Linear lesions for treating the recurrence of persistent atrial tachyarrhythmia after cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the most effective radiofrequency ablation strategy for the initial or repeated treatment of persistent atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa).

OBJECTIVE

To describe success and complication rates after the creation of left atrial (LA) linear lesions for recurrent persistent ATa following an index cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), and to identify predictors of ATa recurrence.

METHODS

During March 2013 to March 2020, we prospectively included all consecutive patients undergoing repeat procedures for the treatment of persistent ATa. Radiofrequency ablation consisting of the creation of linear lesions: a roofline, a mitral isthmus and/or septal line, and a cavotricuspid isthmus line. All patients were prospectively followed up for ATa recurrence.

RESULTS

Overall, 133 patients underwent 170 procedures after initial cryoballoon PVI (n=715). At least one pulmonary vein reconnection was observed in 60 patients (45.1%), all of whom underwent successful re-disconnection. After all the procedures, >90% of patients had a lesion pattern consisting of a roofline, a mitral isthmus and/or septal line, and a cavotricuspid isthmus line. ATa was terminated in 41 patients (35%). There were three cases of tamponade (3/170 procedures, 1.8%). Ninety-two patients (69.2%) were in sinus rhythm after a median (interquartile range) of 36 (21-53) months since the index cryoballoon PVI. Diagnosis-to-ablation time and LA area were predictors of recurrence in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

The creation of linear lesions is a safe and effective treatment strategy for the recurrence of persistent ATa after cryoballoon PVI. Longer diagnosis-to-ablation time and larger LA area were predictive of ATa recurrence.