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

During the past decade, catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved rapidly from a highly experimental unproven procedure, to its current status as a commonly performed ablation procedure in many major hospitals throughout the world. Surgical ablation of AF, using either standard or minimally invasive techniques, is also performed in many major hospitals throughout the world. The purpose of this Consensus Statement is to provide a state-of-the-art review of the field of catheter and surgical ablation of AF, and to report the findings of a Task Force, convened by the Heart Rhythm Society and charged with defining the indications, techniques, and outcomes of this procedure. The Heart Rhythm Society was pleased to develop this Consensus Statement in partnership with the European Heart Rhythm Association and the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society. This statement summarizes the opinion of the Task Force members based on their own experience in treating patients, as well as a review of the literature, and is directed to all health care professionals who are involved in the care of patients with AF, particularly those who are undergoing or are being considered for catheter or surgical ablation procedures for AF. This statement is not intended to recommend or promote catheter ablation of AF. Rather the ultimate judgment regarding care of a particular patient must be made by the health care provider and patient in light of all the circumstances presented by that patient. In writing a "consensus" document, it is recognized that consensus does not mean that there was complete agreement among all Task Force members. We attempted to identify those aspects of AF ablation for which a true "consensus" could be identified ( Tables 1 and 2 ). Surveys of the entire Task Force were used to identify these areas of consensus. The main objective of this document is

2017 HRS/EHRA/ECAS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: executive summary.

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2017 HRS/EHRA/ECAS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: executive summary.

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withdrawn 2017 hrs ehra ecas aphrs solaece expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

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Overcoming challenges in the management of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) appears in most patients to be an inherited disease characterized by fibrofatty replacement of myocytes extending from the epicardium to the endocardium in the right ventricle. The disease process results in life‑threatening ventricular arrhythmias and ventricular dysfunction. In the absence of a gold‑standard diagnostic test and despite the progress in imaging techniques, ARVC is often misdiagnosed and earlier detection of the disease is challenging. Preprocedural identification and localization of the substrate can be determined from the analysis of surface electrocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Typically, perivalvular arrhythmogenic substrate, defined by electroanatomic mapping, is present and can be isolated to the epicardium. Ablation targets are further identified with activation, entrainment, and local electrogram abnormalities based on detailed electroanatomic mapping. Extensive combined endo / epicardial ablation performed in experienced centers is frequently required to prevent ventricular tachycardia (VT). Catheter ablation significantly reduces recurrences of VT, appropriate implantable cardioverter‑defibrillator shocks, and the use of antiarrhythmic drugs and cardiac transplant as a management strategy for refractory arrhythmias is rarely required. Progression of the disease is poorly understood and may require a distinct triggering mechanism. Biventricular involvement is more common than previously recognized. However, left ventricular involvement leading to significant terminal heart failure is fortunately uncommon and left ventricular tachycardias are also infrequent. Many questions remain regarding prevention and management of coexisting tricuspid valve regurgitation, atrial arrhythmias, and intracardiac thrombosis. Although data on genotype‑phenotype correlations is growing, long‑term follow‑up studies of families with ARVC are still lacking. Ongoing research will contribute to better understanding of this pathological condition