[Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: an update from the most important trials].

The treatment of atrial fibrillation has greatly changed over the past decade. Following the pivotal observation by Haissaguerre et al. who showed the relevance of ectopic beats in the initiation of atrial fibrillation, percutaneous catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation has evolved as the most effective therapeutic option for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The aim of this review is to analyze the role of catheter ablation in the management of atrial fibrillation on the basis of the most important trials published so far. A brief mention to complications and strategies for their early detection is also made.