What can we learn from a novel “Global Positioning System” in persistent atrial fibrillation?

Abstract

In this issue of the Journal, Ehrlich and colleagues 1 introduce a new noninvasive technology to the surgical world. Electrophysiologists have validated this ECVUE system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn) in patients to map atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias for more than 5 years. 2 The article of Ehrlich and colleagues 1 gives insight into to the surgical lesion set that is required to address persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) successfully. After all, if we are opening the chest, the freedom from AF must be high to claim a successful operation. Faith in the mapping system can be gained by looking at the Global Positioning System (GPS). 3 In the 1950s, the US Department of Defense found that tracking the position of satellites could be used to track fixed bodies on the surface of the earth. The Navstar GPS satellite constellation research project started in 1973 and launched the first 4 satellites in 1978. During the next several decades, integrated circuitry and mass production reduced the price of receivers