January 1, 2016Open Access
Mechanisms and clinical significance of early recurrences of atrial arrhythmias after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Key Result
Early recurrence of atrial arrhythmias after ablation predicts late recurrences, but arrhythmias may resolve in up to half of patients without immediate reintervention during the 3-month blanking period.
Structured PICO
P
Population
Patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation who experience early recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (ERAA)
ERAA is a common predictor of late ablation failure, though up to half of cases resolve within the 3-month blanking period, supporting current guidelines against immediate reintervention.
Abstract
Early recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (ERAA) after ablation is common and strongly predicts late recurrences and ablation failure. However, since arrhythmia may eventually resolve in up to half of patients with ERAA, guidelines do not recommend immediate reintervention for ERAA episodes occurring during a 3-mo post-ablation blanking period. Certain clinical demographic, electrophysiologic, procedural, and ERAA-related characteristics may predict a higher likelihood of long-term ablation failure. In this review, we aim to discuss potential mechanisms of ERAA, and to summarize the clinical significance, prognostic implications, and treatment options for ERAA.