1. Cerebrovascular complication associated with pulmonary vein ablation.
- Author
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Kok LC, Mangrum JM, Haines DE, and Mounsey JP
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Atrial Fibrillation complications, Atrial Fibrillation epidemiology, Atrial Fibrillation surgery, Cerebrovascular Disorders epidemiology, Female, Humans, Ischemic Attack, Transient epidemiology, Ischemic Attack, Transient etiology, Male, Middle Aged, Postoperative Complications epidemiology, Risk Factors, Stroke epidemiology, Stroke etiology, Treatment Failure, Virginia, Catheter Ablation adverse effects, Cerebrovascular Disorders etiology, Postoperative Complications etiology, Pulmonary Veins surgery
- Abstract
Introduction: 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., Methods and 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., Conclusion: The risk of stroke from RF ablation may be higher in paroxysmal AF patients with prior transient ischemic attack.
- Published
- 2002
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