Angioplasty of acquired pulmonary vein stenosis using covered stent.

One of the most serious complications post-catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is the development of pulmonary vein stenosis. Controversy currently exists about the optimal treatment approach. The use of balloons and larger stents (~10 mm) results in more optimal outcome than just balloon angioplasty alone; however, even with stent implantation, recurrent restenosis may occur in 30 to 50% of patients. We report the case of a 28-year-old man who developed recurrent left inferior pulmonary vein stenosis following radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. This was initially stented with good result but soon after developed restenosis and required balloon angioplasty. Following the third episode of restenosis, stenting of the pulmonary vein was performed using a covered stent. The pulmonary vein has remained patent for the last 5 years.