Evaluating the value of the timing of recurrence during blanking period after atrial fibrillation ablation

Abstract Introduction In the first weeks after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, arrythmia may recur theoretically due to transient local inflammation and not treatment failure. This is defined as blanking period, with a proposed duration of 3 months. Recently, this time period has been brought into question. The aim work was evaluate correlation between timing recurrence late AF recurrence. Methods single-centre retrospective study including patients without structural heart disease that underwent ablation were subsequently enrolled in post structured program 2018 2021. Patients excluded if they had <6 months follow-up. Appointment ECG Holter monitoring performed at 1, 3, 6 12 ablation. Results We included total 193 (56% male, mean age 63±12 years). Of these, 79% paroxysmal left volume index 58±18 mL/m2. During 3-month there 39 (21%) recurrences, 18 (9%) which month. After months, 25 (13%) recurrence, 56% already recurred during period. 2nd 3rd month increased odd 6-month by more than 5-fold (odds ratio (OR) 8,944; CI 95% 2,817–28,400, p<0.001 OR 5,591; 1,173–26,651; p=0.031). On other hand, 1st associated chance (OR 2,095, 0,630–6,964, p=0.227) (figure 1). There no significant differences clinical variables, LA volume, 1-month recurrences. However, significantly volume. Conclusion Our suggests have structurally different atria are higher risk contrast blanking, thus questioning appropriate Funding Acknowledgement Type funding sources: None.