Silent brain lesions due to thrombogenicity of the procedure represent recognized side effects of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. Embolic risk is higher if anticoagulation is inadequate and recent studies suggest that uninterrupted anticoagulation, ACT levels above 300 seconds and administration of a pre-transeptal bolus of heparin might significantly reduce the incidence of silent cerebral ischemia (SCI) to 2%.

Asymptomatic new lesions during AF ablation should suggest worse neuropsychological outcome as a result of the association between silent cerebral infarcts and increased long-term risk of dementia in non-ablated AF patients. However, the available data are discordant. To date, no study has definitely linked post-operative asymptomatic cerebral events to a decline in neuropsychological performance. Larger volumes of cerebral lesions have been associated with cognitive decline but are uncommon findings acutely in post-ablation AF patients. Of note, the majority of acute lesions have a small or medium size and often regress at a medium-term follow-up.

Successful AF ablation has the potential to reduce the risk of larger SCI that may be considered as part of the natural course of AF. Although the long-term implications of SCI remain unclear, it is conceivable that strategies to reduce the risk of SCI may be beneficial.