Persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation evolves from complex arrhythmogenic substrate and sources. Multiple studies have shown improved freedom from arrhythmia recurrences if sinus rhythm had been restored during the index ablation; however, such harder procedural endpoint requires laborious stepwise approach almost invariably pursuing non-pulmonary-vein sources. Longer-term conversion of persistent atrial fibrillation into sinus rhythm is associated with significant improvement in major indices of hemodynamic and functional status; these indices also represent major predictors of cardiovascular mortality. Optimal ablation techniques and strategies preserving most of the individual potential for functional improvement need to be established.

Department of Cardiology Center of Cardiovascular Care Brno Czech Republic Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology University Hospital Brno Czech Republic

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