Electroanatomic characteristics of atrial premature beats triggering atrial fibrillation in patients with persistent versus paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

APBs in Persistent Versus Paroxysmal AF. BACKGROUND: Although the electrical disconnection between the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) by radiofrequency catheter ablation has been proven to be effective in controlling atrial fibrillation (AF), the recurrence rate is higher in patients with persistent AF (PeAF) than with paroxysmal AF (PAF). We hypothesized that the origin of the atrial premature beats (APBs) that trigger AF and the pattern of their breakthrough into the LA differ between PAF and PeAF. METHODS: We mapped 75 APBs (53 APBs triggering AF, 22 isolated APBs) from the LA and PVs in 26 patients with AF (age: 49.5 +/- 9.6, males: 23, PAF = 17, PeAF = 9), using a noncontact endocardial mapping (NCM) system. The location of the preferential conduction (PC) sites and their conduction velocity (CV) were compared. RESULTS: In patients with PeAF, the earliest activation (EA) site and exit of the PC were more frequently located on the LA side of the LA-PV junction as compared with PAF (P < 0.001). Eighty-one percent of the PCs were located in the area between the left and right superior PVs. The incidence of PCs was similar between the PeAF and PAF patients (P = NS). PCs were more commonly found with APBs inducing AF (63.3%) than with those not inducing AF (35.2%, P = 0.01). The CV of the PC was slower for PeAF than PAF (P < 0.001). The CV in the LA during sinus rhythm was also slower for PeAF than PAF (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: PeAF was more frequently triggered by APBs from the LA side of the LA-PV junction than PAF and resulted in slower conduction than did PAF. These findings may help explain the higher potential for recurrence after electrical PV isolation in patients with PeAF.     

Reproducibility of internal atrial defibrillation threshold in paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Several pharmacological or technical factors may affect atrial defibrillation threshold (ADFT) for internal cardioversion (ICV) in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: We evaluated the reproducibility of ADFT in lone paroxysmal (electrically induced AF, 10 pts, 51+/-4 years) or persistent AF (15 pts, 64+/-7 years). The AF pattern (F-F interval) was characterised before each ICV attempt. A first step-up synchronised ICV test (ICV1, biphasic shock waveform 6 ms/6 ms) with increasing energy levels from 0.2 to 20 J was performed by a dual-lead defibrillation system (right atrium-coronary sinus configuration) connected to an external cardioverter defibrillator. After 30 min of stable sinus rhythm, a new sustained AF was induced (>20 min duration) and ICV protocol was repeated (ICV2). The AF cycle length was recorded for 30 s from the lateral wall of right atrium in basal condition and before each cardioversion attempt. RESULTS: The mean values of AF cycle length before a successful shock were similar in both AF populations (paroxysmal AF: pre-ICV1 175+/-21 ms vs pre-ICV2 181+/-20 ms (p=NS); persistent AF pre-ICV1 194+/-25 ms vs pre-ICV2 202+/-15 ms (p=NS)). No significant differences were observed between the two successful ICV tests concerning intensity, energy and impedance levels. The value of ADFT energy was reproducible in paroxysmal AF population (SD differences 1.2, coefficient of variability 9.6%). In persistent AF group only the impedance was reproducible (SD differences 2.6 Omega, coefficient of variability 4.5%), but not the energy requirements (SD differences 9.6, coefficient of variability 44.3%). CONCLUSIONS: ADFT is reproducible in paroxysmal AF patients, while a high coefficient of variability is present in persistent AF, possibly related to different patterns of re-entrant circuits in the reinduced AF. This observation is important in order to evaluate factors influencing ICV-ADFT correctly in AF patients.     

