scholarly journals A Novel Alternately Energy Source Strategy for Re-Ablation of Patients with Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation—Cryoballoon or Radiofrequency Current Energy Ablation. A Case-Control Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qinghui Tang ◽  
XiaoGang Guo ◽  
Jian Ma
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Energy Source ◽  
Early Recurrence ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Radiofrequency Energy ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Radiofrequency Current ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation recurrence after circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was common. Which ablation technique is better for repeat ablation in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate long-term efficacy of repeat ablation using a novel alternately energy source sequence for re-ablation of patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation: cryoballoon (CB) re-ablation for patients with a failed radiofrequency (RFC) ablation (RFC-CB redo group); radiofrequency energy re- ablation for patients with a failed cryoballoon ablation (CB-RFC redo group).Method: Recurrent AF patients received a repeat ablation procedure in our hospital were enrolled into the study. Demographic and re-ablation procedural characteristics and outcomes were compared among groups.Results: A total of 156 patients were enrolled into the study, 60 patients (38.5%) were in the CB-RFC-redo group and 96 patients (61.5%) were in the RFC-CB-redo group. Longer duration of AF (69.31±64.69 vs 50.78 ±51.48 months; P=0.039) and longer time from first ablation to re-ablation (54.02 ±38.10 vs 14.2 ±10.5 months; P=0.001) were observed in the RFC-CB-redo group as compared with the CB-RFC redo group. Early recurrence rates of atrial fibrillation following initial ablation were equal among groups (RFC-CB-redo group: 42.7% vs CB-RFC-redo group:48.3% , p=0.515).The number of reconnected PVs was significantly higher in the RFC-CB redo group than the CB-RFC redo group (3.36 ± 0.96 vs 1.50 ± 0.81, p=0.01). During the average follow-up of 10.7 ±2.41 months, significantly less AF recurrence was observed in the CB-RFC redo group (16.7% vs 31.3%, p=0.045). In the multivariate analysis, different energy ablation sequence, AF type and early recurrence after the initial ablation were independent predictors of AF recurrence after re-ablation.Conclusions: Alternate energy source sequence strategy for re-ablation of patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation was safe and moderately effective. However, Large multi-center studies must be warranted to provide conclusive evidence.

Predictive role of early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after cryoballoon ablation

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 1798-1804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Stabile ◽  
Saverio Iacopino ◽  
Roberto Verlato ◽  
Giuseppe Arena ◽  
Paolo Pieragnoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Early Recurrence ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Group B ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Aims The aims of this study were to determine the rate and the predictors of early recurrences of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) after cryoballoon (CB) ablation and to evaluate whether ERAF correlate with the long-term outcome. Methods and results Three thousand, six hundred, and eighty-one consecutive patients (59.9 ± 10.5 years, female 26.5%, and 74.3% paroxysmal AF) were included in the analysis. Atrial fibrillation recurrence, lasting at least 30 s, was collected during and after the 3-month blanking period. Three-hundred and sixteen patients (8.6%) (Group A) had ERAF during the blanking period, and 3365 patients (Group B) had no ERAF. Persistent AF and number of tested anti-arrhythmic drugs ≥2 resulted as significant predictors of ERAF. After a mean follow-up of 16.8 ± 16.4 months, 923/3681 (25%) patients had at least one AF recurrence. The observed freedom from AF recurrence, at 24-month follow-up from procedure, was 25.7% and 64.8% in Groups A and B, respectively (P < 0.001). ERAF, persistent AF, and number of tested anti-arrhythmic drugs ≥2 resulted as significant predictors of AF. In a propensity score matching, the logistic model showed that ERAF 1 month after ablation are the best predictor of long-term AF recurrence (P = 0.042). Conclusion In patients undergoing CB ablation for AF, ERAF are rare and are a strong predictor of AF recurrence in the follow-up, above all when occur >30 days after the ablation.

scholarly journals Autonomic nervous modulation after cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-46
Author(s):  
I. A. Novikov ◽  
P. S. Novikov ◽  
N. U. Mironov ◽  
M. A. Shariya ◽  
S. F. Sokolov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Heart Rhythm ◽  
Holter Monitoring ◽  
Early Recurrence ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
One Year ◽  
Af Recurrence

