The importance of pulmonary vein ectopy in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF) is well recognised (1) resulting in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) forming a key component of AF ablation procedures. The success rates of PVI alone are variable, and it has been observed that persistent AF ablation success rates (40-70%) are lower than paroxysmal AF success rates (60-70%) (2). The variability in reported outcomes may reflect variation in definitions of success, intensity of monitoring and the impact of non-pulmonary vein triggers or substrates for AF. Numerous strategies comprising substrate ablation beyond PVI have been investigated with variable degrees of success (3) iterating the requirement for better, more targeted ablation approaches. This editorial discusses the Determinant of Successful Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation (DECAAF) II trial which aimed to assess the impact of PVI plus MRI-guided atrial fibrosis ablation versus PVI alone in persistent AF.
Author Heartbeat Sub-Editor: Dr Khin Kay Kay Kyaw I am currently working as cardiology specialist registrar ST6 at southwest peninsula region while also working as
Author Sub-editor: Dr Pok-Tin Tang Dr Pok-Tin Tang is an ST5 cardiology registrar in the Thames Valley deanery, currently undertaking a period of out of
Author Sub-editor: Dr May Hu Dr May Hu is a cardiology trainee in the North West deanery. She graduated with First Class Honours from the University
Author Sub-editor: Dr Jhiamluka Solano Dr Jhiamluka Solano is a cardiology resident doctor (ST6) in the Yorkshire and Humber Deanery, currently undertaking a DPhil (PhD)