Key result
Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage during radiofrequency catheter ablation significantly increased the risk of ischemic stroke or TIA (adjusted HR 11.3; P < 0.001).
Why the study?
Although electrical isolation of the LAA lowers AF recurrence after catheter ablation, it impairs LAA contractility, raising concern about an increased risk of ischemic stroke or TIA.
Does electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage increase the risk of ischemic stroke or TIA in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation?
Cohort (n=2,352)
No
Does electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage increase the risk of ischemic stroke or TIA in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation?
Hazard Ratio: 11.3
p-value: p=<.001
Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage during AF ablation significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke or TIA, and post-isolation LAA flow velocity is not a reliable predictor of these events.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Caution advised with LAA isolation during AF ablation; leaves open whether RCTs confirm this association.
Kim et al. (2018) conducted a cohort in Atrial fibrillation (n=2,352). Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage vs. No left atrial appendage isolation was evaluated on Ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (adjusted HR 11.3, p=<.001). Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage during radiofrequency catheter ablation significantly increased the risk of ischemic stroke or TIA (adjusted HR 11.3; P < 0.001).