Fehmi Keçe

Abstract The number of patients with atrial fibrillation currently referred for catheter ablation is increasing. However, the number of trained operators and the capacity of many EP labs are limited. Accordingly, a steeper learning curve and technical advances for efficient and safe ablation are desirable. During the last decades several catheter-based ablation devices have been developed and adapted to improve not only lesion durability, but also safety profiles, to shorten procedure time and to reduce radiation exposure. The goal of this review is to summarize the reported incidence of complications, considering device related specific aspects for point-by-point, multi-electrode and balloon-based devices for pulmonary vein isolation. Recent technical and procedural developments aiming at reducing procedural risks and complications rates will be reviewed. In addition, the impact of technical advances on procedural outcome, procedural length and radiation exposure will be discussed.