure using bipolar radiofrequency ablation. Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery. 2006;132:168–9. [PubMed: 16798326]
  41. Nakashima H, Kumagai K, Tojo H. et al. Simultaneous catheter mapping of the pulmonary veins in focal atrial fibrillation: significance of rapid focal activation, effectiveness for catheter ablation. Japanese Heart Journal. 2002;43:357–65. [PubMed: 12227711]
  42. Natale A, Pisano E, Beheiry S. et al. Ablation of right and left atrial premature beats following cardioversion in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. American Journal of Cardiology. 2000;85:1372–5. [PubMed: 10831959]
  43. Oral H, Morady F. Conducting randomized trials in the electrophysiology laboratory: lessons from a randomized comparison of recording methods during pulmonary vein isolation by segmental ostial ablation. Cardiac Electrophysiology Review. 2003;7:247–51. [PubMed: 14739723]
  44. Ouyang F, Bansch D, Ernst S. et al. Complete isolation of left atrium surrounding the pulmonary veins: new insights from the double-Lasso technique in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2004;110:2090–6. [PubMed: 15466640]
  45. Ouyang F, Ernst S, Chun J. et al. Electrophysiological findings during ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation with electroanatomic mapping and double Lasso catheter technique. Circulation. 2005;112:3038–48. [PubMed: 16275866]
  46. Ouyang F, Antz M, Ernst S. et al. Recovered pulmonary vein conduction as a dominant factor for recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias after complete circular isolation of the pulmonary veins: lessons from double Lasso technique. Circulation. 2005;111:127–35. [PubMed: 15623542]
  47. Pachon MJ, Pachon ME, Pachon MJ. et al. A new treatment for atrial fibrillation based on spectral analysis to guide the catheter RF-ablation.[erratum appears in Europace. 2005 Jan;7(1):92–3] Europace. 2004;6:590–601. [PubMed: 15519263]
  48. Packer DL, Keelan P, Munger TM. et al. Clinical presentation, investigation, and management of pulmonary vein stenosis complicating ablation for atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2005;111:546–54. [PubMed: 15699274]
  49. Piorkowski C, Kottkamp H, Tanner H. et al. Value of different follow-up strategies to assess the efficacy of circumferential pulmonary vein ablation for the curative treatment of atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2005;16:1286–92. [PubMed: 16403058]
  50. Prakash A, Saksena S, Krol RB. et al. Catheter ablation of inducible atrial flutter, in combination with atrial pacing and antiarrhythmic drugs ("hybrid therapy") improves rhythm control in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2002;6:165–72. [PubMed: 11992027]
  51. Pratola C, Baldo E, Notarstefano P. et al. Radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation: is the persistence of all intraprocedural targets necessary for long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm? Circulation. 2008;117:136–43. [PubMed: 18086927]
  52. Purerfellner H, Cihal R, Aichinger J. et al. Pulmonary vein stenosis by ostial irrigated-tip ablation: incidence, time course, and prediction. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2003;14:158–64. [PubMed: 12693497]
  53. Qureshi AM, Prieto LR, Latson LA. et al. Transcatheter angioplasty for acquired pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation. Circulation. 2003;108:1336–42. [PubMed: 12952852]
  54. Rao BH, Saksena S. Impact of “hybrid therapy” on long-term rhythm control and arrhythmia related hospitalizations in patients with drug-refractory persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2007;18:127–36. [PubMed: 17372812]
  55. Reant P, Lafitte S, Jais P. et al. Reverse remodeling of the left cardiac chambers after catheter ablation after 1 year in a series of patients with isolated atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2005;112:2896–903. [PubMed: 16260634]
  56. Redfearn DP, Skanes AC, Gula LJ. et al. Noninvasive assessment of atrial substrate change after wide area circumferential ablation: a comparison with segmental pulmonary vein isolation. Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology. 2007;12:329–37. [PMC free article: PMC6932125] [PubMed: 17970958]
  57. Reithmann C, Dorwarth U, Gerth A. et al. Pulmonary vein bigeminy: electrophysiological characteristics and results of catheter ablation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2002;7:233–41. [PubMed: 12510134]
  58. Rillig A, Meyerfeldt U, Birkemeyer R. et al. Persistent iatrogenic atrial septal defect after pulmonary vein isolation : incidence and clinical implications. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2008;22(3):177–81. [PubMed: 18461430]