Aim. Aim of our study was the assessment of autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation by assessment of heart rhythm variation (HRV) using Holter monitoring after single second generation cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods. Patients who underwent the CBA for paroxysmal AF were include in this study. At the baseline the Holter monitoring after withdrawal of antiarrhythmic therapy (AAT) with assessment of HRV: SDNN, RMSSD, ln LF, ln LH, LH/HF, mean, minimal and maximal beats per minute (BPM) was perform. Follow-up was based on outpatient clinic visits at 3, 6, and 12 months including Holter monitoring.Results. Among 80 patients underwent CBA, HRV was assessed in 55 patients (65.5% male, age median 61 years, 97.7% of pulmonary vein have been successful isolated). One year after CBA all HRV parameters and the mean, minimal and maximal BPM was significantly different from baseline parameters (p<0.05). In the AF recurrence group ln LF was lower at 3-, 6and 12-month visits (p<0.05) and minimal HR was higher at 3 months (median 58 vs 55.5, p=0.033). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that early recurrence of AF was independent predictor of AF recurrence after CBA (HR 7,44, 95% CI 2,19-25,25, р=0,001).Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that CBA leads to modulation of ANS which persists for at least 12 months. The early recurrence of AF was only predictor of AF recurrence after CBA.

Difference of myocardial injury, inflammation and early recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation among laser balloon ablation, radiofrequency catheter ablation and cryoballoon ablation

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Yano ◽  
M Nishino ◽  
H Nakamura ◽  
Y Matsuhiro ◽  
K Yasumoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Myocardial Injury ◽  
Early Recurrence ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Echocardiographic Parameters ◽  
History Of ◽  
Hs Crp ◽  
Balloon Ablation ◽  
Laser Balloon Ablation

Abstract Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become well-established as the main therapy for patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and various isolation methods including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and laser balloon ablation (LBA) were available. Pathological findings in each ablation methods such as myocardial injury and inflammation are thought to be different. High sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI), subunit of cardiac troponin complex, is a sensitive and specific marker of myocardium injury. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a biomarker of inflammation and is elevated following cardiomyocyte necrosis. Relationship between myocardial injury and inflammation after ablation using RFA, CBA and LBA and early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) remains unclear. Methods We enrolled consecutive PAF patients from Osaka Rosai Atrial Fibrillation (ORAF) registry who underwent PVI from January 2019 to October 2019. We compared the clinical characteristics including age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of heart failure, CHADS2Vasc score, renal function, serum BNP level and echocardiographic parameters including left ventricular dimensions, left atrial diameter (LAD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between RFA, CBA and LBA groups. We investigated the difference of relationship between myocardial injury marker (hs-TnI), inflammation markers (white blood cell change (DWBC) from post to pre PVI, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio change (DNLR) from after to before PVI and hs-CRP) at 36–48 hours after PVI and ERAF (&lt;3 months after PVI) between each group. Results We enrolled 187 consecutive PAF patients who underwent PVI. RFA, CBA and LBA groups comprised 108, 57 and 22 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences of age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of heart failure, CHADS2Vasc score, renal function, serum BNP level and echocardiographic parameters between each group. Serum hs-TnI in RFA group and LBA group were significantly lower than in CBA group (2.643 ng/ml vs 5.240ng/ml, 1.344 ng/ml vs 5.240 ng/ml, p&lt;0.001, p=0.002, respectively, Figure). DWBC was significantly higher in LBA group than CBA group (1157.3/μl vs 418.4/μl, p=0.045). DNLR did not differ between each group. Hs-CRP in RFA group and LBA group were significantly higher than in CBA group (1.881 mg/dl vs 1.186 mg/dl, 2.173 mg/dl vs 1.186 mg/dl, p=0.010, p=0.003, respectively, Figure). Incidence of ERAF was significantly higher in LBA group than RFA group (36.4% vs 16.7%, p=0.035). Incidence of ERAF tended to be higher in LBA group than CBA group (36.4% vs 19.3%, p=0.112). Conclusion LBA may cause less myocardial injury than RFA and CBA, on the contrary LBA may cause more inflammation than CBA. Incidence of ERAF in LBA was highest between each procedure. Inflammation markers and ERAF Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Radiofrequency versus Cryoballoon Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: An Evaluation Using ECG, Holter Monitoring, and Implantable Loop Recorders to Monitor Absolute and Clinical Effectiveness

