Accurate visualization increases procedural accuracy allowing definition of ablation lines. Anatomical variations can then be taken under into consideration clarifying electro-anatomical 3D mapping. 

The top right image shows the posterior aspect of the heart on CT scan. Click the image to review the areas of interest to the EP performing a catheter ablation. The left atrium has 2 large and 1 small right pulmonary vein and a common left ostium for 2 left pulmonary veins. The coronary vein and left circumflex coronary artery are visible in the AV groove posteriorly.

Registered CT and Fluoroscopic Image of the Heart during Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation:
The center and bottom images at right show CT scans of the left atrium precisely registered on the fluoroscopic cardiac silhouette. The location of the ablation and  basket catheters are confirmed in the right superior pulmonary vein. Click the middle image to open a 3-D view of the left atrium. In this last patient, the pulmonary vasculature consists of 2 right and 2 left pulmonary veins with individual ostia.
The catheter in the coronary sinus can be seen to clearly align with the orifice of the mitral valve (grey outline). Additionally, as demonstrated in  the lower image, marks on the 3D left atrial image to demarcate ablation points.

Cutaway view of the left atrium (upper chamber) shows the location of all pulmonary veins, the mitral valve (tear shaped dark area) and the left atrial appendage. The brown dots represent the sites of ablation lesions.

Patient focused education and support:
Our website has current information about atrial fibrillation (See Facts About AF) and the AF Ablation Procedure. This information is to help patients understand the processes of the ablation.

CME opportunities: Please contact us for a list of upcoming educational offerings available by our experts and our symposia with international faculty. To reach us by email, click here. or go to our Upcoming Symposia Web Site.