Radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation using 3d mapping system navigation: first single-centre experience in North Africa

Introduction: We report the first single-centre experience in Tunisia with the navigation system in an unselected subset of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
Material and Methods: Data were recorded prospectively of all consecutive patients who underwent atrial fibrillation ablation with radiofrequency and 3D mapping navigation system at the Aberrahman Mami Hospital, in Tunisia, in North Africa, from January 2010 to December 2013. Outcomes were defined every three months.
Results: A total of 35 patients were included: 77% had paroxysmal AF, 17% had persistent AF and 6% had longstanding persistent AF. The mean procedure, fluoroscopy and ablation times were 21 min +/-10 min (with extreme: 8-58 min) and 180 min respectively. The procedural endpoint of the study was successfully achieved in 98% patients. The follow up was 17.72 months.  At a median of 17.72 months follow up, 34% had atrial fibrillation recidive. Six patients had two procedures. The mean of procedure was 1.2 per patient.  74% were AF-free off anti-arrhythmic drugs AADs, and 89% were AF-free on AADs.
Conclusion: The 3D mapping navigation system offers a safe and effective approach for the treatment of AF in Tunisia. This benefit is long-lasting and important in the management of Tunisian patients who present atrial fibrillation.