**Clinical Significance of Arrhythmogenic Foci in Atrial Fibrillation**

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Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/60646

#### **Abstract**

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is initiated by pulmonary vein (PV) and non-PV foci, which could be associated with initiating and maintaining AF. The development of the re‐ modeling process and preexistent anatomical structures are likely to relate to the structural and electrophysiological changes in the PVs and non-PV area, which could promote the local conduction abnormalities and cause an increased PV/non-PV arrhythmogenicity. In this section, we assessed the features and relating factors of PV/non-PV arrhythmogenicity in patients with AF and evaluated its clinical im‐ plication. As a result, we realized the atrial anatomical features, such as the left at‐ rial roof shape, left lateral ridge, and Marshall vein provided us with an understanding of PV and non-PV arrhythmogenicity in patients with AF. In addi‐ tion, the presence of residual arrhythmogenic non-PV foci is associated with in‐ creased AF recurrence after catheter ablation; therefore, the information of arrhythmogenic foci (AMF) is also useful for determining the appropriate strategy of ablation for AF.

**Keywords:** atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation, arrhythmogenic foci, structural re‐ modeling, Marshall bundle
