title: Cerebrovascular complication associated with pulmonary vein ablation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, USA.
authors.forename: Lai Chow
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Kok
authors.forename: J Michael
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Mangrum
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Haines
authors.forename: J Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Mounsey
mesh_terms: 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