Publication
Title
Dynamic changes of left atrial substrate over time following pulmonary vein isolation : the Progress-AF study
Author
Abstract
Aims Little is known about dynamic changes of the left atrial (LA) substrate over time in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aims to evaluate substrate changes following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).Methods and results In our prospective observational study, consecutive patients undergoing first PVI-only and redo ablation were included. High-density maps of the two procedures were compared. Progression or regression was diagnosed if a significant concordant decrease or increase in bipolar voltages in >= 2 segments was observed, respectively. In 28 patients (61.2 +/- 9.5 years, 39% female, 53.5% persistent AF), 111.013 voltage points from 56 high-density LA maps (1.982 points/patient) were analysed. Comparing the high-density maps of the first and second procedures, in the progression group (17 patients, 61%), there was a decrease in global (-35%, P < 0.001) and all regional voltages. In the regression group (11 patients, 39%), there was an increase in global (+43%, P < 0.001) and regional voltages. Comparing the progression with the regression group, the area of low-voltage zone (LVZ) increased (+3.5 vs. -4.5 cm(2), P < 0.001) and LA activation time prolonged (+8.0 vs. -9.1 ms, P = 0.005). Baseline clinical parameters did not predict progression or regression. In patients with substrate progression, pulmonary veins (PVs) were more frequently isolated (P = 0.02) and the AF pattern at recurrence was more frequently persistent (P = 0.005).Conclusion Our study describes bidirectional dynamic properties of the LA substrate with concordant either progressive or regressive changes. Regression occurs with reduced AF burden after the first procedure, while progression is associated with persistent AF recurrence despite durable PV isolation. The dynamic nature of LA substrate poses questions about LVZ-based ablation strategies.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Europace. - Oxford
Publication
Oxford : 2023
ISSN
1099-5129
DOI
10.1093/EUROPACE/EUAD299
Volume/pages
25 :11 (2023) , p. 1-8
Article Reference
euad299
ISI
001101434100005
Pubmed ID
37787610
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 04.12.2023
Last edited 03.07.2024
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