Predictive value of HMGB1 for atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoballoon ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients

BackgroundCryoballoon ablation (CBA) is recommended for patients with symptomatic drug refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF). However, substantial atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence is common during follow‐up. Searching for a potential biomarker representing both myocardial injury and inflammation to identify patients at high risk of AF recurrence after CBA is very meaningful for postoperative management of AF patients.HypothesisTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein released from the left atrium to predict AF recurrence in pAF patients after CBA at 1‐year follow‐up.MethodsWe included 72 pAF patients who underwent CBA. To determine the expression levels of HMGB1, left atrial blood samples were collected from the patients before CBA and after the procedure through the transseptal sheath. Patients were followed up for AF recurrence for 1 year.ResultsA total of 19 patients of the 72 experienced AF recurrence. The level of postoperative HMGB1 (HMGB1post) was higher in the AF recurrence group than in the AF non recurrence group (p = .03). However, no differences were noted in the levels of other biomarkers such as preoperative high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), postoperativehs‐CRP, and preoperative HMGB1 between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher level of serum HMGB1post was associated with AF recurrence (odds ratio: 5.29 [1.17–23.92], p = .04). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that HMGB1post had a moderate predictive power for AF recurrence (area under the curve: 0.68; sensitivity: 72%; and specificity: 68%). The 1‐year AF‐free survival was significantly lower in patients with a high HMGB1post level than in those with a low HMGB1post level (hazard ratio: 3.81 [1.49–9.75], p = .005).ConclusionIn pAF patients who under went CBA, the level of HMGB1 after CBA was associated with AF recurrence and demonstrated a moderate predictive power. Thus, we offer a potential biomarker to identify pAF patients at high risk of AF recurrence.     

Investigation of the predictors of transition to persistent atrial fibrillation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Until now, no clinically useful indicators have existed that predict the transition from paroxysmal to persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). HYPOTHESIS: The current prospective study was conducted for identifying predictors of progression to persistent AF over the long term. METHODS: We studied 102 consecutive patients (mean age: 55 +/- 10 years: 75 men and 27 women) diagnosed with paroxysmal AF. Standard 12-lead electrocardiography, echocardiography, and P-wave-triggered signal-averaged electrocardiography (P-SAECG) were performed on all patients at the time of their entry into the study. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 61 +/- 13 months. Group 1 (n = 66) comprised patients in whom paroxysmal AF did not progress to persistent AF, and Group 2 (n = 36) comprised those who developed persistent AF. In Group 2 the patients were significantly older, and P-wave dispersion, filtered P-wave duration (FPD), and left atrial dimension were significantly higher than in Group 1 (p < 0.05). The root mean square voltage for the last 30 ms of the filtered P-wave was also significantly lower in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis using these five factors identified left atrial dimension (odds ratio [OR] 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-4.54; p = 0.02) and FPD (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.78-4.13; p < 0.01) as independent predictors of transition to persistent AF. Left atrial dimension > or = 40 mm predicted progression to persistent AF with a sensitivity of 64%, specificity of 76%, positive predictive value of 59%, negative predictive value of 79%, and an accuracy of 71%. An FPD > or = 150 ms predicted persistent AF with a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 91%, positive predictive value of 88%, negative predictive value of 90%, and an accuracy of 87%. Filtered P-wave duration was a significantly more sensitive and specific predictor than left atrial dimension (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that FPD is a clinically useful predictor of progression from paroxysmal to persistent AF over the long term.     

Characterization of conduction recovery across left atrial linear lesions in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation

Background: Left atrial (LA) linear lesions are effective in substrate modification for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, achievement of complete conduction block remains challenging and conduction recovery is commonly observed. The aim of the study was to investigate the localization of gap sites of recovered LA linear lesions.
Methods and Results: Forty-eight patients with paroxysmal (n = 26) and persistent/permanent (n = 22) AF underwent repeat ablation after pulmonary vein (PV) isolation and LA linear ablation at the LA roof and/or mitral isthmus due to recurrences of AF or flutter. In 35 patients, conduction through the mitral isthmus line (ML) had recovered whereas roof-line recovery was observed in 30 patients. The gaps within the ML were distributed to the junction between left inferior PV and left atrial appendage in 66%, the middle part of the ML in 20%, and in 8% to the endocardial aspect of the ML while only 6% of lines showed an epicardial site of recovery. The RL predominantly recovered close to the right superior PV (54%) and less frequently in the mid roof or close to the left PV (both 23%). Reablation of lines required significantly shorter RF durations (ML: 7.24 ± 5.55 minutes vs 24.08 ± 9.38 minutes, RL: 4.24 ± 2.34 minutes vs 11.54 ± 6.49 minutes; P = 0.0001). Patients with persistent/permanent AF demonstrated a significantly longer conduction delay circumventing the complete lines than patients with paroxysmal AF (228 ± 77 ms vs 164 ± 36 ms, P = 0.001).
Conclusions: Gaps in recovered LA lines were predominantly located close to the PVs where catheter stability is often difficult to achieve. Shorter RF durations are required for reablation of recovered linear lesions. Conduction times around complete LA lines are significantly longer in patients with persistent/permanent AF as compared to patients with paroxysmal AF.     

