A Practical Approach to Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Book excerpt: Written and edited by expert electrophysiologists, this book is a practical, well-illustrated guide to the most successful techniques for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. While other texts address ablation of different arrhythmias, this is the first book to focus specifically on atrial fibrillation. Chapters explain how to establish programs and laboratories for treating atrial fibrillation; use complex imaging modalities and guidance systems; implement a variety of catheter-based ablation strategies, either isolated or in tandem; monitor the ablated patient's course for complications and arrhythmia recurrence; and manage these problems should they arise. The chapters on lab staffing and equipment, pre-procedure preparation, and post-procedure care will be of special interest to paraprofessionals such as lab nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. More than 200 diagrams, photographs, and other illustrations demonstrate the techniques.