Abstract:

Objective To investigate the feasibility, efficiency, and safety of interventional therapy for severe pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation. Methods The clinical data of seven cases of severe pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation were retrospectively analyzed. During the course of interventional therapy, the small pulmonary arteriography and pulmonary phlebography were conducted first to detect the circumfluence path of four pulmonary veins and to determine the number, location, and extent of pulmonary vein stenosis, and then the balloon and stent technique were used to treat the stenosis. Results The interventional therapy of seven cases was successful and symptoms of all patients were improved after operation. The degree of pulmonary vein stenosis reduced; the pressure of pulmonary artery lowed; and the activity tolerance and heart function improved. Conclusion The interventional therapy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of severe pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Key words: atrial fibrillation, pulmonary vein stenosis, pulmonary phlebography