When isolating the pulmonary veins (PV), which other structure should also be isolated?

Isolating the pulmonary veins (PV) is a critical step in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly during catheter ablation procedures. The primary goal of isolating the pulmonary veins is to prevent ectopic beats originating from the pulmonary veins that can trigger AF.

Ganglionated plexuses are clusters of nerve cells that play a significant role in regulating heart function and electrical activity. These plexuses are located near the pulmonary veins, and their isolation can help minimize the risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation. By isolating the ganglionated plexuses along with the pulmonary veins, practitioners aim to create a more effective barrier against the potential triggers of AF, ultimately improving the overall success of the ablation procedure.

In contrast, while the other structures listed have importance in the overall cardiac anatomy and function, they are not directly involved in the electrical triggers associated with atrial fibrillation originating from the pulmonary veins. For instance, isolating the right atrium or the atrioventricular node does not specifically address the triggers from the pulmonary veins, and the left ventricle is not related to the atrial fibrillation triggers in this context. This makes ganglionated plexuses the correct choice, as their isolation specifically aids in the