Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation Outcomes Stratified by
Left Atrial Posterior Wall Isolation Lesion Set Characteristics
Abstract
Introduction: Left atrial posterior wall (LAPW) isolation is associated
with favorable outcomes for catheter ablation of persistent atrial
fibrillation (PEAF). Techniques for LAPW isolation include ablation at
the periphery with or without high density ablation within the LAPW. The
proportion of LA isolated by the lesion set also varies greatly. The
optimal technique to achieve LAPW isolation is not clear. Objective: To
assess impact of ablation lesion density within and dimensions of the
LAPW isolation region on arrhythmia recurrence in catheter ablation of
PEAF. Methods: LAPW lesion density and surface area relative to total LA
surface area were calculated using electroanatomic maps of 110
consecutive patients undergoing LAPW isolation for PEAF (CARTO 3,
Biosense Webster, Inc.). LAPW isolation was performed at the discretion
of 5 experienced operators after voltage mapping. LAPW PV entrance and
exit block were confirmed. Arrhythmia recurrence at two years was
assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: LAPW lesion density ranged
from 0% - 99%. The proportion of LA surface area isolated ranged from
35% - 75%. There was no significant difference in arrhythmia-free
survival stratified by median LAPW ablation density (31% vs. 27%,
p=0.8) or median proportion of electrically-isolated LA surface area
(31% vs. 27%, p=0.8%). Voltage map-guided LAPW isolation did not
significantly decrease arrhythmia recurrence (29% vs. 28%, p=1).
Conclusion: Neither the density of ablation within nor the dimensions of
the LAPW isolated region predicted arrhythmia-free survival for catheter
ablation of PEAF. Voltage map-guided LAPW isolation resulted in similar
ablation efficacy regardless of LA scar burden.