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karapet Davtyan ◽  
Victoria Shatakhtsyan ◽  
Hermine Poghosyan ◽  
Alexandr Deev ◽  
Alexey Tarasov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Holter Monitoring ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
End Point ◽  
Radiofrequency Current ◽  
Implantable Loop Recorders

Introduction. While several studies have compared the radiofrequency current (RFC) and cryoablation for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), no study has monitored the long-term outcomes with the usage of implantable loop recorders (ILRs). Methods. We enrolled 89 consecutive patients with nonvalvular paroxysmal AF (N=44 for RFC and N=45 for cryoballoon). The primary efficacy end point was the assessment of effectiveness for each group (RFC versus cryoballoon) when examining freedom from arrhythmia by monitoring with ECG, Holter, and implantable loop recoder (ILR). The primary safety end point compared rates of adverse events between both groups. The secondary efficacy end point examined the duration of the postablation blanking period from ILR retrieved data. Results. The mean age of the study population was 56.6±10.2 years, and the follow-up duration was 12 months. There were no differences in baseline patient characteristics between groups. At 12 months, the absolute effectiveness (measured by ILR) was 65.9% in the RFC group and 51.1% in the cryoballoon group (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 0.79–4.35; p=0.157), and the clinical effectiveness (measured by ECG and Holter) was 81.8% in the RFC group and 55.6% in the cryoballoon group (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.37–9.46; p=0.008). There was no difference in safety between both groups. Asymptomatic episodes were significantly more present in the RFC group as measured by ILRs (p<0.010). In cryoballoon group, arrhythmia episodes were recorded equally irrespective of the follow-up method (i.e., ECG and Holter versus ILR (p>0.010)). The blanking period does not seem to be as important in cryoballoon as compared to RFC. Conclusion. RFC and cryoballoon ablation had similar absolute effectiveness at 12 months. ECG and Holter were effective when assessing the efficacy of the cryoballoon ablation; however, in the RFC group, ILR was necessary to accurately assess long-term efficacy.

Abstract P172: Circulating Heat Shock Protein 70 and Antiheat Shock Protein 70 Antibodies in Atrial Fibrillation: Relation with Atrial Fibrillation Type and Response to Catheter Ablation

2011 ◽  
Vol 109 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Kornej ◽  
Claudia Reinhardt ◽  
Jedrzej Kosiuk ◽  
Arash Arya ◽  
Gerhard Hindricks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Heat Shock Protein ◽  
Heat Shock Protein 70 ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
Multivariable Regression Analysis ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Af Recurrence

Background: HSP and anti-HSP antibodies have been associated with AF development and progression. This study investigated the possible association between circulating heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and anti-HSP70 antibodies as well their changes and rhythm outcome after atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. Methods: In 67 patients with AF (59±11 years, 66 % male, 66 % lone AF) undergoing catheter ablation, circulating HSP70 and anti-HSP70 antibodies levels were quantified before and 6 months after catheter ablation. Serial 7-day Holter ECGs were used to detect AF recurrences. Results: At baseline, HSP70 was detectable in 14 patients (21 %), but there was no correlation between clinical or echocardiographic variables and the presence or the level of HSP70. Patients with paroxysmal AF (n=39) showed lower anti-HSP70 antibodies (median 43, IQR 28 - 62 µg/ml) than patients with persistent AF (n=28; 53, 41 - 85 µg/ml, p=.035). Using multivariable regression analysis, AF type was the only variable associated with anti-HSP70 antibodies (Beta=.342, p=.008). At 6 months, HSP70 was present in 27 patients (41 %, p<.001 vs. baseline) with an overall increase (median 0, IQR 0 - 0 vs. 0, 0 - 0.09 ng/ml, p=.029). Similarly, there was an increase of anti-HSP70 antibodies (48, 36 - 72 vs. 57, 43 - 87 µg/ml, p<.001). AF recurrence rates were higher in patients with HSP70 increase >0.025 ng/ml (32 vs. 11 %, p=.038) or anti-HSP70 antibodies increase >2.5 µg/ml (26 vs. 4 %, p=.033). Conclusion: HSP70 and anti-HSP70 antibodies may be involved in the progression of AF and AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

scholarly journals Rotational activity presence and its impact in persistent atrial fibrillation follow-up

