Key result
Very early AF recurrence post-cryoablation links to better late rhythm outcomes than later recurrence.
Why the study?
The clinical impact of very early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (VERAF) after cryoballoon ablation (CBA) remains unclear.
Does very early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (VERAF) after cryoballoon ablation predict late recurrence of AF in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
Cohort (n=236)
No
Does very early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (VERAF) after cryoballoon ablation predict late recurrence of AF in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
p-value: p=0.032
Very early recurrence of AF (within 48 hours) after cryoballoon ablation is less predictive of late recurrence than recurrences occurring between 48 hours and 3 months, but is associated with a higher incidence of non-pulmonary vein triggers.
VERAF after cryoballoon ablation warrants cautious monitoring rather than reintervention; leaves open distinct mechanisms from late-ERAF in paroxysmal AF.
BACKGROUND: Although much has been discussed about the early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) after cryoballoon ablation (CBA), the clinical impact of very early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (VERAF) after CBA remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of VERAF after CBA. METHODS: We enrolled 236 consecutive patients who underwent an initial CBA for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation between February 2017 and December 2020 in our hospital. These patients were categorized into three groups: VERAF group who experienced an initial recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia within 48 h after CBA, late-ERAF (LERAF) group who experienced an initial recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia between 48 h and 3 months after CBA, and non-ERAF (NERAF) group who did not experience a recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia within 3 months after CBA. We investigated the late recurrence of AF (LRAF, defined as recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia more than 3 months after CBA), and the incidence of non-pulmonary vein (PV) triggers in the patients who experienced a repeat ablation procedure due to LRAF. RESULTS: VERAF group had a higher incidence of freedom from LRAF than LERAF group (p = 0.032) and a lower incidence of freedom from LRAF than NERAF group (p = 0.002). Moreover, VERAF group had the highest incidence of non-PV triggers at repeat ablation procedure among the three groups (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: While ERAF was a predictor of LRAF, VERAF was less related to LRAF among the patients with ERAF after CBA. Furthermore, VERAF might be associated with non-PV triggers.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ukita et al. (2022) conducted a cohort in Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n=236). Very early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (VERAF) vs. Late early recurrence (LERAF) and no early recurrence (NERAF) was evaluated on Late recurrence of atrial fibrillation (LRAF) (p=0.032). Very early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after cryoballoon ablation was associated with higher freedom from late recurrence compared to late-ERAF (p=0.032) but lower than non-ERAF (p=0.002).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: