Silent Cerebral Embolism During Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

2012 HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for patient selection, procedural techniques, patient management and follow-up, definitions, endpoints, and research trial design

“…When considering the significance of the silent cerebral embolism that has been observed following AF ablation, it is important to note that cerebral embolism has also been observed after most types of cardiac invasive procedures, including coronary angiography, carotid artery stenting, and cardiac valve replacement [612,613]. Importantly, as of now, a direct link between silent cerebral embolism and a decline in neurocognitive function has not been proven [613,614].…”

Silent Cerebral Embolism and New Technologies for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Time to Take a Deep Breath

“…The notion that silent cerebral embolism may occur during an interventional procedure requiring manipulation of the left heart is not new 10 . Importantly, as yet no relationships have been reported between silent cerebral embolism and a decline in cognitive function 11 …”

Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

“…1 The presentation with nonspecific symptoms contributes to delays in diagnosis. Pulmonaryvein stenosis was previously a very rare entity that was mainly a primary condition and occurred in children.…”