Advances in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Dear Colleagues,

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is undergoing a transformative evolution, fueled by rapid innovation in energy delivery, mapping technologies, and data integration. This Special Issue invites original research, reviews, and clinical insights that explore the latest technological and procedural advances in the field, with a special focus on pulsed field ablation (PFA) and intelligent mapping strategies.

PFA has emerged as a nonthermal, tissue-selective energy source with the potential to redefine the safety and efficiency of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Both point-by-point and single-shot PFA systems are now being integrated into clinical workflows, offering shorter procedure times, enhanced tissue selectivity, and growing applicability for more complex atrial substrate modification.

Simultaneously, the field is seeing the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools to support real-time mapping, signal interpretation, and personalized ablation strategies. These technologies promise to augment clinical decision-making, streamline procedures, and refine patient selection, especially in cases of persistent AF and non-pulmonary vein triggers. Together with high-resolution electroanatomical mapping, these advances support a growing trend toward the “map more, ablate less” approach—favoring precision and individualized therapy over empiricism.

This Special Issue encourages contributions from clinician-scientists, electrophysiologists, and biomedical engineers working at the intersection of ablation therapy, imaging, AI, and device development. Topics of interest include the following:

• Clinical experience and innovation in PFA (point-by-point and single-shot);
• Advanced mapping techniques for complex arrhythmias;
• AI-driven signal analysis, mapping, or procedural guidance;
• Integration of mapping and energy delivery systems;
• Comparative studies of PFA vs. thermal ablation;
• Translational work bridging engineering solutions with clinical application.

We welcome your submissions to help shape the future of atrial fibrillation therapy and contribute to the collective progress of this fast-moving and highly innovative field.

Dr. Alexandru Bejinariu
Dr. Obaida Rana
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Bioengineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• complex arrhythmias
• pulmonary vein isolation
• pulsed field ablation
• electroanatomical mapping