Significance of Termination of Atrial Fibrillation during the Procedure of Catheter Ablation

Abstract

Purpose: Termination of atrial fibrillation (AF) during the procedure of catheter ablation (CA) is generally considered as a successful sign. However, clinical significance is not clearly defined. Methods and Results: 83 consecutive AF patients who were treated with CA, including 18 paroxysmal AF, 26 persistent AF, and 39 patients with over 6 month lasting AF, were enrolled and followed up. Endpoint was recurrence of AF up to 6 months after CA. 51 out of 83 patients (group A) had cessation of AF during the procedure, on the other hand, remainder (n=32, group B) did not stopped. Freedom from recurrence of AF was 86% in group A, while 62% in group B (p=0.01). Conclusion: Termination of AF during the procedure is an important predictor of avoidance of recurrence.