Operative mortality has not been observed in our department, a 0,05 % risk is a reasonable estimation by analogy to other catheter procedures. The other risks associated with AF catheter ablation are: bleeding in the pericardial bag surrounding the heart and requiring drainage (~ 0.5%), embolic event (0.2%) and groin access hematoma (4%). There is no risk of ablation causing AV node damage, which would require pacemaker implantation. World-wide there have been deaths reported by creation of a fistula with the esophagus, using high energy power (50 watts) or general anesthesia, manifesting beyond 2 days of the procedure. We have not observed this complication.

 

Pulmonary vein narrowing, if it did occur, would not usually cause symptoms. Out of 10500 patients treated in our institution, 7 developed symptoms due to PV narrowing (> 70 % of lumen diameter) and required angioplasty and stenting.

 

The above risks compare very favorably to the reported complication rates associated with AF and long-term use of antiarrhythmic drug and anticoagulants.