Cardiology Commons^™

Is The Thomas Ring An Effective Approach To Prevent Recurrence Of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation With Advanced Atrial Fibrosis?, Ruifang Yang Md, Jose Luis Henao Md, David Goldgrab Do, Sokol Kalaveshi Md, Stephen Mester Md, Christian Perzanowski Md

Cardiology

Introduction | Objectives: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with the Thomas ring (TR, single ring posterior wall isolation) has been shown to reduce recurrence of primarily paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrosis, as an important pathophysiological contributor, is directly linked to AF recurrence and resistance to therapy. The effect of TR ablation on outcomes of persistent AF (peAF) with advanced atrial fibrosis has not been adequately studied.

Methods: Observational series of three peAF patients (Tab.) who underwent TR. The degree of atrial fibrosis was determined by electroanatomic bipolar voltage mapping (CARTO, Diamond Bar, CA, USA). The reduced voltage areas (Fig.) reflected …