Talk like a duck, walk like a duck: A cardiac surgeon's understanding of complex imaging in the management of atrial fibrillation.

Abstract

The treatment of atrial fibrillation continues to evolve. The Heart Team Hybrid Ablation Approach is the latest iteration of Electrophysiology and Arrythmia surgeon collaboration that is focused on the treatment of complex (persistent and long-standing persistent) atrial fibrillation patients. Critical to this team approach is the ability to converse regarding atrial anatomy, atrial substrate and transmurality of ablation lesions. The cornerstone of these dialogs is advanced imaging techniques including; transesophageal echocardiography, enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, endocardial voltage mapping, and epicardial electrogram mapping. We herein review these techniques and their clinic implications.