Sinus Node Dysfunction after Successful Atrial Flutter Ablation during Follow-Up: Clinical Characteristics and...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Sinus node dysfunction (SND) identification post-atrial flutter (AFL) catheter ablation (CA) presents diagnostic challenges.
• Understanding acute and delayed SND is critical for patient management after AFL CA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize acute and delayed sinus node dysfunction (SND) following catheter ablation (CA) for persistent atrial flutter (AFL).
• To identify predictors of temporary and permanent pacemaker (TPM/PPM) requirement in patients undergoing AFL CA.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 221 patients undergoing CA for persistent AFL.
• Identification of patients requiring temporary pacemakers (TPM) post-ablation or permanent pacemakers (PPM) during follow-up for SND.

Main Results:

• Acute SND requiring TPM occurred in 6.3% of patients; 71.4% recovered.
• Delayed SND requiring PPM occurred in 5% of patients, with 81.8% implanted within one year.
• Female gender, hypothyroidism predicted TPM; older age, hypothyroidism predicted PPM.

Conclusions:

• Most patients with acute SND post-AFL CA eventually require a permanent pacemaker (PPM).
• Close patient monitoring for at least one year after AFL ablation is recommended to manage SND.