Re-definition of Blanking Period in Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of
Atrial Fibrillation in the Contact Force Era
Abstract
Introduction: Early recurrence (ER) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is
defined as the recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias within 3 months
after AF ablation, however, this definition is based on data from the
era of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA), without contact force
(CF) technology. We investigated the significance of ER as a risk factor
for late recurrence (LR) in paroxysmal AF (PAF) patients treated with CF
and non-CF-guided ablation. Methods and Results: We studied 395 patients
with PAF who underwent RFCA. Of these, 97 patients underwent RFCA
without CF technology (Non-CF group) and 298 underwent with CF
technology (CF group). Over a 2-year post-ablation follow-up period, LR
occurred in 54 of 97 (55.7%) patients in the Non-CF group, and in 105
of 298 (35.2%) patients in the CF group. ER had a more significant
relationship with LR in the CF than in the Non-CF group, and all
patients in the CF group with ER in the 3rd month developed LR.
Conclusion: ER in PAF patients who have undergone CF-guided ablation
have a greater risk of LR than those who have undergone non-CF-guided
ablation. ER in the 3rd month after CF-guided ablation may indicate an
absolute risk of LR. Blanking period could be defined as 2 months in the
CF era.