持续性心房颤动患者无症状心房颤动的发生情况及影响因素

目的 分析持续性心房颤动(房颤)患者中无症状房颤的发生情况及影响因素.方法 收集经24 h动态心电图监测确诊的持续性房颤患者82例,观察症状的有无及发生比例.经抗心律失常药物治疗3个月后复查24 h动态心电图监测,观察症状的变化情况.采用多无logistic回归分析持续性房颤症状与临床特征的相关性.结果 82例患者中34例(42%)无症状房颤发作,48例有症状房颤发作.应用抗心律失常药物治疗3个月后,48例有症状患者中31例症状完全消失,其中4例转复为窦性心律,27例为无症状房颤发作.34例无症状患者中,5例转复为窦性心律,24例仍为无症状房颤发作.持续性房颤中有症状和无症状患者年龄,瓣膜病比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).其症状与瓣膜病呈正相关(b=1.959,P=0.001),与年龄呈负相关(b=-0.837,P=0.032).结论 持续性房颤患者中无症状房颤的发生率较高.抗心律失常药物既可减少房颤发作,又可减少房颤症状.高龄和非瓣膜病房颤患者易发生无症状房颤.     

Characterization of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation in the human left atrium during initiation and sustained episodes

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) in the left atrium (LA) is poorly defined in terms of regional differences in the degree of organization, characteristics of paroxysmal and persistent variants, and electrophysiologic events that develop at the onset of episodes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 21 patients (15 men and 6 women; mean age 58+/-9.4 years) with paroxysmal (10 patients) or persistent (11 patients) AF. Mapping of the LA during sustained episodes and the onset of AF was performed with a 64-electrode basket catheter. At the onset of AF, repetitive beats starting with atrial premature complexes and ending with generation of the earliest fibrillatory activity were defined as intermediary rhythm. Patients with paroxysmal AF had longer AF cycle lengths and more pronounced regional differences than patients with persistent AF. In total, AF cycle lengths in the LA in patients with persistent AF were 20% shorter than in patients with paroxysmal AF. Initiation of AF was preceded by an intermediary rhythm of 5.5+/-2.5 cycles (6.3+/-2.7 cycles in paroxysmal AF vs 4.2+/-1.0 cycles in persistent AF; P = 0.026). At the onset of AF, the earliest generators of fibrillatory activity were located more frequently in the posterior wall of the LA. CONCLUSION: AF in the LA displays substantial regional differences in terms of AF cycle lengths and degree of organization. Patients with persistent AF have shorter cycle lengths and a higher degree of disorganized activity than patients with paroxysmal AF. Intermediary rhythms play an important role in initiation of AF via activation of generator regions in the LA.     

动态心房超速起搏预防阵发性房颤

目的观察动态心房超速起搏预防阵发性房颤的临床疗效和安全性。方法选择病态窦房结综合症伴阵发性房颤,并需植入永久起搏器的患者8例,分别植入具有动态心房起搏功能的起搏器,PacessetterTrilogy23643例,VitatronSelectionTM900E5例;随访6个月,前3个月不打开动态心房起搏功能,后3个月打开动态心房起搏功能,根据起搏器记录到的模式转换次数和持续时间来判断其预防房颤发作的疗效。结果打开动态心房起搏功能前后,患者房颤发作的次数分别为2437±956次/月和472±135次/月(P<0.05);模式转换持续时间分别为173±105小时/月和48±25小时/月(P<0.05);房颤负荷分别为33±8%和10±7%(P<0.05)。结论动态心房超速起搏,是阵发性房颤预防治疗的有效和安全的方法之一。     