  59. Risius T, Lewalter T, Luderitz B. et al. Transient ST-segment-elevation during pulmonary vein ablation using circumferential coiled microelectrodes in a prospective multi-centre study. Europace. 2006;8:178–81. [PubMed: 16627435]
  60. Sacher F, Monahan KH, Thomas SP. et al. Phrenic nerve injury after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: characterization and outcome in a multicenter study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2006;47:2498–503. [PubMed: 16781380]
  61. Sanders P, Jais P, Hocini M. et al. Electrophysiologic and clinical consequences of linear catheter ablation to transect the anterior left atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2004;1:176–84. [PubMed: 15851150]
  62. Sanders P, Nalliah CJ, Dubois R. et al. Frequency mapping of the pulmonary veins in paroxysmal versus permanent atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2006;17:965–72. [PubMed: 16948740]
  63. Scanavacca M, Hachul D, Sosa E. Atrioesophageal fistula—a dangerous complication of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine. 2007;4:578–9. [PubMed: 17895865]
  64. Sigurdsson G, Troughton RW, Xu XF. et al. Detection of pulmonary vein stenosis by transesophageal echocardiography: comparison with multidetector computed tomography. American Heart Journal. 2007;153:800–6. [PubMed: 17452156]
  65. Strohmer B, Schernthaner C, Pichler M. Simultaneous angiographic imaging of ipsilateral pulmonary veins for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Clinical Research in Cardiology. 2006;95:591–9. [PubMed: 16941084]
  66. Takahashi A, Iesaka Y, Takahashi Y. et al. Electrical connections between pulmonary veins: implication for ostial ablation of pulmonary veins in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2002;105:2998–3003. [PubMed: 12081994]
  67. Takahashi Y, Rotter M, Sanders P. Left atrial linear ablation to modify the substrate of atrial fibrillation using a new nonfluoroscopic imaging system. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2005;28:Suppl-3. [PubMed: 15683536]
  68. Takahashi Y, O'Neill MD, Hocini M. et al. Effects of stepwise ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation on atrial electrical and mechanical properties. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2007;49:1306–14. [PubMed: 17394963]
  69. Takahashi Y, O'Neill MD, Hocini M. et al. Characterization of electrograms associated with termination of chronic atrial fibrillation by catheter ablation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2008;51:1003–10. [PubMed: 18325439]
  70. Tang K, Ma J, Ma FS. et al. Initial experience with circumferential pulmonary vein ablation guided by fusion of magnetic resonance imaging with three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping. Chinese Medical Journal. 2006;119:1047–52. [PubMed: 16805992]
  71. Thomas SP, Lim TW, McCall R. et al. Electrical isolation of the posterior left atrial wall and pulmonary veins for atrial fibrillation: feasibility of and rationale for a single-ring approach. Heart Rhythm. 2007;4:722–30. [PubMed: 17556191]
  72. Tsao HM, Wu MH, Yu WC. et al. Role of right middle pulmonary vein in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2001;12:1353–7. [PubMed: 11797991]
  73. Tsao HM, Wu MH, Huang BH. et al. Morphologic remodeling of pulmonary veins and left atrium after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: insight from long-term follow-up of three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2005;16:7–12. [PubMed: 15673379]
  74. Tse HF, Lee KL, Fan K. et al. Nonfluoroscopic magnetic electroanatomic mapping to facilitate focal pulmonary veins ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2002;25:57–61. [PubMed: 11877938]
  75. Ueda M, Tada H, Kurosaki K. et al. Pulmonary vein morphology before and after segmental isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2005;28:944–53. [PubMed: 16176534]
  76. Verma A, Saliba WI, Lakkireddy D. et al. Vagal responses induced by endocardial left atrial autonomic ganglion stimulation before and after pulmonary vein antrum isolation for atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2007;4:1177–82. [PubMed: 17765618]
  77. Wood MA, Christman PJ, Shepard RK. et al. Use of a non-fluoroscopic catheter navigation system for pulmonary vein isolation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2004;10(2):165–70. [PubMed: 15014218]
  78. Yamane T, Shah DC, Jais P. et al. Dilatation as a marker of pulmonary veins initiating atrial fibrillation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2002;6:245–9. [PubMed: 12154327]
  79. Yamane T, Date T, Tokuda M. et al. Prevalence, morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of confluent inferior pulmonary veins in patients with atrial fibrillation. Circulation Journal. 2008;72:1285–90. [PubMed: 18654015]

