Stent-Ablasion

[Stevarino]

If an A-Fibber has obstructive blockages would stenting the blockages make an ablation unnecessary? In other words, would the irregularity of the beat be corrected by the increased blood flow?

[Darcy Green Conaway, MD]

It is possible that the atrial fibrillation is "ischemic" in origin, meaning that it is being caused by the blockages and may go away if they are fixed. It is also possible that it is a separate issue and will remain afterwards-- sorry to be so vague but there is no good answer for this one!

[freebird6333]

A related discussion, Heart lesions was started.

[kenkeith]

What is the physiological etiology going from occluded coronary vessels to A-fib?
Understood occlusion reduces blood/oxygen to the heart muscles increasing the heart's workload.  We know an overworked heart can/will increase in size and that will impair contractility (Frank/Starling phenomon) and reduce cardiac output.
     When and what causes excessive electrical impulses required for A-fib in the above scenario?  Or is there another chain of events that triggers A-fib?  Thanks.