Prevalence and characteristics of continuous electrical activity in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation

Background: Complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) may play a role in the genesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). One type of CFAE is continuous electrical activity (CEA). The prevalence and characteristics of CEA in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF are unclear.
Methods and Results: In 44 patients (age = 59 ± 8 years) with paroxysmal (25) or persistent (19) AF, bipolar electrograms were systematically recorded for ≥5 seconds at 24 left atrial (LA) sites, including 8 antral sites, and 2 sites within the coronary sinus (CS). CEA was defined as continuous depolarization for > 1 second with no isoelectric interval. CEA was recorded at the LA septum (79%), antrum (66%), posterior (68%) and anterior walls (67%), roof (66%), base of the LA appendage (61%), inferior wall (61%), posterior mitral annulus (48%), CS (41%), and in the LA appendage (14%). Antral CEA was equally prevalent in patients with paroxysmal (63%) and persistent AF (70%, P = 0.12). In patients with paroxysmal AF, the prevalence of CEA was similar among antral and nonantral LA sites, except for the LA appendage. However, in patients with persistent AF, CEA was more prevalent at the nonantral (80%) than antral sites (70%, P = 0.03). CEA at nonantral sites except the CS was more prevalent in persistent than in paroxysmal AF (80% vs 57%, P < 0.001). The mean duration of intermittent episodes of CEA was longer in persistent than in paroxysmal AF (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: The higher prevalence and duration of CEA at nonantral sites in persistent than in paroxysmal AF is consistent with a greater contribution of LA reentrant mechanisms in persistent AF. However, the high prevalence of CEA at nonantral sites in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) suggests that CEA alone is a nonspecific marker of appropriate target sites for ablation of AF. The characteristics of CEA that most accurately identify drivers of AF remain to be determined.     

阵发性心房颤动的昼夜分布节律

目的　观察阵发性心房颤动（房颤）的昼夜分布节律。方法　对阵发房颤的患者进行２４ ｈ动态心电图及持续心电图监测观察其起始、持续和终止的节律变化。结果　３２ 例孤立性阵发性房颤的起始高峰时间４３ 阵（４６．７％ ）发生在午夜至清晨６时。１９ 阵（２０．７％ ）发生在上午６∶００～１２∶００ 时，２１阵（２２．８％ ）发生在１２∶００～１８∶００ 时，９阵（９．８％ ）发生在１８ 时～午夜。持续时间为凌晨４ 时至上午１１时，终止时间为中午及下午。结论　阵发性房颤昼夜分布节律与自主神经及内源性生物活性物质的节律变化有关     

阵发性房颤、房扑的心电散点图特征

目的观察阵发性房扑、房颤的心电散点图特征,并探讨其临床意义。方法选择20例阵发性房扑、房颤患者的24小时动态心电图,回顾分析其心电散点图。结果 20例阵发性房颤、房扑患者中,17例可以通过心电散点图区分出不同心律,占总例数85%;3例无法通过心电散点图区分出不同的心律,占总例数15%。结论阵发性房扑一般可以通过心电散点图迅速鉴别,阵发性房颤绝大多数病例可以通过心电散点图迅速鉴别,心电散点图有助于提高海量心电信息中阵发性房扑房颤的分析效率。此外,心电散点图可以获得更多的生理状态下整体动态的心电信息。     

