[Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation]. / Ablation par radiofréquence de la fibrillation atriale.

The mainstay of treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains pharmacological, however, catheter ablation, since an early attempt in 1994 has undergone many evolutions up to the present day whereby it has taken an increasing place in the management of this arrhythmia. In paroxysmal AF, the most recent studies report a success rate of more than 80% at 1 year of follow-up after a single procedure (free of symptoms without antiarrhythmic drugs). In persistent AF the technique continues to evolve with a success rates between 70% and 95% even if several long and complex procedures are often needed, which are not without risk, to achieve these results. With constant improvement in this field catheter ablation has become a valuable tool in the management strategy of AF.

[Rhythm control - cardioversion]. / Contrôle du rythme sinusal - Cardioversion.

In case of persistent and symptomatic atrial fibrillation, a pharmacological cardioversion under effective anticoagulation treatment may be performed according to current guidelines. In the absence of return to sinus rhythm, a Direct-Current cardioversion can be performed. After returning to sinus rhythm will arise the question of anticoagulation and antiarrhythmic drugs treatments that will be most often long-term pursued.