Noninvasive Mapping Before Surgical Ablation

The Use of Beat-to-Beat Noninvasive 3D Mapping to Study Patients Candidates for Concomitant Surgical Ablation for Persistent and Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

The purpose of this study is to assess the electrophysiological mechanism of atrial fibrillation by means of a beat-to-beat noninvasive 3D mapping method in patients with concomitant persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing surgical ablation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• legal age (18-90a)
• life expectancy > 2 years
• patients suffering from persistent and long standing atrial fibrillation
• scheduled for concomitant surgical ablation
• possibility to follow-up
• given informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• vulnerable patient groups

• pregnancy

• any previous surgical ablation

• acute surgical indications

• any physical condition that leads to a life expectancy of less than two years

• any contraindication to the treatments necessary for the trial's conduction as e.g.

  • known allergic reaction to contrast agent
  • known allergic reaction to antiarrhythmic drugs
  • claustrophobia or anxiety in small spaces
  • severe renal impairment
  • unmanageable hyperthyroidism

• participation in any other clinical trial that either excludes enrolment or may be a confounding factor to results

• voluntary retention