Reason for Rejection: Less than 80% Patients with AF

  1. De PR, Cappato R, Curnis A. et al. Trans-septal catheterization in the electrophysiology laboratory: data from a multicenter survey spanning 12 years. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2006;47:1037–42. [PubMed: 16516090]
  2. Kistler PM, Sanders P, Fynn SP. et al. Electrophysiological and electrocardiographic characteristics of focal atrial tachycardia originating from the pulmonary veins: acute and long-term outcomes of radiofrequency ablation. Circulation. 2003;108:1968–75. [PubMed: 14557361]
  3. Manolis AS, Vassilikos V, Maounis TN. et al. Radiofrequency ablation in pediatric and adult patients: comparative results. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2001;5:443–53. [PubMed: 11752913]
  4. Patel AA, Clyne CA, Henyan NN. et al. The use of protamine after radiofrequency catheter ablation: a pilot study. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2007;18:155–8. [PubMed: 17318446]
  5. Raungratanaamporn O, Bhuripanyo K, Sriratanasathavorn C. et al. Radiofrequency catheter ablation for various tachyarrhythmias: experience in the Bangkok Heart Institute. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. 2003;86:Suppl-9. [PubMed: 12866776]
  6. Yamada T, Murakami Y, Yoshida Y. et al. Electrophysiologic and electrocardiographic characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation of focal atrial tachycardia originating from the left atrial appendage. Heart Rhythm. 2007;4:1284–91. [PubMed: 17905333]

Reason for Rejection: Intraoperative RFA

  1. Doll N, Borger MA, Fabricius A. et al. Esophageal perforation during left atrial radiofrequency ablation: Is the risk too high? Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery. 2003;125:836–42. [PubMed: 12698146]
  2. Geidel S, Lass M, Boczor S. et al. Monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency ablation surgery: 3-year experience in 90 patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. Heart Surgery Forum. 2004;7:E398–E402. [PubMed: 15799911]
  3. Geidel S, Ostermeyer J, Lass M. et al. Three years experience with monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency ablation surgery in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. 2005;27:243–9. [PubMed: 15691677]
  4. Grubitzsch H, Dushe S, Beholz S. et al. Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with congestive heart failure. Journal of Cardiac Failure. 2007;13:509–16. [PubMed: 17826640]
  5. Grubitzsch H, Menes A, Modersohn D. et al. The role of atrial remodeling for ablation of atrial fibrillation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2008;85:474–80. [PubMed: 18222247]
  6. Halkos ME, Craver JM, Thourani VH, et al. Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation during concomitant cardiac surgery. Annals of Thoracic Surgery 215;80:210–5. [PubMed: 15975369]
  7. Melby SJ, Zierer A, Bailey MS. et al. A new era in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation: the impact of ablation technology and lesion set on procedural efficacy. Annals of Surgery. 2006;244:583–92. [PMC free article: PMC1856555] [PubMed: 16998367]
  8. Onorati F, Esposito A, Messina G. et al. Right isthmus ablation reduces supraventricular arrhythmias after surgery for chronic atrial fibrillation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2008;85:39–48. [PubMed: 18154775]
  9. Sueda T, Imai K, Orihashi K. et al. Midterm results of pulmonary vein isolation for the elimination of chronic atrial fibrillation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2005;79:521–5. [PubMed: 15680827]
  10. Wisser W, Seebacher G, Fleck T. et al. Permanent chronic atrial fibrillation: is pulmonary vein isolation alone enough? Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 1157;84:1151–7. [PubMed: 17888962]

