Collateral Damage from Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Lessons Learnt in the Past Decade

Journal of Atrial Fibrillation
Wanwarang WongcharoenShih-Ann Chen

Abstract

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been increasingly performed over the past decade. Regardless of technological advances and technique improvement, catheter ablation for AF remains a highly complex procedure and the risk of procedural complications is not negligible. This article discusses the management and the approach to avoid the serious complications of catheter AF ablation including pulmonary vein stenosis, atrioesophageal fistula, cardiac tamponade, stroke and collateral nervous damage. The management of periprocedural anticoagulation and the complications associated with epicardial AF ablation are also described.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly due to stroke and thromboembolism. Here is the latest research.

Atrial Filbrillation

Atrial fibrillation refers to the abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria. Here is the latest research.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are abnormalities in heart rhythms, which can be either too fast or too slow. They can result from abnormalities of the initiation of an impulse or impulse conduction or a combination of both. Here is the latest research on arrhythmias.