Percutaneous Closure of Persistent Atrial Septal Defects After Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation to treat atrial fibrillation requires trans-septal puncture. This creates a small iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD). In most patients, the defect spontaneously closes after 3–6 months. However, persistent iASDs can cause hemodynamic changes and adverse consequences from inter-atrial shunting. Persistent post PVI iASDs that are clinically significant can be closed percutaneously. This diagnosis should be considered in patients with worsening dyspnea or fatigue after PVI. We present a case of post PVI iASDs causing immediate or late onset hemodynamic changes and clinical symptoms, which improved after ASD closure. We provide a review of previously reported cases and literature on post PVI ASD prevalence, risk factors and outcomes after ASD closure.