Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · May 2008
Case ReportsLife-threatening left atrial wall hematoma secondary to a pulmonary vein laceration: an unusual complication of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Several complications may occur during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). We report an unusual case of left atrial wall hematoma without pericardial effusion secondary to a right inferior pulmonary vein (PV) laceration. The use of real-time transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during the procedure can be useful for early detection of this potentially lethal complication. ⋯ Left atrial wall hematoma without pericardial effusion is a rare and life-threatening complication after catheter-based AF ablation. TEE is a valuable monitoring tool to accurately diagnose several acute complications and prompt rapid intervention.