[Relevance of magnetic resonance imaging for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation]. / Relevanz der Magnetresonanztomographie für die Katheterablation von Vorhofflimmern.

Currently, atrial fibrillation is the most common form of arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. Until recently the treatment approach to atrial fibrillation was limited by imprecise risk stratification models and suboptimal therapy options. At present cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important noninvasive diagnostic modality which aids in the completion of complex electrophysiological and ablation interventions. Cardiac MRI and 3D imaging reconstruction are used clinically to assess the cardiac chambers as well as complex anatomical structures. Through the development of cardiac MRI it has become possible to detect areas of fibrosis in the left atrium which can be the cause of atrial fibrillation. The most recent clinical data suggest that there is a strong correlation between the amount of left atrial fibrosis and recurrent atrial fibrillation following ablation procedures and will in the future allow more individualized treatment strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation. In addition, cardiac MRI allows the direct visualization of catheter-induced lesions after ablation procedures which helps in assessing therapy success and can also assist in the early detection of procedure-related complications. Furthermore, with the implementation of cardiac MRI it appears possible to assess the stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. Promising future developments will allow individualized therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation in addition to improving safety and procedure results after ablation.

[Use of cardiac MRI in the field of electrophysiology. Present status and future aspects]. / Einsatz der kardialen MRT in der Elektrophysiologie. Aktueller Stand und Ausblicke in die Zukunft.

In recent years, ablation therapy has become the first-line treatment of modern electrophysiology in patients with cardiac arrhythmias. Today, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) is an important supportive imaging technique in the implementation of complex electrophysiological investigations and ablation therapy. In clinical routine, cMRI is used not only to generate accurate three-dimensional (3D) models of cavities of the heart but also for visualization of complex anatomical structures. The development of cMRI makes it possible to detect the underlying substrate of complex arrhythmias such as myocardial scar in patients with ventricular tachycardia or the structural remodeling of the left atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation. The opportunity of fusion of the different imaging modalities (e.g., fluoroscopy, cMRI) has become essential for the planning and the implementation of a safe ablation therapy. The possibility of direct visualization of induced lesions using cMRI after and in the long term after ablation can predict the success of therapy and detects potential complications. The continuous research in the field of cMRI and the development of MRI-compatible pacing and ablation catheters provided the basics for performing electrophysiological treatment in humans directly inside the MRI. The implementation of ablation using exact visualization of the anatomical substrate, precise catheter navigation and real-time visualization of lesions in cMRI promises to improve success rates and the safety of complex ablation treatment and may revolutionize electrophysiology in the future.