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
G R Rios-Munoz ◽  
N Soto ◽  
P Avila ◽  
T Datino ◽  
F Atienza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
National Budget ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Cycle Lengths ◽  
Public Grant ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Introduction Treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains sub-optimal, with low success in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) ablation procedures in long-standing-persistent AF patients. The maintenance mechanisms of AF are still under debate. Rotational activity (RA) events, also known as rotors, may play a role in perpetuating AF. The characterisation of these drivers during electroanatomical (EA) guided ablation procedures in relationship with follow-up and recurrence ratios in AF patients is necessary to design new ablation strategies to improve the AF treatment success. Purpose We report an AF patient cohort of endocardial mapping and PVI ablation procedures with additional RA events detected during the EA study. We aim to study the presence and distribution of RA in AF patients and its impact on AF recurrence when only PVI ablation is performed. Methods 75 persistent consecutive AF patients (age 60.7±9.8, 74.7% men) underwent EA mapping and RA detection with an automatic algorithm. The presence of RA was annotated on the EA map based on the unipolar electrograms (EGMs) registered with a 20-pole catheter. RA presence was analysed at different left atrial locations (37.2±14.8 sites per patient). AF recurrence was evaluated in follow-up after treatment. Results At follow-up (9±5 months), 50% of the patients presented AF recurrence. Patients with RA had more dilated atria in terms of volumes (p=0.002) and areas (p=0.001). Patients with RA exhibited higher mean voltage EGMs 0.6±0.3 mV vs 0.5±0.2 mV (p=0.036), with shorter cycle lengths 169.1±26.0 ms vs. 188.4±44.2 ms (p=0.044). Finally, patients with RA presented more AF recurrence rates than patients with no RA events (p=0.007). No significant differences were found in terms of comorbidities, e.g., heart failure, hypertension, COPD, stroke, SHD, or diabetes mellitus. Conclusions The results show that patients with more RA events and those with RA outside the PVI ablated regions presented higher AF recurrence episodes than those with no RA or events inside the areas affected by radio-frequency ablation. The study suggests that further ablation treatment of the areas harboring RA might be necessary to reduce the recurrence ratio in AF patients. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Sociedad Española de Cardiología

scholarly journals Predictors of atrial fibrillation early recurrence following cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins using statistical assessment and machine learning algorithms

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 352-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Budzianowski ◽  
Jarosław Hiczkiewicz ◽  
Paweł Burchardt ◽  
Konrad Pieszko ◽  
Janusz Rzeźniczak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Learning Algorithms ◽  
Pulmonary Veins ◽  
Early Recurrence ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Statistical Assessment

scholarly journals Radiofrequency Ablation versus Cryoablation in the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali H. Hachem ◽  
Joseph E. Marine ◽  
Housam A. Tahboub ◽  
Sana Kamdar ◽  
Shaffi Kanjwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Fluoroscopy Time ◽  
Radiofrequency Energy ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Ablation Time ◽  
Significant Difference

