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Europace 2008 10(Supplement 3):iii8-iii13; doi:10.1093/europace/eun226
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Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2008. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

This article appears in the following Europace issue: Spotlight Issue: Cardiac Imaging in EP and CRT [View the issue table of contents]

IMAGING IN CATHETER ABLATION FOR AF

Managing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: the role of echocardiography

Ruvin S. Gabriel and Allan L. Klein*

Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk F15, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia associated with the serious clinical consequences of systemic thrombo-embolism and heart failure. Catheter ablation for AF is an evolving treatment option for patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal and persistent AF. The ablation procedure relies on precise knowledge of the left atrium, left atrial appendage, and pulmonary venous anatomy and function. Echocardiography is an integral component of multiple imaging modalities which contribute to its success. Both transoesophageal echocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography provide essential anatomical and functional information to guide all aspects of management. This article reviews the role of echocardigraphy in AF ablation, from appropriate patient selection and pre-procedural screening, to evaluating complications and determining the need for long-term anticoagulation.

Key Words: Transthoracic echocardiography, Transoesophageal echocardiography, Atrial fibrillation, Catheter ablation

* Corresponding author. Tel: +1 216 444 3932; fax: +1 216 445 2309. E-mail address: kleina{at}ccf.org


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