Circumflex coronary artery to left atrium fistula caused by mitral isthmus ablation
Calvin H C Hsieh1, Simon O'Connor2, David L Ross1
1Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Insights
Mitral isthmus ablation for atrial fibrillation can rarely cause left circumflex artery to left atrium fistulas. This case highlights successful closure of such a fistula using a covered stent, preventing further complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Mitral isthmus ablation is a key procedure for managing persistent atrial fibrillation and specific atrial flutter types.
- Ensuring procedural safety is paramount during catheter ablation techniques.
Observation:
- A rare complication occurred during mitral isthmus ablation: a fistula formed between the left circumflex artery and the left atrium.
- The patient presented with symptoms of myocardial ischemia secondary to this arteriovenous fistula.
Findings:
- The arteriovenous fistula between the left circumflex artery and left atrium was diagnosed following the ablation procedure.
- The symptomatic ischemia was directly attributed to the newly formed fistula.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for serious vascular complications during mitral isthmus ablation.
- Prompt diagnosis and endovascular intervention with a covered stent can effectively manage such fistulas.
- Highlights the importance of vigilance for rare complications in electrophysiology procedures.
Abstract:
Mitral isthmus ablation is an important component of catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation and mitral isthmus dependent flutters. We describe a case where mitral isthmus ablation caused a fistula between the left circumflex artery and the left atrium and symptomatic ischaemia. The fistula was successfully closed with a covered stent.
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