Reason for Rejection: Intraoperative RFA

  1. Doll N, Borger MA, Fabricius A. et al. Esophageal perforation during left atrial radiofrequency ablation: Is the risk too high? Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery. 2003;125:836–42. [PubMed: 12698146]
  2. Geidel S, Lass M, Boczor S. et al. Monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency ablation surgery: 3-year experience in 90 patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. Heart Surgery Forum. 2004;7:E398–E402. [PubMed: 15799911]
  3. Geidel S, Ostermeyer J, Lass M. et al. Three years experience with monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency ablation surgery in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. 2005;27:243–9. [PubMed: 15691677]
  4. Grubitzsch H, Dushe S, Beholz S. et al. Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with congestive heart failure. Journal of Cardiac Failure. 2007;13:509–16. [PubMed: 17826640]
  5. Halkos ME, Craver JM, Thourani VH, et al. Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation during concomitant cardiac surgery. Annals of Thoracic Surgery 215;80:210–5. [PubMed: 15975369]
  6. Melby SJ, Zierer A, Bailey MS. et al. A new era in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation: the impact of ablation technology and lesion set on procedural efficacy. Annals of Surgery. 2006;244:583–92. [PMC free article: PMC1856555] [PubMed: 16998367]
  7. Onorati F, Esposito A, Messina G. et al. Right isthmus ablation reduces supraventricular arrhythmias after surgery for chronic atrial fibrillation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2008;85:39–48. [PubMed: 18154775]
  8. Sueda T, Imai K, Orihashi K. et al. Midterm results of pulmonary vein isolation for the elimination of chronic atrial fibrillation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2005;79:521–5. [PubMed: 15680827]
  9. Wisser W, Seebacher G, Fleck T. et al. Permanent chronic atrial fibrillation: is pulmonary vein isolation alone enough? Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 1157;84:1151–7. [PubMed: 17888962]

Reason for Rejection: No Outcomes (Including Adverse Events)

