Outcomes After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Patients With Premature Atrial Contractions Originating From Non-Pulmonary Veins.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between residual premature atrial contractions (PACs) originating from non-pulmonary veins (PVs), which do not initiate atrial fibrillation (AF), and AF recurrence after ablation.

BACKGROUND

Residual atrial ectopic beats that trigger AF from non-PVs (non-PV AF triggers) after catheter ablation are among the major causes of AF recurrence. However, little is known about the impact of non-PV PACs on AF recurrence.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 565 consecutive patients who underwent first-time AF ablation at our institution. After PV isolation, we infused isoproterenol to provoke non-PV AF triggers and/or non-PV PACs. We excluded 26 patients with non-PV AF triggers and 3 patients who underwent ablation of non-PV PACs, and finally analyzed 536 patients. Non-PV PACs were defined as ectopic beats that were constantly observed with the same intra-atrial activation patterns from non-PVs.

RESULTS

Residual non-PV PACs during the procedure were observed in 112 patients (21%). There was no significant difference in the AF recurrence rate between patients with non-PV PACs (35 of 112, 31%) and those without (145 of 424, 34%; log-rank p = 0.69), during a median follow-up of 670 days. Age- and sex-adjusted hazards for AF recurrence were also similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The similar AF recurrence rate in patients with and without non-PV PACs suggests that the additional ablation of non-PV PACs has limited effect on AF recurrence.