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Atrial fibrillation ablation complications

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Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia. Although significant work still needs to be done, recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of AF have led to the development of elegant catheter mapping techniques for ablation of AF, complemented by the evolution of various imaging and navigational technologies. Due to the complexity of the arrhythmia, and the significant length of time needed to successfully ablate in the left atrium, it is imperative that an acceptable risk–benefit profile be defined. Various complications, some of them serious, have been reported in the last several years. This review addresses the potential risks of AF ablation and how to avoid some of these complications.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Brian Miller and Brian Schurrer in the preparation of illustrations and Barbara Danek in editing the manuscript.

Funding sources

There are no funding sources to disclose relating to this manuscript.

Disclosures

Dr. Sra has a research agreement with GE Healthcare.

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  1. Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Centers, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health-Milwaukee Clinical Campus, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Pkwy #777, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, USA

    Jasbir Sra

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Correspondence to Jasbir Sra.

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Sra, J. Atrial fibrillation ablation complications. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 22, 167–172 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-007-9200-3

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