Ask Dr. Z

This is another persistent afib patient returning for repeat ablation.

" A voltage map revealed pulmonary vein isolation from prior ablation procedure. In this context we decided to extend the line of isolation. Radiofrequency applications with 25 to 45 watts were delivered around the left and right pulmonary veins to achieve wide antral circumferential isolation. Entrance and exit block was confirmed bilaterally. High esophageal temperatures were noted while ablating the posterior aspect of the RPVs. Applications were interrupted once the temperature reached 38.5 C in the esophagus. After pulmonary vein isolation was achieved, pace capture at 10 mA x 2 ms was performed along both lesion sets. Additional radiofrequency energy was applied at the areas of capture."

If the pulmonary veins were identified as isolated from a prior ablation is the extension of the line of isolation in the presence of persistent afib still reported as 93656?