Highlights
- The EMBOL-AF Global Registry is the largest global dataset quantifying symptomatic embolic events post-atrial fibrillation (AF) and left atrial flutter (AFL) ablation, with an incidence of 0.16% across 335,743 procedures.
- Cerebral embolism predominates post-ablation events, with most occurring intraprocedurally or within 72 hours, but late events beyond 72 hours remain significant, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring.
- Risk factors include nonparoxysmal AF, specific ablation energy sources—laserballoon and pulsed field ablation showing higher embolic rates—and lower center procedural experience, indicating procedural and institutional determinants.
- Catheter ablation offers superior long-term cardiovascular outcomes compared to medical therapy, yet procedural risks vary by technology; recent data illuminate PFA safety profiles differing from traditional radiofrequency ablation.
Specialty calculators
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