Complications of catheter ablation: incidence, diagnosis and clinical management

Abstract

Catheter ablation is a well-recognized treatment for a number of cardiac arrhythmias. Initially used to treat supraventricular tachycardia, this technique is now also widely used to treat ventricular arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. This review aims to describe all the possible types of complication related to this invasive procedure. Definitions according to the current guidelines are provided, as are some details on the frequency of complications and how to diagnose and treat them appropriately. Finally, each section of the review provides guidance on how to prevent the complications associated with catheter ablation.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Cardiac electrophysiology; Complications; Supraventricular tachycardia; Ventricular arrhythmias.