B-AB07-04 A SIMPLE AND EASY GUIDE TO PREDICT THE RISK OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION RECURRENCE POST ABLATION: CHECK OUT THE SIZE OF THE FIBRILLATORY WAVES

Abstract

The size of fibrillatory waves is a clinical surrogate of structural and electrophysiological characteristics of the atrium. A simple and easy method to predict post ablation atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence is needed to risk stratify patients prior to ablation. To determine if amplitude of atrial fibrillatory waves can be used to predict recurrence of AF post ablation. We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation at two institutions. Baseline characteristics, EKG parameters, and AF recurrence at 1 year post ablation were noted. Coarse fibrillatory waves were defined as > 1 mm in Lead II or V1. Fine fibrillatory waves were defined as < 1 mm in Lead II or V1. A total of 120 patients underwent AF ablation. Majority of patients had fine AF (72%) as opposed to coarse AF (28%) in their pre-ablation electrocardiograms. Coarse AF population was older (67±11 vs 62±10 years, p-value 0.053). No gender or racial differences were noted. There were minimal differences in the type of AF present in both groups (Paroxysmal AF 42% vs 46%). Percentage of patients on Class IC agents pre-ablation was not different in both groups (p=0.1). AF recurrence was more common in patients with coarse AF as compared to fine AF (70% vs 32%, p=0.0002) at 1 year. There were no other significant univariate predictors of AF recurrence post ablation. Size of the fibrillatory waves can be used to predict success of AF ablation. While fine AF is more commonly found, coarse AF is associated with significantly higher risk of AF recurrence post ablation.