Background. Pulmonary vein isolation is commonly performed using radiofrequency energy with cryoablation gaining acceptance. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials which compared radiofrequency versus cryoablation for patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods. A systematic search strategy identified both published and unpublished articles from inception to November 10, 2016, in multiple databases. The primary outcomes for this meta-analysis were long-term freedom from atrial fibrillation at 12-month follow-up and overall postoperative complication rates. For all included studies, the methodological quality was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for risk of bias. Results. A total of 247 articles were identified with eight being included in this review as they satisfied the prespecified inclusion criteria. Overall, there was no significant difference in freedom from atrial fibrillation at ≥12-month follow-up between those receiving cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation, respectively (OR = 0.98, CI = 0.67–1.43, I2 = 56%, p=0.90). Additionally, the secondary outcomes of duration of ablation, fluoroscopy time, and ablation time failed to reach significance. Cryoballoon ablation had significantly greater odds of postoperative phrenic nerve injury at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions. Our meta-analysis suggests that cryoballoon ablation provides comparable benefits with regard to freedom from atrial fibrillation at medium-term follow-up, fluoroscopy time, ablation time, operative duration, and overall complication rate in comparison to radiofrequency ablation.

Abstract 15237: Serum Galectin-3 Level Predicts Late Recurrence Following Cryoballoon-based Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Lone Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kadri M Gurses ◽  
Muhammed U Yalcin ◽  
Duygu Kocyigit ◽  
Hande Canpinar ◽  
Banu Evranos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Interstitial Fibrosis ◽  
Early Recurrence ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Galectin 3 ◽  
Af Recurrence

BACKGROUND: Left atrial(LA) interstitial fibrosis is known to be a key contributor to atrial fibrillation(AF) development and maintenance. The role of galectin-3 in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis has been demonstrated in previous studies. We aimed to determine whether serum galectin-3 level is an independent predictor for the late AF recurrence in patients with lone AF who underwent cryoballoon- based pulmonary ven isolation(PVI). METHODS: 100 patients (43.80% male, 56.95± 11.36 years) with lone AF who underwent cryoballoon-based PVI were included in the study. Pre-procedural galectin-3 levels were measured with ELISA. RESULTS: At a follow-up of 12 months, 76 (76%) patients were free of late AF recurrence. Body mass index(BMI) ( 25.04± 1.54 vs. 23.93± 2.08 kg/m2, p=0.002), AF duration [7 (3- 20) vs. 5 (1- 24) months, p=0.024], serum galectine-3 levels [11.10 (4.20- 33.80) vs. 5.70 (2.60- 12.40) ng/mL, p<0.001], left atrial diameter(LAD) (4.30± 0.40 vs.3.79± 0.42 cm, p<0.001) and incidence of early recurrence (60 vs 2%, p<0.001) were found to be significantly higher in patients with late AF recurrence. Serum galectin-3 levels (HR: 1.16, p<0.001), LAD (HR: 3.38, p= 0.042) and early recurrence (HR: 10.92, p<0.001) were found to be independent predictors of late AF recurrence in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. A cut-off level for serum galectin-3 level of 7.9 ng/mL predicted late AF recurrence in lone AF patients with a sensitivity of 93.33% and specificity of 87.76% (AUC: 0.910, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pre-procedural serum galectin-3 level is an independent predictor of late AF recurrence following cryoballoon-based PVI in patients with lone AF. Galectin-3 may serve as a novel biomarker to identify patients with high recurrence risk following AF ablation.

scholarly journals The Role of Adenosine in Pulmonary Vein Isolation: A Critical Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo D. Dallaglio ◽  
Timothy R. Betts ◽  
Matthew Ginks ◽  
Yaver Bashir ◽  
Ignasi Anguera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Waiting Time ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Af Recurrence

The cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), which can be achieved in more than 95% of patients at the end of the procedure. However, AF recurrence rates remain high and are related to recovery of PV conduction. Adenosine testing is used to unmask dormant pulmonary vein conduction (DC). The aim of this study is to review the available literature addressing the role of adenosine testing and determine the impact of ablation at sites of PV reconnection on freedom from AF. Adenosine infusion, by restoring the excitability threshold, unmasks reversible injury that could lead to recovery of PV conduction. The studies included in this review suggest that adenosine is useful to unmask nontransmural lesions at risk of reconnection and that further ablation at sites of DC is associated with improvement in freedom from AF. Nevertheless it has been demonstrated that adenosine is not able to predict all veins at risk of later reconnection, which means that veins without DC are not necessarily at low risk. The role of the waiting period in the setting of adenosine testing has also been analyzed, suggesting that in the acute phase adenosine use should be accompanied by enough waiting time.

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