Arrhythmias in Patients with Atrial Defects

Atrial arrhythmias are common in patients with atrial septal defects. A myriad of factors are responsible for these that include remodeling related to the defect and scar created by the repair or closure. An understanding of potential arrhythmias, along with entrainment and high-density activation mapping can result in accurate diagnosis and successful ablation. Atrial fibrillation is being seen increasingly after patent foramen ovale closure and may be the primary etiology of recurrent stroke in these patients.