Arrhythmias & electrophysiology

Dynamic changes of left atrial substrate over time following pulmonary vein isolation: the Progress-AF study

EuropacePublished Prospective observational study

Authors' conclusion

Our study describes bidirectional dynamic properties of the LA substrate with concordant either progressive or regressive changes. Regression occurs with reduced AF burden after the first procedure, while progression is associated with persistent AF recurrence despite durable PV isolation.

Study context

Population
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing first pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)-only and redo ablation, with high-density left atrial (LA) maps of both procedures56 high-density LA maps
Participants
28 patients
Exposure
Substrate progression vs regression between first PVI and redo ablation
  • Progressionn = 17
  • Regressionn = 11reference
Outcome
Change in LA substrate (bipolar voltages) between first and second procedure
Methodological detailsconsecutive patients
  • Consecutive patients

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Global bipolar voltage change
GroupValueGlobal voltage change
Progression61%−35%, P < 0.001
Regression39%+43%, P < 0.001

Value

Progression61%
Regression39%

Global voltage change

Progression−35%, P < 0.001
Regression+43%, P < 0.001

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

OutcomeProgressionRegressionP value
LVZ area change+3.5 cm²−4.5 cm²P < 0.001
LA activation time change+8.0 ms−9.1 msP = 0.005

Predictors and clinical correlates of progression

Pulmonary veins (PVs) more frequently isolated with progression
P = 0.02
Persistent AF pattern at recurrence more frequent with progression
P = 0.005
Baseline clinical parameters did not predict progression or regression

Original publication

Dynamic changes of left atrial substrate over time following pulmonary vein isolation: the Progress-AF study. Europace. Published 3 October 2023. doi:10.1093/europace/euad299

Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →

Get them every week

New studies on this topic in My Week and in your Monday e-mail.

We e-mail you a sign-in link and a code. No password, no spam.