Arrhythmias & electrophysiology

Role of Non–Pulmonary Vein Triggers in Outcomes of First-Time Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

JACC Clin ElectrophysiolPublished Patients undergoing first-time atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using radiofrequency energy between 2018 and 2023 who received trigger provocative maneuvers were included

Authors' conclusion

Failure to ablate induced NPV triggers is associated with a high risk of recurrence. Although the ablation of NPV triggers reduces recurrence rates to levels approaching those without such triggers, their presence indicates a modestly worse prognosis.

Study context

Population
Patients undergoing first-time AF ablation using radiofrequency energy between 2018 and 2023 who received trigger provocative maneuverspatients included
Participants
2,315 patients
Comparison
Outcome of patients undergoing AF ablation based on their NPV trigger status
  • Without NPV triggersn = 2,046reference
  • Ablated NPV triggersn = 233
  • Untreated NPV triggersn = 36
Outcome
Recurrence (AF/AT >30 seconds after a 90-day blanking period)
Follow-up
One-year

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Each group vs without NPV triggersAdjusted hazard ratio (95% CI)
Ablated NPV triggers
1.35(1.08–1.69)
Untreated NPV triggers
3.71(2.48–5.54)

Further findings

Recurrence by NPV trigger subtype and provocation method

This response pattern remained consistent regardless of NPV trigger subtype (AF vs focal atrial tachycardia (AT)) or provocation method (spontaneous vs induced triggers)

Original publication

Role of Non–Pulmonary Vein Triggers in Outcomes of First-Time Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. Published 26 February 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jacep.2026.01.002

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