Cerebrovascular complication associated with pulmonary vein ablation

Stroke and PV Ablation. 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 greater than or equal to1 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.