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| AATS/NHLBI: Cardiothoracic Surgery Exploring Collaborative Clinical Research Opportunities |
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Title and Author Electrophysiologists and Surgeons: Is There a Role for Interventional Collaboration?Hugh Calkins, M.D. Abstract Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation has emerged as a standard approach for treatment of AF. It is now well established that electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins is the cornerstone for most AF ablation procedures. With current techniques and approaches reasonable clinical success can be achived in patients with paroxysmal AF who do not have significant atrial dilation. In contrast great debate exists concerning the approach to ablation of long standing persistent AF (> 12 months in AF continuously). Some EPs advocate PV isolation only. Others create linear lesions. And others ablate CAFES. Many EPs do not offer ablation to these patients. Some refer them to surgeons. Others are working on concomitant approaches whereby both the EP and surgeon work together. Key Research Gap Requiring NHLBI Leadership I have identified several important questions which I would like to see addressed as follows;
Key Citations Calkins H, Brugada J, Packer DL, Cappato R, Chen SA, Crijns HJ, Damiano RJ Jr, Davies DW, Haines DE, Haissaguerre M, Iesada Y, Jackman W, Jais P, Kottkamp H, Kuck KH, Lindsay BD, Marchlinski FE, McCarthy PM, Mont JL, Morady F, Nademanee K, Natale A, Pappone C, Prystowsky E, Raviele A, Ruskin JN, Shemin RJ. HRS/EHRA/ECAS Expert Consensus Statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for personnel, policy, procedures and follow-up. A report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Task Force on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2007 Jun;4(6):816-61. |
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Copyright © 2012 American Association for Thoracic Surgery
All rights reserved. IMPORTANT REMINDER: The preceding information is intended only to provide
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It is very important that you consult a doctor about any specific medical problem or question.
All rights reserved. IMPORTANT REMINDER: The preceding information is intended only to provide
general guidance and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case.
It is very important that you consult a doctor about any specific medical problem or question.