Smarter heart zaps? study tests new ablation method to reduce risks

This study tested a new, more targeted approach for a heart procedure called pulmonary vein isolation, which is used to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib). Researchers wanted to see if using a special voltage map to guide where to apply the ablation energy was as good at preventing AFib from returning as the standard method, while possibly being safer and causing less damage to nearby tissue like the esophagus. They compared the two techniques in 130 adults with AFib who were having the procedure for the first time.