Catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation: patterns of recurrence and impact on quality of life and health care utilization

Rose Crowley, David Chieng, Hariharan Sugumar, Liang Han Ling, Louise Segan, Jeremy William, Sandeep Prabhu, Aleksandr Voskoboinik, Geoffrey Wong, Joseph B. Morton, Geoffrey Lee, Alex J. McLellan, Michael Wong, Rajeev K. Pathak, Laurence Sterns, Matthew Ginks, Prashanthan Sanders, Jonathan M. Kalman, Peter M. Kistler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and Patterns of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence post-catheter ablation for persistent AF (PsAF) are not well described. This Aims study aimed to describe the pattern of AF recurrence seen following catheter ablation for PsAF and the implications for healthcare utilization and quality of life (QoL). Methods This was a post-hoc analysis of the CAPLA study, an international, multicentre study that randomized patients with symptomatic PsAF to pulmonary vein isolation plus posterior wall isolation or pulmonary vein isolation alone. Patients underwent twice daily single lead ECG, implantable device monitoring or three monthly Holter monitoring. Results 154 of 333 (46.2%) patients (median age 67.3 years, 28% female) experienced AF recurrence at 12-month follow-up. Recurrence was paroxysmal in 97 (63%) patients and persistent in 57 (37%). Recurrence type did not differ between randomization groups (P = .508). Median AF burden was 27.4% in PsAF recurrence and.9% in paroxysmal AF (PAF) recurrence (P < .001). Patients with PsAF recurrence had lower baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (PsAF 50% vs. PAF 60%, P < .001) and larger left atrial volume (PsAF 54.2 ± 19.3 mL/m2 vs. PAF 44.8 ± 11.6 mL/m2, P = .008). Healthcare utilization was significantly higher in PsAF (45 patients [78.9%]) vs. PAF recurrence (45 patients [46.4%], P < .001) and lowest in those without recurrence (17 patients [9.5%], P < .001). Patients without AF recurrence had greater improvements in QoL as assessed by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaire (Δ33.3 ± 25.2 points) compared to those with PAF (Δ24.0 ± 25.0 points, P = .012) or PsAF (Δ13.4 ± 22.9 points, P < .001) recurrence. Conclusions AF recurrence is more often paroxysmal after catheter ablation for PsAF irrespective of ablation strategy. Recurrent PsAF was associated with higher AF burden, increased healthcare utilization and antiarrhythmic drug use. The type of AF recurrence and AF burden may be considered important endpoints in clinical trials investigating ablation of PsAF.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2604-2616
Number of pages13
JournalEuropean heart journal
Volume45
Issue number29
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 1 Aug 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Catheter ablation
  • Healthcare utilization
  • Quality of life

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Cite this