Intracardiac Doppler Echocardiographic Quantification of Pulmonary Vein Flow Velocity: An Effective Technique for Monitoring Pulmonary Vein Ostia Narrowing During Focal Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Abstract

Ostial ablation for PV isolation may induce a mild-to-moderate increase in PV flow velocity, which can be identified using an ultrasound catheter with Doppler color flow imaging. Increases in PV flow velocity (<158 cm/sec) after a primary ablation procedure appear to be well tolerated, and a return toward baseline flow characteristics should be anticipated by 3 months. A more cautious approach may be required for patients undergoing repeat PV isolation.