Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Clinical, histologic, and molecular associations of early and late recurrence after thoracoscopic ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors' conclusion
After thoracoscopic AF ablation, ER was associated with an increased risk of LR. ER occurring at 31-90 days was associated with a higher observed risk of LR than ER occurring at 0-30 days. Exploratory findings suggested differences in extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammatory signaling across recurrence patterns.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing thoracoscopic ablation of advanced atrial fibrillation (AF) with concomitant left atrial appendage excision62 ± 9 years, 26.7% female
- Participants
- 449 patients
- Exposure
- Early recurrence (ER) at 0-30 days and 31-90 days compared with no ER
- ER at 0-30 daysn = 152
- Outcome
- Early recurrence (any atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting >30 seconds within 90 days)
- Follow-up
- Within 90 days after ablation
Methodological detailshistologic and bulk RNA-sequencing analyses of the excised left atrial appendage
- Histologic and bulk RNA-sequencing analyses of the excised left atrial appendage
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
ER occurred in 176 of 449 patients
39.2%
Of those with ER, first ER episode within 30 days
152
86.4%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Hazard ratio | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Late recurrence (recurrence after 90 days) · 2 years rhythm surveillanceER at 0-30 days vs no ER · higher LR risk | 1.52 | log-rank P = .002 |
| Late recurrence (recurrence after 90 days) · 2 years rhythm surveillanceER at 31-90 days vs no ER · higher LR risk | 2.01 | log-rank P = .002 |
Proteoglycan content and late recurrence (LR) (histologic)
- Higher proteoglycan content was associated with an increased risk of LR
Bulk RNA sequencing
- Fibroinflammatory pathways were enriched in patients with ER + LR vs patients without any recurrence
Original publication
Clinical, histologic, and molecular associations of early and late recurrence after thoracoscopic ablation for atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. Published 1 June 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →