One-year outcomes of focal pulsed-field ablation for redo procedures in atrial fibrillation and atypical flutter.

BACKGROUND

Redo ablation procedures are frequently required in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) and atypical atrial flutter following initial pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). While focal pulsed-field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a promising nonthermal alternative, data on its long-term efficacy and safety in redo procedures remain limited. This study evaluates the 1-year outcomes of focal PFA in redo ablations for AF and atypical flutter, focusing on arrhythmia recurrence, procedural success, and safety.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients undergoing redo ablation with focal PFA at a single center. Procedural endpoints included acute and chronic procedural success, additional ablation line integrity, and complication rates. Arrhythmia recurrence was assessed via ECG and 24-h Holter monitoring at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Complete PVI and bidirectional block of all additional ablation lines were confirmed in all cases at the end of the procedure. During the 1-year follow-up, 29.63% of patients experienced arrhythmia recurrence. Among patients undergoing a further redo ablation, reconnections were most frequently observed in the anterior mitral line, suggesting challenges in lesion durability in this region. The overall complication rate was low (1.85%), with one case of coronary vasospasm during cavotricuspid isthmus ablation.

CONCLUSION

Focal PFA appears to be a feasible and safe option for redo ablations in AF and atypical flutter, with high acute success rates and acceptable arrhythmia control at 1 year. However, lesion durability, especially for complex lines, remains a limitation, underscoring the need for optimization and further prospective evaluation against thermal ablation.