Long duration of radiofrequency energy delivery is an independent predictor of clinical recurrence after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: Over 500 cases experience

Jaemin Shim, Boyoung Joung, Jae Hyung Park, Jae Sun Uhm, Moon Hyoung Lee, Hui Nam Pak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Although radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is an effective rhythm control strategy, there is a substantial amount of recurrence. We explored the predictors of AF recurrence after RFCA with consistent ablation strategy. Methods and results: This study included 575 patients (77% male, 56 ± 11 years old) with AF (65.7% paroxysmal AF [PAF], 34.3% persistent AF [PeAF]) who underwent RFCA. We evaluated the clinical, serological, and electrophysiological parameters thereof. Results: 1. During 15 ± 7 months of follow-up, patients who experienced AF recurrence (21.8%) were older (58 ± 10 vs. 55 ± 11 years old, p = 0.019) and more likely to have PeAF (50.4% vs. 29.4%, p < 0.001) and greater LA volume (137.3 ± 49.1 vs. 116.6 ± 37.9 mL, p < 0.001). 2. In patients with clinical recurrence after RFCA, both ablation time (110.1 ± 43.8 vs. 92.3 ± 30.1 min, p < 0.001) and procedure time (222.7 ± 79.6 vs. 205.8 ± 58.8 min, p < 0.001) were prolonged, and the early recurrence rate within 3 months of the procedure was higher (63.0% vs. 26.4%, p < 0.001) than those without clinical recurrence. 3. In logistic regression analysis, LA volume (OR 1.008, CI 1.001-1.014), ablation time (per quartile, OR 1.380, CI 1.031-1.847), and early recurrence (OR 3.858, CI 2.420-6.150) were independent risk factors for recurrence of AF after RFCA. Conclusion: In this single center consistent study of over 500 cases of AF ablation, patients with AF recurrence had a larger atrium, longer ablation time, and a higher chance of early recurrence than those remained in sinus rhythm. Inadvertent, long duration of ablation was an independent predictor of worse clinical outcomes after catheter ablation of AF.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2667-2672
Number of pages6
JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology
Volume167
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by a grant ( A085136 ) from the Korea Health 21 R&D Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare , and a grant ( 2010‐0010537 ) from the Basic Science Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Korea . The authors of this manuscript have certified that they comply with the Principles of Ethical Publishing in the International Journal of Cardiology.

Keywords

  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Catheter ablation
  • Recurrence
  • Risk factor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Long duration of radiofrequency energy delivery is an independent predictor of clinical recurrence after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: Over 500 cases experience'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this