Key result
PPG telemonitoring after PVI linked to ~80% fewer unplanned clinic visits versus standard care.
Why the study?
Multiple methods exist to detect recurrent AF after PVI, but whether telemonitoring using photoplethysmography is feasible for post-PVI follow-up remained unknown.
Does telemonitoring with photoplethysmography reduce healthcare utilization compared to traditional follow-up in patients after pulmonary vein isolation?
Observational (n=157)
No
Does telemonitoring with photoplethysmography reduce healthcare utilization compared to traditional follow-up in patients after pulmonary vein isolation?
Absolute Event Rate: 5% vs 25%
p-value: p=<0.001
A virtual AF clinic using photoplethysmography for post-ablation follow-up is feasible and significantly reduces the need for routine ECGs and Holter monitoring while maintaining high patient satisfaction.
BACKGROUND: To detect recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), different methods can be used, ranging from incidental electrocardiograms (ECGs) to rhythm monitoring with implantable loop recorders. We investigated whether telemonitoring (TM) with photoplethysmography (PPG) is feasible for post-PVI follow-up. METHODS: In total, 157 pre-PVI patients were included. Of them, 78 underwent TM at a virtual AF clinic, for which they received a PPG application and were monitored by trained eNurses. The numbers of hospital contacts, hospital visits, ECGs and Holter recordings were assessed. Patient satisfaction and quality of life were analysed. Comparisons were made with a historical control group with a traditional follow-up of outpatient visits, ECGs and Holter recordings (n = 79). RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 63 ± 10 years, and 64% were male. AF was paroxysmal in 68% of the patients. Follow-up at 1 year was completed in all patients. In the TM group, the mean ± SD annual number of recordings per patient was 16 ± 29, and AF was detected in 37 patients (47%). The TM group experienced significant decreases in the numbers of unplanned outpatient clinic visits and AF-related hospital admissions, as well as reductions in the numbers of ECGs and Holter recordings performed. Patients reported high satisfaction with this form of TM. CONCLUSION: The use of a virtual AF clinic was feasible, and satisfaction was high. Compared with patients with a traditional follow-up, patients on PPG-based TM needed fewer hospital visits and admissions and underwent fewer ECGs and Holter recordings.
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Boer et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Atrial fibrillation post-pulmonary vein isolation (n=157). Telemonitoring with photoplethysmography (PPG) at a virtual AF clinic vs. Traditional follow-up (outpatient visits, ECGs, Holter recordings) was evaluated on Patients with ≥1 unplanned outpatient clinic visits (p=<0.001). Telemonitoring with photoplethysmography after pulmonary vein isolation reduced unplanned outpatient clinic visits (5% vs 25%) and AF-related hospital admissions (1% vs 16%) versus standard care.
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