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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
[Conversion of atrial fibrillation after mitral valve valvuloplasty]
1Deutsches Herzzentrum München des Freistaates Bayern.
Insights
Thromboembolism can signal mitral valve stenosis, a condition significantly increasing embolism risk. Balloon valvuloplasty offers a delay tactic, potentially allowing for cardioversion to sinus rhythm even with enlarged atria.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Thromboembolism originating in the heart can be an indicator of mitral valve stenosis.
- Rheumatic mitral valve disease elevates embolism risk by a factor of 17.
- Patients with mitral stenosis face hemodynamic challenges, notably the loss of atrial contraction in atrial fibrillation.
Observation:
- Surgical correction of mitral stenosis can be postponed using balloon valvuloplasty.
- This intervention can achieve decompression of the mitral valve.
Findings:
- Following successful balloon valvuloplasty and decompression, cardioversion to sinus rhythm can be attempted.
- This approach may be beneficial even in cases with significantly dilated atria.
Implications:
- Balloon valvuloplasty provides a temporizing measure for mitral stenosis, delaying definitive surgery.
- Restoring sinus rhythm post-decompression may improve hemodynamic function and patient outcomes.
- This strategy offers a potential pathway for managing complex mitral stenosis cases, even with atrial dilation.
Abstract:
As in the case described here, thromboembolism originating in the heart may indicate stenosis of the mitral valve. In addition to the risk of an embolism, increased by factor 17 in the case of rheumatic mitral valve disease, such patients have hemodynamic problems, in particular resulting from the loss of active atrial contraction in atrial fibrillation. Surgical correction of a mitral stenosis can be delayed for years by balloon valvuloplasty. Following decompression achieved in this way, cardioversion to sinus rhythm may be worth attempting, even when the atria are clearly dilated.
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Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
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Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

