Persistent diarrhea following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: A lesser-known complication of left atrial ablation procedures

Percutaneous catheter ablation is an established intervention for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). In line with the widespread use of this technique, its complications have also received attention.1,2 Although rare, cardiac tamponade, cerebral embolism, pulmonary vein stenosis, esophageal fistulas, and other serious complications may occur. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms related to the upper GI tract, such as esophageal damage/fistula and gastric hypomotility, are well known,3,4 while lower digestive tract symptoms are less known and underestimated.