Risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoballoon catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to analyze the risk factors for post-surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in paroxysmal AF patients who underwent cryoballoon catheter ablation. Methods: We selected a total of 98 patients with paroxysmal AF who were treated with frozen balloon catheter ablation in Tianjin Chest Hospital from January to December in 2016. A three-dimensional (3-D) electroanatomical mapping system was used to guide the cryoballoon catheter ablation surgery. According to whether the AF recurred during postoperative follow-up (starting from 3 months after surgery), the patients were divided into AF recurrence group and sinus rhythm maintenance group. Risk factors for AF recurrence were analyzed by both univariate and multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Of the 98 patients, 17 were in AF recurrence group and 81 were in sinus rhythm maintenance group. Univariate analysis showed that there was significant difference between two groups in the incidence of coronary heart disease, the level of hypersensitive C-reactive protein, B-type natriuretic peptide precursor and the duration of AF (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified hypersensitive C-reactive protein, type B natriuretic peptide and AF duration as the factors influencing the recurrence of AF (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: The concentration of hypersensitive C-reactive protein, B-type natriuretic peptide and the duration of AF are independent risk factors for postoperative AF recurrence in paroxysmal AF patients who undergo cryoballoon catheter ablation.