Conversion of atrial fibrillation after mitral valve valvuloplasty
Goedel-Meinen, L.
Fortschritte der Medizin 112(9): 126-128
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-8178 PMID: 8194828 Document Number: 433671
As in the case described here, thromboembolism originating in the heart may indicate stenosis of the mitral valve. In addition to the risk of an embolism, increased by factor 17 in the case of rheumatic mitral valve disease, such patients have hemodynamic problems, in particular resulting from the loss of active atrial contraction in atrial fibrillation. Surgical correction of a mitral stenosis can be delayed for years by balloon valvuloplasty. Following decompression achieved in this way, cardioversion to sinus rhythm may be worth attempting, even when the atria are clearly dilated.