Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Current Progress and New Challenges

Dear Colleagues,

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia seen in adults, affecting over 59 million people worldwide as of 2019. Its prevalence is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, placing an increasing burden on healthcare systems across the world. Atrial fibrillation is associated with substantial morbidity, including stroke and heart failure, as well as reduced quality of life and increased mortality.

Catheter ablation has become the cornerstone of interventional treatments for atrial fibrillation and is now performed across the world. In recent years, numerous clinical in recent years have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation. Additionally, novel technologies and treatment strategies have been introduced into clinical practice, aiming to further reduce complication rates, enhance efficacy, and alleviate the strain on healthcare systems.

Among these advancements, pulsed field ablation has been developed to minimize the incidence of thermal complications, such as oesophageal fistulas and phrenic nerve palsy, while also improving the durability of pulmonary vein isolation and, consequently, the long-term success of catheter ablation. Furthermore, innovative strategies, such as same-day discharge following catheter ablation, seek to optimize healthcare resource utilization while enhancing patient comfort and satisfaction.

This Special Issue explores the impact of emerging ablation technologies and catheter ablation strategies on atrial fibrillation, with a focus on safety, efficacy, and sustainability. It also addresses the new challenges arising in the interventional management of atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Sorin Stefan Popescu
Prof. Dr. Roland Richard Tilz
Prof. Dr. Karl-Heinz Kuck
Guest Editors

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