  1. Summaries for patients. Radiofrequency treatment of abnormal heart rhythm can damage the vessels that return blood from the lungs to the heart.[original report in Ann Intern Med. 2003 Apr 15;138(8):634–8; PMID: 12693885]. Annals of Internal Medicine 2003;138:1. [PubMed: 12693916]
  2. Ames A, Stevenson WG. Cardiology patient page. Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2006;113:e666–e668. [PubMed: 16585395]
  3. Bertaglia E, Stabile G, Senatore G. et al. A clinical and health-economic evaluation of pulmonary vein encircling ablation compared with antiarrhythmic drug treatment in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (Catheter Ablation for the Cure of Atrial Fibrillation-2 study). Europace. 2007;9:182–5. [PubMed: 17303627]
  4. Calkins H, Brugada J, Packer DL. et al. HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for personnel, policy, procedures and follow-up. A report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Task Force on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation developed in partnership with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) and the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS); in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Endorsed and approved by the governing bodies of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society, the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the Heart Rhythm Society. Europace. 2007;9:335–79. [PubMed: 17599941]
  5. Calkins H. Catheter ablation should not be first-line therapy for atrial fibrillation. Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine. 2007;4:4–5. [PubMed: 17180139]
  6. Cappato R, Calkins H, Chen SA. et al. Worldwide survey on the methods, efficacy, and safety of catheter ablation for human atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2005;111:1100–5. [PubMed: 15723973]
  7. Chan PS, Vijan S, Morady F, Oral H. Cost-effectiveness of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2006;47:2513–20. [PubMed: 16781382]
  8. Gehi AK, Adams DH, Filsoufi F. The modern surgical management of atrial fibrillation. Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine. 2006;73:751–8. [PubMed: 17008935]
  9. Goode JS Jr, Taylor RL, Buffington CW. et al. High-frequency jet ventilation: utility in posterior left atrial catheter ablation. Heart Rhythm. 2006;3:13–9. [PubMed: 16399046]
  10. Kanj MH, Wazni OM, Natale A. How to do circular mapping catheter-guided pulmonary vein antrum isolation: the Cleveland Clinic approach. Heart Rhythm. 2006;3:866–9. [PubMed: 16818225]
  11. Katritsis D, Giazitzoglou E, Korovesis S. et al. Epicardial foci of atrial arrhythmias apparently originating in the left pulmonary veins. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2002;13:319–23. [PubMed: 12033345]
  12. Katritsis D, Wood MA, Shepard RK. et al. Atrial arrhythmias following ostial or circumferential pulmonary vein ablation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. 2006;16:123–30. [PubMed: 17103316]
  13. Khan MN, Usmani A, Noor S. et al. Low incidence of left atrial or left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and normal EF who present for pulmonary vein antrum isolation procedure. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2008;19:356–8. [PubMed: 18284510]
  14. Kluge A, Dill T, Ekinci O. et al. Decreased pulmonary perfusion in pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation: assessment with dynamic magnetic resonance perfusion imaging. Chest. 2004;126:428–37. [PubMed: 15302728]
  15. Kobza R, Hindricks G, Tanner H. et al. Late recurrent arrhythmias after ablation of atrial fibrillation: incidence, mechanisms, and treatment. Heart Rhythm. 2004;1:676–83. [PubMed: 15851239]
  16. Lamotte M, Annemans L, Bridgewater B. et al. A health economic evaluation of concomitant surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. 2007;32:702–10. [PubMed: 17768060]
  17. Lellouche N, Buch E, Celigoj A. et al. Functional characterization of atrial electrograms in sinus rhythm delineates sites of parasympathetic innervation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2007;50:1324–31. [PubMed: 17903630]
  18. Mansour M, Refaat M, Heist EK. et al. Three-dimensional anatomy of the left atrium by magnetic resonance angiography: implications for catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2006;17:719–23. [PubMed: 16836666]
  19. Marcus GM, Yang Y, Varosy PD. et al. Regional left atrial voltage in patients with atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2007;4:138–44. [PMC free article: PMC1868443] [PubMed: 17275746]
  20. Marrouche N, Wazni OM, Martin DO. et al. Response to pharmacological challenge of dissociated pulmonary vein rhythm. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2005;16:122–6. [PubMed: 15720448]
  21. Morady F. Mechanisms and catheter ablation therapy of atrial fibrillation. Texas Heart Institute Journal. 2005;32:199–201. [PMC free article: PMC1163471] [PubMed: 16107113]
  22. Takahashi Y, Iesaka Y, Takahashi A. et al. Reentrant tachycardia in pulmonary veins of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2003;14:927–32. [PubMed: 12950535]
  23. Tse HF, Lau CP. Recurrence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2003;14:691–2. [PubMed: 12930246]
  24. Verma A, Minor S, Kilicaslan F. et al. Incidence of atrial arrhythmias detected by permanent pacemakers (PPM) post-pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) for atrial fibrillation (AF): correlation with symptomatic recurrence. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2007;18:601–6. [PubMed: 17428271]
  25. Yamada T, Murakami Y, Okada T. et al. Usefulness of esophageal leads for determining the strategy of pulmonary vein ablation to avoid complications associated with the esophagus. American Journal of Cardiology. 2006;97:1494–7. [PubMed: 16679091]

