Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
06:01
A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
14.3K
An avoidable cause of cardioembolic stroke
Declan O'Kane1, Aparna Pusalkar2, Will Topping3
1Consultant Stroke and Acute Physician, Northampton General Hospital.
Acute Medicine
|September 18, 2014
Summary
Left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation is generally safe. A rare complication involves thermal damage creating an atrial-esophageal fistula, potentially causing sepsis or embolism up to two months post-procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Device Technology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Left atrial ablation is a common treatment for atrial fibrillation.
- The procedure carries a risk of rare but serious complications.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- Thermal damage during ablation can compromise the barrier between the left atrium and esophagus.
- This can lead to the formation of an atrial-esophageal fistula.
- Symptoms may include sepsis, hemorrhage, and systemic cardioembolism.
Findings:
- Atrial-esophageal fistula can manifest up to two months after ablation.
- Transesophageal echocardiography can precipitate cardioembolism in these cases.
- The clinical presentation can mimic endocarditis or pyrexia of unknown origin.
Implications:
- This complication requires consideration in patients with specific symptoms post-ablation.
- Early recognition and diagnosis are vital for appropriate treatment.
- Awareness of this rare complication improves patient safety protocols.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
21
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
21
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
8
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
8
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
30
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
30
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
1.5K
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
1.5K
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
9
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
9
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
8
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
8