What does CFAE stand for in the context of atrial fibrillation treatments?

In the context of atrial fibrillation treatments, CFAE stands for Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms. This term refers to a specific type of electrical signal detected in the atria during atrial fibrillation. The presence of complex fractionated electrograms is associated with areas of the atrium that may contribute to the persistence of atrial fibrillation. Identifying and targeting these areas can be crucial in catheter ablation procedures, which aim to restore normal heart rhythm.

In practice, clinicians may analyze CFAE to guide their ablation strategy, as the regions exhibiting these electrograms often indicate sites of reentrant circuits or other arrhythmogenic foci. This understanding helps in effectively eliminating triggering sources of atrial fibrillation, enhancing the overall outcomes of the treatment. The other options presented do not accurately represent the acronym CFAE or its relevance in atrial fibrillation management.