ABSTRACT
Atrial Fibrillation catheter ablation is useful for symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation patients refractory or intolerant to class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs. A baseline standard 2D transthoracic echocardiogram is useful to assess LA dimensions, interatrial septum morphology, left ventricular ejection fraction, and other gross abnormalities. If real-time imaging of the esophagus is not available, it is important to move quickly whenever ablating in the posterior aspect of the left atrium regardless of the location of the esophageal probe. Vascular complications (hematomas, pseudoaneurysm, and arteriovenous fistulas) these can be easily prevented using real-time ultrasound when obtaining central venous access.
