Re-definition of Blanking Period in Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in the Contact Force Era.

INTRODUCTION Early recurrence (ER) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is defined as the recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias within 3 months after AF ablation, however, this definition is based on data from the era of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA), without contact force (CF) technology. We investigated the significance of ER as a risk factor for late recurrence (LR) in paroxysmal AF (PAF) patients treated with CF and non-CF-guided ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 395 patients with PAF who underwent RFCA. Of these, 97 patients underwent RFCA without CF technology (Non-CF group) and 298 underwent with CF technology (CF group). Over a 2-year post-ablation follow-up period, LR occurred in 54 (55.7%) patients in the Non-CF group, and in 105 (35.2%) patients in the CF group. ER had a more significant relationship with LR in the CF group, and all patients in the CF group with ER in the 3rd month developed LR. CONCLUSION PAF patients with ER who have undergone CF-guided ablation have a greater risk of LR than those who have undergone non-CF-guided ablation. ER in the 3rd month after CF-guided ablation may indicate an absolute risk of LR. Blanking period could be defined as 2 months in the CF era. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.