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Updated: Dec 14, 2025
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Sutureless technique using the left atrial appendage for left pulmonary vein occlusion after catheter ablation
Naohiro Wakabayashi1, Aina Hirofuji2, Natsuya Ishikawa2
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Midorigaoka Higashi 2-1-1-1, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan. wkbys_1234@hotmail.co.jp.
Background:
Pulmonary vein stenosis or occlusion is a rare but one of the most devastating complications after catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias, and surgical repair is an option in severe cases. The sutureless technique, which avoids direct suture of vessel walls, was initially described for congenital pulmonary vein stenosis and has been widely performed due to its good restenosis-free rate.
Case Presentation:
A 52-year-old male developed left pulmonary vein occlusion after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. The surgical repair with sutureless technique using the left atrial appendage was performed without any complications. Postoperative computed tomography demonstrated the revascularization of the pulmonary vein.
Conclusions:
The sutureless technique using the left atrial appendage is significantly reasonable particularly in case of left pulmonary vein stenosis or occlusion after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation since it reduces the risks of restenosis and thromboembolism.
