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Updated: May 19, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Acute massive pulmonary embolism after radiofrequency catheter ablation: a rare complication after a common procedure
Chen-Ying Hung1, Tung-Chao Lin, Yu-Cheng Hsieh
1Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
Abstract:
A 41-year-old man received an electrophysiological study (EPS) and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) in our hospital. Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) with hypotension developed 9 hours after these procedures. After emergent pulmonary angiography and catheter-directed intrathrombus urokinase infusion and clot breaking, the patient recovered well. This case suggests that life-threatening PE may occur in patients who receive EPS, RFCA, or both. An adequate observation time after RFCA and clinical alertness are necessary for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Emergent catheter-directed therapy may be of benefit in some patients with acute massive PE.
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