Clinical, electrophysiological and imaging predictors of atrial fibrillation ablation outcome

References

• Chugh SS, Havmoeller R, Narayanan K, et al. Worldwide epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: a global burden of disease 2010 study. Circulation. 2014;129(8):837–847.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Colilla S, Crow A, Petkun W, et al. Estimates of current and future incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the U.S. adult population. Am J Cardiol. 2013;112(8):1142–1147.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Haissaguerre M, Marcus FI, Fischer B, et al. Radiofrequency catheter ablation in unusual mechanisms of atrial fibrillation: report of three cases. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 1994;5(9):743–751.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Jais P, Haissaguerre M, Shah DC, et al. A focal source of atrial fibrillation treated by discrete radiofrequency ablation. Circulation. 1997;95(3):572–576.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Haïssaguerre M, Jaïs P, Shah DC, et al. Spontaneous initiation of atrial fibrillation by ectopic beats originating in the pulmonary veins. N Engl J Med. 1998;339(10):659–666.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Calkins H, Kuck KH, Cappato R, et al. 2012 HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for patient selection, procedural techniques, patient management and follow-up, definitions, endpoints, and research trial design: a report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) task force on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Developed in partnership with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS); and in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Endorsed by the governing bodies of the American College of Cardiology Foundation, the American Heart Association, the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society, the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Heart Rhythm Society. Heart Rhythm. 2012;9(4):632-696.e21.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Nademanee K, McKenzie J, Kosar E, et al. A new approach for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: mapping of the electrophysiologic substrate. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2004;43(11):2044–2053.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kumagai K, Muraoka S, Mitsutake C, et al. A new approach for complete isolation of the posterior left atrium including pulmonary veins for atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2007;18(10):1047–1052.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cutler MJ, Johnson J, Abozguia K, et al. Impact of voltage mapping to guide whether to perform ablation of the posterior wall in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2016;27(1):13–21.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gaita F, Caponi D, Scaglione M, et al. Long-term clinical results of 2 different ablation strategies in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2008;1(4):269–275.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Verma A, Jiang C-Y, Betts TR, et al. Approaches to catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(19):1812–1822.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kirchhof P, Benussi S, Kotecha D, et al. ESC guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with EACTS: the task force for the management of atrial fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)Developed with the special contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESCEndorsed by the European Stroke Organisation (ESO). Eur Heart J. 2016;50(5).
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pappone C, Augello G, Sala S, et al. A randomized trial of circumferential pulmonary vein ablation versus antiarrhythmic drug therapy in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: the APAF study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006;48(11):2340–2347.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mont L, Bisbal F, Hernández-Madrid A, et al. Catheter ablation vs. antiarrhythmic drug treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation: a multicentre, randomized, controlled trial (SARA study). Eur Heart J. 2014;35(8):501–507.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Morillo CA, Verma A, Connolly SJ, et al. Radiofrequency ablation vs antiarrhythmic drugs as first-line treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (RAAFT-2): a randomized trial. Jama. 2014;311(7):692–700.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Verma A. Atrial-fibrillation ablation should be considered first-line therapy for some patients. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2008;23(1):1–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Brooks AG, Stiles MK, Laborderie J, et al. Outcomes of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation ablation: a systematic review. Heart Rhythm. 2010;7(6):835–846.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bertaglia E, Tondo C, De Simone A, et al. Does catheter ablation cure atrial fibrillation? Single-procedure outcome of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation ablation: a 6-year multicentre experience. Europace. 2010;12(2):181–187.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Teunissen C, Kassenberg W, Van Der Heijden JF, et al. Five-year efficacy of pulmonary vein antrum isolation as a primary ablation strategy for atrial fibrillation: a single-centre cohort study. Europace. 2016;18(9):1335–1342.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Allessie M, Ausma J, Schotten U. Electrical, contractile and structural remodeling during atrial fibrillation. Cardiovasc Res. 2002;54(2):230–246.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bhargava M, Di Biase L, Mohanty P, et al. Impact of type of atrial fibrillation and repeat catheter ablation on long-term freedom from atrial fibrillation: results from a multicenter study. Heart Rhythm. 2009;6(10):1403–1412.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Balk EM, Garlitski AC, Alsheikh-Ali AA, et al. Predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation: a systematic review. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2010;21(11):1208–1216.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Takahashi Y, Takahashi A, Kuwahara T, et al. Clinical characteristics of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation successfully treated by left atrial ablation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2010;3(5):465–471.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rostock T, Salukhe TV, Steven D, et al. Long-term single- and multiple-procedure outcome and predictors of success after catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2011;8(9):1391–1397.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Miyazaki S, Kuwahara T, Takahashi A. Impact of the preprocedural frequency of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on the clinical outcome after catheter ablation. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2012;35(10):1236–1241.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Chugh SS, Blackshear JL, Shen WK, et al. Epidemiology and natural history of atrial fibrillation: clinical implications. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001;37(2):371–378.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hijazi Z, Lindbäck J, Alexander JH, et al. The ABC (age, biomarkers, clinical history) stroke risk score: a biomarker-based risk score for predicting stroke in atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J. 2016;37(20):1582–1590.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Nademanee K, Amnueypol M, Lee F, et al. Benefits and risks of catheter ablation in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12(1):44–51.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zado E, Callans DJ, Riley M, et al. Long-term clinical efficacy and risk of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in the elderly. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2008;19(6):621–626.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bunch TJ, Weiss JP, Crandall BG, et al. Long-term clinical efficacy and risk of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in octogenarians. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2010;33(2):146–152.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kosiuk J, Dinov B, Kornej J, et al. Prospective, multicenter validation of a clinical risk score for left atrial arrhythmogenic substrate based on voltage analysis: DR-FLASH score. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12(11):2207–2212.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Winkle RA, Jarman JWE, Mead RH, et al. Predicting atrial fibrillation ablation outcome: the CAAP-AF score. Heart Rhythm. 2016;13(11):2119–2125.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Dagres N, Nieuwlaat R, Vardas PE, et al. Gender-related differences in presentation, treatment, and outcome of patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe: a report from the euro heart survey on atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;49(5):572–577.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gurevitz OT, Varadachari CJ, Ammash NM, et al. The effect of patient sex on recurrence of atrial fibrillation following successful direct current cardioversion. Am Heart J. 2006;152(1):155.e9-13.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Forleo GB, Tondo C, De Luca L, et al. Gender-related differences in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2007;9(8):613–620.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Patel D, Mohanty P, Di Biase L, et al. Outcomes and complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in females. Heart Rhythm. 2010;7(2):167–172.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lin T, Du X, Bai R, et al. Long-term results of single-procedure catheter ablation for atrial fibrillationin pre- and post-menopausal women. J Geriatr Cardiol. 2014;11(2):120–125.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Schreiber D, Rostock T, Fröhlich M, et al. Five-year follow-up after catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation using the stepwise approach and prognostic factors for success. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2015;8(2):308–317.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Okin PM, Hille DA, Larstorp ACK, et al. Effect of lower on-treatment systolic blood pressure on the risk of atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients. Hypertension. 2015;66(2):368–373.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Marott SCW, Nielsen SF, Benn M, et al. Antihypertensive treatment and risk of atrial fibrillation: a nationwide study. Eur Heart J. 2014;35(18):1205–1214.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mohanty S, Mohanty P, Trivedi C, et al. Association of pretreatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors with improvement in ablation outcome in atrial fibrillation patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12(9):1963–1971.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tayebjee MH, Creta A, Moder S, et al. Impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers on long-term outcome of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2010;12(11):1537–1542.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Arya A, Hindricks G, Sommer P, et al. Long-term results and the predictors of outcome of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using steerable sheath catheter navigation after single procedure in 674 patients. Europace. 2010;12(2):173–180.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Khaykin Y, Oosthuizen R, Zarnett L, et al. Clinical predictors of arrhythmia recurrences following pulmonary vein antrum isolation for atrial fibrillation: predicting arrhythmia recurrence post-PVAI. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2011;22(11):1206–1214.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kim M-N, Cho D, Shim J-M, et al., Os 27-01 Is Hypertension a Risk Factor for Recurrence after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation? J Hypertens. 2016;34(Suppl 1 – ISH):e249. Abstract Book.
   Google Scholar
• Shah AN, Mittal S, Sichrovsky TC, et al. Long-term outcome following successful pulmonary vein isolation: pattern and prediction of very late recurrence. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2008;19(7):661–667.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wang T, Xia Y-L, Zhang S-L, et al. The impact of hypertension on the electromechanical properties and outcome of catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation patients. J Thorac Dis. 2014;6(7):913–920.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pokushalov E, Romanov A, Corbucci G, et al. A randomized comparison of pulmonary vein isolation with versus without concomitant renal artery denervation in patients with refractory symptomatic atrial fibrillation and resistant hypertension. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012;60(13):1163–1170.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Aksnes TA, Schmieder RE, Kjeldsen SE, et al. Impact of new-onset diabetes mellitus on development of atrial fibrillation and heart failure in high-risk hypertension (from the VALUE Trial). Am J Cardiol. 2008;101(5):634–638.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Chao T-F, Suenari K, Chang S-L, et al. Atrial substrate properties and outcome of catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation associated with diabetes mellitus or impaired fasting glucose. Am J Cardiol. 2010;106(11):1615–1620.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wokhlu A, Hodge DO, Monahan KH, et al. Long-term outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation: impact and predictors of very late recurrence. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2010;21(10):1071–1078.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lu Z-H, Liu N, Bai R, et al. HbA1c levels as predictors of ablation outcome in type 2 diabetes mellitus and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Herz. 2015;40 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):130–136.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gu J, Liu X, Wang X, et al. Beneficial effect of pioglitazone on the outcome of catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Europace. 2011;13(9):1256–1261.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Anselmino M, Matta M, D’ascenzo F, et al. Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Europace. 2015;17(10):1518–1525.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wang TJ, Parise H, Levy D, et al. Obesity and the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation. Jama. 2004;292(20):2471–2477.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Murphy NF, MacIntyre K, Stewart S, et al. Long-term cardiovascular consequences of obesity: 20-year follow-up of more than 15 000 middle-aged men and women (the Renfrew-Paisley study). Eur Heart J. 2006;27(1):96–106.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tedrow UB, Conen D, Ridker PM, et al. The long- and short-term impact of elevated body mass index on the risk of new atrial fibrillation the WHS (women’s health study). J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010;55(21):2319–2327.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pathak RK, Middeldorp ME, Meredith M, et al. Long-term effect of goal-directed weight management in an atrial fibrillation cohort: a long-term follow-up study (LEGACY). J Am Coll Cardiol. 2015;65(20):2159–2169.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pathak RK, Middeldorp ME, Lau DH, et al. Aggressive risk factor reduction study for atrial fibrillation and implications for the outcome of ablation: the ARREST-AF cohort study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64(21):2222–2231.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pathak RK, Elliott A, Middeldorp ME, et al. Impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on arrhythmia recurrence in obese individuals with atrial fibrillation: the CARDIO-FIT study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2015;66(9):985–996.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Chilukuri K, Dalal D, Gadrey S, et al. A prospective study evaluating the role of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea for outcomes after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2010;21(5):521–525.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Arana-Rueda E, Pedrote A, García-Riesco L, et al. Reverse atrial remodeling following pulmonary vein isolation: the importance of the body mass index. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2015;38(2):216–224.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zhuang J, Lu Y, Tang K, et al. Influence of body mass index on recurrence and quality of life in atrial fibrillation patients after catheter ablation: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Clin Cardiol. 2013;36(5):269–275.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cha Y-M, Friedman PA, Asirvatham SJ, et al. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with obesity. Circulation. 2008;117(20):2583–2590.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Jongnarangsin K, Chugh A, Good E, et al. Body mass index, obstructive sleep apnea, and outcomes of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2008;19(7):668–672.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mohanty S, Mohanty P, Di Biase L, et al. Impact of metabolic syndrome on procedural outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012;59(14):1295–1301.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Baek Y-S, Yang P-S, Kim T-H, et al. Delayed recurrence of atrial fibrillation 2years after catheter ablation is associated with metabolic syndrome. Int J Cardiol. 2016;223:276–281.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lammers WJ, Kirchhof C, Bonke FI, et al. Vulnerability of rabbit atrium to reentry by hypoxia. Role of inhomogeneity in conduction and wavelength. Am J Physiol. 1992;262(1 Pt 2):H47–55.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Linz D, Schotten U, Neuberger H-R, et al. Negative tracheal pressure during obstructive respiratory events promotes atrial fibrillation by vagal activation. Heart Rhythm. 2011;8(9):1436–1443.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mehra R, Benjamin EJ, Shahar E, et al. Association of nocturnal arrhythmias with sleep-disordered breathing: the sleep heart health study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006;173(8):910–916.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Li L, Wang Z-W, Li J, et al. Efficacy of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea with and without continuous positive airway pressure treatment: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Europace. 2014;16(9):1309–1314.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Heeringa J, Kors JA, Hofman A, et al. Cigarette smoking and risk of atrial fibrillation: the Rotterdam Study. Am Heart J. 2008;156(6):1163–1169.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Fukamizu S, Sakurada H, Takano M, et al. Effect of cigarette smoking on the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation. J Arrhythmia. 2010;26(1):21–29.
   Google Scholar
• Nielsen JC, Thomsen PEB, Højberg S, et al. A comparison of single-lead atrial pacing with dual-chamber pacing in sick sinus syndrome. Eur Heart J. 2011;32(6):686–696.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Miyamoto K, Tsuchiya T, Narita S, et al. Bipolar electrogram amplitudes in the left atrium are related to local conduction velocity in patients with atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2009;11(12):1597–1605.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Liang JJ, Elafros MA, Chik WW, et al. Early recurrence of atrial arrhythmias following pulmonary vein antral isolation: timing and frequency of early recurrences predicts long-term ablation success. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12(12):2461–2468.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Willems S, Khairy P, Andrade JG, et al. Redefining the blanking period after catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: insights from the ADVICE (Adenosine Following Pulmonary Vein Isolation to Target Dormant Conduction Elimination) trial. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2016;9(8).
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Fujimoto Y, Hayashi M, Iwasaki Y-K, et al. Blanking period phenomenon after a second atrial fibrillation ablation session: the application and factors related to it. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2017;28(2):159–166.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Caldwell J, Koppikar S, Barake W, et al. Prolonged P-wave duration is associated with atrial fibrillation recurrence after successful pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2014;39(2):131–138.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mugnai G, Chierchia G-B, De Asmundis C, et al. P-wave indices as predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation in normal left atrial size. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2016;17(3):194–200.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hu X, Jiang J, Ma Y, et al. Novel P wave indices to predict atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Med Sci Monit. 2016;22:2616–2623.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Di Marco LY, Raine D, Bourke JP, et al. Recurring patterns of atrial fibrillation in surface ECG predict restoration of sinus rhythm by catheter ablation. Computers Biol Med. 2014;54:172–179.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Alcaraz R, Hornero F, Rieta JJ. Electrocardiographic spectral features for long-term outcome prognosis of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation. Ann Biomed Eng. 2016;44(11):3307–3318.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Dinov B, Kosiuk J, Kircher S, et al. Impact of metabolic syndrome on left atrial electroanatomical remodeling and outcomes after radiofrequency ablation of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2014;7(3):483–489.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wijffels MC, Kirchhof CJ, Dorland R, et al. Atrial fibrillation begets atrial fibrillation. A study in awake chronically instrumented goats. Circulation. 1995;92(7):1954–1968.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Fareh S, Villemaire C, Nattel S. Importance of refractoriness heterogeneity in the enhanced vulnerability to atrial fibrillation induction caused by tachycardia-induced atrial electrical remodeling. Circulation. 1998;98(20):2202–2209.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Teh AW, Kistler PM, Lee G, et al. Electroanatomic remodeling of the left atrium in paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation patients without structural heart disease. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2012;23(3):232–238.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zheng Y, Xia Y, Carlson J, et al. Atrial average conduction velocity in patients with and without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging. 2016. doi:10.1111/cpf.12342.
   Google Scholar
• Narayan SM, Kazi D, Krummen DE, et al. Repolarization and activation restitution near human pulmonary veins and atrial fibrillation initiation: a mechanism for the initiation of atrial fibrillation by premature beats. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;52(15):1222–1230.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Chang S-L, Tai C-T, Lin Y-J, et al. Biatrial substrate properties in patients with atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2007;18(11):1134–1139.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Oliveira MM, Da Silva N, Timóteo AT, et al. Enhanced dispersion of atrial refractoriness as an electrophysiological substrate for vulnerability to atrial fibrillation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Rev Port Cardiol. 2007;26(7–8):691–702.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Lee JM, Lee H, Janardhan AH, et al. Prolonged atrial refractoriness predicts the onset of atrial fibrillation: A 12-year follow-up study. Heart Rhythm. 2016;13(8):1575–1580.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Uhm J-S, Mun H-S, Wi J, et al. Prolonged atrial effective refractory periods in atrial fibrillation patients associated with structural heart disease or sinus node dysfunction compared with lone atrial fibrillation. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2013;36(2):163–171.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Oakes RS, Badger TJ, Kholmovski EG, et al. Detection and quantification of left atrial structural remodeling with delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging in patients with atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2009;119(13):1758–1767.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Verma A, Wazni OM, Marrouche NF, et al. Pre-existent left atrial scarring in patients undergoing pulmonary vein antrum isolation: an independent predictor of procedural failure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;45(2):285–292.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Yamaguchi T, Tsuchiya T, Nagamoto Y, et al. Long-term results of pulmonary vein antrum isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation: an analysis in regards to substrates and pulmonary vein reconnections. Europace. 2014;16(4):511–520.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Chang S-L, Tai C-T, Lin Y-J, et al. The efficacy of inducibility and circumferential ablation with pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2007;18(6):607–611.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lo L-W, Tsao H-M, Lin Y-J, et al. Different patterns of atrial remodeling after catheter ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2011;22(4):385–393.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rolf S, Kircher S, Arya A, et al. Tailored atrial substrate modification based on low-voltage areas in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2014;7(5):825–833.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Verma A, Novak P, Macle L, et al. A prospective, multicenter evaluation of ablating complex fractionated electrograms (CFEs) during atrial fibrillation (AF) identified by an automated mapping algorithm: acute effects on AF and efficacy as an adjuvant strategy. Heart Rhythm. 2008;5(2):198–205.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Haissaguerre M, Lim K-T, Jacquemet V, et al. Atrial fibrillatory cycle length: computer simulation and potential clinical importance. Europace. 2007;9 Suppl 6(Suppl 6):vi64–70.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Yuen H-C, Roh S-Y, Lee D-I, et al. Atrial fibrillation cycle length as a predictor for the extent of substrate ablation. Europace. 2015;17(9):1391–1401.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Drewitz I, Willems S, Salukhe TV, et al. Atrial fibrillation cycle length is a sole independent predictor of a substrate for consecutive arrhythmias in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2010;3(4):351–360.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Haissaguerre M, Sanders P, Hocini M, et al. Changes in atrial fibrillation cycle length and inducibility during catheter ablation and their relation to outcome. Circulation. 2004;109(24):3007–3013.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zhuang J, Wang Y, Tang K, et al. Association between left atrial size and atrial fibrillation recurrence after single circumferential pulmonary vein isolation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Europace. 2012;14(5):638–645.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• D’Ascenzo F, Corleto A, Biondi-Zoccai G, et al. Which are the most reliable predictors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation after transcatheter ablation?: a meta-analysis. Int J Cardiol. 2013;167(5):1984–1989.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• McCready JW, Smedley T, Lambiase PD, et al. Predictors of recurrence following radiofrequency ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2011;13(3):355–361.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Miyazaki S, Kuwahara T, Kobori A, et al. Preprocedural predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence following pulmonary vein antrum isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: long-term follow-up results. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2011;22(6):621–625.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hwang HJ, Choi E-Y, Rhee SJ, et al. Left atrial strain as predictor of successful outcomes in catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: a two-dimensional myocardial imaging study. J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2009;26(2):127–132.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hammerstingl C, Schwekendiek M, Momcilovic D, et al. Left atrial deformation imaging with ultrasound based two-dimensional speckle-tracking predicts the rate of recurrence of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation after successful ablation procedures. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2012;23(3):247–255.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tops LF, Delgado V, Bertini M, et al. Left atrial strain predicts reverse remodeling after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011;57(3):324–331.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Yasuda R, Murata M, Roberts R, et al. Left atrial strain is a powerful predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation: study of a heterogeneous population with sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2015;16(9):1008–1014.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ariyama M, Kato R, Matsumura M, et al. Left atrial appendage wall-motion velocity associates with recurrence of nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation. Echocardiography. 2015;32(2):272–280.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Fukushima K, Fukushima N, Ejima K, et al. Left atrial appendage flow velocity and time from P-wave onset to tissue Doppler-derived A’ predict atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Echocardiography. 2015;32(7):1101–1108.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hussein AA, Saliba WI, Martin DO, et al. Natural history and long-term outcomes of ablated atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2011;4(3):271–278.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Anselmino M, Matta M, D’Ascenzo F, et al. Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2014;7(6):1011–1018.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bunch TJ, May HT, Bair TL, et al. Five-year outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2015;26(4):363–370.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bortone A, Pujadas-Berthault P, Karam N, et al. Catheter ablation in selected patients with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction and persistent atrial fibrillation unresponsive to current cardioversion. Europace. 2013;15(11):1574–1580.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kosiuk J, Breithardt O-A, Bode K, et al. The predictive value of echocardiographic parameters associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction on short- and long-term outcomes of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2014;16(8):1168–1174.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hirai T, Cotseones G, Makki N, et al. Usefulness of left ventricular diastolic function to predict recurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function. Am J Cardiol. 2014;114(1):65–69.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kistler PM, Rajappan K, Jahngir M, et al. The impact of CT image integration into an electroanatomic mapping system on clinical outcomes of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2006;17(10):1093–1101.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Martinek M, Nesser H-J, Aichinger J, et al. Impact of integration of multislice computed tomography imaging into three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping on clinical outcomes, safety, and efficacy using radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2007;30(10):1215–1223.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Patel SN, French A, Mathias H, et al. Presence of left atrial diverticula, accessory appendages, and normal variant pulmonary venous anatomy diagnosed using MDCT and adverse outcomes following radiofrequency catheter ablation therapy in patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation: an exploratory study. Clin Radiol. 2013;68(8):762–769.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hof I, Chilukuri K, Arbab-Zadeh A, et al. Does left atrial volume and pulmonary venous anatomy predict the outcome of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation? J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2009;20(9):1005–1010.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Costa FM, Ferreira AM, Oliveira S, et al. Left atrial volume is more important than the type of atrial fibrillation in predicting the long-term success of catheter ablation. Int J Cardiol. 2015;184:56–61.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sohns C, Sohns JM, Vollmann D, et al. Left atrial volumetry from routine diagnostic work up prior to pulmonary vein ablation is a good predictor of freedom from atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2013;14(7):684–691.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Abecasis J, Dourado R, Ferreira A, et al. Left atrial volume calculated by multi-detector computed tomography may predict successful pulmonary vein isolation in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2009;11(10):1289–1294.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Im SI, Na JO, Kim SW, et al. Adjusted left atrial emptying fraction as a predictor of procedural outcome after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Tex Heart Inst J. 2015;42(3):216–225.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Al Chekakie MO, Welles CC, Metoyer R, et al. Pericardial fat is independently associated with human atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010;56(10):784–788.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Batal O, Schoenhagen P, Shao M, et al. Left atrial epicardial adiposity and atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2010;3(3):230–236.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kim T-H, Park J, Park J-K, et al. Pericardial fat volume is associated with clinical recurrence after catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation, but not paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: an analysis of over 600-patients. Int J Cardiol. 2014;176(3):841–846.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Stojanovska J, Kazerooni EA, Sinno M, et al. Increased epicardial fat is independently associated with the presence and chronicity of atrial fibrillation and radiofrequency ablation outcome. Eur Radiol. 2015;25(8):2298–2309.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Peters DC, Wylie JV, Hauser TH, et al. Recurrence of atrial fibrillation correlates with the extent of post-procedural late gadolinium enhancement: a pilot study. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2009;2(3):308–316.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mahnkopf C, Badger TJ, Burgon NS, et al. Evaluation of the left atrial substrate in patients with lone atrial fibrillation using delayed-enhanced MRI: implications for disease progression and response to catheter ablation. Heart Rhythm. 2010;7(10):1475–1481.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Segerson NM, Daccarett M, Badger TJ, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed ablative debulking of the left atrial posterior wall and septum for treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation: rationale and initial experience. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2010;21(2):126–132.