Stroke event rates in anticoagulated patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Aims. To test the hypothesis that stroke and systemic embolic events (SEE) in the stroke prevention using an oral thrombin inhibitor in atrial fibrillation (SPORTIF) III and V trials are different between paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods. Data analysis from two cohorts of patients enroled in the prospective SPORTIF III and V clinical trials (n = 7329); 836 subjects (11.4%) with paroxysmal AF [mean age 70.1 years (SD = 9.5)] were compared with 6493 subjects with persistent AF for this ancillary study. Results. The annual event rates for stroke/SEE are 1.73% for persistent AF and 0.93% for paroxysmal AF. In a multivariate analysis, after adjusting for stroke risk factors, gender and aspirin usage, the differences remained statistically significant with a higher hazard ratio (HR) for stroke/SEE in persistent AF [vs. paroxysmal AF, HR 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–3.36; P = 0.037]. In ‘high risk’ patients (with ≥2 stroke risk factors) annual event rates for stroke/SEE were 2.08% for persistent AF and 1.27% for paroxysmal AF (adjusted HR = 1.68, 95% CI 0.91–3.1, P = 0.098). Elderly patients had annual event rates for stroke/SEE of 2.38% for persistent AF and 1.13% for paroxysmal AF (adjusted HR = 2.27, 95% CI 0.92–5.59, P = 0.075). Vitamin K antagonist (VKA)‐naïve paroxysmal AF patients had a 1.89%/year stroke/SEE rate, compared with 0.61% for previous VKA takers (HR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.11–1.01, P = 0.052). Conclusion. In this large clinical trial cohort of anticoagulated AF patients, those with paroxysmal AF had stroke rates which were lower than for patients with persistent AF, although both groups had broadly similar stroke risk factors. Subjects with paroxysmal AF at ‘high risk’ had stroke/SEE rates that were not significantly different to persistent AF subjects.     

立体心电图分析阵发性房颤患者心房的电生理特性

目的应用立体心电图(three-dimensional electrocardiogram,3D-ECG)分析阵发性房颤患者心房传导时间、心房除极角度和振幅的变化。方法入选在住院的阵发性房颤患者13例,对照组患者15例。分别应用立体心电图仪记录窦律下的立体心电图,分析后比较两组患者心房传导时间,P波除极振幅及角度。同时记录患者入院时超声心动图中左心房内径数值进行比较。结果两组患者比较左心房内径无显著差异。阵发性房颤组与对照组心房传导时间分别为123.75±11.67msvs.111.39±13.52ms,两组比较有显著性差异(p<0.05)。而在心房除极角度、振幅上,两组无显著差异。与对照组比较,阵发性房颤组患者P环初始部的运行方向与泪点疏密程度无明显变化,但在P环中间至终末部分,P环运行方向及泪点疏密出现明显变化,并且可看到明显的曲折、弯曲。但在除极末20ms的振幅,房颤患者较对照组明显降低(0.05±0.013mvvs.0.036±0.014mv,p<0.05),除极末30ms、40ms处两组振幅无显著差异。结论阵发性房颤患者可以出现心房传导时间延长、心房除极末振幅的改变和立体三维P环运行方向及泪点疏密程...     

An electrocardiogram marker to detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

An electrocardiogram marker to detect patients who have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is reported. The data set of ECG records made available by PhysioNet for Cardiology Challenge 2001 was used. The method uses a filtered time series with a frequency range between 3 and 9 Hz obtained from the electrocardiogram record. Typically, frequencies observed when a patient is in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter is within this frequency range. Filtering was done using wavelets. Thereafter, the temporal properties of this filtered time series are studied. The temporal properties studied are the standard deviation, standard deviation of successive differences, and the length of the ellipse in the Poincare plot. The results indicate that these temporal properties of patients with PAF are depressed compared to the healthy group. A marker based on these temporal properties shows promise in detecting PAF when patients are in normal sinus rhythm. Results also show that the values for these temporal properties for a patient with PAF show little variation with time, and its measure is not dependent on the time of occurrence of a PAF episode.     

右心房组织中 M3受体及缝隙连接蛋白43与心房颤动的相关性研究

目的：探讨M3受体及Cx43在心房颤动发生与维持中的作用及二者之间的相互关系。方法收集94例风湿性心脏病瓣膜置换术患者右心房组织,按是否存在心房颤动分为心房颤动组（ AF组,49例）和窦性心律组（ SR组,45例）,采用免疫荧光在激光共聚焦显微镜下观察M3受体和Cx43蛋白的表达及两者的结构共定位情况,采用Western blot方法检测两组M3受体和Cx43蛋白的蛋白表达量。结果与SR组相比,AF组心房组织M3受体及Cx43蛋白表达量下降（P＜0．05）,但M3受体与Cx43的结构共定位关系增强（P＜0．05）。结论房颤患者右心房组织Cx43表达量下降,可能是房颤发生与维持机制之一,M3受体的表达量下降及其与Cx43的结构共定位关系增强,则可能是心房颤动时心肌细胞的自我保护、延缓电重构的机制。     

