Key result
Radiofrequency ablation for a focal source of atrial fibrillation was associated with a 5% rate of cerebrovascular events, with higher risk in patients with prior transient ischemic attack.
Why the study?
Does radiofrequency ablation cause cerebrovascular events in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
Observational (n=56)
Does radiofrequency ablation cause cerebrovascular events in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
Radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation carries a risk of cerebrovascular complications, which may be higher in older patients with a history of transient ischemic attacks.
May warrant periprocedural caution in older AF ablation patients with prior TIA; hypothesis-generating and leaves risk magnitude open for prospective study.
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.
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Kok et al. (2002) conducted an observational in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n=56). Radiofrequency (RF) ablation was evaluated on Cerebrovascular event. Radiofrequency ablation for a focal source of atrial fibrillation was associated with a 5% rate of cerebrovascular events, with higher risk in patients with prior transient ischemic attack.
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