ABSTRACT
The phrase “indications for catheter ablation” implies a scientifically based consensus among experts concerning when such procedures should be offered, and in what particular clinical scenarios. In practice, views on generally accepted indications for any procedure are dynamic and tend to change as additional knowledge is gained concerning procedural success rates and complication rates, as well as the underlying arrhythmia substrates. Professional societies periodically publish consensus statements that represent the best currently available opinions regarding indications for ablation procedures based on the state of scientific knowledge at the time and the best clinical judgment of the co-authors. Therefore, the clinician should view such published consensus statements, as well as the information contained in this chapter, as a general guide but should approach each patient individually with the best interests of the patient being paramount.
