Pulmonary vein stenosis after atrial fibrillation ablation

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is an uncommon but devastating complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Patients are often misdiagnosed due to non-specific symptoms and the challenges of visualising the pulmonary veins on standard chest imaging. Delays in treatment result in worsening symptoms and pulmonary venous occlusion. The optimal method of intervening for PVS has not been well established. Restenosis after successful intervention is common, warrants active surveillance, and is the focus of research into prevention and management strategies. In this article we review the existing literature on PVS, and discuss our own experience in managing patients with severe PVS.