Electrocardiogram characteristics of P wave associated with successful pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Significance of changes in P-wave duration and notched P wave

Abstract

Background: The mechanisms involved in changes in P wave following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are uncertain. This study aimed to assess the relationship between changes in P-wave morphology and pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection following ablation by the assessment of 12-lead surface electrocardiogram and signal-averaged electrocardiogram. Methods: This retrospective study included 115 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF that underwent repeat ablation for recurrence following initial ablation. We investigated changes in P-wave morphology between baseline and repeat procedure in patients with and without PV reconnection. The study also included as validation group without recurrence (n = 67) following initial ablation. Results: The maximum P-wave duration (PWD) was significantly decreased from baseline to just after the procedure in all groups. However, for the PV reconnection group (n = 100), the maximum PWD was significantly increased again at the repeat procedure. In contrast, the maximum PWD was significantly reduced between baseline and repeat procedure in the non-PV reconnection group (n = 15). The signal-averaged PWD was significantly decreased from baseline to repeat procedure in the non-PV reconnection group, but, conversely, was increased in the PV reconnection group. In the non-PV reconnection group, the disappearance of notched P wave was detected in 8 of 15 patients (53%), which was significantly higher than in other groups (p =.001). A new or delayed notched P wave was identified in the PV reconnection group only. These results were confirmed in the validation group. Conclusions: The reverse dynamics of PWD after initial shortening directly following ablation were significantly associated with PV reconnection.