Real-time imaging in left atrial mapping and ablation.

The catheter-based ablation of atrial fibrillation has been transformed greatly by the introduction of new technologies and techniques. This article describes the major advancements in real-time navigation systems, including both 3D mapping systems and 2D echocardiography. The relative strengths and weakness of these systems and their accuracy on clinical outcome is also discussed. Finally, we explore current and emerging MRI technologies that will allow the assessment of disease progression and enable procedural planning.