Complications in the catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: incidence and management.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation is widely performed as an effective treatment for recurrent, drug-resistant atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, various types of ablation strategies, such as extensive encircling pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, linear ablation and complex fractionated electrogram-guided ablation, have been used to achieve a high efficacy for all types of AF. However, several complications (thromboembolic events, PV stenosis and atrio-esophageal fistula etc) with an incidence of 3.9-6%, have been reported. It is important to understand the incidence, prevention and management of complications in order to develop safe ablation strategies.
Takahashi
Atsushi
A
Cardiovascular Center, Yokosuka Kyousai Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan. atsushija@aol.com
Kuwahara
Taishi
T
Takahashi
Yoshihide
Y
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011668:Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy