Exploring the Relationship Between Duration of the Amplified P-Wave Arrhythmia and Recurrence in Patients With Persistent, Long Persistent or Paroxysmal AF Undergoing Cryoablation

Patients with paroxysmal AF are often treated arrhythmia-free (75%) with a single catheter ablation at 12 months post procedure . In contrast, in patients with persistent AF or long persistent AF, catheter ablation is more complex and often yields in lower success rates of around 50% often requiring multiple attempts .

The success rates remain low despite several different ablation sites having been proposed (additional lines plus PVI, epicardial approach).

There is growing evidence that PWD is associated with the extent of left atrial scarring and this can be used a potential predictor of AF recurrence . Moreover, results from the investigators group has previously shown that PWD correlated with the duration of the AF and this could be altered by extensive ablation .

It is uncertain whether PWD prior to any procedure for persistent AF, long persistent or paroxysmal AF can accurately predict failure of procedure.

This is a single centre observational study of persistent, long persistent and paroxysmal AF population who have undergo AF cryoablation in University Hospital Plymouth . All patients receive this current procedure as standard of care.