The impact of real-time three dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography before transcatheter radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with prosthetic mechanical mitral valve

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia following valvular heart surgery. Radiofrequence catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with prothetic mechanical mitral valve is feasible and relatively safe in experienced center. Implementation of real-time three dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography in atrial fibrillation can demonstrate on-line left atrial and left atrial appendix spontaneous echo contrast and thrombus. This condition makes the electrophysiologist allerted for the expected complications.