Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Aug 2001
Comparative StudyAcquired pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Elimination of the initiating focus within the pulmonary vein (PV) using radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is a new treatment modality for treatment of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation. However, information on the long-term safety of RF ablation within the PV is limited. ⋯ Focal PV stenosis is observed frequently after RF catheter ablation applied within the vein, but usually is without clinical significance. However, ablation within multiple PVs might cause pulmonary hypertension and should be considered a limiting factor in this procedure.