Ernst S, Kuck K-H
II. Medizinische Abteilung, Klinik St. Georg, Hanseatisches Herzzentrum, Lohmühlenstr. 5, 20099, Hamburg, Germany.
Internist (Berl). 2006 Oct;47(10):1034, 1036-9. doi: 10.1007/s00108-006-1698-4.
Radiofrequency current ablation has been developed over the last 20 years to be the standard approach for treating tachycardia by catheter ablation. By combining new 3-D imaging technology (CT and MRI) with 3-D electrophysiologic mapping systems, a new tool has been created to display the cardiac activation sequence of the individual. These technologies are extremely important for the treatment of complex arrhythmias such as the catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Instead of the conventional "point by point" linear ablation procedure, balloon catheters have been applied to a circumferential linear lesion in a "single shot" procedure using, for example, cryothermia, ultrasound or laser energy. Finally, magnetic navigation is a new steering tool for performing ablation procedures, leading to reduced exposure to ionizing radiation.
