Current strategies of non-pharmacological therapy for persistent atrial fibrillation

Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is associated with increased risk of mortality, stroke, and decreased quality of life and sports endurance. With progress in AF pathogenesis understanding and human engineering techniques, different non-pharmacological therapies, such as interventional pulmonary vein isolation and extra linear ablation beyond the pulmonary vein are taken but results have been inadequate in maintaining sinus rhythm. The higher risk of surgical trauma, complexity in operation and post-operation complications restrict clinical promotion of surgical treatment. Several studies have shown some improvements in patients with persistent AF undergoing hybrid surgical and catheter ablation. This investigation summarizes recent progress in non-pharmacological therapy for persistent atrial fibrillation.