诱发阵发性房颤的房性早搏的某些特征

目的通过12导联动态心电图（12-HOLTER）检查对阵发性房颤（paroxysmalatrialfibrillation,PAF）及其相关的房性心律失常进行检测分析,探讨PAF发生的触发因素。方法选择PAF组（n=47例,男20例,女27例,年龄64.89±12.70岁,其中房性早搏诱发PAF为诱发PAF组,房性早搏未诱发PAF为未诱发PAF组）及对照组（n=52例,男22例,女30例,年龄65.54±9.94岁）,分别行12-HOLTER检测,分析PAF及相关的房性心律失常的心电图特征,探讨PAF触发机制。结果①12-HOLTER共检出PAF72阵/次;②PAF多由房性早搏诱发（91%）,偶突然发生（8%）或由心房扑动所诱发（1%）;③诱发PAF组的房性早搏联律间期较未诱发PAF组及对照组明显缩短（490±90ms,590±140ms,630±90ms,p〈0.05）,房早指数明显较小（0.52±0.12,0.62±0.09,0.71±0.06,p〈0.05）;诱发PAF组的房早前周期较对照组明显延长（990±280ms,940±210ms,p〈0.05）;④PAF发作前2min至30s内,房性早搏频度明显增大（0.43次/分～6.00次/分,p=0.000）;⑤诱发PAF组的心电长-短周期现象发生率明显高于未诱发PAF组及对照组（50.63%,30.56%,9.72%,p〈0.001）;⑥诱发PAF的房性早搏多起源于左心房上部（77%）。结论①12-HOLTER可应用于阵发性房颤的检测与诊断,并可对诱发PAF的房性心律失常进行定量检测分析;②房性早搏是PAF的主要诱发因素;③诱发PAF的房性早搏联律间期较短,房早指数较小,房早前周期明显延长;PAF发生前多可见心电长-短周期现象;④阵发性房颤发生前30s至2min内房性早搏频度明显增大;⑤诱发PAF的房性早搏多起源于左心房上部。     

Impact of catheter ablation of the coronary sinus on paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation

Objectives: This study evaluated the impact of catheter ablation of the coronary sinus (CS) region during paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).
Background: The CS musculature and connections have been implicated in the genesis of atrial arrhythmias.
Methods: Forty-five patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF were studied. The CS was targeted if AF persisted after ablation of pulmonary veins and selected left atrial tissue. CS ablation was commenced endocardially by dragging along the inferior paramitral left atrium. Ablation was continued from within the vessel (epicardial) if CS electrograms had cycle lengths shorter than that of the left atrial appendage.
RF energy was limited to 35 W endocardially and 25 W epicardially. The impact of ablation was evaluated on CS electrogram cycle length (CSCL) and activation sequence, atrial fibrillatory cycle length measured in the left atrial appendage (AFCL) and on perpetuation of AF.
Results: Endocardial ablation significantly prolonged CSCL by 17 ± 5 msec and organized the CS activation sequence (from 13% of patients before to 51% after ablation); subsequent epicardial ablation further increased local CSCL by 32 ± 27 msec (P < 0.001). AFCL prolonged significantly both during endocardial and epicardial ablation (median: 152 to 167 msec P = 0.03) and was associated with AF termination in 16 (35%) patients (46% of paroxysmal and 30% of persistent AF). AFCL prolongation ≥5 msec and/or AF termination was associated with more rapid activity in the CS region originally: P ≤ 0.04.
Conclusion: Catheter ablation targeting both the endocardial and epicardial aspects of the CS region significantly prolongs fibrillatory cycle length and terminates AF persisting after PV isolation in 35% of patients.     

Termination of persistent atrial fibrillation during left atrial mapping

Termination of Persistent AF During Mapping. Complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) may represent critical areas for the maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). While AF organization and termination have been reported with CFAE ablation, no reports of arrhythmia termination during left atrial mapping exist. We report a case of reproducible AF termination with catheter pressure at a site of CFAE remote from the site of AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 1171‐1173, October 2011)