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Akoum N, Daccarett M, McGann C, et al. Atrial fibrosis helps select the appropriate patient and strategy in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: a DE-MRI guided approach. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2011;22(1):16–22.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• McGann CJ, Kholmovski EG, Oakes RS, et al. New magnetic resonance imaging-based method for defining the extent of left atrial wall injury after the ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;52(15):1263–1271.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• McGann C, Akoum N, Patel A, et al. Atrial fibrillation ablation outcome is predicted by left atrial remodeling on MRI. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2014;7(1):23–30.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Marrouche NF, Wilber D, Hindricks G, et al. Association of atrial tissue fibrosis identified by delayed enhancement MRI and atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: the DECAAF study. Jama. 2014;311(5):498–506.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Akoum N, Wilber D, Hindricks G, et al. MRI assessment of ablation-induced scarring in atrial fibrillation: analysis from the decaaf study. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2015;26(5):473–480.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Beinart R, Khurram IM, Liu S, et al. Cardiac magnetic resonance T1 mapping of left atrial myocardium. Heart Rhythm. 2013;10(9):1325–1331.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ling L-H, McLellan AJA, Taylor AJ, et al. Magnetic resonance post-contrast T1 mapping in the human atrium: validation and impact on clinical outcome after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2014;11(9):1551–1559.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Khurram IM, Maqbool F, Berger RD, et al. Association between left atrial stiffness index and atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients undergoing left atrial ablation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2016;9(3).
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Habibi M, Lima JAC, Gucuk Ipek E, et al. The association of baseline left atrial structure and function measured with cardiac magnetic resonance and pulmonary vein isolation outcome in patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2016;13(5):1037–1044.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Suksaranjit P, Akoum N, Kholmovski EG, et al. Incidental LV LGE on CMR imaging in atrial fibrillation predicts recurrence after ablation therapy. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2015;8(7):793–800.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ling L-H, Kistler PM, Ellims AH, et al. Diffuse ventricular fibrosis in atrial fibrillation: noninvasive evaluation and relationships with aging and systolic dysfunction. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012;60(23):2402–2408.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• McLellan AJA, Ling L-H, Azzopardi S, et al. Diffuse ventricular fibrosis measured by T₁ mapping on cardiac MRI predicts success of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2014;7(5):834–840.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Maehama T, Okura H, Imai K, et al. Usefulness of CHADS2 score to predict C-reactive protein, left atrial blood stasis, and prognosis in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol. 2010;106(4):535–538.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Chao T-F, Cheng -C-C, Lin W-S, et al. Associations among the CHADS(2) score, atrial substrate properties, and outcome of catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2011;8(8):1155–1159.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Chao T-F, Ambrose K, Tsao H-M, et al. Relationship between the CHADS(2) score and risk of very late recurrences after catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2012;9(8):1185–1191.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Letsas KP, Efremidis M, Giannopoulos G, et al. CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores as predictors of left atrial ablation outcomes for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2014;16(2):202–207.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kornej J, Hindricks G, Kosiuk J, et al. Comparison of CHADS2, R2CHADS2, and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for the prediction of rhythm outcomes after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: the leipzig heart center AF ablation registry. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2014;7(2):281–287.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sarabanda AV, Bunch TJ, Johnson SB, et al. Efficacy and safety of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation using a novel cryothermal balloon ablation system. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;46(10):1902–1912.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Packer DL, Kowal RC, Wheelan KR, et al. Cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: first results of the North American Arctic Front (STOP AF) pivotal trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013;61(16):1713–1723.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Andrade JG, Khairy P, Macle L, et al. Incidence and significance of early recurrences of atrial fibrillation after cryoballoon ablation: insights from the multicenter sustained treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (STOP AF) trial. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2014;7(1):69–75.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Aksu T, Baysal E, Guler TE, et al. Predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoballoon ablation. J Blood Med. 2015;6:211–217.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Ciconte G, Ottaviano L, De Asmundis C, et al. Pulmonary vein isolation as index procedure for persistent atrial fibrillation: one-year clinical outcome after ablation using the second-generation cryoballoon. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12(1):60–66.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ciconte G, Baltogiannis G, De Asmundis C, et al. Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation as index procedure for persistent atrial fibrillation: a comparison between radiofrequency catheter ablation and second-generation cryoballoon ablation. Europace. 2015;17(4):559–565.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar