Repeat Catheter Ablation of Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with a Total Atrial Fibrillation Duration of More Than 2 Years: Effects of the CHA2DS2-VASc Score and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate on the Outcomes

Objective Little is known about the outcome of repeat catheter ablation of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with a total AF duration of more than 2 years. The main objective of this study was to explore the results and factors affecting the clinical success rate of these repeat procedures. Methods We enrolled 99 patients with a total AF duration of more than 2 years and recurrent atrial arrhythmias after the initial catheter ablation of long-standing persistent AF. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups named the AF-recurrence group (50 patients) and the atrial tachycardia (AT)-recurrence group (49 patients) and all underwent a strict follow-up. The quality of life (QOL) and AF-related symptom classification were assessed at baseline and at 24 months post re-ablation. Results After a mean follow-up of 31 months, 30 (30.3%) patients were free from arrhythmia recurrence, and the success rate in the AT-recurrence group was higher than that in the AF-recurrence group (32.7% vs. 28.0%, p=0.614). A Cox regression analysis revealed a CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score >= 3 to be a predictor of recurrence. AF recurrent patients with an abnormal renal function were more prone to undergo a failed procedure. However, an abnormal renal function had no effect on the outcome of the repeat procedure for patients with AT recurrence. At the 24-month follow-up, patients maintaining sinus rhythm (SR) had a significantly improved QOL and AF-related symptoms. Conclusion The success rate of repeat procedures for long-standing persistent AF and a total AF duration of more than 2 years is poor for patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score >= 3. An impaired renal function has an unfavorable effect on the outcome for patients with AF recurrence. For patients maintaining SR, both the QOL and AF symptomatology improve significantly.