Early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmia after atrial fibrillation ablation are perceived to occur in 25% of patients, with most electrophysiologists adhering to a 90-day blanking period.
Cross-Sectional (n=436)
How do electrophysiologists define and manage the blanking period and early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias after atrial fibrillation ablation?
A European survey demonstrates general adherence to a 90-day blanking period after atrial fibrillation ablation, with early recurrences typically managed conservatively.
Absolute Event Rate: 30% vs 20%
p-value: p=<0.001
The use of a blanking period (BP) after an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedure is a common practice, but recent data questions the benign nature of early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias (ERATs). A physician-based survey was carried out by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) to investigate the current definition and applicability of BP and ERAT management. An online questionnaire was sent to clinical and interventional electrophysiologists. A total of 436 respondents (88% interventional electrophysiologists) reported observing ERATs in 25% (interquartile range 15-35) of patients, less commonly in paroxysmal AF (PAF) compared with persistent AF (persAF). The median reported duration of BP used by respondents was 90 days, with 22% preferring a shorter BP duration for PAF patients compared with persAF. Half of the patients with ERATs are expected to also experience late recurrences (LR). Isolated episodes of ERATs are treated conservatively by 99% of the respondents, but repeat ablation during the BP is preferred by 20% of electrophysiologists for multiple ERATs and by 16% in patients with organized atrial tachyarrhythmias. In conclusion, ERATs are commonly observed after AF ablation, particularly in persAF patients, and are perceived as predictors of LR by half of the respondents. A general adherence to a 90-day BP duration was observed. During this time period, ERAT is mainly treated conservatively, but repeat ablation during the BP is occasionally offered to patients with multiple ERATs and those with organized atrial tachyarrhythmias.
Bordignon et al. (Tue,) conducted a cross-sectional in Atrial Fibrillation (n=436). Blanking period after AF ablation was evaluated on Perceived rate of early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) in persistent AF vs paroxysmal AF (p=<0.001). Early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmia after atrial fibrillation ablation are perceived to occur in 25% of patients, with most electrophysiologists adhering to a 90-day blanking period.