Reason for Rejection: Not RFA

  1. Fagundes RL, Mantica M, De Luca L. et al. Safety of single transseptal puncture for ablation of atrial fibrillation: retrospective study from a large cohort of patients. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2007;18:1277–81. [PubMed: 17883403]
  2. Gillinov AM, McCarthy PM, Blackstone EH. et al. Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation with bipolar radiofrequency as the primary modality.[erratum appears in J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2006 Apr;131(4):772] Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery. 2005;129:1322–9. [PubMed: 15942573]
  3. Jenkins LS, Brodsky M, Schron E. et al. Quality of life in atrial fibrillation: the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) study. American Heart Journal. 2005;149:112–20. [PubMed: 15660042]
  4. Khadjooi K, Foley PW, Chalil S. et al. Long-term effects of cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. Heart. 2008;94:879–83. [PubMed: 18208826]
  5. Tanner H, Hindricks G, Kobza R. et al. Trigger activity more than three years after left atrial linear ablation without pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2005;46:338–43. [PubMed: 16022965]
  6. Tse HF, Sin PY, Siu CW. et al. Successful pulmonary vein isolation using transvenous catheter cryoablation improves quality-of-life in patients with atrial fibrillation. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology. 2005;28:421–4. [PubMed: 15869674]

Reason for Rejection: Other Reasons (See Specific Reason After Each Citation)

  1. Pulmonary vein isolation for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Technology Evaluation Center Assessment Program 2006;Executive:1–3. Early systematic review by BCBS. [PubMed: 16718967]
  2. Bauer A, Deisenhofer I, Schneider R. et al. Effects of circumferential or segmental pulmonary vein ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on cardiac autonomic function. Heart Rhythm. 2006;3:1428–35. Duplicate publication . [PubMed: 17161785]
  3. Bradley DJ, Shen WK. Atrioventricular junction ablation combined with either right ventricular pacing or cardiac resynchronization therapy for atrial fibrillation: the need for large-scale randomized trials. Heart Rhythm. 2007;4:224–32. Meta-analysis of AVJ ablation and RV pacing . [PubMed: 17275763]
  4. Bulava A, Slavik L, Fiala M. et al. [Endothelial injury and activation of the coagulation cascade during radiofrequency catheter ablation]. [Czech] Vnitrni Lekarstvi. 2004;50:305–11. Non-English . [PubMed: 15214302]
  5. Bunch TJ, Day JD. Novel ablative approach for atrial fibrillation to decrease risk of esophageal injury. Heart Rhythm. 2008;5:624–7. No usable data . [PubMed: 18325845]
  6. Calo L, Lamberti F, Loricchio ML. et al. Long-term follow-up of right atrial ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2004;15:37–43. Not PVI . [PubMed: 15028070]
  7. Chen L, Hodge D, Jahangir A. et al. Preserved left ventricular ejection fraction following atrioventricular junction ablation and pacing for atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2008;19:19–27. AVN ablation . [PubMed: 17971146]
  8. Clyne CA, Shah A, Yarlagadda R. et al. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: Hartford Hospital experience. Connecticut Medicine. 2007;71:69–76. Inadequate reporting. Eg, no data on f/up duration . [PubMed: 17393897]
  9. Daoud EG, Weiss R, Augostini R. et al. Proarrhythmia of circumferential left atrial lesions for management of atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2006;17:157–65. Mean f/up <6 mo . [PubMed: 16533253]
  10. Deisenhofer I, Estner H, Zrenner B. et al. Left atrial tachycardia after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation for atrial fibrillation: incidence, electrophysiological characteristics, and results of radiofrequency ablation. Europace. 2006;8:573–82. Tx of AT after CPVA . [PubMed: 16864612]
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