Cerebrovascular complication associated with pulmonary vein ablation.
BACKGROUND
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation has become an established treatment modality for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). A principal limitation of RF catheter ablation is the risk of thromboembolism. Stroke as a complication after ablation of triggers of AF has not been previously reported.


RESULTS
Fifty-six patients underwent RF ablation for a focal source of AF. Forty-nine patients (86%) had AF triggers in > or = 1 pulmonary vein. Mean procedure time was 227 +/- 74 minutes. Cerebrovascular event occurred in 3 (5%) patients, all >60 years old. Two of the three patients had a prior history of transient ischemic attacks.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk of stroke from RF ablation may be higher in paroxysmal AF patients with prior transient ischemic attack.
Kok
Lai Chow
LC
Division of Cardiology, McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, USA.
Mangrum
J Michael
JM
Haines
David E
DE
Mounsey
J Paul
JP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014768:Virginia