Key Points
- To examine the histologic changes in the heart and conduction system after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in a unique case.
- Performed a detailed pathological examination of the heart and conduction system from a 64-year-old male post-catheter ablation.
- Assessed histological features including inflammatory cells, fibrosis, and structural changes in the heart anatomy.
- The heart displayed hypertrophy and enlargement with considerable fibrosis in the atria, bundle, and bundle branches.
- Chronic inflammatory cells were present, particularly around the AV node, which showed isolation from the atria.
- Substantial fibrosis was observed in the summit of the ventricular septum.
Structured PICO
PPopulation1 64-year-old male who had catheter ablation of the atrioventricular (AV) junction for intractable atrial fibrillation and died of congestive heart failure 3 years and 8 months later.
IInterventionCatheter ablation of the atrioventricular (AV) junction
OOutcomeHistologic findings of the heart and the conduction system
This case report provides the first detailed long-term histological evidence of the sequelae of AV junction catheter ablation, showing extensive fibrosis and fatty metamorphosis isolating the AV node.